One thing about being home many days, applying for jobs and making phone calls: It can make you kind of lonely. I really wish I had a furry friend to keep me company. Much as I like my apartment, I am going to have to move somewhere that allows cats. Cats are so cool. Each one has its own personality, and they are clean, low-mainenance pets -- perfect for working people.

Funny thing is, I'm not really a cat person. I'd much rather have a dog, but I know enough about dogs to know that they need a lot of attention and space. If I lived out in the country somewhere and worked outdoors, I would definitely have a dog. That would be so cool -- having the dog riding along next to you in the cab of the pickup as you headed out to the job site.

A cat would be a good stand-in though.