What I’m Reading
Oct
23
Home Alone
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Hey ho, Cheerios. I would like to think that since I am down to roughly two posts a week as opposed to my usual routine of five (how did I ever have time to write five?!) I would have tons of awesome things to tell you when I click on that Add New Post button. Joke’s on me though! All I have to report this week is that I have spent an inordinate amount of time grading; I seem to have made the (rookie, never-to-be-repeated) mistake of making everything due at once and no amount of wine makes the red pen process go any faster.
Actually, I think the wine may be a hindrance. But oh, so necessary. You don’t know pain until you try to read the thesis statements of thirteen year olds.
Anyway, I had a meeting with my Assistant Principal yesterday and she was pretty much gushing about how awesome I am, and how flexible and accommodating I’ve been this year, and how she fully supports the need for an actual librarian in the actual library. Which was all nice to hear, clearly, but still does not make up for the fact that I now spend my prep periods wiping down keyboards with antibacterial wipes instead of shelving books.
As for my personal life, it has been reduced to a series of school meetings and logistics. The good news is that I am now about 90% moved in to my new place, but still constantly marveling at my lack of stuff. I’m talking about stuff like one of those silverware trays that goes in your kitchen drawer. Really? I have to give Target money for that instead of the cute new cropped plaid jacket I saw the other day? Fine, but I don’t like it.
Pros about my new place:
- I don’t have a roommate
- I live on a quiet street in a nice neighborhood
- It’s pretty, and I decorated it the way I wanted
- I live next to my family
Cons about my new place:
- Living alone means every strange noise is panic-inducing
- Cooking for one is not easy
- No one around to play Wii Ghostbusters with me
- No one to yell at me when my piles of shoes migrate from the closet (correct) to the living room (incorrect)
- No one to con into doing the dishes
- The suburbs are not exactly a draw for the rest of my friends still living in the city, so I am constantly making the half-hour trek south into Boston
- I miss the city
All of that said, I actually am enjoying my new place. I think it’s what I need for right now- my own space, but still near enough to family and friends that I’m not feeling isolated or lonely at all. And bonus: it’s 50% cheaper than living in the city!
And the rest of my personal life, well, I’m trying to just let it fall into place. The idea of actively dating gives me the heebie-jeebies, still, six months after Chris moved to California. I’m thinking that is either a sign that I am permanently damaged or I just need more time for myself. Either way: screw boys. Who needs them, anyway?
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15 Responses to “Home Alone”
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It does make me a bit sad that we have to pay for things like a silverware sorter. You’d think things like that should be free and distributed somewhere.
Here here….boys are dumb. Just look at your padre and moi whenever you are lonely and you will be shocked right back in to reality.
Give yourself time with the boy stuff. No need to rush.
I hope they do finally have a librarian position at the school for you because you know libraries need librarians! What’s wrong with these people?!
As a bachelor who lives alone (choice), I have some comments to offer on this bit of writing, if you would allow me to do so.
Your new place sounds pretty swell, with the exception of living next to the family. For me, the prospect of living near my family would mean I’d have to live where I grew up, and that would be a travesty. I can’t even wrap my brain around that concept. Not having a roommate is complete bliss though. You’ll get used to the strange noises, and not having someone constantly invading personal space is well worth any potential heebie jeebies. The only thing I’ve ever found roommates to be good for was financial support, and even then, you sometimes get flakes. Better off without them.
Cooking for one is supremely easy. Easy Mac and cardboard pizza are your friends.
Silverware sorters are unnecessary when the dishwasher has that handy silverware basket built-in! Just make sure to remember if they’re clean or dirty, and if dirty, the little sponge/handle with soap combination is a lifesaver.
Also, dating is a royal pain. It’s a process that is overly complicated and generally useless. Just remember, it’s ten times easier for girls. You should try being a guy.
I do have an extra silverware tray if you want it. It’s blue plastic and I’ll probably make you take the IKEA silverware that’s in it. Seriously – I wish someone around here needed stuff. Because I’ve got too much and I don’t want to move it. Small appliances, anyone?
Although I do think that saving 50% means you can get the silverware tray AND the jacket, right?
oh npw, our parallel lives continue, though i am a good six months ahead of your schedule. therefore, let me reassure you that things will keep getting better. the apartment sounds awesome and once you get used to the weird noises you will be so happy to have the freedom of living without anyone. take your time with dating. no need to do it unless you’re ready. just keep cooking for two and you’ll have dinner for the next day
and come to nyc one of these weekends. some good girl talk always helps.
I was scared when I moved out on my own 5 years ago too. Now I’m like an old lady set in my ways and fear I will have a difficult time adjusting when Hot Brazilian gets back and we buy a place together like we’re planning.
My place is super tiny and I only have one drawer in my entire kitchen. It’s a tiny drawer to match my tiny place and is too small for a silverware sorter. My silverware is in a flower pot on my counter.
I agree that cooking for one is difficult.
I currently have shoes in my bedroom, living room and just inside the doorway into my kitchen. You might as well get used to that.
I’m glad to hear the Assistant Principal recognizes your hard work. Hang in there!
Lady love, cooking for one is an enormous pain in the arse. My best piece of advice is to invest in lots of ziploc/glad tupperware and freeze individual portions of things. I used to make a huge batch of chili and then I had like twelve extra meals in the freezer. Super handy. (Actually… I still do that, because HW hates soup, and that includes chili.)
I’m sure you’re ROCKING the new job!!!
Also: could you please send me your mailing address?
So even though the rest of the people in your school SUCK, at least the powers that be recognize your ROCK STAR STATUS!!!!!
I think I wrote this post, but for some changes in the details… If you need any tips on living alone, I’m your gal, because I feel like a pro after all these years.
Living alone gets easier! Does this mean you can get a dog now??
Boys are dumb. My friends and I had this conversation yesterday when we were talking about Match.com and I told them that after 4 months, I didn’t get one single email, so I hate online dating now. And really, I’m not a supermodel, but I’m cute! And funny! And love sports!
You are not permanently damaged. Not that I have any credibility to say that, given that I haven’t had a lasting relationship in five years. Still! Not permanently damaged! Trust me! Just enjoy the time to yourself and don’t worry about it.
That is awesome about your assistant principal. Here’s hoping you’re back in the library again soon!
Time for yourself is an awesome thing. And, at least if you let the dishes pile up, there’s no one to give you disapproving looks.
I loved living on my own! Yes, cooking for one sucks but what worked for me was making my friend come over to watch Buffy and Angel and then I would cook for two. Now, of course, she is my roommate and she does most of the cooking but hey, it worked out. Plus, hello, Angel and Spike!
Do not get sucked into buying Michael Graves stuff from Target. Michael Graves annoys me for some reason. It’s irrational, I realize this, but I also despise Taylor Swift merely because I don’t like her hair. I am not a rational person.
You are awesome, and boys are dumb. NO ONE needs them. If I lived near Boston, I’d come play Wii Ghostbusters with you!