Not Just for Kids
Where Do You Live in 2003?
by Ariel Brumbaugh
I live in a new room. It took almost as long as a baby to develop. Nine months ago, my family started major construction on our house. Every night during those months, I would design my new room in my head. I’d create themes and styles and then clear my mind and start all over again.
During all those months, my house — and my room — were rebuilt before my eyes.
April 2002
I watch in amazement as the construction workers dig a hole the size of the Empire State Building in my back yard. My sister moves in with me. Will my room, too, be demolished?
May
I come home from school to find my room no longer a room but a cubby of debris facing the back yard. In a dozen years of sleeping in the same room, memories have collected like dust; now they’re painfully stirred up. My bed, which is really just a mattress, is now in the living room, right behind the sofa.
June
A new room is semi-complete, with walls, a floor and real windows. We change the plans to include a loft overlooking the “quiet room,” as my mom calls it.
July
It is about 90 degrees outside, and we are the only house without air conditioning. There is a hole the size of a basketball in the living room, and last night I woke up with a start when my cat squeezed through the hole, knocking boards over as she came.
August
I once again have a room with walls, a ceiling and floor — but that’s about it. I can plan what color it’s going to be. My sister’s room is farther along, with insulation and wall board.
September
My sister has painted her room bubble-gum pink and grape purple. Then she splatter-painted the walls. There is no carpet, but I took a very expensive trip to Ikea and picked up two rugs and some lamps, which makes her room a little more comfortable. We both moved our beds into her room, just in time for school to start.
October
I’m still not moved in, but I painted my walls. The ceiling is a light blue, two walls are a darker turquoise and the third is a cool sea blue. My rug matches perfectly. Next step is the carpet, which is a very hard part. We have decided on Berber, but there are a million colors and shades. I picked out a cream that is comfortable and subtle.
November
I moved my bed in and began unpacking most of my stuff. Now photo albums, trinkets and memorabilia are spread out over my floor. I painted one of my walls to look like seaweed, all in different shades of blue-green. It has a comfortable, almost familiar, aura.
December
My room is finally complete! My parents bought me a double bed for Christmas, as well as furniture to match the décor.
But there is still more to do on the Quiet Room and the loft. I guess the construction will never really be compete, but it’s nice to come home to a room, my room.
My old room …
was small and pink. I painted it when I was about four years old. There was a teal-and-white border with hearts and flowers, ugly yellow curtains with little blue flowers, stained and spotted blue carpet and a little pink heart-shaped rug. Shelves were filled with countless items I had collected over the years.
But my old room was cold in the winter and hot in the summer, and my closet was small and unorganized.
This Week’s Kids’ Stuff
January 24
In and Out in Winter
Kids of all ages take a hike and make a nature craft before relaxing by the fire, sipping on hot chocolate and listening to a tale. 10am-noon @ Jug Bay Wetlands Sanctuary, Wrighton Rd., Lothian. $1.50; rsvp: 410/741-9330 • www.jugbay.org.
January 25
Bug Out
Kids 6-10 (w/adult) make bee bread, bug juice and dirt cake at this workshop that shows bugs can be fun. 10am @ Homestead
Gardens, Davidsonville. $10 (includes materials); rsvp: 410/798-5000 • www.homesteadgardens.com.
January 26
Nature’s Treats
Families learn about snowflakes, share some winter stories and enjoy some warm treats. 1pm @ Battle Creek Cypress Swamp, off Sixes Rd., Prince Frederick. $3 w/discounts; rsvp: 410/535-5327.
Wildlife for Sale
Kids 8-12 learn hands on what to do to protect endangered species. 2-3pm on @ Patuxent Research Refuge Visitor Center, Powder Mill Rd. off Baltimore-Washington Pkwy and Rt. 197. rsvp:
301/497-5887.
January 28
A Perfect Day for It
Kids of all ages make a popcorn tree with some friends and enjoy a snowy day with A Perfect Day For It. 10am @ Barnes and Noble, Harbour Center, Solomon’s Island Rd. Annapolis: 410/573-1115.
Can You Draw the Thrill of the Orchestra?
Deadline Feb. 1–Aspiring artists ages 6-12 pick up crayons, colored pencils, paints or other media and create a work of art — if you Can Draw the Thrill of the Orchestra. Winners will receive special prizes, have their artwork displayed at Maryland Hall and hear the spring family concert w/family as symphony guests. Mail or drop off pictures at Annapolis Symphony Orchestra, Attn.: Art Contest, 801 Chase St., Annapolis, MD 21401. Questions? Lauren Kirby: 410/573-1115.
