Monday, May 23, 2011

Two Weeks....Really??

As a blogger, I find myself apologizing a lot.  I feel really bad when life gets in the way and I'm not able to post very often or keep up with my blog friends.  I have been in the midst of a 'mini' kitchen remodel that has turned into a monster that is finally getting close to being contained and as a result, I have had NO time for blogging.  I apologize for not visiting and not keeping up my end of the bargain.  The good news is that I am beginning to see the light at the end of the tunnel and hopefully can get back to normal soon.  I'll be around to visit everyone as soon as I can. 

The intent with remodeling my kitchen was to make the space more functional and update the 1980's decor.  Removing two closets and a small pantry provided more space for the eat in kitchen area and removing some upper cabinets opened up a tight galley kitchen and made the kitchen appear more spacious.  We hired a contractor and laid out the plan and the work began.....our contractor was slow but the work he was doing was quality and I was initially blinded by the thought that I was actually, finally getting an update to what had become my albatros.  It is key to keep in mind here, that I said initially things were going well and the work was quality..... Oh, how quickly things can change.  I won't get into the nasty details but I should have been much smarter than I was...this was not my first rodeo but I had grown complacent and was just so glad to get something done. 

My first clue should have been when we sat down and when asked how long the changes would take, the contractor said.....two weeks.  Ha!  Am I an idiot?  Bells and alarms should have gone off right then!  Do you remember the movie with Tom Hanks called The Money Pit?  Yes, that's right....everytime Tom's character asked how long the remodel would take he was told......2 weeks.  I did not sink through the floor or anything and I was only dealing with a kitchen, but after 6 weeks we were still not finished and after a weekend where we found and had to rework several pieces of extremely sub-standard work, our contractor was 'Gone with the Wind'.  We have spend the past couple of weeks finishing up and redoing quite a few things.  It has been an experience.   Through it all and now that we are almost finished, I am feeling some satisfaction with the end result and I'll share some pictures of the complete kitchen soon.  I'll leave you with an image of my coffee area, so you will know that we really are doing something around here.   Still waiting for glass inserts for the top doors, needing to touch up the wall paint where caulked and need to remove some of the accidental paint on the hinges...so just overlook those little flaws and go for the vision!!



 

Joining the following parties.  Thanks, as always, to these ladies for hosting.

Seasonal Sunday
Met Monday
Show Off Your Cottage Monday

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8 comments:

Marty@A Stroll Thru Life said...

Finding a really good contractor that is honest and does great work is totally a nightmare. Love the coffee area, it is fabulous. Hope it turns out the way you want. Hugs, Marty

Kathy @ Creative Home Expressions said...

I'm hoping you get through this quickly and with your mind intact, Anita! I know how easy it is to get comfortable when things seem to be going smoothly. It's unfortunate that we have to never let our guard down though. I love your coffee area and that creamer is really lovely.

Anonymous said...

Bless your heart! I emphasize with you! I know how exciting it is to finally get to the point of a redo. Sorry about the longness and not so up to par work. But your coffee area is beautiful1 I love it! I can't wait to see your finished kitchen! :)
Be a sweetie,
Shelia ;)

Theresa said...

Oh dear friend, please don't feel bad about not blogging and not visiting! Life just gets in the way sometimes and that is OK:) We all have things to do and places to be! I would love to replace my kitchen cabinets with much better ones but just can't seem to bring myself to do it!

Happy to see your sweet face, hopefully you will get all finished and be back with us soon! HUGS!

southerninspiration said...

I am so, so sorry for your headaches!! I feel your pain! I love what you've shown so far....coffee area is GREAT! And I love that you have your kcups in the jar! I have mine in a drawer, but that is so cute; I'll think about it!
Hope you get to the end soon. I had a headache with a contractor that was supposed to come do my yard....after two weeks of being put off and put off, he finally by text cancelled the job. Now I am back to square one!
Glad you are seeing progress and hope it's done soon!
Suzanne

CIELO said...

Beautiful.... everything look so elegant in your home... and thanks for participating in our Show Off Your Cottage Monday and bringing me here!

Cielo

Gail said...

Cereal bowls and coffee maker & mugs in nice way, what else do you need in your kitchen?

Sue said...

I'm so sorry you had issues...I hope he didn't get your money first! I think it is looking great...can't wait to see the finished project. I think we all get behind when life steps in. We shouldn't feel as if we have to apologize...this is supposed to be fun!