Journal: Living at 1-3-1

Compared to my camping days, I feel much more at home in my apartment now that I have such conveniences as a mirror, a knife, and internet access (!). When I'm indoors, I've adopted the Chinese custom of wearing tuoxie ("pull shoes", ie slippers—not the warm kind which I associate with winter months in Australia, but comfortable to wear because the soles are cushioned).

However, in almost two months I haven't done any housework except for washing dishes and clothes and occasionally sweeping the floor. When I moved in the walls were grubby, the lino was torn, and the verandah was full of junk. Some of these things can be remedied (and some cannot), but I've been too busy and/or tired to do anything about them. I don't mean to give the impression that it's a hovel, in fact I could live here happily for at least a few more months, but...

I was strangely proud as I walked home from the shop with a new mop slung over my shoulder. I felt that it communicated a message: "I'm not just a visitor, and I'm not going to treat my apartment as motel room, I'm going to live in it." I'll spread my spring cleaning over few weeks, and once I'm finished I'll be able to invite guests to my home without feeling embarrassed!

Despite my irresponsible habits, I haven't seen any vermin in my house yet. I think I'll probably scream if I do: the familiar Australian cockroach is phobia-inducing enough, let alone an alien species. (Okay, the Cockroach FAQ seems to suggest that, of the 10 species which commonly live in homes, most are found worldwide. Nevertheless, I'm still going to scream!)

The most convenient foods are often the least healthy, so another of my goals is to adopt a more balanced diet. For me, this doesn't mean cutting back on sweet foods (with which my home is always well stocked), but eating more fruits and vegetables. Apples, mandarins, and pineapples are street-vendor staples. For health reasons, fresh fruit should be skinned before eating (people usually use a paring knife for this). Apart from occasional instant noodles, I don't do any cooking at home, so I'm definitely getting my required daily intake of oil and MSG from the student dining hall.