Our best friends Colin and Emily have lived beside us for years, either in the same house (before we were married) or just across the street, and people marvel that we survived the roommate thing and all still remained friends, but we did, somehow. For the past year we have lived across the street in the same complex and we are always seen carrying different combinations of furniture, food, cats, guitars, alcohol, workout equipment and electronics back and forth as we hang out at each other’s houses. It has been great having them so close.

Sadly, the legacy must die, as Colin begins his Master’s of Athletic Therapy at the famous University of Oregon. As they prepare for the move to the states we offered to let them to stay with us for a bit so they can be free to look for a place in Eugene without being hampered by needing to finish a lease here. To pay us back for the room, Emmy has been cleaning non-stop since she got here. It has been magnificent. I haven’t lifted a finger since she got here, and the house is spotless. She even organized my spices, streamlined by stovetop collection of seasonings and cleaned the backyard.

My only problem? Since she is so good at putting things away and finding a good space to put everything, can’t find anything in my house now if she’s not around to ask. What am I going to do once they leave?