That tap wasn't even broken. Just slow. You had to nudge it just so and then back a hair to the right to get usable water. If you went too far, it'd screech. Not loud, but oddly high-pitched — like a dying violin. I let it go for too long. Blamed the pipes. Blamed the apartment. Blamed everything except myself.

One Tuesday, I was home before dark, waiting for the pasta water to boil, and it hit me: I can't stand this setup.

It wasn't a rage fit. More like a slow itch that had finally gotten louder. The drawers were loose, the bench was too short, and the top cabinet door slammed my face every time I opened the dishwasher. I'd started to flinch early.

I pulled out a notebook and wrote “replace kitchen faucet” at the top. Beneath that: “actual counter space,” then “why is it behind the fridge?” The question mark wasn't sarcastic. The switch really was https://cosyhomepro.com/ inexplicably placed.

I told myself I'd keep it simple. Just swap out the tap. Easy. But standing in the hardware store three days later, being stared at by brushed nickel options, I somehow ended up with paint cards under my arm. And then came the point of no return.

I didn't call a tradesperson. I probably should've. Instead, I borrowed a sledgehammer from my friend Rory, who handed it over with a grin Not exactly the OSHA standard, but I got started.

Taking down that top unit felt like a win. Against what? I'm not totally sure. Maybe the version of me that tolerated nonsense.

The journey spiraled. Not in a disaster way, just... as you'd expect. I spent three hours googling “do I need primer?”. Got into a minor spat with a guy on a forum about “the best tile spacing tool”. I still don't really trust epoxy, but I'm convinced he was wrong.

And the new tap? Still isn't silent. Different sound now. Softer. Almost charming. I think I like it. Or maybe I've given up.

It's not perfect. The tile near the bin's crooked, and the outlet by the toaster leans left. But when I walk in, I don't feel dread. That alone is enough.

And that notebook? Still on the bench. Nothing new written. Which, honestly, might be the real achievement.