Before and after Desk project

So, here's the ugly piece of wood that was taking up space in my basement. This desk was purchased by my boyfriend (from the looks of it, about 20 years ago) and he has a nasty habit of hanging onto anything that's "good quality". "But it's very high quality and was expensive," he responds to my looks of distain at this hunk of uglyness. Now, keep in mind, he didn't work on this desk. I did. I believe the look of this desk alone began to depress my inner soul and slowly but surely, I stopped using it and began working at the kitchen counter.

After awhile (when homework time krept in, dinner was being prepped, not to mention the lack of privacy) the kitchen counter became an undesirable place to work. I kept at it, however, knowing my boyfriend would eventually get annoyed at all my work stuff in the way and insist I move back to the basement office (he's a very tidy, organized individual). That time came and it was my perfect opportunity to strike! He was weak, annoyed from weeks of all my papers, folders, computer plugins strewn about his clean, tidy kitchen counters.

"I guess I could go back down there," I sulkingly said as I slowly gathered my things. (Ok, you're probably thinking this is a bit manipulative on my part, but certain measures have to be made for God's Sake! Take another look at that desk!)

As I headed down the stairs, slowly and with my head slightly down, he fell hook line and sinker for it. "How about we go buy you a new desk this weekend?" he called after me. Ha! GOT HIM! Now this is not where the plan ends, mind you. You see, he's feeling pretty good right now because he's going to do something for me that will "make me happy". I have to feed that feel good moment for him for a bit.

I perked up on the stairs and turned around, "Oh that would be awesome! I can't wait!! Thank you, Honey!!" I put my things away downstairs and began looking for desks online - you know - to get a feel for what I really wanted. I began showing him desks that I liked and - most important part of the plan - prices. My boyfriend is a very generous, loving person, but he is also frugal. After letting him sit with these dollar signs swishing around in his head for a day or two, it was time for the final touch. While sitting with him on the sofa, I implemented the final strike.

"You know, you're right," I said. "The desk downstairs is really great quality. It just looks a bit dated to me," I put my finger to my chin as if to ponder. "I could save us a ton of money if I could just refinish it." Pause.....wait for it.....

"Well, if that's what you want to do, I'm ok with it," he says! Yes! My mind tricks had paid off!! He was saving money and I was in for a project! (I love projects!)

Now, who knows if I'd just asked in the beginning to redo the desk, he would've said yes. I would have saved myself all the trouble and the desk would've been done weeks ago. But, I must admit, it would not have been nearly as much fun.