Living Alone

So after reading one of my friend's blogs, I kind of wish I had my own apartment. She always talks about decorating and stuff, which I love. However, I can't really afford to get my own place (I currently live in my aunt's basement in the town I work, and I have a subleaser that pays about 70% of my rent in my old college town). But I am trying to save up money, and I also pay a good amount in gas, commuting to and from work everyday, and driving to stay with Caleb every weekend.

I also have committed to living with Caleb once he graduates. He has been offered a job in this po-dunk town 2 hours north of where I am now, and we've decided to move there together once he's graduated. I'm excited about that, because we've been long-distance for most of our relationship (going to different colleges, internships, etc), and I'm excited at the chance to actually be together for longer than like a 6 month period.

Although I know I will be decorating the place we move into (although I can't make it too girly, but I usually don't have a problem with that), I still kind of wish I had a place all my own. Also, although right now I do live with my aunt (and another roomie that shares the basement with me - my aunt collects strays apparently), I do spend a lot of time by myself, and I kind of like it. I do get lonely sometimes, but I've always been pretty independent and can hang out by myself. After work I go to the gym for about an hour, and I like being able to do whatever I want and not cater to someone else's workout. Then I can go shop, or just go home and eat whatever I want (cooking only for myself), and just chill out, watch TV, whatever. I have my little routine that I really enjoy. And although I like spending time with the BF, I will have to get used to sharing space with him.

Some things I'm concerned with:
• Caleb's level of room cleanliness does not touch mine. Laundry does not belong on the floor.
• He screams obscenities while playing video games, which he plays often. He'll probably need his own (preferably soundproof) room.
• I hate being disturbed while watching my favorite TV shows (Grey's Anatomy and Project Runway, mainly). He will have to learn to be quiet and stop making fun of my shows or be in another room. Probably his gaming room.
• I'm not very good at sharing food, except for staples like milk, bread, etc. I get pretty upset when I have a craving for something I know is in the cupboard, only to find someone beat me to the punch and ate it already.
• I really want some features in a house/apartment that he does not care about, and does not want to pay for. These include: bathroom with 2 sinks and decent storage and counter space, washer and dryer, garage for both cars, and my own walk-in closet.
• Lastly (for what I can think of right now), I really really really want a cat. I always knew that when I got my own place, I'd get my own cat. I've always wanted an inside pet, but Mom never allowed it. Caleb does not want a pet of any kind, because they're "annoying." I can see his side a little, as in I am not a dog person at all and would refuse to have a dog inside the house. But I like cats and they are less intrusive to me, and I've always wanted one. I'm working on this pretty hard right now.

I guess I need to figure out what I can live with and what I can't live without. I do know that I want to be with him, so I can probably live without a lot of this stuff. But I'm still holding out for that cat.