Can't Wait...For A Roomie

Last November, Mr. Tortolito and I took a huge financial step together when we became homeowners. We scored ourselves a chic, modern loft in Downtown LA. Previously, I lived in a more suburban area about 40 miles east of LA with my family. My first experience living in downtown was during my college years at USC, and when I moved back home after graduating I knew that I would be back to the city eventually. Well, that eventually is now and I love it. I love the energy, history, diversity, public transportation (it's getting better!), crowds, buildings, community events, movie sets, nightlife, my much shorter commute to work, everything! The only thing missing is, well, Mr. Tortolito.

Apparently, when Mr. Tortolito met with my parents to ask for my hand in marriage they expressed their concern over the possibility of us moving in together before getting married. Not wanting to upset or worry either set of parents, he told them that we would not live together before marriage. My parents are pretty traditional-minded. I value tradition and my upbringing, and I respect it because it's made me who I am and I'm proud of that. Yet, I grew up and was educated in completely different times and environments than my parents (as is usually the situation, isn't it?) We don't tend to see eye-to-eye on many issues and I guess this is just another example of that.

Honestly, not living with Mr. Tortolito is pretty damn annoying. This is his home as much as it is mine, yet we don't enjoy it the same. He pays mortgage, helps furnish and decorate it, helps clean and cook, goes shopping for home items with me, hangs out here, and at the end of the day he goes back to his parents house and calls me to say goodnight. Sounds silly right? Right! According to Mr. Tortolito, he is a "man of his word" so I guess he doesn't want to upset anyone. I understand; I respect his parents as much as he respects mine so I see where he's coming from. But still... I'm allowed to complain a little, right?

Anyway, if we really wanted to and if this ever created a strain on our relationship, I know that we would take action. Really, the decision is ultimately up to us. But like I said, this is based on respect. Plus it's really not that difficult to wait a year for him to move in especially when we have the rest of our lives to live together. If anything, this experience has brought us closer like no other.

Although living alone can be lonely and annoying, I tend to look on the brighter side. I came up with this list of things that are great about living alone that I can revisit whenever I need a reminder:

• I have complete control over what's playing on the TV. ESPN?! umm..how about America's Next Top Model, or American Idol, or The Hills, or So You Think You Can Dance. Yeaaaa, that's what I'm talkin' bout.
• The toilet seat is ALWAYS down.
  
• I can wake up at 5am to go to the gym without worrying about waking up anybody else.
• I can sleep in until 7/7:30am without worrying about getting woken up by anybody who leaves to work earlier than I do.
  
• Closet space. All mines.
• Too lazy to make dinner? A peanut butter & jelly sandwich is the perfect fix! I think I wouldn't help but feel like a bad wife if I fed that to my hubby for dinner.
• I don't feel bad about leaving my makeup/hair products/brushes/curling irons/etc all over the bathroom. They won't be in anybody's way.
• Alone time? I got plenty.
• Meeting the girls for a drink after work? No prob, nobody's waiting for me at home.
  
• How lucky am I to be a 25-year-old girl living in such an exciting city all on my own? It's like the "me against the world" feeling..haha!
• ANTICIPATION. Wow, I can't wait for him to move in. Isn't anticipation such a great & exciting feeling?!

Whew, I almost make it seem like living alone isn't all that bad huh? It's really not especially when I know we're on a timeline now. I'm trying to enjoy this limited amount of time that I have on my own in our little casita. I'm doing my own thang while at the same time "nesting" and getting our home ready for Mr. Tortolito's arrival. Its just anothing thing to add to the excitement of our upcoming nuptials!

Every couple's living situation is different. I guess we all just need to make the best of our situations, whatever they may be. What are your thoughts?