For the past year and a half, one of my biggest goals was to remodel my kitchen to make my house more livable. Over the course of 18 months, that plan changed three times.

First I wanted to take down the cabinets that separated the living room from the kitchen. Before I could get started, I decided I should take down an additional wall and open up the kitchen to the den to give it an open floorplan. Then several months later, I realized it would be better if I took down all kitchen walls, and absorb the dining room into the kitchen. It would be big and easier-to-use. I’d then move the dining room table into the den. So I’d reduce the number of rooms from three to four, but what I lose in numbers I gain in spaciousness. I mean, who wants to live in a house divided into little boxes?

Then yesterday Candyce’s dad suggested to me over the phone that I not do this major kitchen renovation since I’m planning on selling my house. He explained that a job that big might upgrade my house so much that it would be too hard to sell. At first I was discouraged by this, because I thought that my remodel was smart and efficient project, but now I realize he has a valid point. I’d ask more money for the house, and it could sit on the market longer than I am willing to wait.

So now the plan is to put in new cabinets and appliances, tile, carpet, and bathroom fixtures. I’ll pick out some nice paint colors and put up a for-sale sign. Hopefully I can get this done in the first two months of going part-time at work. This puts me in a good place with the real estate market because families generally like to buy and sell during the summer because it doesn’t mess up their kids’ school year.

I am so excited to have a new house to work on. I’m aiming for a higher-end neighborhood where I’ll have more freedom to be creative without losing money in the end. It’s going to be fun. I guess I am ready for a new set of challenges, a new neighborhood, and a new drive to work.