Ceiling Tile DIY: My Budget, My Blood, My Regret

I thought replacing ceiling tiles would be a quick win—just a few hours, a utility knife, and some patience. Instead, I spent two nights hunched over my kitchen table, hands raw from rough mineral fiber, measuring and re-measuring because the first tile was too small, the second too tight. I bought gloves to protect my hands, but not my sanity. The tiles didn’t match, even after three trips to the hardware store and a frantic online order. I tried to cut a perfect shadow line, but the blade slipped, and now there’s a jagged edge I see every time I look up. I saved money, but I lost my weekend, my patience, and a little faith in DIY. If you’re reading this at 2AM, just know: it’s never as easy as the videos make it look. #DIYDisaster #HomeBudgetFail #BrokeButCreative #Home