My niece recently bought her first home, a nice little starter with new everything. Until speaking with her, I had forgotten all of the teething problems that can come with a new home, especially if it is your very first abode of your very own. Many things you do not expect, and often some you should have imagined.
But, what really struck me was how little she seemed to know about the fundamentals of a house. Specifically, I am talking about things like a toilet that runs long after being flushed, uninvited ants, inadvertently scratching surfaces, and unsightly electrical cords. She was quite bluntly put, clueless.
Of course, being a good uncle I talked her through the majority of her woes, while trying to conceal my disbelief. Then, as is often the case, once I hung up I got the stink eye from my wife. The wife who has known me for 30 years, and was present at the time I bought my first house. She gently reminded me of the frustration and exasperation I exhibited during the first few weeks. Now, in my defence, the home was already 40 years old, and had some glaring issues. But, the point was, do not judge those at the starting line, because none of us were born with home maintenance, home repair nor home improvement skills, each and everyone of us learns them in due time.
After being put in my place, she and I agreed to put together a survival kit for my niece, and to bring it over to her this weekend. I do not expect to be able to drop it off and escape the 101 questions that will be spurred by the survival pack. In fact, I now see it as my responsibility to pass the torch of knowledge on, and as such will not glance at my watch one single time.