Did You Really Just Do That??

Ok, so I am a bit of a feminist. And this word has never made me uncomfortable -- mostly because I'm oblivious to a lot of negative connotations and caricatures people associate with it. At the same time, it's not among the top 10 adjectives I use to describe me. But I may gain a reputation as such shortly, because I have taken issue with something. And I feel compelled to speak up.

So, a member of the bishopric in our new ward called Ben and I out of class on Sunday.  He asked Ben to come in the office and requested I wait outside for a few minutes.All is fine so far.

When he called me in to join them, I was informed that I was waiting outside so he could talk to my husband about whether it was ok to extend a calling to me. And, mind you, not a very extensive calling. And suddenly ...

Wha???? Just a moment. What's that sound I hear? Ah, yes. It's the sixties. They'd like their policy back.

I've been going over it in my head since the meeting (during which I said nothing about it). But I just can't comprehend. I had no idea that when I became a married woman that I lost my ability to make adult decisions. And did they tell my husband before he signed the marriage certificate that he would have to bear the responsibility of both spouse and parental consent-giver?

Consult with him about a calling? Yes. Ask for his support? Yes. Involve him in the discussion? Yes. Even want his approval? I do. But ask for his permission? BEFORE asking me? You betta check yo'self.

Am I the only one who thinks this protocol is totally absurd? When I later mentioned to Ben that I was taken aback by it, he had a bit of a laugh and said, "I thought that would bother you." And then he kind of brushed it aside with a, "Well, maybe it's just part of the culture up here." Culture. Is that what they're calling it? No. I like these people enough to presume that "sexism" is not their "culture."

It's not something that was done in my last ward. Thank GOODNESS. And I don't hold it against any of the bishopric members personally for following protocol (I'm assuming that's what it was), But rather than just let it slide, I feel like I need to tell them all the many reasons I don't believe it's appropriate and make them aware that it's backwards. Brand me a feminist as you must. But I'm thinking I prefer saying something and wearing that label than the alternative -- not saying something and periodically being mistaken for Ben's property or his dependent child.

Renovation Project Numero Uno: The Bathroom

what my future bathroom will look as cool as

Moving into the house, it has taken a long time to figure out where to start. We're 1.5 months into owning and living in the new place and, I must confess, I haven't done much. Or bought much. The house is still incredibly empty in most rooms. Including our living room!! In my defense, I was only not working for 1 week, so I really just have nights and weekends to make progress (and initially, there was a lot o' shoppin' to do for some basics. Like groceries. And towels.). Nonetheless, I would have thought I'd be farther along than I am right now.

I finally did settle on where to start --- the main floor bathroom. And after much wasted time and mental energy, I think I have finally found my way to the beginning of this renovation (who knew making decisions on finishings and colors was so difficult?).

The turning point was picking something I really wanted in the bathroom. This is the piece that I can then focus everything else around. The piece I have chosen is........ the shower curtain. I knew I wanted a super ruffly curtain. I ended up getting this one:

I already have it hanging in my otherwise very bare and not so great-looking bathroom. Using this color spectrum as my base point, I believe I have found my wall paint color. A light, lime-y spring green that is along the lines of the upper tiers of color on the shower curtain. I'm hoping I have it right this time as I already failed with paint swatch testing twice. You can see my nice art/test marks below.

Do those swatches remind anyone else of basement cinder blocks? I don't know what I was thinking. Of course, even though I think I might have made a better selection this time, I'm not going to do anything rash. I have an appointment with the consultant at the Sherwin Williams paint shop on Thursday, in case he needs to inform me I'm making a tragic mistake.

Here is another shot of the ho-hum bathroom:

And another, just to make sure you get the full picture:

This project is more than about paint, of course. And I'm sure you'll agree from the pictures, the space could do with some major improvements. Technically, I could do virtually ANYTHING in there. But I need to not overwhelm myself, so I've decided to start small, investing in some nice finishings.

For example, along with painting the walls, I plan to have some fun with the light fixtures. There is an ugly bath fan/light that is not necessary since this bathroom has a window (and will be rarely used anyway). I'm totally getting a cool light fixture to welcome people with visual awesomeness right when they walk in. I'm getting cuter lighting for over the mirror as well.  Lighting's important.

And about that mirror. I'm debating on whether to frame the mirror to class it up, or just replace it with a collage of lots of cute little mirrors. The collage could be artsy overkill. But the frame is gonna be a huge craft project, which may or may not look cute, since I'd be doing it. : p

Along with attending to the mirror, the walls and the light fixture, if it doesn't make it look too busy I'm going to buy cute covers for the light switches and electrical outlets. I may also replace the doorknob.

And then after that, it's gravy with the decor, towel rack, etc.

If after those minor redo's, I'm not satisfied, then I start to consider painting the cabinets & giving them hardware, crown molding, painting the base boards white or getting new base boards, adding tile to the wall, wall paper on the ceiling...

You can see how good I am at overwhelming myself. I'll keep you posted as it progresses. Crossing my fingers that it turns out to be fabulous!!!