Elbow Grease

The new home needs a bit of TLC

but the return on my investment so far has been awesome

the hardwood floors are original and need sanding in spots -- there are bits of paint to be removed and stains to be lightened -- and then -- the refinishing

2 rooms down -- 2 to go (and the hallway) -- and I'll be ready to start moving in

it's funny
but I wonder if I would love this house as much if I didn't have to spend some time on my hands and knees making it my own

and it makes me speculate if that follows with other things

does it follow with relationships?

certainly -- I think while we like the idea of an effortless relationship -- someone that requires no investment at all -- who is just ever present?

isn't as appealing as a relationship that one has to maintain

I think in the past I have been too willing to allow all the effort to be on my side

taking it on as my role in the relationship

the sub serves

I like what i have now
the give and take of it

and I like that we both have to be present
and maintain it

sustain it
protect it

invest in it

it does make me value it more
and I think he would say the same.