And then, just to make me feel better about myself, I came across the following speech by the main character in the book Generation X by Douglas Coupland (I didn’t really quite “get” the book – but my mate Dave tells me I’m not supposed to ask what it means. I’m obviously not yet post-modern enough…):

“When someone tells you they’ve just bought a house, they might as well tell you they no longer have a personality. You can immediately assume so many things: that they’re locked into jobs they hate; that they’re broke; that they spend every night watching videos; that they’re fifteen pounds overweight; that they no longer listen to new ideas. It’s profoundly depressing. And the worst part of it is that people in their houses don’t even like where they’re living. What few happy moments they possess are those gleaned from dreams of upgrading.”

Well – how much of it is true of you…?

And now, I am having the kitchen re-done. Apparently in Wales this does not mean I can just get three large stones on which to place the large cooking pot. So Bob the Builder’s son, Gavin, is helping me out: re-do the floor, replace the units, knock that cupboard down…. What have I let myself in for….?

Ah well, better go and make myself some dinner. Now, where was that cereal bowl…