Things sound like they're really turning in the right direction. I'm sure your mom wishes you'd be back home where she could take care of you, some mothers have an easier time than others with the whole child-becoming-independent-adult thing. And moving in with CiCi - did you tell this makes her pretty much a Pet Talk family member - does she know what she's getting herself in to? - isn;t you losing your independence, it is you making a positive step to ensure your continued independence. And CiCi has the gratitude of all of Pet Talk, and will, as a bonus, have the oh-so-fashion-necessary cat hairs added to her home as well! Good for you.