Thursday, May 6, 2010

I Always Wanted A Personal Chef...


I shared a variety of small bedrooms all four years of college, a situation that today seems just shy of inhumane. I had three housemates the first year after college and then shared a three-bedroom apartment with two friends the two years after that. But ever since I went to business school in 2006, I have lived alone. One gets used to living alone rather quickly, at least I did. Four years of living by myself got me pretty used to having my own space and keeping my own schedule. So the fact that my mom just moved into my small two-bedroom apartment is a recipe for some interesting blog posts, whether rooted in frustration or humor – or likely both.

But while I grow accustomed to my new living situation, I will try to remember that my mom has a far more substantial change to contend with. While I adapt to slightly less space and compromised independence, I am still in my home, surrounded by my things, pursuing my career, etc. My mom’s life has received a much more significant shock. My cramped apartment offers about a tenth of the space of my parents’ Atlanta home, my mom now awakens in New Jersey every morning (a real shock for anyone coming from south of the Mason-Dixon line), she has to look at a map every time she wants to go somewhere (assuming she wants to come back), and she has taken a leave of absence from her job. Not to mention the husband she married about a hundred years ago (okay, more like forty) is hundreds of miles away. And yet, she hasn’t complained once.

Instead, she continues to come up with ways to make my life easier. It has been less than a week since she moved in, and already she has washed and folded my laundry, run some errands, served as a personal shopper and cooked several gourmet (very low sodium) meals. I should note that I may have threatened her with the power of public scrutiny (um, hello – my blog has 47 followers), so she may be working for brownie points here, but so far this is working out just fine. Just fine indeed, as the smell of tonight’s dinner drifts my way… So on the eve of Mother’s Day weekend, I salute my mother. I say thank you for moving to the Dirty Jerz for some indeterminate amount of time to once again baby your youngest child, who is not always perfectly gracious but always intends to be.

As long as she exercises the restraint necessary to keep from rearranging all of my stuff and continues to keep herself from rubbing her bare feet together in that way that drives me completely insane, I’m not sure I’ll ever let her move out. She’s a pretty darn good roommate, and I always wanted a personal chef.

9 comments:

  1. Hi Andrea
    I work for your father at PHCS and I just wanted to let you know that I admire your sense of humor,wit and courage as you blog about your circumstance. I just find myself laughing at some of the misshaps you encounter along your journey that most people would just take to their bed and cry.
    You would make a great comedian and I would be proud to come to the DIRTY JERZ to see your COMEDY ACT on stage. Peace be with you.

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  2. The Bird and her Mom are different in many ways, but identical in strength , love and determination.

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  3. Your previous/next roommate cannot offer these types of services, but would appreciate any frozen leftovers.

    Ps, the dirty jerz is turning your mom's arms big and hairy!

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  4. It's really remarkable that your mom has turned out to be such a gourmet chef. You should yell at her for taking you out to dinner for Thanksgiving for so many years... ;)

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  5. I hardly know where to start! First of all, I have always had big arms--but surely not that hairy. Thanks for noticing, Amy. Secondly, please don't let anyone think Andrea has ever gone out for Thanksgiving dinner when I have been around. Of course, Andrea's Aunt 'Tine does most of the cooking, but....Seriously, it is my greatest pleasure to be here with Andrea, and so far, she is tolerating me very well. It is because of her dad that I am able to temporarily relocate. I may even get used to falling asleep and awakening in the middle of Hwy. 81! Cooking is not my strong point--and with no salt to disguise the "entree??" It's a challenge, and Andrea has yet to complain, altho the fish dish was questionable. Don't mean to start my own blog, but I do want everyone to know how much I appreciate your support of my wonderful daughter. She is truly special.

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  6. Andrea, I have worked for your dad for 19 years and feel like I know you! I hope you don't mind if I follow your blog...I find your writing quite funny and inspiring too! Your strength, courage and humor are admirable! Know that you have so many people embracing you! Keep those blogs coming!

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  7. Wow! Lucky you! Your Mom knows how to cook??!! My Mom last cooked sometime in the early 90s, and I use the term 'cook' loosely. Now you know where I get my aversion to both food and cooking. You're really drumming up a nice case of 'Mom Envy' in those of us whose Moms aren't quite as AWESOME as yours!!

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  8. Andrea, I am finally officially a follower after figuring out how to sign up. I even did it without Merrill's help. Like so many, I have been lifted up, inspired, scared, teary, and many more emotions that I can't even think of to list here. I'm not as old as your parents, so I have enjoyed hanging with you, your brothers, and all of your friends over the years, and have only known you as a vibrant, somewhat witty, wise-cracking young woman, so full of fun and life. I can't wait to get back to those days! I'm glad your Mom is with you, and I hope she does more cooking and cleaning than she did when she lived with me (I'll leave it at that for now!) All of you have been an inspiration to me.
    Love you all!! - Bill

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  9. Aw, Mom Fuller is the best!! I know my mom misses weekly breakfast, but we're all glad that you two are together up there!!

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