Archive for March, 2010

Dalaine and I, are after much thought and deliberation, are building our first ever house. Nothing spectacular about that as thousands of people all over the world build houses or in most cases have houses built for them.

We are both nearing 60 years of age , which again is something that is not unique as many people are not in a financial position to build a new house until later on in life.

We are building on a reasonably steep section, that whilst it does not have too many building issues there were a number of considerations that had to be taken into consideration, the most important is to ensure that no water gets under the house and effect the foundation.

This is why retaining walls have to built to an engineering standard , the massive posts being drilled a certain depth on a precise angle. Even the concrete pour and reinforcing has to be to stringent specifications.

Two years ago we started planning to return to South America for an extended period….6 months in fact and on May 14th we leave for the first stage of this very extensive time away. There are some 40 flights in Europe and North &  South America and we must leave on that Day there is no way we can change our departure.

It is a really pressurized  time as we need the house to be finished to a point where at least we can move our belongings into a secure area  prior to us leaving in 8 weeks time.

Don’t get me wrong…these builders are very good ….they are true professionals . But they will not be hurried. When I ask will they have the cladding on, the roof on, and the doors and windows in by the time we leave , they give a wiry smile and say getting  the foundations right is really important.

And that, good friends is what we should take into our lives as being really important. Getting our foundations right. And taking time to get them right. Not rushing. Not compromising. Not being influenced by those who don’t have the same value systems.

So many people will without too much prompting , tell you of their Goals and Aspirations.

But very few will tell you of their values and what they are or are not prepared to compromise to reach their goals.

So many young people are morally bankrupt because they lack role models to lead , direct and guide them especially during their formative years of their lives.

Many from broken homes crave for a father figure that will sit down and encourage , talk and show an interest in what they  want to aspire in their lives. These young people show an incredible resilience to facing difficulties in their lives but need strong people not to panda to their wants and wishes, but mentors that will show them what the boundaries are and the consequences if they go beyond these boundaries.

They also want role models that walk the walk and talk the talk , who will stand up in the creditability test where they don’t say one thing and do something else.

Our house teaches us much about the need for strong foundations. Once put in they should outlast the life of the house ( and us) . They give peace of mind.Every time it rains, it won’t be a case of will the house slide down the hill.

Take time to help build strong foundations in someone close to you.  Try to do it today. You and them will be so much better off .

I will write again soon

Lindsay Walker

20th March 2010.