An Ode to Blackjack

Or 50 Things I Learned from My First Home

I signed over my very first house today after 11 months. I moved in last summer after landing my dream job, and she has been my comfort through the first year of navigating a career in academia. I’m going to miss her, and all of the wonderful memories she brought me including holiday meals, sleepovers, and nights in with the love of my life. So in honor of her, here are 50 things I learned in my first house (in no particular order):

1. You can pay $30 for a bottle of wine… Stella Rosa will always be better.

2. Always have good cheese on hand.

3. Nothing is more important than a working oven.

4. A rug will fix a multitude of sins.

5. Enjoy every corner of your home…it’s yours!

6. Never (and I mean NEVER) paint on top of tile. I came behind a Covid-Era DIYer and I will never forgive them of that sin.

7. Customize everything if you want to! I found out even light plates can be changed…so much fun.

8. If you are going to paint…go slowly.

9. Don’t cover up unique parts of the home for the “modern look”...that will be out of style in 2 years and then you will be left with something akin to a surgical suite.

10. You do not need to buy to match your space, it is okay to have empty cabinets.

11. Invite people over always! Even when the answer is no, don’t stop trying.

12. Plants make a world of difference as to the beauty of a home.

13. Gardening isn’t as stressful as influencers make it seem…nature wants to live, so let it.

14. ALWAYS cover your compost additions.

15. Bug spray in Texas is not a suggestion.

16. Sometimes it's okay to just lay on the floor for a while.

17. You do not need to pay $2000 for a framed TV…get a large picture from the thrift store and badabing badaboom.

18. Cook at home.

19. Even better, cook with the people you love.

20. No home is perfect, you are not an ad.

21. Books are always the best decor.

22. A pour-over is easy to clean, but a french press makes stronger coffee.

23. Keep compost jars handy while cooking so your plants can eat too.

24. Living in a new home doesn’t make you a new person or usher in a new era, you still have to work for your goals.

25. Don’t underestimate the importance of living near your people.

26. Make friends with your neighbors!

27. But also if one of them is called “Crazy Eddie” consider not doing so…he might get arrested in your yard.

28. Frequent the local coffee shop!

29. Become a regular somewhere…I hung out at a nursery in town, and now I get to have my bookstore pop-up there for events!

30. Take pictures of everything in town…if you live in a small one like I did, I guarantee there is always something to document.

31. Roosters don't know time for shit.

32. Don’t live on a highway.

33. Organize your fridge. I’m not saying go full “The Home Edit” on it, but you will waste a lot of money by not knowing what’s in there.

34. Take off your shoes inside…I didn’t do this, but I will be at the next place.

35. Being in love (as well as cheesy and romantic) actually doesn’t suck with the right person.

36. There is nothing more rewarding than a physical product…print out everything.

37. Write down the recipes you try as you go, or you will be playing catch-up in the future (like me).

38. If you’re going to make a book page wall, prepare yourself for weeks of work.

39. What your home looks like is less important than who is in it.

40. Preparing Thanksgiving might be the most fun thing I’ve ever done, and inspired the best nap of my life.

41. You don’t need a big Christmas tree…if I have to have more than 20 ornaments or stand on a step ladder, I’m out.

42. Invest in decor that is 100% reusable, and then reuse it.

43. Mason jars are a must-have even if you don't plan on canning. They’re good for drinks, left overs, storage, you name it.

44. Local honey actually works for allergies.

45. Take your cards inside to mail…the post office people are so nice and you can see all the fun stamps.

46. Nothing is better looking than original wood that is well taken care of…don’t paint over it.

47. If you have a recurring subscription, check on it. I received a free box of Chomps every month from a previous owner too clueless to stop spending $30 unnoticed. But on the bright side my dad and bf’s stepdad loved them.

48. Facebook marketplace is the best place to get furniture hands down…but it will take a lot of tries to get responses.

49. Fix problems early so they don’t grow.

50. Don’t copy and paste Pinterest into your home. Make it uniquely yours full of items that mean something to you, not that just fit an aesthetic.

I am so grateful for my time in this first home, and look forward to moving into my new house on Friday, July 25th!