Houses & Homes

When you own a house, you have a relationship with it.  I've noticed that the relationship goes through stages, just like relationships with people do.  In the beginning, everyone's favorite, is infatuation.  The house is so beautiful, so perfect, so just what you wanted, that it literally can do no wrong.  Oh, there may be a few minor things, changes to make, but those changes will actually be a joy to perform, a labor of love and devotion.  You can't wait to get started and mentally plan trip to Home Depot.  Then somewhere during the actually move in and getting settled, you get worn out and tired.  All those dreams will have to wait while you catch your breath.  Next thing you know, years have gone by and dang it, those things on that fix-it list are starting to really piss you off.  That paint color has gone from a bit off to appalling.  How dare that screen door still bang when closing, just missing your heels?  Age does not improve the kitchen cabinets.  The pile up of grievances is growing so long that it is starting to look like it would be easier to just move again than deal with everything.  You notice other houses for sale in your neighborhood, each with their own special allure.  You come home from walks with listing papers stuffed into your pocket.  But in the end, you come to realize all the reasons you fell in love with the house in the first place are still there and that it's a waste of time looking elsewhere for the happiness.  It's in your own backyard already.

I'll miss you!