Shower Remodeling/ BMC Race Machine (What makes me SMILE?)
Since last Sunday I have been in Tucson staying with the newlyweds, TJ and Chloe Woodruff. I have put in my first five long days in a row this season and today is time for a break (smile).
The better I get to know anyone, more often then not, I find similarities between us. This is especially true for TJ. TJ is a do-it-yourselfer like myself (smile).
TJ began gutting out the spare bathroom before I arrived. He warned me that I might be put to work with installing tile. I like projects (Double smile). If I have learned one thing about projects it is that you can plan on multiplying the timeline of the project by two then adding three days. That is roughly how long it will take. After a few half days of work on the bathroom, the studs are finally covered in vapor barrier and it is almost time to install cement backer board in the shower. The plan is to get the tiling done before I leave.
Now, here is a story of TJ that especially makes me smile. Before moving onto the next step early on in the bathroom project, some extra plumbing and soldering was in order to accommodate the new shower fixtures. TJ made a trip to the plumbing store. While there, he met a fellow shopper who happened to be a professional plumber. For a $50 charge he offered his service of removing the old plumbing and installing the new copper tubes, and preparing the fixtures for the new shower. TJ declined and instead opted to purchase the $150 of necessary equipment needed to do the job himself. That is how you know when you have a true D-I-Y-er’. The plumbing did not leak when we tested it and the solders were A+. TJ is a cycling coach but now has a back-up plan as a plumber if needed. I hope TJ gives you the motivation to put your mind to doing a project you are uncomfortable with and just going for it!
TJ makes me smile, especially when the easy way was $100 cheaper and would have taken no time out of his day. The pride associated with each shower he takes will be worth every penny.
On a final note, new bikes are a sure way to crack a smile in me. I am being lent a BMC Race Machine for this season complete with Sram and Zipp Componentry. It is definitely a sweet ride and I will post a review on it in the near future.
Have a good day and TRY to have the little things make you smile (no matter how hard it can be).
Chloe is a very creative cook and she is my mom away from home (except that she is only four years older).
I am the meanest bike path warrior there is in Tucson.
TJ getting his plumber' on.
Have you ever seen one of these? Thanks Ben Johnson!
Now, with vapor barrier installed.
My Oma and Opa took me out to eat at my favorite Thai place a couple months ago. This sign I saw at my most recent visit may have been a result of me dressing the elephant in my clothes.
Race Machine (has yet to see a race).
TJ's man cave/ garage (not pictured are the ten or so sets of wheels).
