Snowmageddon

In Texas, we do things bigger and better.  Usually that is a good thing, but this winter as the snow fell, temperatures plummeted and the electric grid went down, it was an unprecedented tragedy.  I was blessed.  The power never went out in my home, the heat worked, water flowed, and even the satellite TV and the internet never went out.  The refrigerator and panty were well stocked so my fur babies and I were all set to hibernate for days. 

Some of my friends who live in a high rise condo were not so fortunate so the welcome mat went out at my house.  They had to schlep their suitcases and fur babies down ten flights of stairs and then ever so slowly and carefully navigate the empty but very slick streets out to my home.  Given the severe challenges so many people endured I feel somewhat guilty saying this but the days my house was filled with people and pets are some of my favorite days of this year. 

We had the benefit of knowing we were safe, together and comfortable so we cooked, baked, played games, watched movies, talked, prayed and laughed together.  Their dogs and my cats even managed to co-exist with minimal barking and hissing at one another.  Several times a day, I ventured outside to break up the ice in the bird bath and refill it with water and then put out more birdseed.  This activity led to a science experiment on hot water freezing faster than cold water. 

I recently heard that about half of the households in the US are occupied by individuals rather than couples or families.  Over the years, the houses filled with families have tended to get larger.  We have more individual space.  On the surface, that seems like it might have a positive impact on our relationships.  We aren’t physically or emotionally crowding one another so maybe we would be more compatible when we are together.  But the reality seems to be the opposite, we have the ability to be more selfish, we don’t have to share, or compromise as much.  To a certain extent we were trapped together and for the most part, it was great.  I had it the easiest – it was my home and I happen to love being a hostess.  Even so, I learned a few lessons, beyond the science experiment. 

Hopefully there are people you share your home and life with and over this past year you have found ways to strengthen those relationship bonds. As things open back up and your time together is reduced, keep those bonds strong; that is where true happiness comes from. 

Don’t get me wrong, I love my space but when the weather cleared and the power came back on in their building, I was tempted to block the door and at least try to prevent them from leaving.  Yes, they come to visit but visiting someone’s home and living in it even if only for a few days are quite different. 

I would never wish for another tragic event like what happened in Texas in February but I will hope and pray that my fur babies and I have someone else so share our lives and our home with. 

Blessings,

Vicki 

© Chateau Life Coach