The journey to a dishwasher (not there yet, but a girl can dream!)

I have had no fewer than 6 kitchens since I left my parent's cushy Connecticut kitchen behind to venture out into the world. I love to cook, so rather than work against my kitchens, I've done my best to work with them and simply be grateful I have a kitchen and the ability to put together a meal without using a cookbook.

My first "kitchen" was barely that - it was a room in my freshman dorm with a stove, refrigerator and ice machine. I will never forget boiling potatoes in anticipation of bringing my delicious, butter and cream drenched mashed potatoes to a faux Thanksgiving dinner, only to find out there was no potato masher in the dorm kitchen. (In retrospect not surprised, in the moment, SHOCKED - and subsequently showed up with balls of potato covered in a milky buttery liquid. Note, a fork will not mash potatoes).

After a slew of kitchens and "kitchens" (hallways that happened to have a stove in them therefore arguing they were places to cook) , I moved to New York City where I declared, "I WILL live in an apartment with a full sized stove - none of this 3/4 crap". My kitchen in the City was comical. Of rather my foyer full of appliances was comical. It was truly just a row of appliances that resided in the entry way to my home and while I did get my full sized stove it took up half the kitchen wall: refrigerator, sink, stove, wall. (In the spirit of honesty, I did have a window in my kitchen, which I loved.) You'll notice I did NOT note counter space. There simply was none. I also had one cabinet. That's right, I'll say that again - one cabinet.

So when we moved to Syracuse, where our rent is less than half of my New York City rent, and I got an entire room dedicated to appliances, counter space, and walls ready to hold additional furniture providing even more storage I was shocked. Is it a "fancy lady" kitchen? No. Is there granite and stainless steel? Absolutely not. Is my stove a Norge? Absolutely (it says it's energy efficient I swear). But do I have two walls of cabinet space, full sized appliances, counter space and room for a table - Yes sir, and to top it all off, I have a window over my sink that is a magnet for sunlight and looks out over the backyard.

And after years and years...... and years I will be SO grateful when I finally have a dishwasher, but for now I'm just happy I have space to store all of our wedding appliances.