Recently my parents went on holiday, and took my younger brother with them. I've now been living by myself for two days. In this time I have discovered several disheartening things.

1.) I cannot cook. At time of writing, I have just finished trying to cook sausages. There is now a haze of smoke throughout my house. Last nights attempt at pasta did not go well either. Clearly I shall be forever dependent on others to provide sustenance for me.

2.) Eventually, I will be robbed. With my parents having left, I've moved all my gaming equipment into the room with the biggest tv. There is now a large tv, a PS3 with several games, including Guitar Hero World Tour, and my laptop in one room. Which is right next to the front door. Oh fuck.

3.) Even suburban houses can freak you out. Late at night it becomes very apparent that I'm the only one here. When there are other people in the house the feeling is 'peaceful'. With just me it's 'creepy'. I don't have a basement, but if I did I'd be staying the fuck out of it.

Clearly this is not going to end well. I imagine that when I go to make dinner tomorrow night, my eggs will explode and kill me. So, to entertain me in my last few hours, I ask you all to share your home alone stories.

Minus points to anyone who mentions the movies, or Michael Jackson.

My mom and dad were gone one day so I went into the living room where was a tv with extra channels. I saw that there was a Bruce Willis marathon on one of the channels and Sin City would be on in a few minutes.
I sat entranced watching Marv demolish hordes of cops and plummet through a window and fall into a pile of garbage before stealing a police car and driving it into the river.
Sin City is still my favorite movie two years later. There's no way they would've let me watch it had they been home.

1) Ramen: Learn it. Love it.
2) Lock doors and shut your blinds
3) It's true, I live alone and whenever I hear a floor board creak at night it STILL freaks me out.

1) Try a Lean Cuisine, unless (like I used to be) you are so culinary retarded that you cannot use a microwave (or can't get to the store). Otherwise, PB&J is something that is delicious at any time. PB&J with chips and a Coke or Pepsi is the perfect meal, IMO. (Throw in some applesauce just to rub it in your parents' faces that you did get something healthy in you)

2) Make sure the windows are covered when you sleep (and do sleep) so that no one can see that you are home. Leave a light on at night too. Preferably one near the back of the house that can be seen from both sides so people who may be looking in think there is someone home. (Switch lights every night so they don't get wise)

3) Fall asleep to something on tv, a cd, or even an audiobook (my personal favorite). This way, there is sound for you to fall asleep to that you know the origin of, thus negating the "creepy" sounds that you aren't used to hearing.

Hope I helped you in your plight, Chemicks, and sorry for not keeping with the topic of the thread, I just figured I'd help out. Besides, my home-alone stories are for another time. Way too long for me to tell now.

Go to wally world buy some precooked meat you just heat up usually in a skillet (I like cajun chicken stuff) buy some steamed veggies that you just put the whole bag in the microwave and empty into a bowl, add in a bread/salad and you have a meal just like mom made, in 15 min.
2 Get a Glock :)
3. I always just put some music on and leave a few lights on in another room and i'm good.

I will agree that suburban houses get creepy at night. My parents were gone all day today and when I took a break from playing video games(which are in the basement) to come upstairs I thought someone cut our power to rob us, because it was 6:30 PM and fcking dark out....and I hadn't turned on any lights upstairs. *facepalms*

Anyway, I can't really think of anything else notable about my experiences...other than I almost ran over a boy scout once when I was leaving my house(I was the only one home)....sadly, he jumped out of the way....I'm kidding.

OH! Once when my brother was home alone and I was coming home....I got dropped off actually, I went to the front door and rang the doorbell...and he didn't come. So, I walked over to the window and knocked...it was around 10 at night...I scared him shitless

tijuanatim:
1) Ramen: Learn it. Love it.

Cup o' noodles are even easier.

As for the other points, yeah, you should probably not keep everything in one room next to the front door, and definitely don't leave them in sight of windows. And for the creaking problem, keep a TV on or something, turn it to the food network or the like.

Personally I was home alone a lot in high school, so I got used to it pretty fast. And for your food problem, order pizza and eat plenty of bagged salads.

xitel:

tijuanatim:
1) Ramen: Learn it. Love it.

Cup o' noodles are even easier.

As for the other points, yeah, you should probably not keep everything in one room next to the front door, and definitely don't leave them in sight of windows. And for the creaking problem, keep a TV on or something, turn it to the food network or the like.

Personally I was home alone a lot in high school, so I got used to it pretty fast. And for your food problem, order pizza and eat plenty of bagged salads.

Sometimes though, just the fact that you're at home by yourself and the delivery people can be really creepy, is enough to be a pain.

Magnikai:

xitel:

tijuanatim:
1) Ramen: Learn it. Love it.

Cup o' noodles are even easier.

As for the other points, yeah, you should probably not keep everything in one room next to the front door, and definitely don't leave them in sight of windows. And for the creaking problem, keep a TV on or something, turn it to the food network or the like.

Personally I was home alone a lot in high school, so I got used to it pretty fast. And for your food problem, order pizza and eat plenty of bagged salads.

Sometimes though, just the fact that you're at home by yourself and the delivery people can be really creepy, is enough to be a pain.

Personally I always have a knife handy, even when I'm at home. If I hear the door, I instantly grab it and hold it concealed but ready to be opened.

Yes, microwave meals are your friends. And it sounds like your cooking talent is about the same as mine, so here's a helpful hint, don't even try to make eggs. Sticking with the cereal is much safer :). I once was able to make a frozen pizza, it's the highlight of my cooking career.

Nothing too special happens when I stay at home by myself except for the occasional freak out late at night. So no exciting stories just some words of wisdom.

Two things: Lean Cuisines and all-nighters. Buy a bunch of them and eat them whenever you're hungry. Also, carry a knife by you at all times and pull an all-nighter with a sleeping bag in your gaming room. Just make sure you lock the doors and close the windows and blinds when you feel the need to sleep. Remember to keep your knife by you. Chances are, you'll be tired enough not to care about the creepy feelings, and having a hand on the knife always gives you closure.

EDIT: Better yet, when you know you're not going to go anywhere BUT your gaming room, close the windows and blinds, lock all the doors, heat up a Lean Cuisine, and then game till you drop.

Ah, man, I'm so glad to be versed in the art of cooking at such a young age.

When I'm home alone, I can make spaghetti, tacos, burgers, omelets, other stuff...

Never casseroles, though. I suck at those, bad.

For your cooking problem, I mean, I never like to hear when someone is stuck eating packaged foods because they can't figure it out... I'd be willing to, I dunno... help you out? I could, like, give you instructions via PM? If you need it, it's available, just so you know...

It might be easier than trying to figure it out from instructions on a box...

Hey at least you don't live next to a large school which is clearly haunted by some kind of janitor-teacher hybrid.

Learn to like you steak rare, or blue... oh god its delicious.

This happened to me not too long ago, for a week. Considering I'm also female and have the dexterity of a frozen apricot (meaning, I'm fucked if some breaks in, and I'm forced to fight), it was kind of unnerving.
Then I realized I lived on my own for two years prior to this and some how the fear went away. Think of something similar?

1.) Frozen Waffles
2.) Hammer, Kitchen Knife, Shotgun, Exotic weapon that you wont get ammo for. Take your pick.
3.) See above, and call Ghost Busters.

Heh, thanks for the aid guys. I'd like to say I was kidding when I said I was going to be robbed, since I live in a pretty nice neighbourhood, but there are some people around here I wouldn't trust. I'm sure I'll be fine though.

As for the cooking, perhaps I should elaborate. My mother is quite the cook, and she's left me plenty of well-made frozen meals. The problem is I'm a complete spaz in the kitchen. I'd make them, but I can barely boil water, regardless of what I'm putting in said water. Chances are my folx will come back to find me sitting on the kitchen floor, drastically thinned, beating two potatoes together trying to make magic happen.

Also;

Frank_Sinatra_:
3.) See above, and call Ghost Busters.

Best advice yet. The rest of you need to step your respective games up.

Magnikai:

Sometimes though, just the fact that you're at home by yourself and the delivery people can be really creepy, is enough to be a pain.

I answer the door in jockey shorts, combat boots, a wig, and with lipstick smeared across my face, and I've never had a problem. Often the delivery people decline my tips, as well.

Ha! You sound like a friend of mine, except his parents do it once a month. He's gone to school then come home to find a not saying, "Dan we went to Vegas, be back in a few days. love mom and dad."

My friend knows how to cook so he gets through it bu when I'm forced to stay at home alone I trust frozen food, not because I can't cook but because I'm to lazy to look in a cookbook. As for your security problem, just lock the door and if that doesn't work take out the old home defense standby, the baseball bat (or cricket bat). And if your worried about odd noises, just fill the house up with noise, it's hard to hear the creaking floor panels if your blasting rock music.

xitel:

tijuanatim:
1) Ramen: Learn it. Love it.

Cup o' noodles are even easier.

I love that stuff, where do you find it?

And get a grill, so you can just grill bacon and sausages :P

Chemicks:
As for the cooking, perhaps I should elaborate. My mother is quite the cook, and she's left me plenty of well-made frozen meals. The problem is I'm a complete spaz in the kitchen. I'd make them, but I can barely boil water, regardless of what I'm putting in said water. Chances are my folx will come back to find me sitting on the kitchen floor, drastically thinned, beating two potatoes together trying to make magic happen.

Such vivid and hilarious imagery.

Anyway, your problems are easily solved. For nutrients, Just eat a lot of sugary, high energy things. This with have the advantage of keeping you extra alert and on edge. Then make sure to turn on as many telvisions and radios onto as many different stations as possible. This will make burglars think that there are other people in the house. That, or induce psychosis.

With one and two out of the way, you can calm yourself down with some well earned videogames. Give Bioshock another trawl, or play through Silent Hill again. Under no circumstances should you go to sleep, black out, or otherwise render yourself unconscious, because that IS when they will get you.

Edit: Oh wait...

Chemicks:
Recently my parents went on holiday, and took my younger brother with them. I've now been living by myself for two days. In this time I have discovered several disheartening things.

1.) I cannot cook. At time of writing, I have just finished trying to cook sausages. There is now a haze of smoke throughout my house. Last nights attempt at pasta did not go well either. Clearly I shall be forever dependent on others to provide sustenance for me.

2.) Eventually, I will be robbed. With my parents having left, I've moved all my gaming equipment into the room with the biggest tv. There is now a large tv, a PS3 with several games, including Guitar Hero World Tour, and my laptop in one room. Which is right next to the front door. Oh fuck.

3.) Even suburban houses can freak you out. Late at night it becomes very apparent that I'm the only one here. When there are other people in the house the feeling is 'peaceful'. With just me it's 'creepy'. I don't have a basement, but if I did I'd be staying the fuck out of it.

Clearly this is not going to end well. I imagine that when I go to make dinner tomorrow night, my eggs will explode and kill me. So, to entertain me in my last few hours, I ask you all to share your home alone stories.

Minus points to anyone who mentions the movies, or Michael Jackson.

Ok first, how old are you? I got over being alone in a big house when I was like fourteen... and second, where exactly (street address, city/state) do you live, so I can come steal your poorly defended electronics?

Yog Sothoth:

Chemicks:
Recently my parents went on holiday, and took my younger brother with them. I've now been living by myself for two days. In this time I have discovered several disheartening things.

1.) I cannot cook. At time of writing, I have just finished trying to cook sausages. There is now a haze of smoke throughout my house. Last nights attempt at pasta did not go well either. Clearly I shall be forever dependent on others to provide sustenance for me.

2.) Eventually, I will be robbed. With my parents having left, I've moved all my gaming equipment into the room with the biggest tv. There is now a large tv, a PS3 with several games, including Guitar Hero World Tour, and my laptop in one room. Which is right next to the front door. Oh fuck.

3.) Even suburban houses can freak you out. Late at night it becomes very apparent that I'm the only one here. When there are other people in the house the feeling is 'peaceful'. With just me it's 'creepy'. I don't have a basement, but if I did I'd be staying the fuck out of it.

Clearly this is not going to end well. I imagine that when I go to make dinner tomorrow night, my eggs will explode and kill me. So, to entertain me in my last few hours, I ask you all to share your home alone stories.

Minus points to anyone who mentions the movies, or Michael Jackson.

Ok first, how old are you? I got over being alone in a big house when I was like fourteen... and second, where exactly (street address, city/state) do you live, so I can come steal your poorly defended electronics?

Did I just detect a poorly concealed A/S/L?

Rule number 1 in cooking. Do not cook on high. Cook on medium, medium low, or if you need a higher heat, medium high. And don't walk away while your food is cooking. That's a sure way to cook it. So, if you're gaming, pause the game, cook and tend the food, then return to game.

Invite michael jackson over for a movie? I'm sure he can cook and keep you company

Food advice:

1: Go buy a case of your favorite drink/convince an older friend to buy it if alcoholic.
2: Buy heaps of really easy food, seriously prepackaged noodles and a lot of those weird mini meals say "open, put in microwave for X minutes, serve". If really desperate cereal, toast and chips.

If they left you no money but lots of meals then just follow the instructions on the back of the packages. Cook one following instructions, and if under/over cooked add or subtract time. Dude, microwave food is scary easy, just try to stick to healthier stuff because that is usually much better tasting, seriously some of the basic stuff likes like vomit.

Sleeping:

I use the quilt method (a blanket protects you from anything short of a nuke), though just have your mobile close and all windows and doors locked and you've got nothing to worry about.If it gets really bad just move into a smaller/easily defended room.

Also just leave a tv or some other form of noise maker on, it really does help.

If all else fails, buy as many energy drinks as you can, grab the best weapon you can then hole up in a small room, barricade the door and spend a week without sleep playing all your games.

I'm continually amazed at how bad some people are at cooking. How do you mess up pasta? unless you left it in the boiling water for an hour, there's really not that much you can do to mess it up dude. Anyway, you should pick up that cooking game for the DS. Apparently Lisa Kudro likes it so it must be good, after all, she's clearly an expert on videogames.

Aries_Split:

Yog Sothoth:

Chemicks:
Recently my parents went on holiday, and took my younger brother with them. I've now been living by myself for two days. In this time I have discovered several disheartening things.

1.) I cannot cook. At time of writing, I have just finished trying to cook sausages. There is now a haze of smoke throughout my house. Last nights attempt at pasta did not go well either. Clearly I shall be forever dependent on others to provide sustenance for me.

2.) Eventually, I will be robbed. With my parents having left, I've moved all my gaming equipment into the room with the biggest tv. There is now a large tv, a PS3 with several games, including Guitar Hero World Tour, and my laptop in one room. Which is right next to the front door. Oh fuck.

3.) Even suburban houses can freak you out. Late at night it becomes very apparent that I'm the only one here. When there are other people in the house the feeling is 'peaceful'. With just me it's 'creepy'. I don't have a basement, but if I did I'd be staying the fuck out of it.

Clearly this is not going to end well. I imagine that when I go to make dinner tomorrow night, my eggs will explode and kill me. So, to entertain me in my last few hours, I ask you all to share your home alone stories.

Minus points to anyone who mentions the movies, or Michael Jackson.

Ok first, how old are you? I got over being alone in a big house when I was like fourteen... and second, where exactly (street address, city/state) do you live, so I can come steal your poorly defended electronics?

Did I just detect a poorly concealed A/S/L?

Haha, you could almost see it that way, now that I think about it! Damn, you discovered my nefarious plans! LOL...

But I didn't ask for the "S" part of the equation... but maybe that's because I don't care!

Thanks for that, it gave me a good laugh....

xitel:

tijuanatim:
1) Ramen: Learn it. Love it.

Cup o' noodles are even easier.

Aren't cups o noodles cups of ramen?

Indigo_Dingo:
Heres a simple recipe to try that my dad taught me for when I was home alone. Get a tin of boiled Chickpeas, an onion, 2 segments of garlic, some parmesan cheese and a grater, and a large jar of pasta sauce.

Cut up half an onion into pieces no bigger than the recharge slot on your controllers and crush the garlic with the flat of the knife that cut the onions. Pull the tab on the Chickpeas (don't open) and drain it until theres about two teaspoonfuls of the juice in there.

Combine all ingredients apart from the cheese in a pre-greased saucepan (use olive or canola oil, Butters all wrong), and cook it on a setting halfway between medium and high, stirring constantly with a wooden spoon. To test it, fish out a chickpea and taste it to see if its still stiff. Put desired amount on a plate, and grate a small amount of parmesan over it. Cover the remainder with a light amount of olive oil, cover it in glad wrap, and stick it in the fridge.

Depending on how you eat, should last you two meals.

dude, he/she couldn't handle cooking sausage... that's a recipe for a house fire in this person's hands!

Chemicks:

1) Bag of salad leaves, microwaveable pasta and sauce = tasty. If the oven doesnt hate you too much, you could do garlic bread as well.

2) Lock all doors, check and double check before you go to bed. The suggestions about lights are very wise as well. Also don't leave your curtains drawn during the day, may give the impression that no-one is home.

3) I remember when my parents took my younger siblings on holiday a few years back, and I reeeeally didn't want to go. I took to sleeping in the living room on the first floor because upstairs freaked me out too much. I started falling asleep with the TV on for some noise and company, something that I still have to do now (considering that was 8 years ago (22 now) it's a strange habit that annoys my husband something chronic.) So yeah, TV, Radio, favourite CD playing softly in the background can cancel out those creepy empty house settling noises.

Indigo_Dingo:
As for fearing for your defence, someone whos serious about this shit is going to be just as detered by you as they are by your parents, so you have fuck all to worry about. And if the monsters are really scaring you that much, take either the Wii Zapper or, if you don't have that, one of your guitar controllers with you and put it by your bed. Its awesomeness will protect you.

Oh, I don't think I'll be robbed, I just find the possibility too disturbing. To be honest the only real problem I have is food, and the general consensus here seems to be 'microwave things'. Which I guess solves my problem.

Now however, a new problem has arisen. I have a new keyboard and I don't know what one of the keys does. I'm afraid to press it in case Logitech have suddenly started installing self-destruct keys on their keyboards.