Cohousing-L Mailing List: Re: common house meals

[Elizabeth Stevenson (tamgoddess]

>From Racheli:
>  A more abstract point, and not a central one to this
> discussion, but which still has some validity:  IMO it's important
> for people to do various things (even though in general I don't
> think we should coerce them to branch out...), and not fall into
> the trap of over-specializing.  People who think they can't cook,
> might be surprised to find out that it can be fun, people who never
> thought they could relate to growing plants might discover
> otherwise, and so on.  (This is especially so because doing work
> with others is often more fun than doing it alone).
> Also, since many of the tasks in different areas can be done
> with different people, it gives each one of us a chance to potentially
> bond with some of our community members which we might
> not have much of a relationship with otherwise. - Again, this last one
> isn't meant to justify a mandatory arrangements, but to point out
> that having people doing more than the one thing they like most
> is a good thing.
>
> Hope I'm making sense :)
> R.
Yes, yes, yes.

Not only are you making sense, you have hit the nail on the head with each
point. So far, I think those who are really opposed to mandatory cooking or
only those who cook can eat, are those who haven't had significant time
spent cooking for the group yet.

We've had many members who were afraid to cook at first, and who came to
love it. It's very different from cooking at home, and can be alot more
rewarding. We make it a point to thank the cooks after every meal, and it
makes a huge difference. When you cook at home, the recipients can be less
than gracious!

Thank you for making the points I was too tired to articulate yesterday.
BTW, I was tired after cooking last night, but only because Tuesday is my
longest day of the week. Cooking is not that tiring once you get into a
routine.

The best is when you've put real effort into the meal, and everyone has just
the right amount of food, there's a little left over, and people linger
afterwards to chat. It is so satisfying to feed a happy crowd. I think
everyone should at least try it before they think it's unfair to make
everyone cook.

Love, Liz

--
Liz Stevenson
Southside Park Cohousing
Sacramento, California

tamgoddess [at] home.com
http://members.home.net/southsideparkcohousing
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