The Good Old Days

I hate money. I hate things. I hate paying money for things.

I want a job, a car, and a home.

Wouldn't it be great if we were back in the old days?

*Cue dramatic Pride & Prejudice soundtrack*

We get hitched in some country church--my now husband escorts me out and into our mode of transportation (we'll say a car, because horses and carriages are nice, but they smell and you can't take them on the highway). He makes me cover my eyes so as not to spoil the surprise, and then after a excited car ride... "We're here," he says. I've got one hand over my eyes and the other is reaching for my guide. He walks me to the front yard and says "Open your eyes." There stands a small white house surrounded by large oak trees. I think they have to be at least 200 years-old to be so grand.

"I found this great piece of the hillside that no one has claimed, and I built this home just for the two of us." I gush with pride as I look into the eyes of the man that is my husband. The entrance is quaint. A small wood stove sits in the corner, surrounded by a rocking chair for me, and a large reclining chair for the mister. The kitchen has all of the amenities of daily living: a sink, surrounded by stone counters, with a window looking out to the back of the house, and up the hill; a stove over the fire, with logs split for kindling; an open brick oven that should hold at least four pies at a time.

We will be comfortable here. We have everything we need to live a good life. No mortgage payments, no utility bills.

OKAY. Let's be honest. It's 2009, nearly 2010.

In reality, whether I rent or own, I will have to pay for a place to live. I will have to pay to keep the water on and the electricity flowing. I will most likely want the nicest place I can afford based on an approved mortgage amount. Everyone wants granite countertops and stainless steel appliances... OH, and heaven forbid there is not a dishwasher in the kitchen. What ever happened to dish soap and a sponge?

I like the old days where you didn't have to buy a piece of land or a house. You went out and found a good piece of land, built your own damn house on it, and made a living by providing yourself with food and shelter, and you didn't expect anyone to finance it for you.