As I have mentioned previously, I have recently moved into a new apartment. My first week passed with some unforeseen obstacles, but perhaps the biggest transition for me has been living on my own for the first time.
It has had its ups and downs, but overall I have been basking in the benefits, and I have developed a list of eight of the best ones.
1 — I have mastered the art of squashing bugs. OK, that’s probably the worst “pro” on the list, but it is a big milestone for me. Before, if I spotted a bug of the scary variety, I would call upon my roommate to take care of it for me. With no one to call on but myself now, I have had to take care of a couple of new unwanted “roommates” crawling around my new apartment. I have been rather proud of myself for overcoming this fear. It was either that or start naming them.
2 — Toilet paper galore. It’s surprising how much faster the toilet paper runs out when living with others. I have barely had to use a whole roll since I’ve been here. However, I will admit I am not used to being the one who has to buy it. This could create a problem in the not-so-distant future.
3 — My food is my food. I no longer have to wonder if my bag of chocolates is mysteriously vanishing or if I did, in fact, eat all of them in the past 48 hours. Yes, apparently it’s all me. That — or the bug problem is worse than I thought.
4 — Chick-flick marathons. And lots of them. Is it football season already? Because I haven’t noticed. Sports Center is a thing of the past for me and my television. Since I have moved in, there has been nothing but a marathon of guilty pleasures like Gossip Girl, Desperate Housewives and Grey’s Anatomy — with just me and my previously mentioned chocolates.
5 — Unlimited access to bathroom time. I can take my long showers in peace, enjoying all the hot water whenever and however long I want. I can also sing in the shower without a worry of someone judging my off-key notes. It’s a beautiful thing.
6 — I can leave my clothes in the dryer for days. Really, it’s like I discovered a brand-new storage area for my clothes.
7 — Never having to close the bathroom door. Enough said.
8 — Everything is mine. My first week on my own has been a real-life anthem of Destiny Child’s “Independent Woman.” The place I live in? I bought it. Because I depend on me.
Transition periods are always difficult, but I have found that looking on the bright side of just about any situation can help. In the wise words of Maya Angelou, “If you don’t like something, change it. If you can’t change it, change your attitude.”
This is a weekly series about following through with a New Year’s resolution to have a new experience each week. To suggest topics or experiences, email alaina.akens@elizabethton.com.
Alaina O'Neal 