I Need More Room!
I have decided that, in the interest of preserving my sanity, I need a bigger office.
Increasing the square footage at Casa de Rhonda is not a viable option at the moment. In addition to the Lack O Funds in order to finance such an endeavor, there’s the whole issue of a seven-lane highway which will be making its way EXTREMELY close to our house in a few years and adding on, when we’re not sure what our plans are at the moment, wouldn’t be a good idea.
I’ve mentioned in the past that we have a nice outbuilding out in the back–brick like our house and already wired–which we’re planning on making into a gameroom for our kids. I can’t in good conscience take their game room. We already have two smaller vinyl buildings that my husband has stored all of his stuff–riding lawn mower, chair saw, pressure washer, nail guns and various other things which need a dry home. I’m considering buying another building–a nice one with a porch and a loft and windows, and having my brother wire and finish it out. This would be my space. My office. I could have more than one small bookshelf and all the boxes that are stored under my desk in the current closet, er office, could be properly put away. I’d buy hanging baskets and a rocking chair and call it “The Wordwam.” (Kids didn’t get it because, through some gaping hole in their education, they’ve never heard of a wigwam.) Anyway, that’s another post.
So. I’m explaining all of this to my daughter and she’s appalled.
“Momma, if you put another little building back here, we’re gonna have a whole other neighborhood goin’ on!”
It’s true.  Even I realize that four outbuildings is too many. (DH’s will have to go.)
My son, on the other hand, quickly jumps on board. “Hey, I want my own outbuilding, too! We can make little paths to each other’s houses.”  He smiled wickedly, imagining. “Wouldn’t that be cool?”
Interestingly, I agree with both of them. 
So what do you think?  Help me decide.  To outbuilding or not to outbuilding?  That is the question…. Â
September 24th, 2007 at 4:31 am
This is a hard one. I think you’re not going to want to actually leave your house to write. Sorry, babe. I know you need a bigger office.
September 24th, 2007 at 6:40 am
Jen, I already have to leave my house to write. The bookstore–which now has internet service, the thoughtless &%$#!–used to be my hideyhole.
September 24th, 2007 at 8:30 am
Build on sister, it sounds wonderful and your son had a great idea. I would imagine you could always move it when the 7 lane highway come through. Have a great Monday.
September 24th, 2007 at 8:53 am
More buildings = less grass to mow.
And if the loinfruit object to the number of outbuildings, just remind them you’ve done it simply to save their game room…
(I’ve seriously considered putting one of those little houses in my backyard. All mine!
September 24th, 2007 at 9:11 am
I thought I had an office to myself. And then hubby gets this bright idea to buy new computers. Suddenly, the new computer on my desk has widgets and background things I did NOT choose (uh, scrolling sports scores? Do I look like I need to know who beat who in the NFL?).
I feel like gremlins have come in (or maybe Robert Goulet) and messed with my stuff. I say get your own Wordwam (love that term!). And don’t let anyone mess with your stuff!!
September 24th, 2007 at 9:45 am
I have seen your office and think the building outside would be a great idea. Put a small bathroom with a shower in it and a fidge in it and if you ever sell your house it could be a guest house. DH can just get 1 big shead to store his stuff in instead of 2 small ones.
September 24th, 2007 at 10:26 am
I’ve been pondering moving my stuff to the 3rd floor playroom and claiming a section of it for my own. What bothers me is this. #1 the walls are angled down allowing for very short book cases. #2 I would have to move all my books upstairs. #3 That would be a lot of back-breaking work. #4 What if a tornado takes off the top of my house.
I’d lose everything! But on a lighter note, I’d be able to close the door and block out the world. Oh, except I would need a little mini-frig to store my drinks. And I could play my music without listening to the kids complain and…. 
You see my dilemma?
September 24th, 2007 at 12:50 pm
I know this is going to sound cruel, but I say if it will make you more productive, take the outbuilding you were going to turn into a playroom.
Productivity = more writing = more books published = more $$$!!!! Then you can get another building for the playroom and it will have paid for itself.
Just a thought…please don’t sic your kids on me.
September 24th, 2007 at 1:03 pm
Rhonda, go for it!! I love the idea of a wordwam and would gladly take one for myself as my 60 sq feet of space in the den just isnt cutting it. Writing while sharing the room with a 4 yr old?
I’m sure you’ve tried it and know how well that works. In short, it doesn’t. I’d move upstairs if it weren’t sweltering hot in the summer and bitter cold in the winter. You’re not the only one with a dilemma. When you figure it out, let me know, would you? 
September 24th, 2007 at 7:21 pm
Ginger, that’s the thing. I think moving it might be more trouble than it’s worth.
Kimberly, that is an excellent point. I will share that with dh who thinks I’ve lost my mind.
Lynne, I really think I need my Wordwam. I think it would be good for me.
Mis, I’m going to talk to Bubba about the plumbing. It’s got a concrete floor, so that might be an issue.
Kathy, my office is a closet. Really. I can turn my office chair in a circle, lean forward and touch every wall. It’s teeny!
Lizabeth, if we hadn’t promised that room to them for that past year, I would do that. (and still might yet.) I’m leaning heavily toward just getting one for myself.
Rachel, it’s virtually impossible for me to write when the family is here. Too many distractions, too much noise. I don’t even like for the TV to be on in the background. Good old silence works best for me. And I commend you for writing with a four-year-old in the house!
September 24th, 2007 at 11:02 pm
congrats on top pick from RT for feeling the Heat.
