Countdown

I'd probably say in about three to four months' time I'll be moving out of my parents house. About time to, actually. I have delayed this for so long, and I'm running out of excuses. But making this step is both exciting and scary at the same time, so I want to do this right.

1. What do I need: A dormitory or a place where I'll share it with someone, or do I get my own place? This question has been running in my head most of the time. Economically speaking, having a dormitory is ideal, because I don't need to spend that much on water expenses, electric bills, and lodging. I'm a sociable person, I think, though I am worried about my moods. That's where the apartment option comes in. I get to shoulder everything, but at least I do get to decorate my place and have friends over.

2. Do I have a valid reason to be independent? Being your own man is not a bad idea, but doing it just to, let's say, get away from your parents' nagging and do whatever you want to do is personally not a good reason. You have to be financially and emotionally stable.

And besides, I'm already 27. If I delay this any further, it will be just sad.

3. What are you leaving behind? I guess this question scares me the most, and the biggest excuse I have for not leaving. I have pets, see. And I feel sad just thinking of leaving them. But my mom already promised to take care of them, and since I'll be coming back every week, it will be all right.

I also must take into consideration that I'll be leaving behind the comforts of home. I will be cooking for myself, cleaning after myself, and doing my own laundry. I don't cook, and I don't know how, so this is where number four comes in.

4. Learn how to cook. Seriously. Even if I end up living in a dormitory, I still need to learn how to make a few basic meals, like hotdogs, eggs, or making rice. I have been keeping tabs of some recipes online that I want to try, and recently bought a notebook to keep it in.

5. Be wise financially. Which means budgeting. I'm starting to keep away some money in the bank for starting out and/or for emergencies. Also, if money permits, try to get some basic things you may need when moving in (in this case, I'm getting the things I would need if ever I get a dorm). I have my own little bag for toiletries, a case for medicines and a first aid kid, I bought a backpack...you know, little things like that. I'm not sure if shopping for these things is the right step to do, so if you have any suggestions, I'd like to hear them.

So there you go, they may be incomplete, and I'm still grasping straws, but I hope I'm doing this right. I may be posting some links, and articles that would help me (and hopefully you as well) in getting to that goal.

Good luck to me!