We have been living in the basement for about 3 weeks now, and certain truths are beginning to emerge.  First, with 4 people sharing 1 bathroom, planning is an indispensable part of the process, especially in the evening and in the morning.  It’s very manageable as long as showers are plotted out in conformance with the family’s schedule.

Second, having 2 televisions is a huge plus.  For whatever unfathomable reason, I am the only person in my family who likes watching football (I am considering a DNA test to see if there really is any shared DNA with my children) :).  So, with college bowl season upon us and the NFL playoffs about to begin, having another television so that Jim and the kids can watch something other than grown men giving each other concussions reduces family complaints.

Third, having “only” an electric range doesn’t impact my cooking (mainly consisting of boiling water, microwaving leftovers, etc.), but it does mean Jim has to learn to cook like normal people do.  Rather than having 6 double-ring gas burners, he has to live with 4 electric burners.  It’ll be interesting to see the learning process.

Fourth, we all have to be much more disciplined about our stuff.  With the limited amount of space we have to live in, putting things away becomes much more important.  I don’t know how well the kids will adapt to this, but it’ll be a good life lesson for them.

And, finally, here are a couple of photos of the house as it was and what it looks like now.  I am hopeful that by the end of the Chronicles of the Mole Family that our conclusion will be that it will all be worth it!