Unit bath rapture

If I haven't complained enough about my cramped, plastic, you-just-showered-the-toilet-paper bathroom, it's because I'm turning Japanese and I've realized that the best way to cope with a "less than satisfactory but admittedly functional" situation is to ignore it completely. (Turning Japanese also enables one to write overly-long sentences.)

But now I can shower while standing up!!
 

Before this weekend, I had no shower curtain. I had the idea to buy one when I first moved in, but I couldn't find anything to match my active/American/computer-geek/bad-taste type of style. I might have even seen the above selection at the store but passed, considering the crayon-sunbathers-on-beach-towels too normal for my bathroom.

But then I realized that I couldn't stand up while taking a shower. The splatter and spray of the water bouncing off my body would get everywhere, including my toilet paper. That's just wrong. My vision of toilet paper is "sterile", and damp soggy soapy mushy stuff does not qualify. I don't even like to use "previously wet" toilet paper--the tell-tale water wrinkles and rougheness decrease my bathroom experience.

So I got into the habit of "squat mode shower". This is the mode Japanese people use at onsen, while washing every last bit before getting in the super-hot natural spring soak tubs. Sit on your haunches, crouch over, and get to work with the soap & shampoo using the shower wand. (One advantage of this geometry is access to .. well, parts that are arguably hard to wash in a western style shower--thus the proliferation of shower wands.)


Improvized twist-tie technique

But now I can stand! I can use the wall mount for the wand! Makes washing the backs of my knees easier, and I can use both hands while washing my face/hair. Joy!

..and not to mention stylish! Wouldn't you admit, my previously mono-tone off-white unit-bath hell is now up there in the runnings for Best Unitbath Decor of the Year!?! To quote Borat, "Nice!"