My computer's hard drive crashed back in November, got the blue screen of death, then the black screen of death, and that was all she wrote. The reader arm in the drive bounces around on the platter with a clicking sound, making it unable to read the platter. A friend tried installing a new hard drive in the computer but it wouldn't take. Some other components in the computer's mother board must have been fried as well. I lost everything. Some of my pictures were saved, the ones I downloaded onto Photobucket and Facebook, but the rest are gone. I lost my novel too, fortunately I had the first three chapters saved in my email, the rest I had to write all over again. After that fiasco of losing my computer, my friend installed Dropbox, so now my important files, like my novel, automatically go into my Dropbox account whenever I work on it and save it, so if and when this computer I have now decides to go all blue or black screen of death on me, I can still access my files. I'll also back up on a CD too, but Dropbox is more convenient. Anyway, sorry you lost your computer and everything on it. I can feel your pain. :( Karen

You should definitely list your "wants" and "don't wants" out -- including reasons why you think you want them that way. Everything in the "Welcome to the forum" posting is just as useful for a designer as it is for this board. You could show him the ideas so far, but make sure that you both agree as to what are the good/bad points so that he doesn't just copy the 'hated' parts. You've already gotten several layouts or tweaks from this community, I wouldn't worry about gathering any more for the moment. You should ask for: References, references, references. Scope of work. If you are planning on getting multiple bids for the cabinets, then does that mean you only want a layout and are not using the designer to pick materials? Talk about the scope of work, what you are hiring out and what you want to do yourself. A good designer will be knowledgeable on different price levels of materials, and can recommend installers as well. How much running around do you want to do? After a while, I loved having the designer pull a limited number of colors and materials to choose from, it made decision making less overwhelming. It did take some time before I trusted her, but after that I didn't feel the need to re-research every little thing. Get a sample contract, but don't sign it until you have had time to look it over and check references. Make sure you have a clear understanding of costs/billing. (If he's billing at XX per hour, ask if that includes the time to drive out to your place in the country. Ask if that includes phone calls, emails, etc.) An experienced designer probably comes with a list of things they usually cover at a first meeting, so you can start there then add items from above as needed.

hey don't be shy and get a w.chair and enjoy yourself! that back pain can be a "bummer" (replace with stronger word, lol) love the dress and hair... too bad it's not the san diego zoo...they have a bus ride around the park that allows you to see about 80-90% of the park and then shorter walk to the primates, children's petting and snakes(yuck)....i always encourage people to take it...

stuck in the middle with new. growth that is!!!