Prospector Jen

I have a prospective roomie in my sites. His name is Mark, and he's one of the couch-surfers I've met recently. Him being a dude doesn't bother me in the least. He has a girlfriend, which also doesn't bother me. The only thing is, I'm a little nervous about living with a complete stranger...okay, a LOT nervous. But, no one I know needs a roommate. Plus, since I have two cats and a dog, I'm the kind of person who would be really hard to pair with someone. Still, I have my reservations.

First off, I'm not really comfortable with other people around my animals. I know how people are and can be (cruel is the word I'm looking for), especially when you're not around. And, I'm not crazy about complete strangers. I know how people can have sticky hands around things that don't belong to them.

Second, this guy likes parties and people - I don't. When I told him I was a homebody and for the most part of every week, I hang out at home, I don't think he realized how serious I was. I consider myself a really quiet, low-key person, especially at home. I went and hung out with him and some of his friends on Saturday night, just to get a feel for things, and it was okay.

Third, he's on unemployment. He's actively looking for a job, but he's also going back to school for psychiatric studies. I just don't want to end up in the, "Hey, can you cover rent this time around, and I'll pay you back?" No. No, I can't. If we make an agreement like this, I fully and completely expect him to keep up his end of the bargain.

Fourth, when I enter into an agreement like that, I get nervous. What if he just up and moves? I can't afford to be moving all over creation, just because someone bails on me. Ugh, that makes my stomach hurt, just thinking about it. I always try to give people the benefit of the doubt, but that's when I usually end up getting super-screwed, is when I'm nice and trusting of others.

Anyway, he's actually been looking for a place for us, and he's found one over in Avondale, down the road from Bottletree - something like $550 for 2BR, which is REALLY good. I'll have to look it over, though, because in that area, for that amount of money, is a lot suspicious. I want my apartment to be safe, and I actually want to be able to have friends over. But, we're both in agreement about staying in Southside. I really want to stay close to work, although Avondale is a bit farther than I'd like to drive. Oh, well - it's a small sacrifice I can afford to make.

I wish Cory and I could room together, but he still hasn't found a job, plus he and Kerry are planning to get a place once he gets down here. &=(

So, if anyone knows of a good, quiet, clean, animal-friendly person who might need a roomie, please let me know. Like I said, I'm not super-excited about doing this, but money is bad, and this looks like the only way I'm going to be able to get a leg up on things. I hate to be pessimistic, but I can totally foresee this not working out.

But, I have to do something...and soon.