Cristin

So this here is Cristin. It's sort of wild how we got to know her. Back over a year ago, when we were living in Washington DC, we weren't quite ready to come home to Chicago and decided to extend our stay. We couldn't stay in corporate housing any longer and thus, we turned to Craigslist.

Cristin's ad for the apartment:
"1br - Perfect 1 Bedroom Available Immediately
A furnished one bedroom is available for immediate rent in a luxury South Arlington garden apartment community. Apartment was completely gutted and renovated last year. Appointed with new carpets, appliances, and cherry cabinets. Washer, dryer and dishwasher in unit. Brand new pool and gym in community. Free shuttle to Pentagon City Metro (about 1 mile). Apartment is fully furnished including appliances, housewares and linens. Ideal for professionals seeking a furnished corporate apartment."

My ad for us (cracks me up now, sounds like a personal):
"Hello,
My husband and I are a young professional couple looking for a furnished place for feb, march and april. We have a trained, docile and quiet dog. Is this a potential for this rental? If so, we would like to stop and see the place. Thank you for your
help!
Jessica"

Lo and behold, we rented the place as Cristin left DC for the lovely neighborhood or Rogers Park in the fabulous city of Chicago. And today, after Cristin kindly returning to us a stack of mail, we are neighbors and friends.

Knowing her first as a gracious "landlord" and now as a bright and funny gal, a calm and collected bride-to-be, and a newly appointed consultant in the city of Chicago (rather, at long last, than in the land of Canada) I am excited at the potential for seeing her around more often.

And last but not least, her five favorite things:
1. Macaroni and cheese
2. An unexpected snow day/free day
3. Good design
4. Reading in the bathtub
5. Thanksgiving