the man-room

For the first year or two of our marriage, we lived in a one-bedroom apartment. When we were looking for an apartment, one bedroom seemed like it was enough. We soon discovered, however, that it was not. I tend to wake up very early, and the first thing I do in the morning is turn on the computer. At the time, the computer and desk (we didn't have a laptop) were located in the bedroom. The wife, who has always been able to sleep much later than I, didn't appreciate the warm glow of the monitor and my clickety-clacking on the keyboard at 4am. While it's not difficult to understand why, we didn't really have any other options.

A two-bedroom apartment opened up down the hall from us, and we jumped at the chance to have something bigger. The second bedroom became my man-room. In it went the computer, my stereo equipment, CDs, guitar equipment, etc. Almost overnight, our relationship improved dramatically. We got along better, and the squabbles about my early-morning computer habits disappeared.

Knowing that a little extra space was key to our marital bliss, when it came time for us to purchase our first home, space was a top concern. The townhome we ended up buying has three bedrooms, and I believe that we get along even better now that we have a third bedroom, even though it doesn't get used very much. Becca's keyboard is in there, as is my mini-refrigerator. Other than that, it's mostly used as storage space and a guest room.

I still have a man-room, and I love it. It's a bit too small for all my junk, but I'm not going to get my dream man-room (cherry wood paneling, 50"+ flat-screen TV, hot tub, pool table, etc.) any time soon. That's OK--it's great to have a space in the house that I can call my own, even if it is a bit cramped. Becca has strict orders not to go in the room or move anything around. You see, it might be messy, but all my filth is arranged in a manner that makes sense to me. I'm one of those people who goes insane searching for things when he can't find them, so the last thing I need is someone messing with my piles of junk.

Without further ado, some pics of my man-room:













Yes, it's an absolute disaster, but it serves my purposes. A good stereo system, some of my guitar equipment, surround sound if I want to watch movies, computer stuff, etc. The walls are bare right now, but that will change soon if I can ever remember to put up the one piece of artwork I have for the room. At some point, I should take down that piece of black felt behind the TV and put in some shutters, but the window is an odd shape and I know it will be expensive, so the felt will have to do for now.

Even if you're not a man, I recommend getting your own man-room. Everyone should have at least one room in the house to call their own.