Monkey Boy and his friends are thinking about moving out and getting a place together. They’ve been buddies since middle school and have entertained the idea about every 6 months or so since graduating high school. Which really, at the ripe old age of 21 seems about right, don’t you think? I mean, I moved out when I was 19. The HH moved out when he was 20 and then back in again at 23 and then finally out for good when he was 24.
The Girl however, has no plans to leave until… {and these are HER reasons}
A. We kick her out {after all, Ray Ramano lived with his parents until he was 29}
B. Medical benefits run out {25}
C. Has time to travel, go to grad school and has a real job
D. She can save up enough money to buy her own house
Kids. They’re funny. Some are itching to leave and others… Hey, why pay for shelter, food, and internet when they can get it for free?
*************************
Fast forward to yesterday.
I asked Monkey Boy to pressure wash the driveway.
After he finished he went to the kitchen to make himself some lunch.
When I went to the kitchen to make a cup of tea and this is what I found.
My son eating soup, cold, out of a can.
I didn’t know whether to laugh, or cry.
But hey, at least I know he won’t starve when he’s out on his own. Right?
Ahhh… To be 21 again.
~Mavis
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AJ says
🙂 Monkey Boy’s eating habits remind me of my HH’s college roommate, who knew how to cook but didn’t often bother to… They lived in an on-campus apartment with a kitchen, and I lived in an identical one. My then-fiance and I ate normal food (I cooked for both of us, although nothing fancy) but the roommate mostly ate Chef Boyardee ravioli from a can. At least he poured the Chef Boyardee into a bowl and warmed it up, unlike Monkey Boy! 😉
KC says
Get scurvy, maybe. Starve, no. 😉
Especially with housing prices what they are, your daughter’s approach seems pretty sensible, especially since you seem to get along quite well with her even with her living there (… not always the case with adult children). That said, there are also advantages to living “on your own” entirely – realizations like “food doesn’t magically appear in the fridge and pantry” and “utilities cost money” and similar gratitude-boosters and things that cause one to be more aware of one’s environment can be very, very helpful for growth and for future relationships!
Marcia says
Ha this makes me laugh so hard. It’s funny that times really haven’t changed all that much!
I was itching to leave home. Went away to college. Came back for the summer after Freshman year (I was 19) to work 2 jobs. But after that? Stayed on campus and worked summers.
Little brother went off into the military. Came home. Got a place with friends. Didn’t work out. Moved into mom’s basement!
I didn’t learn to cook, really, until I was 32. So much of my food was boxed mac and cheese, ramen, etc. – until I was 24 and got a raise. Then I ate out WAY too much.
Alice says
Good news for Monkey Boy getting his own place……considering how much you want to sell your house and you seem to be doing more and more to get it ready to place it on the market soon. (if not already)
Mrs. Z says
My gosh. Could not imagine having all my boys at home until they are 25. My HH asked him to start paying rent the day after highschool graduation. He paid until he left for college in the fall. Moved back in for four months after college graduation, back to paying rent for four months until job was steady. I was out at junior year of highschool and never went back. Worked 7 hours ever night after school and then during college.
Jennifer says
If Monkey Boy can pressure wash a driveway, he will do just fine.
I like your daughter’s way of thinking. When I was 23, my parents gave me sheets, pots and pans, and cookware for Christmas. Guess who moved out New Year’s Day?!?!?
Kimmy says
Did he wash his hands after cleaning the driveway? LOL. My son is 7, I have a long way to go until 21 but I guess some things never change.
Kimmy says
I apologize if that sounded judgey. I thought since the post was poking a little fun at Monkey Boy, I would poke fun at his questionable-looking hands. I have no doubt he’s actually a really capable person 🙂
Brook Hart says
I love monkey boys culinary skills. My college boy decided to join the Army. I guess he still needs someone to tell him when to eat and sleep. College girl is 22 and left for college at 16. She has always been independent. Then God gave me one that will be with me forever. At least she likes to cook and willing does dishes. Me, sometimes I wish I could be the one to leave.
Jen says
Miss Mavis–your Halloween cookie are adorable! Is the icing soft? Most royal icing is hard, but yours looks thick and soft (yum)!
Mavis Butterfield says
Thick and soft, like those Loft House cookies they sell in the grocery store. Seriously the best sugar cookie recipe ever!
UpstateNYer says
Ummmm did he get sick from that uncooked canned meal?
Karin says
Canned meat is fully cooked.
Helen in Meridian says
I am always shocked that you don’t teach monkey boy to cook and clean. He doesn’t seem to have any real survival skills beyond yard work. Does he even know how to budget and shop for food besides doritos and McD’s? The girl is so well prepared for real life.
Lisa says
How do you know she hasn’t? Maybe he doesn’t like to cook! If he doesn’t already know how to cook and clean, he’ll figure it out when he’s living on his own. I never cooked or did laundry when I was a kid…I was outside playing and being a kid. As a wife and mom I do both now (for 26 years) and do them well. Same with my two boys in college who live in a house and have to cook their own meals. They grill often and one even bought a crockpot.
Monkey Boy appears to work with his hands, and I bet he does so very well. He maybe did wash them before eating (previous comment) and if not, well he’s boosting his immunity.
I’m always amazed at some of the comments that may not be meant to sound judgmental but come across as they are.
You go, Mavis! Thanks for opening up your world to us…I love reading your blog! I read it to see what interesting things you have to share and enjoy seeing things through your eyes. I don’t ever read it with a critical eye and would never question how you do things in your family. Keep on blogging!!!
A Different Lisa says
This is written by someone who makes all her family’s meals and prepares her husband breakfast in bed once a week. She and believes in and lives a traditional lifestyle. Not my thing. I’m teaching my 11 year old son how to cook. I also teach him how to do laundry and someday, he will learn also how to iron. I also fixed my washing machine and my dryer with the help of youtube. We should all have the life skills that will allow us to be independent. But that’s just me.
Mavis Butterfield says
Actually, my son is quite capable. He cooks, cleans, does his own laundry, can fix just about anything and has plenty of life skills. He is also 21 and occasionally eats out of a can apparently.
Gina says
My 17 yr old had the same lunch…soup in a can!
He said he couldnt find a pot!
Did he look? No!
Michelle says
We are kindred spirits! My husband and I eloped at 18 and 20. Just celebrated 29th anniversary. I’ve always been a stay at home mom and did all the cleaning, cooking, bill paying and laundry but guess what my kids still figured everything out and live on their own and turned out great! Keep up your hilarious blog. You’re the Erma Bombeck of today.
Mavis Butterfield says
What a compliment. Erma Bombeck was the best!
Stephanie says
Lol, i totally get Monkey boy. All my boys know have been taught to cook. Yet given a chance theyd live off of ramen noodles and pizza.
Last week when those ran out i was informed that we were out of food. When i pointed out to teen in question that fridge, freeezer and pantry were all full of food, “yes, but its the kind you have to cook.”
Mavis Butterfield says
Funny Funny!