On My Own, Mostly

This is the first time in my life that I have lived completely on my own.  The first time I left home was on my mission, but I had a companion the entire time.  After the mission was over, I went back home and lived with my parents and remaining siblings until I got married five years later.  I lived with Allison until our separation in late January 2012 and since then I've been the guest in someone else's home.  While I don't regret moving into my apartment, it is strange to come home and be all alone

To alleviate this a little, I did something out of character: I introduced myself to one of my neighbors.  Truly shocking.  I knocked on the door and he invited me right in. His name is Keir ("rhymes with beer" he said) and he's a retired chemist originally from New York.  Having a science background, he could relate to needing a good writer working with a bunch of engineers.  I'm not sure how old he his, but he did mention working as a busboy (after I had mentioned that I worked through school as a waiter) during the summer breaks from high school back in the 40s.  He was very friendly and said at the end of our visit that he was off to hang out with his 15-year-old grandson who didn't like being alone in the house (I forget where the rest of the family was).

I'll have to try this "being friendly" thing again sometime.