Renovations and Random Thoughts

January 20, 2007

JMAS classes have started for us. Well, Mike is required to go but my attendance is voluntary. They do, however, have some REALLY cool classes. For instance, I can take a class on Tues. about food presentation. You know, how to make an apple look like a swan, and such. There are also classes on fun things like napkin folding, how to make a seating chart, basic decorum... While all of the classes are interesting I do feel a bit like I'm running for Mrs. America. Seriously, I have a masters degree yet I'm taking class on folding napkins and which spoons to use! There are, of course, other classes on more serious and pertinent topics to living overseas and the job of an attache. But if I told you about THOSE classes I'd have to kill you - LOL! Seriously though, I wish I could relay all the fun stuff but I am not exactly the best at knowing what is common knowledge and when I'm supposed to keep my trap shut so you all will have to use your imaginations. However, any military wives should TOTALLY convince their husbands to get into the attache program because it sounds like a TON of fun. I mean really, what job could be bad when you get an entertaining budget!

So if you wonder why my posts are few and far between well, let's just say the attache classes, the Spanish classes and the renovations keep me busy enough for 3 of me! It's all good though and next year when I have a nanny and TONS of free time it will all have been worth it. Not to mention the ability to speak another language. Talk about a resume builder!

Now on the the renovations...

First is the long awaited bathroom. However I must note that my photographic skills escaped me on this one. The photos do NOT do the beauty of this bathroom justice. Special thanks also go to Margo and Jeff because they contributed the FABULOUS green marble on the floor and in the shower which, of course, were the inspirations for the rest of the bathroom. THANKS GUYS!!!!

Unfortunately my "before" photos are stuck on another computer. So imagine a pedestal sink, boring white 2x2 inch square tile and a frosted glass shower. Oh the walls were white too.

Please overlook the shade... it has been replaced and some nice choc. brown curtains have been hung. Also note the photo's, their are 3 framed identical. They are pics of the kids playing in the bath... sooo cute, if I do say so myself!
Better view of the marble floor. LOVE IT!
Shower - duh! Everyone REALLY likes the shower enclosure. It is clear glass with etchings like french doors. Really cool but oh so hard to photograph!
Shower with door open. So much better. The old shower leaked so bad we tons of water damage behind the old shower that had leaked into the hallway below!
Laundry area renovations. Okay so not much to see unless you saw the before! Used to be exposed brick and pipes all on the back wall with no storage. HUGE difference. Wouldn't have been so bad but this area is open to the rec room in the basement and therefore REALLY unsightly. The rest of the basement was finished so I have NO idea why no one ever did this part. Oh and the wall next to the washer wasn't there. There is a bathroom next to this with the back of a cheapo plastic shower that was acting as the wall.
NOT anymore! Yeah a REAL shower with REAL walls! Again, thanks to Margo and Jeff for the white subway tile. We added the black and it came out FANTASTIC!
This bath is small and under the stairway. You can tell how small it is in this photo. I am standing in the shower. See the small sink. Works though! And we don't really need the shower but their is a guest room in the basement so it does come in handy.

Last is a random photo in D.C. I LOVE this statue. It is outside Max's school. Kalyn, you really should come visit. The pictures you could take!

Oh, and Mike wanted me to mention that I told him to take this photo from this direction. Yes, this is his creation, but for some reason he keeps trying to give me credit. What a guy! This photo was one of the few chosen for superior quality. My guy is good huh!