DomesticaTIN: How I am liking the home life

For ten tumultous years, I lived in an all-female dormitory. From my university days to my first few years as a young professional woman, my routine was that of a lady bedspacer. This means that I sleep in a bunk bed, have a designated closet space and take a bath in a shared bathroom. Only undies are allowed to be washed in the bathroom so I send the rest of my dirty clothes to a laundry shop. Ironing clothes are limited to 6:00-8:00 am and 8:00 to 10:00 pm. Purified drinking water is provided. But the microwave oven is used only for heating food. Cooking is absolutely prohibited.

So while I learned to live in a small space in a strategic location near my work and leisure interests for a cheap price, my skills in domesticated life have remained status quo. I had “suki” laundry shops around the area but I am clueless of how to operate a manual washing machine. My grocery list was limited only to toiletries and snacks with total exclusion of fresh fruits and vegetables. I knew how and where I could buy ready-to-eat meals the cheapest but not actually cook real, healthy food. I realized I am not independent enough.

Moving into a shared furnished condominium unit became my head-start to the area of adulting I have not explored yet- domestication.

I began with moving out of my old dormitory and transferring my stuff into my new abode. I accumulated a lot of stuff over the years. My strange affinity with papers from my university days caused a self re-evaluation. Which ones to keep and to let go.

So when I set-up my closet, drawers, and vanity, I prioritized which of my things will go inside the bedroom. My toiletry basket now has its own space in the bathroom. I supplied my mini pantry with the essential spice, ingredients, and snacks.

Once everything has its own place, I navigated the different parts of my new second home. I gravitated towards the kitchen, cooking simple then random meals even packing my own lunch.

My housemate even taught me how to use our twin tub manual washing machine. I now do my own laundry instead of sending my used clothes in the laundromat.

Aside from cleaning, my other tasks also include getting the mail and paying the bills. Yeah, Instrumental Activities of Daily Living (IADLs) applied to real life.

I am really adulTIN by domesticaTIN myself. This is me being a young independent woman in a whole new level.