Finding Sleep with a Fan

    In most relationships, each of the partners has certain preferences that are oftentimes non-negotiable.   Usually these are in regard to big issues like where they prefer to live or how many children they want to have.  But sometimes they are in regard to much smaller issues.   

Jason has one of these non-negotiables.  He has a habit of sleeping with the fan on.  In fact, he cannot sleep without one.  When we first met, I tried many times to convince him that the fan wasn't necessary.  I would burrow deep down under the covers because I was freezing, but he insisted he just couldn't sleep without a fan blowing directly on him when he slept.

I used to think he was lying, but then I tried to test his story by shutting off the fan in the middle of the night.  It's like setting off a smoke detector; he wakes up immediately.

As you can imagine, this whole fan business poses a bit of a problem when we travel.  No matter where we stay, Jason either requests a fan, or packs it in his suitcase.  In the rare instance that he forgets to plan ahead to make sure he'll have a fan at our destination, there are many sleepless nights for Jason.

When we go camping, Jason packs a small fan with batteries for the tent.  Yes, we have a fan in our tent.  Otherwise, my husband wouldn't sleep. 

This little habit has also rubbed off on Imani.  She too has found the comfort of sleep in a fan.

You're probably wondering what all of this has to do with decorating.

Because the fan is a permanent fixture beside my bed and this:

IS UGLY.

One of my non-negotiables is I refuse to have a ceiling fan in my home.  For all you ceiling fan lovers out there, please take no offense.  To each his own, but I just think ceiling fans are unsightly. 

I was thrilled when I was reading one of Layla's old posts from The Lettered Cottage and she had this to say about ceiling fans,

"I mean, really, who wants a four foot by four foot appliance that's shaped like a gigantic spider hanging from the ceiling? It looks like a helicopter crashed into the roof of our house!  I am ripping down every one by the time I'm done here.   Mark my words, it won't be long before someone finds another, less bulky way to circulate the air in our rooms, and then we'll all look back and go, 'Gosh, remember when we all had those HUGE PROPELLERS hanging down in the middle of the room!?'"

I couldn't have said it any better.  And so, because of my unwillingness to have a ceiling fan and Jason's inability to sleep without a fan, the fan must remain next to my bed.

A few years ago I found this stylish fan at TJ Maxx but the problem is I've come to hate it. 

It's just not my style.  Not only is it a little too Victorian for my taste, but it towers over my bed on a nightstand and just looks too big for the space.

So I've been on a mission to find a new fan -- something with character that will enhance the space in my bedroom rather than detract from it.  I wanted something with a vintage look, so I found this fan

but not only is it a little too worn for me, but Jason and I both question its safety.  Afterall, the thing looks ancient and who knows how old the wiring is.

So the mission for the perfect fan continues. 

Oh and just to let you know, I was traveling for work a few months ago and was alone in my hotel room and couldn't sleep.  I couldn't figure out why. 

Then I realized, I missed the slight breeze and soft humming sound.