Bathroom Remodel In Progress

Demo began yesterday on the hall bathroom.  I'm happy to say that this project won't be nearly as disruptive as last year's.  In March 2010, we remodeled the master bathroom, which includes Jim's walk-in closet.  For weeks, all of his clothes were in boxes and on portable clothes racks stored in my hobby room. Needless to say, we were both extremely happy when things got back to normal.

As silly as it sounds, this time around I'm most excited about the new toilet.  It's a bone color that matches the new bathtub.  But that's not what makes it so awesome. It bolts to the floor from the back.  So no more side bolts with covers that I absolutely hate to clean.  Unfortunately, I wasn't aware of this option when we reused the old toilet in the master bathroom.  Now I'm thinking that one needs to be replaced also.

My primary goal for every home improvement project is to achieve lower maintenance.  And that includes the accessories.  I want to be able to clean any room in my house in 15 minutes or less.  Life is too short and I have too many other things I'd much rather do.

Traveler's Diarrhea?

We've been traveling to Mexico once or twice a year since 2000.  In all that time, Jim and I got Traveler's Diarrhea only once.  On that occasion, we made the mistake of eating grapes from the fruit basket left in our room.  Two days later, we were sick with fever, headache, and diarrhea that lasted 24 hours.

Since that episode, on our doctor's recommendation, we now chew 2-3 Bepto Bismol tablets before every meal while on any international trip.  We also only eat cooked or peeled fruits and vegetables.  It's a strategy that's worked well for us for the past 6-7 years.

So last night, I couldn't believe my numerous trips to the bathroom were caused by last week's vacation, especially since Jim is absolutely fine.  But, in the light of day, I have to wonder.  Whatever the cause, I'm just grateful I wasn't going through this during the flight home!

Loving My Kindle

Last week, with my new bifocal sunglasses and Kindle, I read six books and nearly a quarter of a seventh novel while lounging on the beach.  Sadly, before last week, I hadn't read a book since our last trip to Mexico a year ago.  And, at that time, I only finished one novel because that's all I was willing to pack.

With the red protective case I purchased, my Kindle is the size of a 5"x7" hardback barely an inch thick.  It makes the e-reader so easy to carry, fitting effortlessly in a beach or tote bag with no worries.  However, if I forget or decide not to carry it, I can access my library with my iPhone and Kindle app.  When opened, the app syncs to my e-reader so I can start reading where I left off.

I honestly think I'll be reading a lot more now.  The Kindle is so light weight that it's comfortable to read in bed.  And the screen is sharp and easy on the eyes.  Plus I'm finding myself going to the Kindle app whenever I'm waiting in line or eating alone. The Kindle is seriously one of the best tools I've ever purchased.

Travel Nightmare

We got home yesterday at 9:00 P.M. after a week in the Yucatan.  We were supposed to be home by 7:00 P.M., but there was a two-hour flight delay. Unfortunately, that was only a small part of the travel nightmare.  In fact, everything having to do with the flight home was a huge mess, which was especially frustrating after a nice relaxing week.

On average, for the last 20 years, we have taken two trips a year that require air travel.  Nevertheless, we had never before experienced anything like the frustrations we had yesterday.  After 16 annual trips to the Yucatan, I'll now be thinking long and hard about returning next year if we can't find, or afford, a better flight option.