Bathroom's Done

Mirror? Check.


Shelves? Check.

Our new bathroom, a month and a half late

Way back before Thanksgiving, we finally finished up our improvements to the master bathroom. (Well, there are still shelves and a decorative mirror to be purchased - but let's say we're done.)

This is what the bathroom looked like when we bought the house. I could only take that wallpaper for so long. And the floor was carpet! Carpet! In a humid house in the land of red clay!

So here it is now -
We went with chocolate brown and sky blue for our main colors.
The tile is brown and sandy, and the trim is cream. (The cat is grey and very curious.)
And we put in a couple new light fixtures. Here, you can also see the new ceiling texture - namely, that it is no longer popcorn.
The light over the mirror was the best deal. One of the resorts here was redecorating and had a big tent sale selling everything. We got this for $5. It was brass, and I spray-painted it chrome.

reading

Surprisingly, considering my career, I don't read books regularly these days. When I do read, I tear through it. Last fall, I read Thirteen Little Blue Envelopes by Maureen Johnson in just a few hours - same when I re-read Charlotte's Web.

This new year, I've got a craving to read. I do regularly read reviews and blurbs so I can make collection development decisions and I've got a list. So, next time you see me, do me a favor. Ask me what I've been reading.

happy about history

I'm suffering from a cold, but I wanted to express my feelings about Nancy Pelosi being sworn in as Speaker of the House. I don't know much about her, but I am so pleased that a woman will be in this important position. I heard a quote from her today about this being a part of America's heritage AND hope of equality. I like that - we have a rich history of striving for equality, but we're not quite there yet.

As someone who has chosen a career as an advocate for children, I am impressed with a couple of things she did today. I heard that she invited all the children in the house chambers (is that what it's called?) to come up and touch the gavel. It's great that she thought to let kids get tangible with a piece of history. I'm also pleased that she's making raising the minimum wage a priority. At my libraries, I see children from "working poor" families I know will benefit from this. America is such a wonderful country, full of freedom and opportunity, and I think we have to be serious about ensuring a living wage for people who are working for their families.

So, today, I'm thankful that girls (little and big) have another example of an accomplished woman going where no woman has gone before. I'm praying Nancy Pelosi will be a leader of partnership and integrity - that she'll be someone worth looking up to.

Happy New Year!

We're back from Florida and I'm desperately trying to get our house (and our lives) into some order before going back to work tomorrow. I've been thinking about 2006 - it seems like it was too long and too short. I think I just kind of drifted through the past year without a lot of purpose or goals and that's something I'd like to change. I'm excited about 2007. I think there will be a lot of important stuff going on for Matt and me. I'm also hoping I'll post here more - so check back soon for some pictures.