reading chris larry's thoughts about his dual-apartment existence got me to thinking about what i miss the most about independent living. the somewhat obvious answer: my own space. sharing a 1BR place with the wife means i have my own spot on the couch and my own side of the bed, but the best i can do for personal space is a closet and that's jammed full of clothes and other crap. i still pay to keep some stuff in storage, but i can't just go there and hangout (and it's a violation of the lease to live there). i'm admittedly bad about keeping up with housecleaning (on the general scale; on the 20-something guy scale i'm probably right at the median level), and i think having a space i could do whatever i wanted with might help me keep the rest of the house in order. is that some hoary married guy cliche? then forget the space - i'll settle for a decently fast computer and internet connection.
Posted by jamie at March 23, 2004 01:32 PMYou should consult with Jake. Something tells me he has a finely honed method of carving out personal space. Something also tells me his first question to you in this consultation would be, Do you have a bathroom with a locking door?
Then again, he probably just goes over to Doug's and hangs out in the backyard, playing P-I-G.
Yikes my man you need to get like a den or some shit. Is it that rough, should I run? I currently hugging my Rock Troll right now.
Posted by: Chris Larry at March 24, 2004 11:33 AMThe door doesn't need to lock, but you will need good reading material. Honestly, I haven't been forced to do much carving because I'm fortunate enough to have the spare bedroom with cable television. Since there's always a game on, there's always an excuse to get out of watching access hollywood and check in to the other room. Two TVs is a trick my parents taught us, and after 30+ years of marriage, we pay attention to their little lessons.
And yes, Doug's place is also a sanctuary, what with the mini hoop in the backyard, bass fishing on PS2 and old reliable, Sega Golf. Plus he always has Tariq. Oh Captain, my Captain!
Posted by: jake at March 24, 2004 12:41 PMChris, I didn't mean it to sound that bad. A second TV would certainly help every now and again, but on the whole it's been great. But it's tough not to miss having your own room once in while.
Posted by: jamie at March 24, 2004 01:16 PMDon't listen to Jamie. It's that bad and worse. Toilet seat has to go down. Dirty socks can't be thrown just anywhere anymore. Late night Golden Tee at the Park Bench is not an acceptable date night alternative. And you're always one dutch oven from sleeping on the couch with the damn cats. And that's on a good day.
Posted by: jake at March 24, 2004 02:46 PMshoes must go in closet, dishes can't sit out for 2 consecutive nights, and... hey, don't go getting me in trouble just because your wife doesn't read this!
Posted by: jamie at March 24, 2004 04:10 PM