Omg. I remember living in the dorms. Sucky! I mean, it was nice being with Cami, but seriously, it was comparable to a jail cell. You left to eat, go to class/the library, sit outside, or to the rec center/sports practice. Sounds like prison time. And I could never get the temp. right. It was either too hot or too cold. So... to escape the dorm -- my options consisted of: (1) No escape during Freshmen year -- walked everywhere I went. (boo!) (2)The Apartments during my sophmore year. EWW! I've never cleaned so much in my life. Only to have it trashed like not even a day later. But, I had alone time. And Corey was my neighbor. (3) Andy's Apt. w/ Clayton. I loved it. Clayton was hardly ever there, it was always clean, and cute. But, it was a half an hour drive. Major gas money.
Then onto the Senior Apartments. They were nice, but sharing a two-bedroom apartment with 4 people is not all it's cracked up to be. Constantly people over, noise, if you didn't feel like being social you had to be anyway. It was very pretty, and I loved the girls, (Brittany, Dena, Megan)don't get me wrong. I just prefer alone study time, and it couldn't be done. My only escape then -- Andy's. So...more gas money gone. Hah.
Next, I basically lived at Andy's. I had student teaching like 5 minutes from his place, so it worked out well. That was nice. I liked being with him more. My parents didn't really care for it too much. And I guess I can understand why. I girl living with a guy doesn't exactly get the best reputation. I wouldn't want my daughter living with some strange guy. It would be scary. Especially because I'm kinda far away. They couldn't get to me if anything happened. But, a few people knew where I was. It's okay.
After that, Andy (and I unofficially) lived with Matt, Ian, and sometimes Erin. Big no-no with the parents. Hah. But, It was usually (80% of the time) just Andy, Matt, Erin (Matt's gf) and I. So, it didn't look that bad at all. At the time, I didn't really enjoy the house. While I love animals, I don't really care for dogs in the house. Mostly because of allergies. So, I was stuffed up a lot and spent most of the time in Andy's room because the animals weren't there. I think the best thing that came out of that was that I was able to spend more time with Erin. We got a lot closer, and I'm glad. I enjoy hanging out with her, and she's a good friend.
Next, I officially became part of the apartment. And we moved back to where Clayton and Andy had lived originally (only no Clayton ever this time). Honestly, this was kinda scary but very exciting. I'd never lived with anyone in an apartment before. And my parents came to help decorate and such (although they weren't very thrilled with the idea). And after that, we moved upstairs --- and that's where I am now.
So, I guess, truth be told, I haven't been quite "spoiled" for about 4 years now. After I left for college, my parents sent me money here and there. But, no where near what I was used to. I guess, every year, it gets less and less. Like this year, I get gas money when I travel home, they pay for my insurance on my car, take of car stuff (tires, oil change, etc.) and my life insurance. And that's about it unless it's a holiday. No more random shopping trips, or salon visits, or tanning sessions, or spending money. Only essentials. And the credit card -- only for emergencies!! Once in awhile, I can get away with a $50 purchase.
This is where the "here and now" becomes difficult.....
I know if I lived with my parents, I'd get a lot more stuff than I do. Hands down. But, is it really worth it? It's nice. But I don't think it's going to make me any better in the long run. But, it's really hard to get used to not having it. Especially now. At school I had breaks, and summer vacation, but now it's like my own seperate life. And while it's not bad, I still miss the way things were. Okay -- this is going to sound really childish but whatever I don't care . . . . . At home, I don't have to do anything I really don't want to do. Yeah, I have to go to work, but I get to go out to eat, or take breaks and talk to my mom, or do something fun. I have to clean, but someone's always helping me. I know that anything (within reason) I suggest we'll do. On the other hand, I'm tied down at home. There's really no one to hang out with, and I couldn't really get away on the weekends if someone wanted to do something. I love ma mere, but I need away time too!
Living here, I have all the away time I could ever want. But, for the most part, I have no tanning, no salon visits, no out-to-eat lunch everyday, no one to help me clean, and I have to "suck-it-up" and do stuff I'd rather not do sometimes. But, I have more people to hang out with here, and Andy's here. That's the biggest reason. With him is where my heart lies. I've always been a believer of following your heart. It's the Hopeless Romantic in me.
I just -- I don't know. I'm out of the life I'm accustomed to. And I know it has to happen to everyone. It should happen to everyone. It's a character building experience. And, I don't mean to sound ungrateful for what I have now. And I'm not blaming anyone or saying my life sucks in any way at all. Please don't misunderstand me. It's just a lifestyle change for me. I'm sure my bestest understands it, and maybe she can explain better than I.
Okay -- moving on. Since this blog has mostly been about my housing arrangments thus far. I'd like to dream of my future house if you'll allow me.
It's cute. Who wouldn't want to live there.
This is a gorgeous pink-brick two story house. Looks like about the size of my parents. 2 bedrooms, 2 bath. The cute balcony is a must, but I'd want a nice deck for the back porch. I love the wooden door and large staircase up to the door.
