You don't need quiet times when you're sleeping on a futon.

Okay, first, I mean the title as more of a joke, but let me explain.

I set out to learn from this: my sister-in-law and her husband were gracious enough to agree to let me live with them indefinitely. The LEAST I could do was try to be a great house guest and take it as a character building experience (because I already knew I was selfish and could use some character building).

I learned many things when I was living with them for 10 weeks. While some are more serious than others, I'd like to pass them on to you as a sort of community service/book report to show I learned something:

• 2 Bedroom/2 bath apartments are smaller than they sound when 1 married couple and 1 other married adult live there.
• Farts are always funny.
• Even when your hosts say you shouldn't do chores, it's a good measure to do so anyway. See next lesson.
• I learned just how selfish I was, deep inside. I want to clean when I want, watch my t.v. shows, drink my fancy coffee. Thankfully, the good Lord gave me enough sense to be a good house guest. But, my spirit had to fight my flesh sometimes to keep it quiet.
• Books are your friend. Especially when you're missing your spouse, sitting though other people's t.v. shows, or you are bored cause everyone else has gone to bed.
• I don't need all that stuff. I lived without soo much for 10 weeks: my other toiletries (you know, the stockpile), DVDs, old shoes, kitchen gadgets, office supplies, decorations, or a dresser. And I was fine. Just fine.
• Things I missed: slippers, candles, a nightstand, and my "gift box" for spontaneous gifting.
• Group grocery shopping with alternating weeks to pay keeps everyone honest and maintains the sanctity of the community kitchen.
• I want a wii.
• Internet and iPhone are non-negotiable as a nomad.
• Extra-curricular activities (like running) keep you out of their hair before you get in their hair.
• It is impossible to drive them nuts by calling to let them know when you are heading home. When in doubt, call.
• Ask what can go in the dishwasher and if you should turn off the DVR at night. oops.
• Don't set up your hosts camping chair and then leave it outside for 3 rainy nights...oops again.

In conclusion, my hosts were great. They never hinted that it was time for me to go, had compassion for me living apart from my spouse temporarily, and included me in activities and meals. One of the biggest perks of this experience is that the 3 of us reached a whole new comfort level I didn't think we'd have for years.

Today, however, both couples are still happy to have their own places to themselves, and drink their own coffee.