Shecky’s

For my loyal readers (hi, mom!) who knew about my dependency complex, you probably already know that it has been resolved…kinda. I have moved! Out of my parent’s house and into my own (well, shared) apartment. Out of comfort and into the unfamiliar. Needless to say, it’s been a bit of an emotional rollercoaster (read: shampoo rant)—one I willingly waited on line for but didn’t have a chance to buckle myself into so securely, if you will.

Don’t get me wrong: I feel liberated, I feel confident, I feel savvy. But I’d be lying if I said that behind my freedom wasn’t a little bit of doubt, behind my smile some sadness, behind my hard exterior…a pile of melty mush. The move means figuring out my bills, my dinner, cleaning soap scum from the shower (um, ick!)…on my own. It means…growing up.

I tell anyone and everyone that will listen about my new abode and relish in the thought of doing what I want, when I want, with whomever I want. But I also unleashed Niagara Falls from my eyes when my furniture arrived and the headboard I purchased was lower than I anticipated. Oh, and my mom and I spoke in some medium or another approximately 37 times the first night I slept at my new place.

It may seem hypocritical that I’m kinda complaining right now, when I’d previously been complaining about quite the opposite. But I’m human, I’m conflicted. That’s what’s so frustrating: is there a right way I should be feeling right now?

As I contemplate the impossible, I find solace in the fact that I am no longer a prisoner to the Long Island Railroad train system (and after last week’s signal problems, a thankful ex-prisoner at that). Yes, the subway offers up its fair share of issues, but I am free from abiding by a more set schedule. And that’s one thing I’m sure of right now: If I miss one subway train, I have the opportunity to hop on another, switch lines, go a different route if I please; but eventually, no matter what route I choose, I’ll arrive at where I’m meant to be.

-Lynden Halpern

GIRL TALK TIME: What was it like when you moved out on your own? How did you feel? How did you deal with the freedom/being on your own? Where did you move? What was your place like?