Faron, I know exactly where that car wash is! That was a long trip and I imagine you were probably a lot more bent on getting home instead of sightseeing in Norman, but did you get to see much of it? The town is so pretty and the university campus is drop-dead gorgeous. I passed along your good wishes and the fact you were right there in Norman to DD and she loved it ! She wasn't there at the time, though, but still home here on Winter Break. Cathi: I emailed you through GW. Hope you got the link. Thank you for asking. Outsideplaying: great idea . . . thanks! She'll like that. Technicolor: Yes, I was thinking the same thing. We did check out the apt complex online and it's a good one, but being on the first floor, does make me worry. **Funny story: I can tell that I'm subconsciously worrying because last night I dreamed that I was there sharing the apartment with her and 2 of her friends. Our big Doberman lived there with us, along with 2 other dogs . . . and two 9-foot alligators! Apparently they were tame and friendly (towards us), as it was not a big deal to me at all that they were living with us (LOL)! What a very weird dream that one was! Javachick: yes, DD has always been more mature and very practical. Thank goodness because, as you mentioned, it's paying off now! Joanie: Yes, it seems to be working out. Now if they can just finish settling themselves in and get some decent sleep and more studying. BTW, I have to tell you this. Emily's duvet, curtains, sheets, etc. all came from Pottery Barn Teen catalog. I called yesterday to order replacements for the damaged things and the folks there were beyond helpful. They were so kind. Apparently, their call center is just north of Norman in Oklahoma City! The two customer service people I talked with were both impacted by the terrible tornado that pretty much wiped out Moore this past Summer, which is just north of Norman. They went hugely out of their way to help me find replacements and get them sent off to Emily quickly. They should arrive on Wednesday. Again, I am blown away by the kindness we've all experienced this past week. And here, as well. Lynn This post was edited by lynninnewmexico on Mon, Jan 20, 14 at 17:31

This just recently happened to me as well. It happened over one month ago, and the smell is finally gone. Ugh! Here are the things I tried: 1) Wipe down the interior of the microwave with acetone based nail polish remover. This worked great to get the yellow stains from the popcorn explosion out of the white surface. 2)Scrub interior with baking soda, then with white vinegar. 3) Fill a large bowl with water then cut up a lemon put the slices in the bowl with some dish soap. Boil the mixture in the microwave for several minutes. 4) Every day when you're not using the microwave keep a bowl of baking soda in it, dispose of it and use fresh every few days. This is seriously one of the hardest problems to deal with. I think to truly rid yourself of the smell, you may have to take the microwave apart to wipe down the interior fan, etc. Since Im getting rid of my micro when I remodel and I'll have a new one it wasnt worth it for me, but you might want to try the other things first then use that as a last resort. Good luck, and Im so sorry you have to deal with this in your new kitchen. Yukk!

I too was almost afraid to see your pics when you said you used 2x2 tile. Just today, we went to see some products and I thought I would use the 2x2 because it had such a neat, clean, uncluttered look.....then I read the beginning of your post~~~ I am so glad you posted the pics because I LOVE them...and will use the 2x2 in my kitchen when we ever build again. I think it is something that you will not tire of and can use so many various accent colors. I am so waiting until you get the grout put in an can show the completed project....but I think your kitchen will be beautiful and timeless. Black splash styles come and go...and some are so trendy. I "personally" think the little multi-colored glass tiles won't be around too long....but that is only me. I guess I like to change the colors too much in my kitchens to be stuck with just a few colors that look so busy. I don't intend to offend anyone, because I know there are many on this forum who have installed these in their kitchens. They are pretty to look at right now, but will they be in 10 years...and a BS is quite an investment that many of us can not afford to change very often. Good luck and keep us informed. PS...I also have cherry cabinets and they have darkened a bit, but I still love them as much as they day they were installed.

I'm confused, do you think the stink lingers because it's built in or do you think it would have happened with any microwave, but you'd just get rid of it if it was a cheapo on the counter? I've only had ones that sat on the counter and ones that were built in over the range with the fan for the range. Hated the location of both because I don't like appliances on the counter and want a hood rather than over range micro. However I never noticed one being more stinky that the other and we use ours a lot, almost daily for heating water, steaming veggies and reheating. I've made popcorn and it lingers and bacon which is even worse (banned hubby from that), but it eventually wet away without any major clean up. I've scorched popcorn, but never torched anything so I'm just trying to figure out is the problem due to the degree of torching or the style of micro? I planned to find a spot for a built in in my remodel, but if it's something about the style that makes the stink linger I wouldn't want that. Please enlighten me! Thanks.