While they haven't said anything directly (well, maybe once in jest) I am very aware of the fact that some money is owed to my parents. All that travelling did not come cheap. In fact it costs almost every single penny I had saved in the first quarter of life assuming that I live to be 100. Which may I add would NOT be ideal.
The consequences were laid out beforehand and I went into the experience knowing fully what was to happen. I would come home to no money. Literally. One cannot travel around the world for 6 months and not spend a small fortune. Don't get me wrong, as it is right now I'm not even stressing too much about money. The reason? My parents. They have always been there for me and will continue to do so for as long as they can. Much appreciated and I should really make that known more.
We had a little exchange the other day that left me thinking that I might be taking advantage of the situation. Living in their house without paying rent, not buying any groceries. As Chinese as my family is, there is no denying that we are to a certain extent Canadianized.
Mum and dad actually said, much to my surprise, that it would be nice for me to take them out to dinner or to buy some fruits and whatnot for the house sometimes. While I have thought to take them out to dinner, it was still a shocker. So they have given this some thought then? Interesting. I doubt in Malaysia this would have been an issue? Or is it just me? Anywho yeah, it's definitely about time for me to pull my weight around this household especially with work and all.
Since I've written a cheque to mum and dad today, my bank account will soon reach an all time low! There is enough funds to return all of the money but I'm just a little worried the balance would be insufficient for the bank to maintain the account. Wow. How did I manage this?
In another world and culture I know I would never be comfortable doing this. Many Canadians, my age or otherwise, live from paycheck to paycheck without a care. I'm getting close. As it is I'm fighting everything asian in me saying that I need to save up for the future and that I have to do the right thing, be responsible, that I have to conform. Debate this with me if you will but it is true in my experience.
For better or for worse, living in Canada has definitely shaped the person that I am today. In this instance, I'm suspecting for the worse. It is not cool to be in one's 30s and have $200 to one's name. At the same time, I am not ready to give up my dream for a 5-digit account balance. Guess it's true that the choices we make in life, small or big, ultimately dictates the life that we live. I just need to be able to look back at my life and know that it was worthwhile.
For the better bit, I think that dropping everything I had to go roam the earth took a lot of courage and faith in myself. One of these days I will have to tell you guys all about my travels, all that I have seen and done. You won't believe it!
The consequences were laid out beforehand and I went into the experience knowing fully what was to happen. I would come home to no money. Literally. One cannot travel around the world for 6 months and not spend a small fortune. Don't get me wrong, as it is right now I'm not even stressing too much about money. The reason? My parents. They have always been there for me and will continue to do so for as long as they can. Much appreciated and I should really make that known more.
We had a little exchange the other day that left me thinking that I might be taking advantage of the situation. Living in their house without paying rent, not buying any groceries. As Chinese as my family is, there is no denying that we are to a certain extent Canadianized.
Mum and dad actually said, much to my surprise, that it would be nice for me to take them out to dinner or to buy some fruits and whatnot for the house sometimes. While I have thought to take them out to dinner, it was still a shocker. So they have given this some thought then? Interesting. I doubt in Malaysia this would have been an issue? Or is it just me? Anywho yeah, it's definitely about time for me to pull my weight around this household especially with work and all.
Since I've written a cheque to mum and dad today, my bank account will soon reach an all time low! There is enough funds to return all of the money but I'm just a little worried the balance would be insufficient for the bank to maintain the account. Wow. How did I manage this?
In another world and culture I know I would never be comfortable doing this. Many Canadians, my age or otherwise, live from paycheck to paycheck without a care. I'm getting close. As it is I'm fighting everything asian in me saying that I need to save up for the future and that I have to do the right thing, be responsible, that I have to conform. Debate this with me if you will but it is true in my experience.
For better or for worse, living in Canada has definitely shaped the person that I am today. In this instance, I'm suspecting for the worse. It is not cool to be in one's 30s and have $200 to one's name. At the same time, I am not ready to give up my dream for a 5-digit account balance. Guess it's true that the choices we make in life, small or big, ultimately dictates the life that we live. I just need to be able to look back at my life and know that it was worthwhile.
For the better bit, I think that dropping everything I had to go roam the earth took a lot of courage and faith in myself. One of these days I will have to tell you guys all about my travels, all that I have seen and done. You won't believe it!
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