Just got off the phone with Hideko (my mother) who made several snarky remarks about me being jobless, within a span of 15 minutes. Here are some key quotes:
- "Must be nice to have nothing to do."
- "Must be nice for your friends who have lucrative jobs in this failing economy."
- "Gotta run, I have a busy day of work ahead of me." (It's Sunday, so that's a lie).
Let's get one thing straight: my parents really are not excited about me moving in with them (whenever I say "my parents," I really just mean Hideko, as Kunio's opinion has little leverage in that Akabori household). Maybe somewhere deep, deep down, they are looking forward to having me around (to fix the internet and take out the garbage on Sunday nights), but it's pretty clear that they are going to make my life hell under their roof.
When I tell people I'm moving home, their immediate reaction is, "Oh, your parents must be so happy." No way. Hideko is a hardass in the shape of a badass- and her eccentricities have only heightened with age and menopause (the devil). My parents never got along until my brother and I moved out (which is to say they should have never had children), and to have me back is only going to throw their solitary routine off balance.
Hideko is not down with this.
It's hilarious- all of my friends who have been to the restaurant lately go back to talk to Hideko and then confirm with me that yes, I'm right, she's not excited I'm coming home, and she even rolled her eyes when they mentioned it. I told you she should have never had children- she has no one to blame but herself.
Don't get me wrong, my parents are both totally awesome, and have always supported me and my off-kilter ways. But, as I'm sure you are all aware, awesome people don't always make the best housemates.
Yikes. Sounds like you might have some fun times ahead. You & Jen could compete for the crazy family award, I think.
ReplyDeleteHideko sounds a bit like Sachiko, my mom...definitely wears the pants in the family and doesnt hold back her feelings on things...I think deep down she is happy to have her little girl coming home, but cant show her real feelings (at least that's Dr. Lori's assessment.) Our parents arent getting any younger, so enjoy the time you get to spend with them...eye rollin' and all! :)
ReplyDeleteI love it. Your Mom must be like many women (as Hamamama says), who cannot bear to express their unbounded joy, so they must disguise it with dissatisfaction and snarkiness. I know how that feels. They don't realize they're full of joy until it's too late! Aggggh! Or maybe she really doesn't want you around.
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