After reading one of Caity’s recent blogs about how she is getting use to living on her own for the first time, I had to sit back and reflect on how I felt when I moved out for the first time last August. It was a year ago on the 16th or so of August 2008 that I packed up my brand new car and headed out to the midwest, back home, to Kansas for school. It was the first time I was going to be on my own, free of all rules, all restrictions, but also a weight of responsibility on my shoulders. I moved into my one bedroom apartment a few days after arriving and boy, let me tell you that place was hell. I had to get use to strange noises, weird people all the while keeping focus on my studies. I had to learn how to cook for the first, pay ALL the bills for the first time and be ALONE for the first time. I had a really rough time the first couple of months and had to go back to counseling a few times just so I could talk it out…but now, a year later I can definitely say it is the best thing I ever did for myself because I know that no matter where I end up in this crazy world that my family will always be there to support me. I’ve dealt with things I never thought I’d have to deal with; like crazy neighbors that play their music too loud resulting in me calling the cops, an apartment that got busted for having a meth lab in it only a few doors down, a crazy black guy that I swear was stalking me and made me fear for my life and wake up with dreams of being…well I won’t say the word because I hate it. But I got through it, by myself with the support of my family hundreds of miles away.

Now, I live ina  nicer neighborhood in a brand new two bedroom apartment with my brother. And while, I absolutely love being alone I am glad I have someone to share the responsibility with again. Being on your own isn’t always easy and like Caity, it took me awhile to get there too; I was 22 when I finally moved out. I didn’t go off to college after graduating high school instead I opted for the community college 20 minutes away so I didn’t have to move. But it was worth it. And now, I can make decisions and know they are mine and know I am making the right ones for myself. If I want a dog and can afford the dog supplies that come with it, I’ll get a dog. If I want a brand new TV and can afford, there is no asking mom. If I want to eat junk food all day, that’s my choice. The one thing I look forward too now is living with Alan and being a normal couple in love that is together.