priorities

We have family coming over tomorrow, with three children under 10, one of whom is a two-year-old. The kids are staying with us for the afternoon while their parents go to a function. No problem, except that our house is no longer two-year-old proof. Eek!

So we have spent part of the past week, and most of today, clearing up a lot of things that our kids know not to touch, but which I'm not happy leaving around children who aren't used to them.

We've also moved a lot of things out to the garage (which is bursting at the seams!).

And I found myself getting into a strange state of mind - getting defensive about our worn furniture, the carpet that needs a thorough cleaning, the day-to-day clutter, and so on. You can currently see far more floor space than has been visible for a long time, but our home is very ... ummmm ... 'lived in'.

Of course, I'm comparing it to the house belonging to tomorrow's visitors. They've just put it up for auction, and they're looking for $1 million+. The real estate online listing shows an immaculate house - lots of light and space, pristine surfaces and manicured gardens. And I was starting to feel very inferior.

But then a friend said "You're not like her, are you?". And she's absolutely right. The million dollar house, full of hard surfaces and echoing spaces that result in a lot of harsh noise do nothing for me. I wouldn't have a house like that, even if I could afford it. I do like the tidiness, but not enough to spend all day picking up after husband and children. I like the space, but not enough to spend many hours each week cleaning it. I like nice furniture, but I like the idea of travelling much more.

So it's all a matter of priorities, and housework isn't one of mine. I'm good with that :)