Three hours later

Well, today has been interesting!This week, we are starting a kitchen renovation*. Nothing too big -- the layout and appliances stay the same. In fact, our kitchen before was fine. Not great, not a dream, but fine. We just hated the cabinets. We hated the soffit above the cabinets that wasted space in a kitchen that needed more storage, we hated the wood finish and we *really* hated that the cabinet doors stopped closing and the hinges began breaking left and right.Our backsplash? It was fine. We put it in about 9 years ago, but I always wished I had gone with a black grout instead. The countertops? They were ok. We also put those in 9 years ago because we hated the teal formica that was there, but soapstone wasn't an option with our dogs. The wall color? We did that because I read somewhere that green kitchens made you want to eat more healthy. Listen, I have no idea if that was true or not, but I never want to see that shade of green on the walls in my house again.So we decided it was time to replace the cabinets, ditch the soffits, and use all the space we could get out of this room and give it all a fresh coat of paint. But.Did you know that when you take out the cabinets, your countertop will crack and you'll need a new one? And when you tear out the countertop, the backsplash comes with it? So you'll need a new backsplash as well? And since we're doing all of that, did you know that we have never had a microwave?I'm not against microwaves, I just didn't want to lose the counter space. But how about one of those above the oven, eh? We can do that now since we're putting in new cabinets!And let the games begin! *I would like to note that whenever I say "we" in regards to home improvement on this blog, "we" came up with the design and chose what we wanted. Our forever wonderful contractor manages all the work. Remember, "we" almost got divorced one time after hanging a medicine cabinet. Now "we" write checks to have the work done.And for your internet shares of the day:+ I would like to win this prize and have a magical genie pay the taxes pretty please.+ Speaking of kitchens, look at these gorgeous pots and pans!+ I love these new planters at Target.+ Dessa, of Doomtree fame, wrote a travel piece for the NY Times, showing us all AGAIN how talented she is.