Spazz & Quidditch need a new "doghouse"

Hi all! Spazzdog here. I know... I've been absent for a long time, but y'all were in my thoughts often.

After a quick discussion with Trek420 via email, I've decided to open this up to the California contingent. I need some help and I need "feet on the ground" so;

Long story short; the old "home fires" got put out by my partner. The action is irreconcilable. I'm moving out, as quickly as I can put together a workable plan.

Again, after (many) emails with Trek420, I've decided to come west to the glorious hills of San Francisco. I need help getting a place to live and thought I'd put it out there. Trek has been most kind and is considering letting me cohab with her as we get along just fine... however we may run into some "doggie space" issues e.g. it's her dog's space :eek: and she may not approve of a new doggie roomate.

Does anybody know anybody; does anybody own anything; are there any closet estate owners online that have a little guest cottage on hand; is anybody a realtor?
1) I need either a large studio (with character please... read that "closets") or a 1 bdrm. I'm shy on furniture at the moment (lots of sports gear though)
2) I have a dog; housebroken, crate trained, 60 lbs, neuter.
3) I'd like to not bring my JEEP if possible - cost of gas, etc, so access to BART/Bikeways is a must.
4) $$ are not at a premium at the moment, but I've made arrangements with my finacial guy so I can finance the move and guarantee at least 6 mos rent while I hook up a job out there. I'd like to keep rent at/under $1000 per month

With that I hereby call this TE outreach project open!!

p.s. please, no flowers or symp. cards... we'll all get together in person on the left coast for martini's and margaritas and hold a wake :cool:

spazzdog sez "please, no flowers or symp. cards... we'll all get together in person on the left coast for martini's and margaritas and hold a wake :cool"

ok, no flowers, ((((hugs))) then, and really good Mexican food.

Hope to see you out here soon.

Oh Spazz, so sorry,
How about a farewell party from the East coasters. We could have a combo goodbye to Spazz and get well soon Karen party.
When are you moving?
Jody

I would like to be SanFran bound by end-o-Feb (grand time of the year to drive corss-country, don't cha think)

oh... speaking of which; anybody know how long (ballpark) it takes to drive from Boston to SanFran in a truck with a dog that doesn't share driving duty?

spazz

Hey Spazz -
Welcome back! I was just wondering where you were hiding... Sounds like you're about to embark on a great adventure!

--- Denise

spazzdog "oh... speaking of which; anybody know how long (ballpark) it takes to drive from Boston to SanFran in a truck with a dog that doesn't share driving duty?"

I dunno, but when you're here on exploratory expedition in January, I've got several "travelling with dog" guidebooks" that list dog-friendly hotels, campgrounds...across the country. They have the Mae stamp of aproval, remind me to have you take them with you for the return trip.

I just told her you'd be here, she hasn't stopped wagging yet. Note to TE, Mae adores Spazz, all dogs do. If anyone on the planet could socialize my mutt to behave with another dog Spazz could.

Spazz, I'd keep the Jeep. I drive very little, live and work close to BART but unless the Jeep is truly a POS it's nice just to have it around as an alternate.

Yes, on my last visit I taught Mae:
1) not to eat Trek's "dates" and
2) When I say "lets go smoke" Mae heads for the door :D

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by spazzdog

I would like to be SanFran bound by end-o-Feb (grand time of the year to drive corss-country, don't cha think)
oh... speaking of which; anybody know how long (ballpark) it takes to drive from Boston to SanFran in a truck with a dog that doesn't share driving duty?
spazz

---

Spazzdog Im afraid I can be no help with info re San Fran as I dont live there or any advice about driving times as this Aussie has no idea about that. What I can send you are hugs and my wishes for a safe and dog happy trip to your new home.
As Denise said it looks like your set for a new adventure.:)

Spazz:

Sorry to hear you are leaving us right coasters!!! My little bro is in Nevada and I think it took somewhere around three days driving 12 hours/day to get out there. I can double check with him when he calls on Saturday.

Good luck on your journey...and as Jody said we should all get together before you run!!

karen

Heya Spazz! I'm so sorry about your breakup. That is so tough. You'll be in my thoughts.

I'm not much help real-estate-wise as I don't know anyone who knows the east/north bay/SF market. I hope you find something quickly!

As for driving time, Blaine drove out here from Chicago many moons ago with another person and it took them a couple of days, but they pretty much drove straight through. I'd give yourself at least 5 days, if not a week, but that's just an estimate.

Can't wait to knock back a few with you!!!

well crud! I'm no help either as I'm down in San Diego... but you're gonna LOVE it out here! Glad you're creating a new life for yourself... how great that you have temp residence with Trek420! Very cool...

Sorry to hear about the breakup... it's never easy. I hope the fresh start goes a long way toward making life better tho! Hugs lady! Maybe we'll run into each other someday on a century... I keep heading further north so ya just never know! LOL:)

Spazz, so sorry. You're probably sick of hearing that but sounds like you're getting on with "stuff." What about school? Are you transferring?

Don't know total transit but Salt Lake City to Sacramento can be done in 10-12 hours with a pooch. Variables include the driver's need for breaks. the vehicle's aerodynamics, the snow/ice and the pooch's curiousity as opposed to urgency. :p

Could you take a more southern route to avoid the really bad weather? Even Nevada ain't so easy in the winter. Besides, if you take I-40 you could see Amarillo!

If you do decide on I-80, avoid Reno/Tahoe Friday-Sunday.

Hey Spazz if you have the time you should make it a road trip. Plot a route and stop and see all the natural wonders along the way. Could be a once in a lifetime good thing. There are enough TE members on the map who might be willing to put you up for a night or two along the way. You could do the Grand Cayon, Yosemite, and whatever. Another option is to rent an RV. Make sure the company allows you to turn it in out west. We used CruiseAmerica but I'm sure there are others. Then you can park and sleep when you want to and you don't have to worry about what to do with your baby. Just a thought.

Spazz- I am THRILLED to hear this news about your move to California. And to the Bay Area no less! Wonderful cycling awaits you. Be sure to sign up for Cinderella when you get the word as now you'll be here!

RE places to stay- Might find something in my digs- Benicia- that would accommodate a pet or 2. We have bus service to BART as well as a ferry from Vallejo that goes that way as well. I am totally transit during the week so I know how great it can be!

I'll keep an eye out for you- rents here are less than other places in the Bay Area and we have the BEST weather too!!!!!

I think you have my email address- so feel free to email me as well. Also Walnut Creek and Pleasant Hill might work for you plus areas around Trek's place.

Get ready to ride with the No Cal contingency of the Team Estrogen!:p :p :p :p :p :p :p

I would combine SadieKate's and Surlygirl's ideas. I've driven cross-country a couple of times and had a great time. I'd love to do it again. Didn't see nearly everything there is to see.

I'd suggest a more Southern route to get across the Rockies, since high mountain passes may be closed during winter and to avoid nasty winter storms, too. You'll probably have to get chains for the truck for high mountain passes, too. Not that I have lots of experience......

You are more than welcome to use my place as a stop along the way. I've had numerous people from bikejournal put me up so I can "pass it on."

Drove from Indpls to Phx in 3 days - avg 500 miles a day and brought my dog along too. And we hit really bad weather in Flagstaff - just as a heads up. Did the move the first of March 1998. If you and Mae need a place to stay on your trip across, my door is always open. PM me if you're interested - heckie dern we could probably even do dinner at the Frontier! ;)

Sorry to hear about your reasons for moving, but excited about the move - and Just in time for the Cindy yes? :)

Hmmm, an RV??? But I have some furniture... and boxes (and boxes) of stuff. Don't think it would work as a combo moving truck; but I don't know nuthin 'bout RV's so y'all have to be the guide on that.

I've priced a 14 ft UHaul truck for 1-way... you get a certain amount of "free" miles and the rental is 11 days.

As to route, I do want to sweep to the south as soon as possible to avoid the more wintery weather, but I don't want to add too many miles.

Plus there's Quidditch... he likes a car ride but this is gonna be a CAR RIDE... motel 6... truck stops... oh my!

It's funny, everything happens for a reason you know. In this happening I'll finally drive cross country (always wanted too) with my dog, move to San Fran (in the 70's, the "gay" Mecca :D), and the really funny part... my "support network" is a bunch of women on bicycles who for the most part, I've never met. Life at 50 is a hoot, I gotta admit.

spazz

Sorry to see you go. Let's definitely have that goodbye dinner before you go.

Robyn

spazzdog "Yes, on my last visit I taught Mae:
1) not to eat Trek's "dates" ...."

and Mae hasn't eaten or barked at any of my dates since, uh, I havent HAD any dates since, well, there was the bike date gone awry but we've plenty of time to catch up on those tales.

next trick will be "children... stop eating each other!"

OK... back to the plan.

"Quid, that's Mae's squeeky cheeseburger toy
Mae, that's Quid's squeeky sock monkey toy, both of you, drop it
Spazz, that's Trek's bike"

life with 3 dogs, priceless

back to the escape plan :cool:

Spazz, sorry to hear about the reason for the move but am VERY excited for you! I had the same dreams in the 70's and with any luck will get to follow along behind you in the next year. Good luck with the trip, I think it'll be a blast.

we used to do the Denver/Bay area run a lot when we lived in golden, CO. You can figure about 24 hours for I-70/80. When doing it solo, you could do Denver/slc in one day, and then slc to the bay was a long haul. 3 days would be no problme. Winter can be a real *****, tho: between plains blizzards and ice fog in the slc basin, you never know what you'll get.

Hey Spazzdog, you're in for a treat! I moved to SF from DC eight years ago and haven't looked back. And now that I've discovered cycling I"m *really* not looking back!

I flew on a one ticket via Southwest when I did my move, so no advice on travel time, but my goodness I'm jealous! I've always wanted to do a cross country trip.

Well, thx all! Believe it or not, I'm actually looking forward to this.

Trek420 - that's TWO dogs; Mae & Quid... unless there's a 3rd one you haven't mentioned. What'd you do; buy Mae a little Yorkie snack :D

AG - I woke up this morning and thought AAA Triptix and AG's TE map... now there's a resource to use to plan this route, (Sorry to the international gals... U-Haul doesn't float, so I won't be showing up for an overnight in your driveway), so watch out grrls... I may be coming to a town near you. Briefly.

spazz

p.s. whoops! 3 dog reference; 3rd dog = Spazzdog... silly me

Does anyone know what the residency requirement for CA is before one qualifies for in-state tuition at state univ.?

I want to get back to school as soon as possible, but don't want to incur the out-of-state tuition bomb (assuming UC will admit me as a transfer).

I can't help you with any info because I'm in MI, but wanted to wish you good luck. Also, I wanted to let you know how jealous I am, DH and I have been talking for the last few months of just packing up and moving to AZ or CA because we hate MI. We haven't been able to take the plunge though. Good luck and let us know how it goes!!

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by spazzdog

Does anyone know what the residency requirement for CA is before one qualifies for in-state tuition at state univ.?

---

Hey Spazz -
I found this on the UC Berkeley web site:

Quote:

---

Who is a California Resident?
If you are an adult who is not an alien present in the U.S. in a nonimmigrant status which precludes you from establishing domicile in the U.S. (e.g., a B, F, H2, H3, or J visa) and you want to be classified as a resident for tuition purposes, you must have established your continuous presence in California more than one year immediately preceding the residence determination date for the semester during which you propose to attend the University, and you must have given up any previous residence. You must also present objective evidence that you intend to make California your permanent home. Evidence of intent must be dated one year before the term for which you seek resident classification.

---

More info on this page: http://registrar.berkeley.edu/Residency/legalinfo.html

And wow - it's amazing the difference between resident & non-resident rates.

--- Denise

Thx Denise... I was all over that site yesterday and didn't stumble across it.

OK, so I'll have 1 year to work, work, work before returning to school... again.

Planning...

spazz

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by spazzdog

Thx Denise... I was all over that site yesterday and didn't stumble across it...
spazz

---

You shouldn't feel bad - that information was very, very buried! You would think they'd make it easy to find, but no!

--- Denise

Spazz,

If our dogs don't eat each other, heck even if they do, I'm about 5 long but very rideable blocks from this community college, might be some units you need:

http://www.chabotcollege.edu/Admissions/Fees/

there's a whole system of community colleges

Hey Spazz - welcome in advance to the Bay Area!

I drove CC about 20 years ago (listening to the Iran-Contra hearings on NPR, as I recall!) and we did it in 5 longish days, with a little sight-seeing at the Grand Canyon and Zion along the way, but that was summer... I'd concur on a more southerly route, expecially with a big ol' u-haul.

Regarding housing, I think Craig's List is a good local resource, and "allows dogs" is one of the filters.

You can pick your neighborhood as a filter as well - I'm sure Trek can give guidance about neighborhoods, and I'd be happy to make neighborhood suggestions as well - I'm up in Oakland, and have lived here 20+ years. Are you thinking SF itself, or East Bay? (Peninsula, South Bay and Marin are great too, but I think the public transit options might be a little more limited... I'll get the word out among my various contacts.

I'm sorry the reason for the move is what it is - you never know what life has in store - and what better place to find out that "Bhagdad by the Bay!"

Feel free to PM me if I can help in any way, and I'll pass along any tips I get about housing from folks I know.

Thx to everyone for the help. I appreciate every li'l tidbit.

Craigslist is great for detailed listings, including the dog thing... I downloaded a AAA map of the SF Bay area so I can see, in general, where the place is located.

As to area, I'm kinda looking all over, but really rying to find those places stating "close to BART" as I really want to NOT bring my JEEP. Have no clue to the neighborhoods I shouldn't venture into... I'm gonna be walking a dog at all hrs and would like to get through it without getting shot/mugged/whatever. Quid can be intimidating in appearance, but have no idea what he'd do if somebody started picking on mommy... he might just help :eek:

So what are the high crime areas? I love a diverse neighborhood, but a safe one. I don't run as fast as I used to :o

Also, to those who have offered to host Quid and I for a night during the trek cross country; first thank you so much and second, email me your name address & reach # (hit the email icon here on TE). When I get the move date nailed down and settle the route I'll contact any and all takers. (NOTE: I will be traveling with a crate for Quid, so you needn't worry abt pet conflict).

spazz

Email on it's way my friend!

Thx folks... have gotten emails from a couple of people on areas to chk for apts and those who want to be "on the route" for the big ROAD TRIP.

Things are moving along... Trek420 will be my guide Jan 7 - Jan14 as I search for a humble abode for Quid and I. Assuming success, I will take 2-3 wks to get packed up and heeeeeere we come! Figure mid-end February... unless it just gets too darned hard here. I've been known to pack in 2 days in my younger yrs.

The trip itinerary will be posted... all TE members in the vacinity of the afore mentioned humble abode are expected (read that begged) to appear to help unload the truck (husbands and SO's with BIG muscles welcome); beer, soda, wine and pizza to be provided by moi.

OK... there will be no road trip! No, no, no... there's been no reconciliation; I'm still comin'.

After doing intensive cost analysis on self move vs moving truck I find it to be cheaper to let somebody else do the driving. This includes JEEP transport. Then me and the Quid-ster will just fly out. With the cost of fuel, the mileage the UHaul's get (NOT), some motel, some road food, the whole towing a JEEP across country in the winter... I'll pay somebody else. I'm old enough to be a princess on just this one thing (stomping foot... AG, throw me that tiara).

Currently the company leading the bid is a "I load-they drive-I unload" deal. If I go with them, the TE unload party is still a go.

If I find a "they do it all" company then the TE party is on... the setting just changes. You'll bring lawn chairs and martini's/margarita's and we'll all point and say "please... put it over there."

I'll keep you posted. See (some of) you btn Jan 7 and Jan 14 for the house hunt.

spazz

we did the you load, we drive thing with N.American several times, worked out well.

Wow, Spazz! Sounds like Coyote has paid you a visit and left a grand adventure cleverly disguised as heartbreak. You sound pumped for the adventure :) . I was hoping to get you to swing down to Austin on your migration... it is 80 degrees here today :D !

When we moved down here just over a year ago we brought one car inside the U-Haul, DH's vintage Saab, about the size of a Beatle. Yeah, yeah it's against the rules :cool: . But we got the car, some furniture, large kid-related items and ALLLLL my clothes in there. All my clothes, that's sayin' something.

Safe and prosperous travels to you, glad to see you back :D !

Sounds like TE gals are hinting that you should do the CC Tour de Spazz. ;)

I'd rather do the CC thing under more merry circumstance. The $$/time outlay is better utilized with the "I load-they drive-TE & me unloads" scenario. I have to be relatively frugal here... I'm spending a portion of my retirement fund.

If it was summer, I would consider it more, but it's winter... I hate winter. It's depressing & I don't need to spend a week or more on the road dragging my once again crushed life behind me. I'm depressed already and the meds are runnin' low.


End of pity party....