buying a house, building a home

back after an epic three weeks away in the USA, it's been a somewhat disorienting week trying to get back into the swing of things. much to do and much to catch up on. plus delayed jet lag. if there's one thing i'm truly grateful for, it's how every day of work brings me something new and challenging.

the study trip has helped broaden my perspectives to see things with a new sense of clarity and purpose.  on a personal level, i know realize just how blessed we are to be where we are.

and now, reality.

i'm getting the keys in 2 weeks. this shit is getting real. and now, i've real work to get sorted out for ProjectGhetto. breathing new life into a old run-down two-bedroom apartment. from paperwork, payments and renovations, it's gonna be a busy 3 months ahead and a time i'm looking forward to.

the big question on my mind: what makes a house a home? it's something i'm unraveling day by day.

i've lived in many places and moved around a lot all my life without much attachment. and truth be told, i am tired. i just want a place that i can build memories around. perhaps what makes this journey really special is that i'll finally discover what makes a house a home... my own ghetto home.

since the day i signed the papers, it's been an interesting rollercoaster ride that brought out many new emotions, where you learn so much about yourself. there were several overwhelming moments where i freaked out and had bouts of panic - from irrational fears like "what if the house is haunted" to rational ones if i had enough money  to handle the upcoming payments.

during this time away, i've learnt much about the difference between a house and a home. previously, i never placed much emphasis on the real meaning of a home. to me, it's always been a shelter of necessity and convenience, where you sleep and eat and bathe in and get out.

but now, i've come to look at things very differently and the key word is happy. a home is place of refuge and a private sanctuary to retreat into after a long day out. a place of warmth, love and memories. i'm looking forward to creating spaces for solitude and company - to write and trade, to read and play, to cook and host friends over for dinner and drinks.

there's so much to figure out - what you like and what you don't, little things that bug you everyday and the little necessities that add up - running the gamut of personal preferences and bugbears.

at the end of the day, it's such an amazing experience to create something you can truly call yours. you buy a house, you make a home and you grow as a person in the process.

can't wait!