A friend came over to my house and asked, incredulously, "You only have ONE television?" Sheesh.
I think I'm quite a bit like LilMiz, except I'm a bit older and never was spanked. I got a car for my 19th birthday. An '89 wagon, and my mother will attest I was so shocked, because I didn't expect it. At all. (Now, it's going to the chop shop, but that's a different story.)
When it comes to school, I had my parents come and vouch for me once. I'll admit it. Because I failed physical science. And I'd studied. And he wouldn't give me my test back so I could see the grade, nor my term paper, nor any validation that the grade I recieved was deserved. I had my parents call, and I may not have gotten an A, but it was proven that I passed the class.
In my senior year, I recieved a C on a paper. I went to the teacher and explained that this paper was horrendous - what can I do to do better? And she looked at me like I was from Mars. What, admitting to not meeting expectations? That's shocking? I wanted to improve!
I have many things handed to me, but when I got to college I had many things covered (dorm, meal plan, 1/2 books) - but that's it. "Shira, you want money? Get a job!" And I did. It taught me real quick about budgets and control and debt (and damn taxes!).
Here's what frustrated me: As the only person in my suite who worked, I was the only one who picked up the toilet paper, and who, on occasion, picked up bagels and cream cheese for my suitemates. Why? Because it was the nice thing to do. Godforbid, when I asked someone to pick me up something, and I didn't have the cash ready, Ms. I-have-a-750/month-budget-from-Daddy responded "I can't afford it right now." What was I asking for? A bagel. Literally. What, 50 cents? She came home that day with 3 bags from Barneys. I was infuriated and at the same time saddened by her.
I've never gotten an internship or job because Daddy helped me. I get it because I work hard at school for the grades, and I have the work ethic for a job. (Do I have one now? No. But I'm looking).
I am a bit jealous of my friends who have everything handed to them on a golden platter -- but I also know when we all grow up, I'll be able to live life a bit easier, and won't go into shock when I graduate college and have to pay bills.
*end of rant*
Deet: Shira, I Love You!