Grunt qualifies as a form of communication in the home front nowadays. This is my reaction to everything lately. If you want to talk to me, expect rolling of the eyes and a deep sigh, grunt or groan. With tuition fee increase, PMS, car repair expenses piling up and the upcoming wedding of a friend in less than two weeks, I’m at my wit’s end and I’m not even close to my target weight.

So this is how it feels like to be an adult. It’s like being a child. Nothing has changed. I still feel helpless most days except that people in the stores now call me ma’am. My mom does not scold me anymore when she walks into my room and sees a pile of dirty laundry. I could even leave them on the floor and I wouldn’t hear a thing. Coming from a rather big family and sharing my things with my siblings, having my own refrigerator, TV, car, closet and bathroom is a big deal and a big payoff. I’ll be 37 next year and these are some of the few instances I like being an adult.

But it’s beginning to dawn on me that adulthood is not only the thrill of independence. The sad truth is there’s no point to being an adult if you’re anything like me. I’m just an adult because my age and responsibility tell me so. A kid just getting old with responsibilities. Don’t be surprised if I put out my tongue or bite you when I don’t get my way.

gloomy hard at work photo by dollie mixtures