Almost three years ago we did our shopping spree for appliances, and lighting and plumbing fixtures for our current house. We were rushed and clueless and it was kindof miserable.

Tuesday we went to the showroom and picked plumbing fixtures for the new house (tubs, faucets, etc.). This time, unlike last time, we went quite a bit over our allowance - nearly all of it on the master tub. But, we're telling ourselves that this is the last house we'll ever live in (which is a depressing and soul-crushing thing to assume, IMO). But, if this is where we're at till they wheel us out in body bags, we might as well get what we want.

Also unlike last time, the builder's project manager had pre-selected a default slate of all the stuff we needed. Her choices were pretty good and were right in line with what we'd mentioned to the builder in previous conversations. I think we would've been perfectly satisfied with her picks. But when we got there and got to see all the stuff for real (instead of on-line), we noticed a few other things we liked better.

Next week we pick out windows. I didn't know there could be options. Windows are clear and rectangular. We're not installing stained glass, or iridium-coated things like Oakley sunglasses. At lwast I don't think we are.

Someday soon we'll get to pick out kitchen stuff (which I'm excited about), and lights (which Mrs is excited about), and cabinets, and counter tops, and paint, and ... on and on.

So, we're starting it all again. But it seems like it's going to go better this time. We know more about the process, we know more about the stuff, we have a better builder, and we're not rushed. The big problem is, of course, not spending too much - because there is sooooo much cool stuff out there.