The headline pretty much says it all. I’m handing the reins of this post over to Jon White, web designer and developer (of, among other things, this site), who is taking a job this June in DC, and needs a place near/in the District to rent short-term while he gets his feet wet. Take it away, Jon…

Thanks, Doug.

As Doug said, my name’s Jon White (my site is here for those into that kind of thing), and I’m excited as punch to be making a move at the end of this month (May 2008) to take up a Web development job in our nation’s capitol — which, for those who don’t know me, is pretty much a personal Disneyland, except with an even better and richer history.

Okay, so what exactly are you looking for?

A place to live, from between late-May (roughly 5/29, give or take a couple days) until early-to-mid-July, by which point I’ll have found and moved into an apartment of my own. This could really be virtually anything — occupied unit/condo/house, vacant, shared bedroom, single bedroom, room with no furniture, room with furniture, whatever. I’m ready, willing, and expecting to financially contribute to this (whether it’s referred to as “rent” or not), and to a degree that’s fair to the going rate of studios/1-bedrooms in the area.

Anything you specifically need in a place?

Unfortunately, yes, there’s actually three things: (1) Easy access to a Metro stop, any line, preferably within walking distance (< 1 mile); (2) A spot to plant my little car (a Corolla), even if that means paying an extra fee; and (3) An internet connection, which I would be more than happy to help financially contribute to.

What will you be bringing with you?

Not very much, except from a charming personality. I’m putting all my boxed belongings in mini-storage as soon as I make it to town, so I’ll be settling into my short-term housing with my laptop computer, toiletries, a couple books, and clothes.

What will you be doing during these 4-to-7 weeks?

Working, mostly. Structurally, it’s a typical M-F web development job in DC proper. In the evenings, I’ll likely be out and about at first, scoping out apartments, and generally gathering my bearings (bookstores, grocery stores, etc.). Beyond that, I’d be just as happy to either entertain myself (which should be easy in DC) or spend time with my temporary room/house/condo-mates (if there are any).

What should I know about you?

In basics, I’m a 24-year-old, clean, non-smoking, professional web designer and developer who’s been working for the University of St. Thomas (Minnesota) in their web department for almost 2 years. I’m a graduate of the Minneapolis College of Art and Design (BFA, Graphic Design), where I gave a commencement speech about art and presidents in ’06. (I also taught a couple workshops there in 2007 as an adjunct faculty.) In my spare time, I’m an avid runner, I’m glued to C-SPAN’s “Book TV,” I’m actively involved in various groups and happenings at Solomon’s Porch, and, if you catch me on a free weekend, will occasionally help out the kids of friends of mine who are studying state geography. I’m easy to talk with and hang around with, and am most impressive when the subject either turns to Franklin Roosevelt or front-end web markup standards.

Hey, how can I get in touch with you if you’re in Minnesota, and I’m in MD/VA/DC?

Easily! Either by email (jon@jonwhitestudio.com), AIM/iChat/IM client of choice (jonwhitega), Facebook (“Jon White,” DC & MCAD networks), phone , or we can set up a time to video-chat (Ustream or iChat).

Thanks,
Jon