The more I listened, the more angry I've become.
I was minding my own business, working in the kitchen this afternoon, and my hubby was watching a program on HGTV called "My First Place." We've watched similar episodes and so many of these folks tick me off.
What irritates me is so many of these "kids" think their first home is supposed to be totally up to date with high end finishes, a basement to entertain in, a yard to show off and entertain in, a kitchen that a gourmet would be proud of, a master bedroom big enough for a ball room and a master bath that is not unlike a spa.
They grouse about so much being wrong or out of date or too small. When I write with something being wrong, I don't mean it is broken, but it doesn't look like the way they expect.
And these two guys weren't sure what they could really afford. One worked two part-time jobs and the other had a full time job.
This isn't the only show that is like this. House Hunters often has guests very similar. Granted, if I were giving big money for a house, I would expect certain things, but unless you get to build your house, I would think there is no "perfect" house.
I guess I'm tired of these folks wanting everything perfect right away. We've lived in this house for 12 years. We've updated and fixed things as we could afford it. Some of the stuff has been changed to match our personal tastes. I would love, love, love a walk in pantry because I have pots, pans, and assorted kitchen gadgets stored every which way to fit. But, I'm not giving up a room or building on to get this wish list item. I just drool when I see Ina Garten's organized pantry. I still have the room for my stuff, it just isn't as organized as I wish.
When we bought this house, we bought a house we could afford -- the bank told us we could borrow far more than we did. We did not buy the biggest or fanciest house in the neighborhood. In fact, it is a little smaller than the first house we bought and it wasn't huge. It is the smallest house on our court.
It's been fun planning and anticipating changes. Six years ago we replaced the kitchen cabinets. I still am thrilled with these cabinets. We kept the same layout, but these cabinets actually stay together when you open the drawers. I have a lazy Susan in the corner cabinet so stuff doesn't get lost in the dark abyss. We kept the counter top because we couldn't afford a new one. Three years ago we changed the counterop to a fancier laminate than we had. I like it, it cleans easily, and it doesn't over improve the house.
Two years ago we replaced the plywood bookcases in the family room with oak ones and had the fireplace mantel replaced -- the fireplace was rough brick and it had a big board that reminded me of one of the railboard boards under a track. Each day when we sit in the family room, I marvel at how nice this room looks. Would I do that if I moved into the perfect house 12 years ago? Probably not. I'd probably take it for granted.
So, I have released a little steam about these folks wanting everything immediately. Perhaps it's the way they have been raised -- they feel entitled to the very best. Or, perhaps it's at the urging of the television producers -- I imagine a lot goes on that we don't know.
For me, I know anticipation is part of the fun of fixing up my unperfect home.
Anticipation
July 25th, 2010 at 07:05 pm
July 25th, 2010 at 07:48 pm 1280087303
It's amazing where these attitudes come from. I think a lot of it could be cultural. Picture a young uneducated mother. Maybe 20, with 2-3 kids. She DESERVES a nice lifestyle, so she rents a McMansion. I know this person. IT was the most ridiculous thing I ever saw. She could have rented something ample for her family for a small fraction. Of course, her friend in the same boat, bought a McMansion (which foreclosed recently). The thing that boggles my mind is talking to them, they came from poor backgrounds. I could never wrap my brain around what was going on in their heads. They felt some entitlement somehow/somewhere, but I am not sure from where.
Anyway, needless to say, this was SERIOUS culture shock for me. All the 20-somethings I knew worked their butts of, had high wages, and lived in studio apartments. Heck, this would be most 30-somethings I know, back home. Housing is to expensive to strive for much else. Make six figures? Enjoy that studio apartment (think, Manhattan). I am just used to people being more grounded in reality.
So I move 100 miles away, and this is the mindset of my generation? Yikes!?!
Needless to say, by the year 2010, these people have learned some harsh financial lessons.
July 25th, 2010 at 08:38 pm 1280090291
July 25th, 2010 at 10:39 pm 1280097576
I agree with you, I don't get it either....
July 26th, 2010 at 06:06 pm 1280167619
Give me a break, I think a lot of this attitude is taught in the schools now. Kids get passed just for trying or showing up. Some schools think you can give kids self-esteem just by telling them they did good work even when they didn't. Lots of kids don't earn things anymore they are just handed them. So they don't get to truly experience the satisfaction of working hard for something and then succeding at it. There's nothing better than that feeling of accomplishment.
July 26th, 2010 at 11:40 pm 1280187623
If you can mentally hear the whirr of the fishing reel go off (trying to hook you into buying crap) as you watch these shows it puts you in a different frame of mind.
July 27th, 2010 at 02:32 pm 1280241174
Ima, you can afford what you have...don't take offense. I was talking about these folks who are just starting out. You didn't get your dream house at 23, did you?
I was yelling at the t.v. last night...House Hunters. I'm thinking I need to change my television viewing habits!
July 27th, 2010 at 03:24 pm 1280244259
We also bought a house we could afford. It is small, far from perfect and sometimes makes me think fondly of renting an apartment. That said, every time we finish a project, I remember why I loved the house when we first saw it, and I like thinking about the memories we'll have as the kids get older and we all grow (and work and work and work) in the house together.