Not So Fast
Plans were all set to move into Village Park Apartments across from the Mall of America sometime late this week, but we didn’t receive the call we were promised on Friday to let us know if our applications went through or not.  That may have been the first indication that this complex wasn’t all it was cracked up to be.  Over the past three summers, I have rented three different apartment complexes in the Twin Cities suburbs, and only once were the managers somewhat competent.  In 2004, we lived in St. Louis Park at a very nice complex, but the staff was so unorganized that when we attempted to rent an apartment the following summer, the apartment manager announced she had “misplaced” our files in a “painting mishap.”  Having learned very little of this complex in Bloomington before making our security deposit, I decided to do some checking online tonight and see what others had to say.  Good thing I did.  It turns out that Village Park is infested with mice.  There were 20 reviews, and virtually everyone complained of rodent problems.  Then there were complaints about the staff.  And then complaints about the maintenance.  And then complaints about their online payment system not working.  And then complaints about the constant visits from police, in some cases for murders.  Had this been just a couple people complaining, I would have been able to overlook it.  But when 20 out of 20 people are warning people to “not move here,” I have to take them pretty seriously.  It’s too bad, too, since we were so awestruck by the racquetball courts, golf room, pools, etc.  People also tell you the unit on display is ten times nicer than the one you’ll be living in.  Thankfully Nick and I had only turned in our application and deposit and hadn’t signed a lease.  I know I am turned off from this place; hopefully Nick agrees and we can find somewhere else.  I still have to contact Nick with the unfortunate news, which may put a big damper on his holiday spirit.

Christmas at the Glanzers’
As I type this, Christmas 2005 has nearly come to a close.  Peyton is getting tuckered out after opening dozens of presents at 7am, and everyone else is tired after two straight days of stuffing their faces, myself included.  But it was a good couple days.  I got Mom a book, Dad a showerhead, Jordan some alcohol, and Alex a DVD.  From the family I received some clothes, money, and best of all–“Arrested Development” Seasons 1 & 2, and the “Seinfeld” Seasons 5 & 6 box set complete with puffy shirt!  Jordan got me Ocean’s Twelve and Alex got me “Charlie and the Chocolate Factory.”  The Bells gave me some money, gloves, and billfold; Granny threw in a few bucks; and the Kleinsassers also gave some cash.  I hadn’t eaten like that in some time.  Between the BBQ pork loin, homemade soups, roast ham, and a nice ensemble of desserts, I gained a few pounds.  But it was of course little Peyton who stole the show with her belief that Santa and Rudolph paid us a visit with Present Mountain in the living room.  Clothes were thrown aside in a haste, while toys were enjoyed heartily.  One month-old Emerson was too little to know what was happening, and 72-year old Granny attempted to shove Little Debbie snacks down everyone’s throats as usual.

Well that’s all for Christmas ’05.

Ryan