When is enough enough?

I know it's been a long time since I have written on here...so I've somewhat defeated my purpose of starting a blog (not to mention that my brother ordered me to write every other week). I have been busy though. Yes, I am the typical Southern California whose life is much too busy and I don't take the time to stop and smell the roses. I love roses, too. Actually, I love all flowers. But, I digress...

So, what has kept me so busy, you may ask? Many of you probably know. I am a new homeowner. I feel completely blessed because I went running around Rancho Santa Margarita Lake in early September with my roommate Katherine for the first time and fell in love with the area. I called my father immediately and told him to look there for a condo. He did, and within a week we had found my condo. Within another week, they had accepted the offer. By October 21st (my brother's birthday...so his gift this year was me moving closer!), I was officially a homeowner!

I wanted to paint and have furniture before I had to move in, so I spent much of October and early November scouring the stores to find the perfect furniture, the perfect paint, the perfect pillows, candles, wall decor, etc. November 15th was my first night in my perfect little condo. I actually spent the first few nights on my little camping mat on my floor since the furniture had not yet been moved over from the apartment - which I found was not so perfectly comfortable!

As the furniture eventually was moved over and I tried to find enough space for everything, I began to realize just how small my 950 square feet of piece of property really was. Thoughts began to creep in my head about how it would be nice if it was a little bigger. Or maybe I could have crown moulding. Or maybe scrape the ceilings. Or maybe a big flat screen TV. I wish I had a bigger closet. Why isn't there a hall closet? It would be nice if my garage was closer or had an opener. Wait! Stop! Listen to me! How petty is this? Isn't it amazing though how enough is NEVER enough. I always want more.

Now, I must say, that by just reminding myself to put it in perspective quickly changed my attitude because I do love my place and I thank God every day that He blessed me with it in these economic times. A year ago I certainly did NOT think I was ever going to be able to buy something by myself! I am quite content here and have NOTHING to complain about. None the less, it just reminds me how easily we can become unsatisfied with the amazing blessings we are given. I SHOULD be thankful just for the fact that every night when I lay down to sleep I have a roof over my head, a locked door to keep me safe, and a full stomach. That makes me so much wealthier than most people in this world. I SHOULD be grateful. And I am...I just sometimes forget to be.