Big plans for small space
After last week's column, the suggestions of what to do with Daughter #1's room came pouring in. Unfortunately most of the suggestions came from her and the Younger One (who would prefer to be called Daughter #2).
For several years now, Daughter #2 has been asking for a pool table. Our excuse always has been that we don't have room. She now has a solution: she'll take over #1's space in the basement and we'll knock out a wall in the living room, enlarging it enough to house the pool table. I know she means well, but I can't see having a pool table in the living room. I'd rather gut the kitchen and put the pool table there.
Daughter #1 wishes we'd leave her room alone. She'd probably like it if we'd string a velvet rope across the doorway and have a placard stating "Jamie Slept Here" — sorta like you see in museums.
I don't handle chaos very well so the thought of any kind of housing renovations makes me shudder. Therefore, we probably won't be doing anything that requires hammers, saws, or crowbars. My suggestion is to avoid the discussion at all costs. After all, if I avoid it maybe I can talk myself into believing they really aren't old enough to be moving away.
— DONNA BERNHARDT
