It's not a big deal, really. It's just that when you put wet garbage into the trash, it has a tendency to leak and be messy. Since he's not the one who cleans out the garbage bin, I figured he could at least have a little mercy on those who do. In a utopian society, he would say "sorry about that. I'll try to remember" and keep moving.
But because this is an imperfect society, he said "well, didn't you just do it? So why are you still talking about it?" This is vintage Dad. I tried to explain to him that wet garbage leaks and makes a mess. He cut me off with "you want to talk to someone about something? Why don't you ask your brother why he has a problem with washing dishes for anyone except himself?"*. Topic-shifting, finger-pointing and releasing himself from culpability. Get the picture?
So I told him that I wasn't around when my brother made that comment and I didn't understand what that has to do with him putting the garbage where it belongs. He hit me with his version of "Whatever. Talk to the hand".
//Fast-Forward
Last month Mom said that since I'm working, I should start paying some of the bills around here *sigh*. I was hoping that I could save up to move out before I got hit with that. Ah well. I told her that if that's the case, I'd rather just give her a lump sum once/month and let her write the checks when the bills are due. I handed over the first installment today. The Queen was not pleased. Although it was a substantial offering and exceeded even generous estimates of the bills, she loudly exclaimed about the fact that I was cutting her a check instead of writing the appropriate checks to Con Ed, DirectTV, etc. What am I missing here? If someone offered to pay my bills and even give me more than the cost of the bills, I wouldn't be splitting hairs about the fact that they wrote the check to me instead of the utility company. Guess I'm just content to take my money where I can get it. So she marched up the stairs saying "I guess this is a hotel."
//Pause
I had said that I was going to give myself a year here so I could save up a sizeable downpayment. I don't know if I'm going to make the year. These occurrences, along with the random inquisitions about my sex life are making things a little too uncomfortable. Don't get me wrong. I love my parents but last time I checked, I was about to be 26, not 16. I know you're wondering why I don't just move out and rent a place....NYC rent is hella expensive. On my salary, there's no way I could rent and save for a house. Roommates at this age are corny, but I'd do it to save $. Problem is, that would be a big slap in the face to my parents. I know 'cause we talked about it. Mom said "you'd rather pay to live with a stranger than live with your own parents for free. If we had adopted kids they'd be more greatful." Ouch. On the other hand, they refuse to let me rent out the 2nd floor of this 2-family house that we live in. At least then I'd be keeping the money in the family. But hey, it is what it is.
So I sure did start house shopping. I'd eat Ramen Noodles everyday for the next 6 months if it would help me save money faster. My middle brother is moving out in July to start med school in Albany (lucky!) I'm thinking that I should either have a place by then or be ready to sign on something. In my mind, I'm setting October 1, 2006 as my "move or die" date. So if you see me in the street looking rough like I stole something...it's cause my hair money is being tied up in this house fund. Somebody send me a hot comb or something.
* I sympathize with little brother. I mean...why can't we all just be responsible for our own dishes? Why does one person have to do all the chores for everyone? This socialism just ain't workin'. It only encourages people not to do anything at all. Like, why should I have to iron everyone's clothes that came back from laundry if I only want one shirt? So in the end, since nobody wants to iron a whole basket of clothes, on account of one article of clothing, nothing gets ironed and then mom complains that nobody does anything. *Sigh*
