My most recent project has been to give my outdated kitchen a more modern look.  This has involved deep cleaning, sanding, priming, and painting walls and cabinets. It’s taken more time than I thought it would, but the end is in sight! Not only that, but I’ve learned some things about myself. In true Raisley Rundown fashion, I decided to make a list!

• I am neither Chip nor Joanna Gaines Material.  I love the show Fixer Upper. I often think about what it would be like to be on that show and remodel homes for people and change their lives. This kitchen project has told me that I could never remodel an entire house without cussing…let alone remodel home after home for a living.

• My joy disappears after an hour of sanding and an hour and a half of painting. I start out happy and excited about the transformation that is coming. Sometimes I sing and whistle. That sure does wear off after a short time!

• I simply cannot be neat. After each painting session, I spend more time scrubbing paint off of my arms and my hands than I spend cleaning brushes and rollers. I just can’t seem to be a neat painter. There goes another possible career.
• I’m extremely proud of myself. I may not be the neatest or happiest person when it comes to priming, painting, and sanding, but I am already patting myself on the back for the awesome transformation that is taking place in the kitchen….even midway through the project. There is such a great feeling that comes from doing a project yourself, even when it takes a lot of time and effort. (Oh, should I say that I’ve already decided to NEVER remodel the kitchen again!)

• Chaos makes me uncomfortable. The absence of my cabinet doors, the painting supplies on my kitchen counter, the primed doors strategically placed throughout the garage, and the unfinished state of the project in general, tend to make me uneasy whenever I lay eyes on them. Based on these feelings, I should be a much better housekeeper. Now there’s something to think about.

• I love keeping my money in my pockets. As challenging as this project has been, I would still rather do it myself and save all the money I would have to spend on a contractor. The only thing I’ll be paying a business for will be the countertops, because at the end of the day, no matter how much I may whine or complain, I choose to keep my money and have the joy of a job well done.

I’ve got some stray paint marks to scrub off of my arms now. Be sure to post your favorite home remodeling project adventures in the comments!

Listfully yours,

Vicki