September 2 2008: A Faux Sense Of Independence
Despite all my posturing about my independence, the fact remains that if I were to move out of the family home, I would fail miserably and possibly die a long and lingering death. Finances isn’t a problem. I earn more than enough, and I know how to be thrifty. It’s the everyday practical things that I’ll fail at.
Cooking and eating balanced meals would be a problem. I can bake cookies and cakes better than anyone else I know, I make a mean salad, excel at plain soup noodles, can handle a simple pasta dish, and my sandwiches are to die for. When it comes to the well-rounded meat and three veg, any seafood dishes, or anything else though, I’m less than adequate. For someone who grew up in a household run by two former cooks who rarely let their progeny invade their ’space’, I’m used to excellent cooking provided to me by others. There’s only so many cakes, cookies, salads, soup noodles, pasta dishes, and sandwiches that I can eat before yearning for something more sophisticated.
Cleaning would present a problem as well. I can wash dishes, dust, and vacuum with the best of them, but when it comes to the down-and-dirty cleaning, I’m a bit hopeless. Scrubbing soap scum off showers, and cleaning toilets? Erm, what? You mean it’s not just magically clean? (Laundry won’t be a problem, I’m excellent at laundry.)
Automobile maintenance would be a problem. I drive and fill up the petrol tank - that’s about the extent of my automobile knowledge. My father takes care of checking both cars for wheel air pressure, changing engine oil, etc. If I were to move out, my wheels would be entirely flat and the engine would fall out onto the road before I even realised that anything was wrong.
With all that said, I’m going to have to move out at some point before I go batshit insane. A long and lingering death would be preferable to continuing to live under the strict traditional Asian parental roof.
You and me both. Granted, we excel and miss out on different things, but that same fact remains. (Plus, I dont make enough to support myself financially yet.)
I may not live with strict Asian parents but I bet my dad would give yours a run for their money. Going insane? Why, yes; yes, I am.
Skye on September 2 2008 #
Ha. You have a better handle on things than I do, and I’ve been living away from my parents for 4 years! I’m sure you would be just fine.
Michael on September 3 2008 #
I’m dying for the next two years to pass so I can go to Uni and escape my parents (they’re of the extremely strict and overprotective variety and whilst I’m nearing my seventeenth birthday in their head they think I am, at best, twelve) but, well, unlike you I’m not yet capable in any aspect. And I doubt I ever will be. Laundry, cooking and cleaning would be fine, but anything else? Definitely not.
I can’t envisage this changing even after six-seven year’s time though which is worrying! :P
You seem undoubtedly capable though so maybe you’re worrying when actually you’d succeed just fine without living at home.
Amber on September 3 2008 #
I agree with you! I find that when I’m home alone (even though I’m 20).. I don’t cook for myself because I’m so lazy so I always eat out! I think if I had my OWN kitchen though I might start but I’m not too sure.
And I love the new look.. sorry I haven’t been here for a while because I’ve been reading your entries in my RSS reader. =P
Katy on September 3 2008 #
I was having a conversation along the same lines as this with my mother a few days ago. I never had an interest in learning how to cook when I was younger because I figured I’d be living at home my entire life, so Mum never bothered trying to get me involved. I think I cooked dinner completely by myself twice before I left home. Now? I am a pretty decent cook and it didn’t take long for me to get that way. I occasionally have to ring home for tips, but other than that… it’s not all that hard!
Cleaning is only a problem when procrastination and laziness come out and play (which is a lot).
As for my car, I still take that to my dad when I have a problem with it. There’s just some things men are more adept at than women. Unfortunately, Sam is a woman when it comes to cars.
Moving out of home is nowhere near as scary and difficult as a lot of people think it is. If I can do it, anyone can!
Nellie on September 3 2008 #
You’re exactly like most people (myself included)! You CAN do stuff but you just wouldn’t want to if you had the choice. I can scrub toilets… would I want to? No thanks.
Felisa on September 3 2008 #
At least you’d be able to sew patches :P
Nathan on September 3 2008 #
Living alone at the moment. Am rather surprised I’ve survived thus far, if only barely. :P
Vickie on September 3 2008 #
Yeah I’d probably die faster than you when/if I move out. I have a feeling my parents want me to stay forever, or at least until I get married. So I’m hoping that I’ll *have* to move out because of school/eventual job. It’s seriously either that or marriage….I can see myself getting married early just so I can move out. I know they want the best, but it’s suffocating.
marilyn on September 3 2008 #
The idea of me moving out is a bit ridiculous- I’m self-sufficient in terms of cooking and cleaning, but I’m a pretty big spender so the rent thing would be an issue. I think I could handle another couple of years at home, though.
Anyway, showers are pretty easy to do, as are toilets- its just time consuming and annoying that they don’t stay clean, what with the constant water run-through.
Carmen on September 3 2008 #
Haha. Cleaning is easy. Domestos cleans EVERYTHING. I use it to clean toilets, clean drains and you don’t have to scrub much, if at all.
Automobile issues - is the ‘dude person’ any good at it? Or maybe know people who have the know how? Perhaps learn how to do replace a tyre and that should be enough. Anything else which goes wrong with a car usually requires a mechanic or a extensive set of tools and know-how.
Mish on September 3 2008 #
Oh god, how I feel your pain.
I also believe I fail at most things domestic, but I would prefer that to living with my parents for any longer than I have to. I can’t even wear red shoes without being called a hooker, for crying out loud.
Shen-Shen on September 4 2008 #
Amen girl! I’m almost identical to you - who stole who’s life?! =P
There’s almost nothing I can say because my strengths and weaknesses are almost all the same.
Jess on September 4 2008 #
Believe me, you’ll be fine. You’ll learn things ‘on the go’ and it’s not as hard as it looks or sounds :)
Chans on September 4 2008 #