tile the backsplash/countertops

We have this old scuzzy formica kitchen countertop that’s just dying for tiling. The formica also goes up the wall as a backsplash all the way up to the bottom of the cabinets.

I’ve searched around various sites and it seems like I’ll have to rip out the formica it and the drywall under it, then replace the drywall with cement backer board and tile over that.

Quite a few skills in there- drywalling, tiling, grouting, applying backer board. WHo has the time to learn all that? What will we use to make sandwhiches on in the meantime?

But reading up at this site and this forum got me motivated. Need more time though.