Roommates?

Brady plans to go to Grand Rapids Community College next fall.  He was recruited to play on the basketball team with a promise that the coach would help get him to the “next level”.  We’ve discussed potential career paths, but right now he, like thousands of other graduates across the country, isn’t committed to one.  Community College is a good path.  He’ll be able to improve his athletic skills while taking a cost effective first step through higher education.

The only problem with GRCC is there are no on campus housing options.  He needs to commute from home or get an apartment.  Getting an apartment is everyone’s number one priority.  He wants one, his parents want him to get one, and I think it’s a great idea.  Housing is probably going to cost more than his tuition.  A couple weeks ago he said his first choice was a single studio apartment.  When I asked him why he preferred to live alone he said, “I don’t want anyone telling me what to do.”

I went on to say, “When you’re living on your own, your roommate is not going to tell you what to do.  If he, or she, does you can choose to ignore the suggestion or tell them to take a leap at a flying donut. That’s part of the beauty of living on your own.  You’re responsible for yourself.”

I went a step further and offered myself as a roommate.  I’m probably not his first choice but there’s a lot of upsides to the two of us living together.

1.  We’re both single.
2. I have a lot of stuff I can bring to the apartment.  I own duplicates of several items, including furniture.
3. I’ll be commuting from Florida most of the winter, so I won’t be around much.  He’ll practically be living alone.
4. I have no interest in “telling him what to do”.
5. While I’m not ready to start dating, when I am, I can scout out granddaughters for him and he can scout out grandmothers for me.  It’s a win-win.
6. I’ve lived the college life myself, so I can pass on words of wisdom from time to time.
7. I’ve got a lot of extra ties, so I can teach him the old “tie on the doorknob” signage trick.
8. I’ll insist on a two-bedroom apartment, so when I’m out of town, he’ll have room for buddies to spend a night or two.
9. I’m a good cook, and I prefer cooking for two.
10. I’m pretty good at picking up after myself.  He could learn a lesson or two from me, because they’ll be no moms to pick up after us.

In anticipation that this roommate deal might work out, I’ve purchased some birthday presents for the apartment.  He turned eighteen last Friday, and I’m giving him his gifts later today.  I can’t divulge what they are, but suffice it to say, they’re functional, decorative, and nutritious.  They’re a combo pack, so to speak.  I’ve saved the receipts just in case he’d prefer something else, but I’m pretty sure he’ll like them. I know he needs them.

My only concern about the arrangement is decor. Neither one of us is very good at decorating.  Sure, he’s got a lot of posters in his room. We could move them. I’ve certainly got things that could be repurposed in any apartment we might share.  But if we’re really going to do this, we’ve got to establish our own style, and do it on a budget.  Ruth taught me that.

So, here’s my idea.  We go with one statement piece in the main living area.  We don’t want a lot of doodads and whatnots.  They’ve got to be dusted, and of all the homemaking skills I have, dusting is dead last.  And to tell you the truth, I don’t think Brady’s ever dusted.

Ruth purchased a large 60 by 45-inch picture for each of our homes.  We have a water scene in our Michigan condo and a beach boardwalk picture in our Florida home.  You can’t miss them.

I’m thinking we should blow up this picture of Brady and me from back in the day. I’d gladly make the investment. I’ve lost about thirty pounds since the picture was taken and he’s gained six times that much, but it would be a great conversation piece when the ladies stopped by.

Now, if we can agree on my other $15 idea, I think we’re good to go.

TBC