Of Rubber Mats and Comfort Rooms

Even at first glance, I was immediately drawn to these. Not for any reason, but for the bright, catchy color and design they have. I'm actually referring to rubber mats I saw in Gaisano Country Mall in Banilad, Cebu City.  

The mats come in different colors, of bright shades too hard to resist: orange, lime green, yellow, and white.  With shells as design, they will look really gorgeous in bathroom floors. Plus, they are non-slip, thus, very useful in keeping bathing accidents at bay.   

The downside for such a love-at-first-sight moment was that my pockets were then almost empty for something extra to spare for a grab of those flooring knock-outs. So, I skipped that moment, feeling sad and thinking how I like the yellow ones so much.

But for the second time that I was in the same mall, I did not pass up the chance. I went back for those mats.  To my heart's dismay, the yellow mats are all wiped out. The result: I went home with its orange cousins.

Prior to this buy, I was pondering on replacing the plastic weave on our bathroom floor, which we had for almost two years.  It had brittled already and been slowly chipping off.  At the back of my head was the thought that I will not be buying the same plastic mat again, and I'll scout something that's, for me, pleasing to my eyes every time I enter our bathroom.  Looking at those mats at Gaisano, I knew then it was time to get rid of that plastic weave.

Finding Comfort in the Littlest Room

The bathroom or comfort room is supposed to be a room of comfort, hence, the name, right? It should be a place for some "leave-me-alone" space, a time-out room, a freedom nook where disturbances are not allowed. This is actually a man's throne, so to speak, where he can be himself, and be king for a day; a place where you shed your skin and cleanse yourself.

But, oftentimes, in most Filipino homes, this is the smallest room in the house, sometimes crampy, smelly, untidy, that instead of staying for a while and abandon reality, you tend to hurry in relieving yourself just to get it over with, because you don't find that "small room" comforting at all.

In some well-off homes, you are likely to see these private places differently: spacious, as big as a sleeping quarter; sweet smelling; towels, shampoos, and soaps lining up neatly; clean floors, mirrors and lavatory; potpourri and scented candles -- all with a touch of style and drama.  

But, comfort rooms or bathrooms need not be as dramatic and expensive as this.  For as long as it is roomy enough to allow you to express your privacy with no interruptions, and it smells good, looks tidy and clean, you will always be ready to go.

Now, I am reminded. Our comfort room cum bathroom, like usual Filipinos, is also the littlest nook in the house. Because of that, I make up to seeing to it that, even if it is small, it is clean and smells clean always for my kids, my family, and myself.  I admit, it really needs some repair, like the eye sore, broken door, and rough walls, etc.  We have already included this as an endeavor for home improvement in the family's plans for the year. Hopefully, before 2011 ends, my family will be able to find solace in our comfort room, and guess what (?), the year is just starting! I suppose it's just enough time to save on that home makeover, right?

--- Ireen ---