I am having building work done around my property. It’s something Paul and I had discussed for ages, but never quite got round to sorting out. Essentially, the area around and behind the front door had been falling apart for some years, and it was about time to engage professional help.

I grew up around building and decorating works. My parents were of the generation that was encouraged to “Do It Yourself”, a prescription they took very much to heart. The house where I grew up, for example, was entirely rewired (Dad was a qualified electrician), had central heating installed, every room redecorated or rebuilt, the living room extended to give a larger dining room, and the loft space converted to make a new bedroom. All of this was done, essentially, by my Mum and Dad, calling in professionals only when required. The DIY habit continued into every house they ever owned, right up to the present day. It was like a hobby, and the family joke was they would move to a new house once the current property had been completely remodelled at least once!

You would think, then, I might have absorbed some of the attitudes and methods of my parents when it comes to having work done.

Sadly, this is not the case. I freely admit, while I know more or less what I want done, getting a tradesperson to actually do it properly falls somewhat short. Always wanting an easy life, I find I can’t actually express my displeasure if things are going awry.

I am just not really cut out to do adulting. I’m just no good at telling other grown-ups to do what I want. I just don’t enjoy having to do the grown-up stuff.

The front door and porch project is not quite what I had envisaged. I hope it will be alright once finished, but I can’t quite put my finger on where the instructions I made turned into what I’m actually getting.

Oh well. It is what it is, and I will just make the best of it. It’ll be fine. Anything for an easy life.