finished...

There is such a sense of accomplishment after completing a project... usually the bigger the project the bigger the accomplishment. It was a big deal for me to buy a house two years ago. Most people thought I was crazy. I wasn't married or necessarily working my dream job, but I had been saving... I was tired of paying rent and the media kept telling me the "market is good." I felt like a real adult after signing those papers and calling a house my own.

That first summer I ripped wallpaper and painted my bedroom and two bathrooms while beginning to tackle the sun room that started as dark wood plywood... everywhere. Last summer I tackled my front room and converted it from an original "game room/hall of fame" to den/office of some sort with my own sense of style (or lack thereof).

It was a debate this summer to go big with the kitchen or keep it small with a shower replacement in the hall bathroom. Since when did I not go big?? The kitchen it is... I had no experience with a kitchen renovation and really don't spend enough time in a kitchen to know what I wanted... I just knew I wanted anything other than what I had.

On July 20 my old kitchen was stripped and by August 25 I was back in business. Thirty-seven days later after too much money, tears and hours away from work... I have a kitchen I love. I still have some plans for new lighting, but I can't afford to miss anymore work and need to let the bank account recover. Thank you to everyone who helped me make sure things matched (Kelsie, Mindy, Robin) thank you to everyone who put up with the lack of a kitchen (Stacy, Francie, Lindsey, Ryan) and thank you to everyone who let me vent (I know I would forget someone but I truly do appreciate all of your ears and patience).

before...

after...