Robin, me too --which is why I am planning on getting a rat --my old roommate has one named Javier and he is so sweet. And smart. I'm planning on harness-training both Marzipan and the rat so they can go for walks outside on a leash.
I would like to have a lizard or a snake, but that'll have to wait until I have the funds for one --the animal itself is inexpensive but all the equipment you need is pricey --the heat lamps, the enclosure, etc. I don't want one that you would have to feed mice or rats to, so it would be a small one. I don't mind at all feeding crickets or other insects. A corn snake or maybe a bearded dragon --those are cool.