Today I am sitting in my gorgeous kitchen and I can confidently say, “I have survived a complete kitchen remodel”.  Yes, I have gone to the “other side”.  The side of the client.  Not easy to do.  Nor to do it well. My home was uprooted.  We, my husband, two children and I, embarked on a complete kitchen remodel.  Along with the kitchen, we decided to have our hardwood floors updated and refinished as well.  This took us out of our living areas.  How did we do?  It was been a bit rough.  My husband kept his eye on the ball, ever so intrigued by “What will they, the contractors, be doing next?”  Our kiddos were real troopers despite nearly four weeks of consistent rainfall which left them with nearly no place to play indoors or out!  Me, well, I think I had the most melt-downs.  Trying to keep my families routine to the best of ability. 

My days consisted of jumping out of bed at 5:30 a.m. so that I was ready and available to get the kiddos off to school by 8:00 a.m.-just in time for the workers to arrive.   Trying to stay calm amidst all of the noise, dust and mess sometimes made me feel downright dizzy!  I think after the 2nd melt-done, I had to choose to either let it go or let it drive me nuts! 

Every day I fought to start over and make the most of my day.  I wasn’t going to let it get me down!  Somedays I would ask myself, “Is this my new normal?” Washing dishes in my bathroom sink, cooking on a slow-single electric burner, wearing flip flops through the house so as to not step on an exposed nail or to get a splinter?  I think what really sent me over the edge is when I came to the realization that I was cleaning my bathroom after the some of the workers used it?-Yikes!  Where is my house cleaner?

I love the process of transforming a space, the workers were top-notch and so professional.  Some of them even let our son shadow them.  What an amazing opportunity that was for him.  Why was I so wound up?  I think it came down to not getting enough of uninterrupted down time.  I office in my home so the idea of sharing it on a daily basis, not having my “own space” was the real challenge for me.  You’re probably thinking that I am spoiled to have the notion to complain while having the luxury of a kitchen remodel.  I agree with you. You are right.  It’s just that as a creative person, I need my quiet time, my soul space, and it was so challenging to find it.  I thought that I was more flexible and I can’t help but feel a lil’ bit disappointed in myself.   Keeping my eye on the prize was a lil’ bit more challenging than I thought it would be.  Now that I sit here writing, I barely remember the challenges that I was faced with.  I am so grateful for my incredibly supportive husband, adaptable children and our beautiful space.  Coming together at the end of the day to share a healthy meal, conversation and laughter is so worth it.

 Goodbye take out deli.  Hello fresh food.  Bon apetit!

Peace, Rosanne