Mess Life

Carrying on from the previous post...

I now live in the 'mess'. In the ideal situation (ie in my head), living in the mess would be easy peasy and one of the better options in life. It would mean that I will live near where I work (boleh akhir bangun), get a room, a toilet, a personal cleaner, and meals (anything you wish and ask for) all catered for you - everything for free! Just bring your stuff, and move in. That's what I thought living in the mess would be.

How wrong was I?! On MULTIPLE levels...

First of all, my 'mess' isn't within the vicinity of my camp. It's a drive away, 10-15mins drive. My mess isn't a mess as such - it's a flat. There are six flats in the building, each flat has three rooms. One room is an ensuite, and the other two share a toilet. The kitchen obviously is shared, so are the living and dining areas. My dining hall (where I'm expected to have all my meals - which obviously isn't very ideal or possible to do at all times) is 5 minutes away!

And living in a flat with three rooms, means that I have two other flatmates!!! It's like being back in university!! or when I was in Hulme with Jan and Mo (but that's slightly different as I chose those housemates). I never really liked housemates, as I like my own space, my own mess, my way of living...

I thought starting work would mean that I'm independent, able to do whatever I like and want... I mean, I've already had that life since 2001 really!!!

Settling in the flat was not an easy feat for me!!! I don't agree with having curfews, I don't quite agree with telling everyone where I'm going at all times, and I definately do NOT agree with being 'confined' to being at the mess for the first 40days!!! Being confined means you're not allowed to go out after working hours (you wake up, go to work, eat your meals at the mess, and come back to the flat) and NOT going home on weekends!!! You are in confinement until told otherwise.

I must however say that I've been lucky, because I have been allowed to go out to places and home (after asking for permission, and telling a handful of other officers that I have permission and letting them know exactly what I'm doing, where I'm going).

But that little perk is besides the point!!! Like I said, I don't agree with all this!!! I've been counselled. "We had to go through the same thing" So bloody what?! It's not on!!! We've moved on in times, and you bloody haven't. "The reason why we do this, is to enable us to teach you the ins and outs of the mess/work, and for all of us to bond." Well I'm sorry, I don't see any bonding going on!!! I just see some obligatory respect.

I am 27!!! And I have lived independently before!!! And even my parents don't ask for my every whereabouts or gives me ridiculous curfews!!!

PLEASE!!! We are of age, we are now officers, I'd imagine you'd treat us like officers!!! I don't wish to be treated like a slave, to be at your beck and call, or to buy you food or cigarettes in the middle of the effing night!

I wish I know someone who I can relay this feeling to, someone who would actually do something about the system!!! I SERIOUSLY think in this day and age, all this is effing unnecessary!!!

So yes, that's my life currently. I apologise to all if I haven't been able to meet up, to do stuff together... God knows, I'd MUCH prefer doing that!!!