Irulan, we had to put in the order that day. It was 5:30 and they closed at 6. I think we got there at 4.
It was complicated because, even though we had no problem picking the tile, each one we chose was not available, so after we had gone through 3 or 4, we found one that could be ordered. But that took extra time and then we had to pick the cabinets and granite. And it had to be done before we left.
It really comes down to the fact this stuff annoys me. I love nice things, but I don't have the patience for picking out stuff, I don't "research" these things the way DH does, and all I care about is the end result. When I was younger, these things struck me as somewhat typically female interests that I didn't have. There quite a few"designers," women who owned the window treatment or carpet places, who couldn't get over this when it was obvious my DH was the person in charge. We've had 5 houses, so I guess this time I decided to be an equal partner. But, it still annoyed the hell out of me, which got me impatient, so I lost focus.
Also, before this house, I had always lived in brand new houses, and one that was 10 years old and just needed cosmetics. Most of these things were decided by the builder, or by DH in a meeting with the builder. This house was 25 years old and in terrible shape when we bought it. We saw the potential and went ahead. But, I kind of regret it. I like the house well enough, but it's been a money pit to get it where it is. While I wasn't a good fit with my prior "Stepford Wife" neighborhood, it's in the town where I have community ties and I should have thought of that. I only moved 9 miles, so it's not critical, but I guess since this was my first experience with true remodeling (other than finishing a basement and building a porch, which I had nothing to do with, except watching), it just plain got on my nerves.