There is only one thing about the new house that disappoints me, and unfortunately it is a fairly significant thing.
There is no pool.
Now, before anyone thinks I’m unhappy with the property, let me be clear. I absolutely love the place. It has the space I wanted, the privacy I wanted, enough land for the dogs, room for the boys, guest rooms, and more possibilities than our current home ever offered. Every time I visit the property, I find myself imagining projects, gatherings, and all the ways we’re going to enjoy it. Still, despite all of that, I can’t help noticing that there is no pool every single time I visit.
Naturally, I brought this problem to hubby’s attention.
Apparently he had already considered the matter and had prepared what he thought was a perfectly reasonable answer. According to him, there was simply no way to fit a pool into the budget. He explained construction costs, installation expenses, permits, landscaping, and a variety of other things that honestly sounded like details rather than obstacles. I listened patiently, nodded where appropriate, and then agreed with him.
At least partially.
I agreed that there wasn’t enough time to get one installed this year. Between closing on the property, renovations, moving, and all the other work that needs to happen, adding a pool project would probably be unrealistic.
What I did not agree to was the idea of not having a pool.
So I informed him that he should make sure it was in next year’s budget because I fully intend to be floating in my own pool by next summer.
At that point he made the mistake of attempting to continue the discussion. He started talking about retirement planning and investment accounts and how every new project seems to somehow cost more than originally estimated. I simply looked at him. Not angrily. Not even sternly. Just looked at him.
The conversation ended shortly thereafter.
As he walked away, I heard him muttering something about delaying retirement, getting a second job, or possibly kidnapping his boss and demanding a Christmas bonus. Frankly, I wasn’t paying close attention. The specifics of how the pool fund appears are not really my concern. That’s a husband problem.
What matters is that next summer I would very much like to spend warm afternoons floating in a pool while my boys work around the property. I can already picture it. The dogs running across the yard, projects getting completed, drinks being brought to me on demand, and four obedient boys sweating through outdoor chores while I enjoy the sunshine.
Really, when you think about it, a pool isn’t an extravagance at all. It’s an investment in my happiness.
And I’ve always found that keeping me happy is money well spent.
Had a pool for 6-or-so years. Loved it! It was beautiful. And fun. Also, NOT inexpensive (pool service people aren’t always the best…).
When we moved, I missed it but now, honestly, I don’t because (1) we looked into installing one and the geology (solid rock atop a river bluff made it astronomically expensive, (2) it would have displaced what’s proved to be great space for “play,” (3) krissi and I have the river (even though it’s very cold – makes him a shadow of his normal self), (4) Mollie has plenty of friends with pools … hopefully she’ll continue to occasionally invite me, and (5) I’m so darned busy that I’d not use it often.
But I certainly understand your position.