"It's a Remarkable Thing"

As of this afternoon, I'm a homeowner for the first time at age 45.

Tonight I walked over and let myself in. I looked around, imagined.

It's a small place. I confirmed with a tape measure what I've been suspecting: I'll have to downsize a little, get smaller, narrower versions of some things. Rectangular dining table with leaves will be replaced by square table with leaves. Low, wide dresser by tall, skinny dresser. That sort of thing.

Not exactly sure where the books will go!

But if New Yorkers can do it, so can I. I recently read an article in the New York Times about a couple of Manhattanites (he's an architect) and their baby who live stylishly in less square footage than I have.

I was starting to get tense about all the things that need doing -- changing the locks, having the grout cleaned in the kitchen floor, weatherstripping, painting. (I wasn't going to paint the walls right away, as they technically were just done, but suddenly they look very . . . gloppy. I want them to look nice.) Then I reminded myself: This is my chance to really make it my own for the first time. I can make a gem of it if I put my mind to it. Remember, I can light a fire.

Tonight I cleaned the floors. The smell of Murphy's Oil Soap is still with me.

****

They came around the corner, and there was Eeyore's house, looking as comfy as anything.

"There you are," said Piglet.

"Inside as well as outside," said Pooh proudly.

Eeyore went inside . . . and came out again.

"It's a remarkable thing," he said. "It is my house, and I built it where I said I did, so the wind must have blown it here. And the wind blew it right over the wood, and blew it down here, and here it is as good as ever. In fact, better in places."

"Much better," said Pooh and Piglet together.

"It just shows what can be done by taking a little trouble," said Eeyore. "Do you see, Pooh? Do you see, Piglet? Brains first and then Hard Work. Look at it! That's the way to build a house," said Eeyore proudly.