Unique Features of My Home and Family: A Personal Story
My home is a blend of functionality and peculiarity, with one feature that really stands out: the dual kitchens. Our medium-sized three-story home boasts two kitchens, one in the lower level that opens up to a brick patio, adding a touch of comfort and convenience. This unique design is a highlight for anyone who appreciates versatility in their living spaces.
Unique Window Shades
A less glamorous, yet equally intriguing feature of my home is the window shades. Unlike typical shades, our shades behave in a rather interesting and sometimes unnerving manner. You can pull the shade slightly downwards and release it, or even throw something at the shade for it to roll back up. This oddity was discovered one day when my brother sent a manatee towards the window. The shade ominously rolled back up after a second of inactivity, leaving both my brother and me dumbfounded. To this day, the incident still haunts my memories, and when I'm asked to pull up the window shades, I instinctively look for a projectile, hoping my mother is watching, before reluctantly walking to the windows.
A Family Member's Close Call with Patents
One of the most interesting stories about my family revolves around my grandfather, who almost patented the color Indian Red. One day, my grandfather decided to paint his house this particular shade, but the real drama began when some of his neighbors requested him to paint their houses the same color. Soon, a council or someone special inquired about the patenting of the color. To everyone's surprise, my grandfather did not have it patented and refused when the opportunity arose. If he had patented the color, he could have potentially become richer than the Victorian State Government. This story not only highlights the commonality of colors but also reflects the potential impact of our everyday decisions.
Our Massive Book and Cassette Collection
Another unique feature of our home is the extensive library collection, both at my parents' place and at my place. The library is so large that we continually run out of space to keep books. In addition to our home library, my father maintains a library in his office, and I am in the process of building one in my office. Growing up, books and cassette tapes were not just artifacts but our primary sources of entertainment and education.
Over the years, as technology has evolved, we have donated the cassette tapes to those who still use them. However, the books remain a cherished part of our lives. The abundance of books reflects our family's love for reading and learning, and the countless stories they have shared with us.
Cultural Diversity and Inclusivity
One of the most unique and cherished aspects of our family is our diverse cultural background. Our family history is rich with inter-culture marriages, which have led to a fascinating array of languages being spoken within our home. When the whole family gathers, it's not uncommon to hear multiple languages being spoken. This cultural diversity also extends to music, with my family enjoying and often singing songs in numerous languages. For example, playing a Norwegian song a couple of times can quickly turn into a family singalong! This cultural openness has made us richer in terms of understanding and appreciation of different cultures.
Conclusion: Growing up in a home and family with such unique features and traditions has been a delightful and enriching experience. From the dual kitchens and quirky window shades to the vast library and the rich cultural heritage, each detail adds to the uniqueness and charm of our home and family.