Monday, February 9, 2009

Will You Do My Dishes?

Have any of you ever had a problem with growing up?

I have. I spent my university years telling everyone that I had Peter Pan syndrome.

Me grow up? Pah, Never, Why?

This of course was is paradox because, if you know me, you will also know that I've also spent my entire life trying to be older (cooler) than I actually am. I've always thrived on being one step ahead of the curve, one leap forward, one put closer to the hole, one sentence closer to the punch line. Too much?

Now I feel like I pressed fast forward for too long, like a bad 80’s jukebox. Did I really pass go and collect two hundred dollars?

You tell me:

At 18 I left school and went straight to University. During that time I was in three bands, I was an editor, I toured the country, I held three jobs at once, I had a girlfriend, I organized festivals and I graduated.

Before I even finished my degree I already had a full time job. I spent my cherished last few months as a student working all day, coming home, studying and going to sleep. Two weeks after I graduated I signed the lease on a flat in Joburg and I moved in with my girlfriend.


I'm not an idiot; I (think) have my shit together, but today feel as though I'm looking at the world like a surfer would look at a Tsunami. Maybe I can ride it, but I might have to swallow a whole lot of water first.

I feel a little overwhelmed.

Paying bills, scrubbing floors, being broke, washing dishes, cleaning clothes and being poor sucks.

Can anyone tell me how long this might last?

Kudos to you Sirs and Madams!

Ok, tomorrow we're going to kick things off on a much lighter note.



I'll leave you with this:







16 comments:

Janine / Being Brazen said...

I know what you mean and I feel so similar.

Is this how life is going to be forever? Routine after routine???

Never never land, here I come!

Bella@That damn expat said...

I could tell you how long this will last but that will only depress you. I'm keeping mum.

Unknown said...

It should last till about March 2013....











or not.

Kristen said...

I know how you feel! I'm almost finished with university and already life feels pretty mundane. What happened to all that adventure .... ?!

Helen said...

And I'm stuck at university for another 18 months and longing for the real world! Crazy...

Anonymous said...

I'm with Bella on this one. The only consolation is that somehow you manage to get the momentum to keep going - having a dream outside of the 'responsible' job also helps.

Laura said...

Being a grown up is not so much fun!

I am older than you and still feel overwhelmed every single second of the day!

po said...

I feel exactly that way right now. Everyone I know is trying to buy a house or having a kid. Is it ok to admit that I am nowhere near ready to take on all that shit?

Rachel said...

You definitely have your shit together to a much greater degree than most people I know.

~Sheila~ said...

No. I see you are only twenty something. When I was "your age" I was broke too. Of course I was knocked up and barefoot, but still...I was poor. Then I got off my a$$ and went to work in the medical field.

Result: Not poor(ish) anymore.

BioniKat said...

If you have kids it'll probably last until you are in your 50's!

Tamara said...

I feel your pain...

Married at 22, owned a house by 23 and supporting my hubby while he studies by 24.

But you know what, since I bought a dishwasher, I think my life is pretty cool. Even if I'm broke and have to do grown-up things like pay Eskom bills and submit tax returns ;-)

Anonymous said...

"Paying bills, scrubbing floors, being broke, washing dishes, cleaning clothes and being poor sucks."

Is sucks BIG TIME! I relate to this post. I've had part time jobs since I was 15. I had to be responsible when other kids my age were still playing and fooling around. I moved out of my parents house when I was 21. Sometimes I think everything just happened too fast.

Then I go home, put my feet up, and eat popcorn for dinner and it's all worth it.

Janine / Being Brazen said...

Tom - I dont think you answered my questions yesterday about Valentines day - very curious to hear, how you (as a guy) feel about V-day

Thomas said...

Brazen: Yeah, big boy/girl life can be a drag sometimes..

Bella: Oh woe..lame

Glug: Ha ha, I'm holding you to that now. Or am I?

Kristen: I think all that adventure belongs to those who can afford it...

Helen: Enjoy it! Go do hons/masters/phd/be the ground keeper - NEVER LEAVE!

Future: Oh hell, my dream is to teleport to Mars. That's going to be a problem.

Laura: When will we get used to it? Can someone technically be a grown down?

Po: No not at all, I'm not! Lets start a club!

Rachel: Thanks Rachel:)

Sheila: Want to give me a job?:):):)

Momcat: So the solution is to have kids as early as possible or possibly never?


Tamara: Kudos to you - how the hell did you own a house at 23? That's quite something!Hmm...I've heard of those dishwashers, I think I want one.

Sleepyjane: It sounds like we're in pretty similar circumstances! And yeah I guess you're right, when I don't have to endure any bitching from the parentals for leaving a coffee cup lying where I want to suddenly it all semms worth it:)

Brazen: Go check your comments:)

Poetry Sue said...

HAHAHAHA... that is a great motivational poster. and as for getting out of all that... good luck buddy! and if you find the path out let me know so I can follow it too...