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crzyktchnlady

Help! Help! Im addicted to GW!!! Is there a 12-step program?

crzyktchnlady
14 years ago

It started out innocently enough. I began planning my K/B remodel late last summer and was looking for reviews of appliances  at least I think thatÂs what it was. Then I found my first GW post. Soon enough, anytime I Googled a home remodeling topic, up popped GW. Then I realized I could go directly there and all these great people were helping each other remodel their kitchens. And the pictures!! OMG! Now I canÂt stop  hours every day. First thing in the am, before my coffee even. I know itÂs early, but hey, IÂm on the west coast  you east coasters have had three whole hours to be posting! I sneak peeks during lunch hour at work (OK, sometimes when itÂs not lunch hour). I have no life. Even my cat is mad at me. "Why donÂt you pay more attention to ME?" she meows. And the late nights! You should just see my sleepless red eyes. (Oh lord, it was quite late the night I found the widget thread; I had not laughed so hard in years  tears streaming down my face, ROTFLMAO!)

Well, I know the first step is to acknowledge you are powerless, so I do and I am going to stop lurking. Anyway, my project  K, B, laundry and powder  is about to start. (The worst is yet to come, right?) I mean, how long can I go on planning? Last week, I woke one day with this horrible thought that I was doing it all wrong. My layout is no good  thatÂs not where the frig should go!! And why am I getting white cabs? What about a nice light wood? Then I saw this fab modern kitchen in a design mag. Oh no, I thought, my plan is too traditional! Is it too late to change? Help, oh help, does everyone go through this??

IÂm going to post some questions so I can get all your input on what I have already picked and tear my hair out some more when you all tell me I picked wrong. I already asked my BFF for her opinion on two things and then I rejected what she said both times. So, of course I have waited until now to join GW, so I donÂt really have to do what anyone else tells me I should do because I know I stubbornly want to make my own mistakes. (IÂm scared to tell the painter I plan to paint the kitchen purple. I know heÂll think IÂm nuts. My GC already thinks IÂm nuts for several reasons.) IÂve had to be my own designer because I have scared away several KDs when I say things like "No, I really donÂt want to take down the wall between the kitchen and dining room and open up the space." I mean, their eyes roll. Some of you too  your eyes are already rolling, right? OK, IÂll explain in the next post.

I feel a little better already. And maybe a teensy glass of wine will help. Sorry I babbled on.

Comments (16)

  • raehelen
    14 years ago

    Well, I can't answer the question about the 12 step program... but I'm in my bathing suit on the way to the hot tub after a grueling 10 hour day working in the garden and cleaning house- getting ready for my first visit from my sister since we started the renos- hubby is downstairs trying to fix the leak before he turns the plumbing back on- but of course I needed to check GW before heading outside- right? :>)

  • remodelfla
    14 years ago

    I bring my computer outside and sit around the pool AND enjoy GW simultaneously. Now I have my DH referring to himself as DH and he has found his own kind of GW... it's a wood workers forum called Lumberjocks. So I'm not alone in my obsession!

  • Buehl
    14 years ago

    My remodel, for the most part, was done late last summer....and I'm still here! Yup...reading & posting every day. I tell myself I'm "paying it forward" so I have to do it... Right. Maybe I'll convince myself that's the only reason if I say it often enough.

    Yes, "paying it forward" is part of the reason, but I find that I like talking about kitchens. I also learned so much during my 18-month remodel journey that when I see/read about people who have the same misconceptions that I had or are about to make the same mistakes I did (or managed to avoid b/c of GW), I want to chime in!

    And I admit it...GW is one of the first things I check in the AM and last thing I check at night. I also check it whenever I need a break at work and during lunch if I don't go out.

    For me, it's a great break from the computer-related items I'm dealing with all day at work...requirements & testing, primarily. Oh, and all those Lead administrative issues too!


    So, if there is a 12-step program...well, not interested...I like it here!

  • morton5
    14 years ago

    I think my DH is planning an intervention. So, if I suddenly stop posting, you can assume I'm at the detox ranch.

    Googling 12-step program to see what's next after admitting I've got a problem...

  • morgne
    14 years ago

    Speaking as a child with 12 "steppers" on every side I can tell you from experience what the next step after admitting you have a problem is ....

    Coffee and pie. A lot of Coffe and pie. So much coffee it's unbelievable. But it only works if you drink it in the rec room of a church or prison.

  • PRO
    puertasdesign
    14 years ago

    Oh, detox....

    I thought you meant:

    Step 1. Make coffee
    Step 2. Log into GW
    Step 3. Browse new threads
    Step 4. Check for new responses on threads you commented on
    Step 5. Research new material/manufacturer/gadget you learned about on GW
    Step 6. Sketch up new kitchen plan based on the research in step 5
    Step 7. Go make bottle for 11 month old who just woke up
    Step 8. Shower & Get dressed
    Step 9. Get 4-year old dressed
    Step 10. Make breakfast
    Step 11. Check GW for new posts
    Step 12. Get a little work done

    Rinse & repeat ;-)

  • buffalotina
    14 years ago

    I SOO know what you mean that it is not even funny.., But, OP, yes, I think I am finally kicking myself into gear and saying how long can you go on planning for goodness sake! I have finally been forced into action because I am ordering Brookhaven cabinets and they have a sale on to the end of July and, with the lead time, unless I order now I will not have a kitchen by the holidays. If I put it off I will be remodelling next spring and I honestly don't think I can take another year of my cooking appliances which drive me crazy.

    Best of luck,

    (crazy) Tina

  • jaksopcam
    14 years ago

    Count me in as one of the addicted. It is 20 minutes past midnight and DH went up to bed an hour ago. "I'll be up in a minute, honey. I just want to check something quick." And here I am on GW. The funny thing is DH used to make fun of me when in the early stages of our remodel and planning I would tell him that I would check out GW for any questions that would come up. Now he has actually asked me to "see what GW has to say" about this or that. I've converted another one. Oh, that's the other thing. If someone mentions anything with remodeling or a simple question about an appliance, I am all over them about GW. So not only do I have an addiction, but I am also a "pusher".

    Do they sell GW t-shirts? 'cause I would totally buy one!

  • donnakay2009
    14 years ago

    This is my first post, and I already know I am in the same boat!! I've thoroughly enjoyed coming here every day to get inspiration, see what's up with white kitchens (we are just finishing up our plans, and contractors come next week to give bids) and I realize I have issues with compulsive GW visits. I've also told my KD about this site, as well as the guys at Color Tile and the specialty lighting shop I'm using. I have bought my appliances, sinks and faucets. I know which granite and marble I'll use (thanks to boxerpups for all the postings of pics!!) and I've got a start on lighting and flooring. I'll see you soon---Can't wait to tear out the kitchen and formal dining room and get rollin'!

  • jenswrens
    14 years ago

    LOL!

    OMG - this post is perfect. It describes me to a "T" - or, er, is that a "TKO"... I'm so addicted I didn't even realize I was addicted until crzyktchnlady enlightened me. I thought it was just life as normal. Rob's list is very similar to mine with just a few differences. Some people check stocks or sports scores... I'm checking GW. Any chance I can sneak onto a computer, anywhere.

    I've been hanging out here for (oh my!) seven years now. I've finished one kitchen and am working on another.

    Now that I've seen the light, if there is a GW 12-step program, I think I should be the first one in line to sign-up! As a bonus, we already have our own support group built in - right here on GW! Oh wait, I guess that defeats the purpose, doesn't it?

  • slc2053
    14 years ago

    I totally agree with Buehl...I don't want to enter a 12-step program...I love my GW addiction. I've been here over 3 years and am on GW at least 3 times a day...I truly wish the Bathroom forum was as active as the Kitchen form as that is where my next project is taking me, but I'm still happy on "Kitchens" lurking, admiring, remembering, and offering advice whenever I can!

  • cotehele
    14 years ago

    This morning I found myself on GW on my Blackberry before I got out of bed ;-P Can you get more addicted than that?

  • sayde
    14 years ago

    Um yep, you can. So glad I'm not alone here . . . .

  • rjr220
    14 years ago

    Well, being on GW doesn't cause us to have altered mental status, does not (directly) increase caloric intake, we're not flying to Argentina to see anyone "special", and it isn't porn (comes close when people talk about petting their counter) -- and it doesn't cost $$. In fact, at times these folks help people save $$. So, I agree that a 12 step program isn't needed. Just embrace it!

  • cawfeegirl
    14 years ago

    LOL! Great post! I, too, am addicted. Checking the threads everyday, frustated when there's nothing new....loving the ones with pictures!
    Dont feel bad....I made ONE post to this forum and practically everyone rolled their eyes! HA!
    Looking forward to more posts from you!

  • marilyn234
    14 years ago

    Wow you summed it up, there should be a 12 step program. Right now I am supposed to be working, which by the way has a deadline of 3 o'clock today, but no here I am checking things out on here. I am so addicted!! I wish so much I found this site sooner because I would have made some different decisions with my kitchen remodel, but am grateful I finally stumbled on it.
    When I think back, poor Buehl, I had no idea what I was doing and would email her directly with all my questions. She was always so kind and responded everytime. Finally figured out how to post( which was so easy), but I was in a mess with a leak that cuased the whole remodel and in a real hurry for answers and didn't take the time to figure it out.
    SORRY BUEHL AND THANK YOU!!!!
    Love-love-love this site......