Amanda's Most Frequently Asked Questions...and her answers

Since our relocation to South Africa, I have been asked a couple of questions multiple times by a variety of people. There just is not a censor here and people aren't shy.

Question 1: "You look too young to be married! I thought you were from the American school(12th grade and YOUNGER!!!!!!)! How old are you?"
my answer: "24. Yes, I am young! I have been blessed with the gift of youth."
the answer I want to give: "It's not really your business how old I am. Why do you have to comment on how young I look? I don't comment on how old you look!" (I would never say this and I feel bad for even thinking this, but it's starting to drive me crazy. I get asked this question by the hair stylist, cashier at the grocery store, masseuse, person going for a walk, sale's lady.....and the list goes on. It's just getting old. Seriously, I am aware I look young. But come on people. Not every 20 something has to wear a pound of make-up, color her hair and wear trendy clothing!)

Question 2: "So your husband works. But what do YOU do all day?" (they often wear this puzzling/annoyed look on their face like 'you are so lazy!')
my answer: "Oh, I make my husband dinner. (hahaha) I don't know, I find things to do." (I generally keep this answer short because I do a LOT of things during the day, but I don't think they really care to hear the answer. So I keep it to myself. Unless they press harder, then I give them a little bit more information.)
the answer I want to give: "What? You think I am lazy? I do the things you wish you had time to do! I have fun. Besides, I can't work here without a work visa and I can't apply for a work visa without a job. See the issue here?" (Again, I would NEVER say this and the guilt is there for even thinking it, but it helps me to write it out. Plus, I am already being hard on myself for just enjoying my free time. I don't like it when other people remind me that I am not working and/or contributing to our savings.)

Other comments from random people I don't know:

Scene: I was asking the cheese guy at the grocery store for Monterey Jack. He explained they didn't have it because it is too expensive to import; however, he was going to show me some other comparable cheeses.
Random lady's comment: "Can't you just use cheddar? (her face is all annoyed and angry looking as she spits the words out, why bother lady!?) Monterey Jack has no flavor anyway. Gross. Just use a sharp cheddar."
Okay, so I didn't hold it all back here, I did say "I think Monterey Jack has LOTS of flavor!" Then I ignored her and followed the cheese guy. By the way, the cheese guy was super nice and helpful. And he did NOT ask either of the Frequently Asked Questions!

Scene: Plumber came to do some work on our sink. As we are standing there he asks what my husband does. I told him.
Plumber says: "Do you know how much money they spent for all of YOU guys to come here? A LOT. And they are out of money."
My reply: "Well, maybe if they didn't pay for over time and fancy lunches, the cash flow wouldn't be so much of an issue."
His response: "No. That's not the problem. It cost too much to get everyone here. We need to use our own people."
I stopped talking.

Scene: I went to a baking store looking for PLAIN flour. Not cake flour, self-rising flour...PLAIN flour.
I say: "Do you have plain flour?"
Sale's lady: "That's cake flour."
I say: "No, it's not. They are different. That's okay, thanks." (I turn to leave.)



Anyway, that's enough for now. Just had to get some of that out there. I am still trying to calm down from all of the age comments. HA! Maybe if I keep worrying about it, then I will get some worry lines and look older? Doubtful. Ah well, I should just enjoy my gift of youth.

However, if you would like to make me laugh, please comment on the blog with some funny/creative replies you think I could (imagine) using.