The First Month
I got a package in the mail from the Village of Schaumburg the other day. It was kind of nice, they sent me a detailed map of the area and some info on the local scene. Made me feel so welcome in my new home. I must admit I even felt tempted to buy a "Schaumburg Flyers" jersey, but I decided to wait on that impulse. Not sure there will be too many occasions where I bust out a jersey for a minor league baseball team, you know.
Based on my first month of living here, Schaumburg seems like a pretty cool place. Although it is kind of a stereotypical "white bread" suburb (the town newsletter they sent me is called "The Cracker Barrel" - no joke), there's more diversity than I expected. I noticed there's more than a few Asian families that live on my block. And there's a wide variety of ethnic restaurants around here to choose from, whether you're looking for some Chinese food (Yu's, House of Hunan, Jockey), Indian (various), or Diarrhea (White Castle).
The past few weeks have been mostly spent looking for furniture, random household items, and setting up stuff in my house. I did buy a grill, for those of you who might be wondering. For the charcoal purists out there, I'm sorry, but in the end I decided on gas. Josh and Tina made me an offer I couldn't refuse (10% off at Home Depot and delivery using Josh's pickup, thanks again guys!). And in my defense, I really have used the grill a lot in the past week alone, much more so than if I would've gone charcoal. So hopefully nobody will come over and kick my grill over as threatened. If it makes anyone feel better, I did cut myself numerous times on the hand while putting together my grill (watch out for those Flavorizer Bars!). But seriously, thanks for everyone's input on the subject, it was all much appreciated.
It might seem silly that I got a grill before I got a dinner table, coffee table, or patio furniture, but hey, them's the priorities. What can I say, I am just not as interested in that stuff as I am in firing up some burgers and brats. And looking for furniture just plain sucks. Dealing with salespeople is a chore to begin with, and it seems like most places you gotta wait at least a few weeks before you can even get the stuff you buy.
On another subject, I would like to say that I do not like Bed Bath and Beyond. It's too bad, cause there's one located about 30 seconds from my house. The thing is, they lure you in with those coupons in the mail every week, but when you get there you realize all the prices are so jacked up to begin with.
I couldn't believe how much it costs to find bedskirts to match your sheets. I mean, I can understand if you wanna spend more money to get nice sheets, pillowcases, and comforter. But you never even touch your bedskirt! I don't need it to be 600 thread count or whatever. Honestly, I don't care if it's woven out of diseased goat hairs - as long as it somewhat matches the rest of my bed and doesn't cost me 70 bucks, I'm happy.
A disturbing thought that crossed my mind while shopping for house stuff is that maybe it is time for me to trade in my car for a minivan or SUV, so that I would be able haul my own stuff home when I buy furniture, grills, etc. But by natural reflex, I immediately buried that thought in the deepest part of my brain, where it won't be able to bug me again for at least a few more years. *shudder*
Tuesday, August 09, 2005
Wednesday, July 27, 2005
Apple AirPort Express
Seems like everyone and their mother has an IPod except for me. I don't know what happened, I must have simply missed the IPod revolution or something, and now I'm the only loser who is not on the IPod train.
It's weird because back in the day, when people still used "Walkmans" and "Discmans", I was one of the first people to own a MP3 player - the RIO 500. It was pretty cool for its time: had a backlit display, ran on 1 AA battery, had 64 MB of built in memory that could be expanded to more via a SmartMedia card. Eventually I outgrew it and gave it to my sister.
Now, ironically it is my sister who has an IPod while I do not. Although I did buy it for her so it's not as insulting. The real sign that I'm an outcast was when one of my bosses was talking about him and his wife getting IPods. I mean these are people in their 60's, and their other hobbies include going model train conventions, gardening, and breeding fish in their backyard.
I'm not saying I'm technologically inept or whatever. In my car I have my PDA set up with a special mounting bracket attached to the dash so I can play both music and videos, or use GPS guidance if I really need it. I claim this setup as my original idea unless someone else can prove they thought of it first.
I guess this IPod thing is not really about technology. There's devices out there with more features, smaller, with more memory, and cheaper to boot, but obviously none of them are nearly as popular. I'm not sure I fully understand all the rage about IPods, nor will I ever. To be honest, something about this whole IPod trend scares me a little, I don't know why but I'm a little afraid of getting sucked in.
Anyways, I originally started writing this blog to talk about my newest electronic purchase, the Apple AirPort Express.
When I first saw an article introducing this thing a while back, I had no idea what it was or what it did. Basically just looked like a little white block about the size of a bar of soap, that you plug into the wall and hook up cables to. Definitely didn't think I would end up paying 120 bucks to buy one.
But I eventually figured out what it did, bought one to use at my house, and I must say I love that thing. I might even get a second one eventually, but that might be going a little overboard at this point.
Basically, for those of you who do not know what the AirPort Express does, it is kind of like a wireless router that you can hook up speakers and a printer to, and lets you output to them from any computer on the network. It's almost perfect for my setup because I want to be able to use my laptop in different rooms, upstairs and downstairs, without having to always be connecting and disconnecting wires to it.
The one thing I don't really like so far is that I have to use ITunes to play music on the speakers. I know there are lots of ITunes lovers out there who will think I'm crazy, but I have always loved my old Winamp player for its simplicity and used it ever since I downloaded my first MP3. I haven't even upgraded to newer versions of Winamp since about my 2nd year of college either, because I want to keep it as simple as possible.
Maybe ITunes will grow on me though. So far I don't like how it takes longer to load up on my computer (which is a pretty new computer too). Also haven't gotten used to the interfaces, i.e. keyboard shortcuts, volume control, etc. Maybe there are upgrades to ITunes available, like alternate skins that might make it a little better. If any of you out there know where I can get that stuff let me know. I don't know if I will ever like it better than my good old Winamp 2.7 with Sony player skin, but if ITunes lets me play my music from across the room, then I'll deal with it.
So yeah, to summarize this entry, I didn't buy an IPod, but I did buy a related Apple product and I started using ITunes. Maybe soon I will cave in and buy an IPod as well, who knows.
Seems like everyone and their mother has an IPod except for me. I don't know what happened, I must have simply missed the IPod revolution or something, and now I'm the only loser who is not on the IPod train.
It's weird because back in the day, when people still used "Walkmans" and "Discmans", I was one of the first people to own a MP3 player - the RIO 500. It was pretty cool for its time: had a backlit display, ran on 1 AA battery, had 64 MB of built in memory that could be expanded to more via a SmartMedia card. Eventually I outgrew it and gave it to my sister.
Now, ironically it is my sister who has an IPod while I do not. Although I did buy it for her so it's not as insulting. The real sign that I'm an outcast was when one of my bosses was talking about him and his wife getting IPods. I mean these are people in their 60's, and their other hobbies include going model train conventions, gardening, and breeding fish in their backyard.
I'm not saying I'm technologically inept or whatever. In my car I have my PDA set up with a special mounting bracket attached to the dash so I can play both music and videos, or use GPS guidance if I really need it. I claim this setup as my original idea unless someone else can prove they thought of it first.
I guess this IPod thing is not really about technology. There's devices out there with more features, smaller, with more memory, and cheaper to boot, but obviously none of them are nearly as popular. I'm not sure I fully understand all the rage about IPods, nor will I ever. To be honest, something about this whole IPod trend scares me a little, I don't know why but I'm a little afraid of getting sucked in.
Anyways, I originally started writing this blog to talk about my newest electronic purchase, the Apple AirPort Express.
When I first saw an article introducing this thing a while back, I had no idea what it was or what it did. Basically just looked like a little white block about the size of a bar of soap, that you plug into the wall and hook up cables to. Definitely didn't think I would end up paying 120 bucks to buy one.
But I eventually figured out what it did, bought one to use at my house, and I must say I love that thing. I might even get a second one eventually, but that might be going a little overboard at this point.
Basically, for those of you who do not know what the AirPort Express does, it is kind of like a wireless router that you can hook up speakers and a printer to, and lets you output to them from any computer on the network. It's almost perfect for my setup because I want to be able to use my laptop in different rooms, upstairs and downstairs, without having to always be connecting and disconnecting wires to it.
The one thing I don't really like so far is that I have to use ITunes to play music on the speakers. I know there are lots of ITunes lovers out there who will think I'm crazy, but I have always loved my old Winamp player for its simplicity and used it ever since I downloaded my first MP3. I haven't even upgraded to newer versions of Winamp since about my 2nd year of college either, because I want to keep it as simple as possible.
Maybe ITunes will grow on me though. So far I don't like how it takes longer to load up on my computer (which is a pretty new computer too). Also haven't gotten used to the interfaces, i.e. keyboard shortcuts, volume control, etc. Maybe there are upgrades to ITunes available, like alternate skins that might make it a little better. If any of you out there know where I can get that stuff let me know. I don't know if I will ever like it better than my good old Winamp 2.7 with Sony player skin, but if ITunes lets me play my music from across the room, then I'll deal with it.
So yeah, to summarize this entry, I didn't buy an IPod, but I did buy a related Apple product and I started using ITunes. Maybe soon I will cave in and buy an IPod as well, who knows.
Monday, July 25, 2005
The last couple weeks have been extremely busy. I have been swamped with work, both at the job as well as at the new place. Also went to another wedding over the weekend and have a few more on the schedule to attend before the end of this summer. Anyways, here are a few items I decided to write about in my blog, in no particular order:
Floors and Carpet
As planned, I got new carpeting done upstairs, and the hardwood floors downstairs re-surfaced. Although I wasn't completely satisfied with the flooring work, I think it looks a lot better than before overall. Maybe I will post more pictures if I have time.
I Need A Grill, Part 2 Remix
Actually, before I get a grill I should probably first buy a dining table and coffee table. But maybe because I'm not a woman (interpret that however you wish), grill-shopping is much more interesting to me. I have seen some good deals here and there but overall they are all still pretty expensive and stretching my budget.
The good news is that I saved a lot of money by taking furniture from my Mom and Dad and from some generous newlyweds (thanks again Jon and Angel!). So maybe that will give me an excuse to drop more cash on a grill, I dunno.
Someone was also telling me about the "Love Sac". Basically a pimped out version of a regular beanbag and priced accordingly. I have never seen one or heard anyone else mention it but for some reason the Love Sac intrigues me. Perhaps it is all in the name, but either way I must find out more about this Love Sac.
Laguna Beach Season 2
On a non-house related item, I am thrilled that the new season of LB starts tonight. For those of you who think I'm a freak for being excited about this show, you are all invited to bite me. If you think I'm a freak for using the abbreviation "LB", ok fine, you got me there. But seriously, that show rules all. I've always wondered what it's like to be a rich white teenager living it up in Cali. Now, thanks to reality TV, I know that it means hot chicks, nice weather, and surfing.
Andy Milonakis
On the other hand, I have been disappointed with this new "Andy Milonakis Show". I thought it had so much potential, and at some points it is actually pretty funny, but I'd say about 95% of it sucks. Pretty much the only parts that make me laugh are when he raps. "I got bees on my head, but don't call me a bee-head...."
Also I heard he is actually not a kid, but a guy in his late 20's who just happens to have some condition that makes him look and sound younger. I looked up his profile on IMDB and sure enough, his birthday is listed as being in 1976. Watching the show is definitely not as entertaining now that I know this. Sorry if I just ruined the show for anyone out there, but like I said before, I thought it mostly blew to begin with.
Floors and Carpet
As planned, I got new carpeting done upstairs, and the hardwood floors downstairs re-surfaced. Although I wasn't completely satisfied with the flooring work, I think it looks a lot better than before overall. Maybe I will post more pictures if I have time.
I Need A Grill, Part 2 Remix
Actually, before I get a grill I should probably first buy a dining table and coffee table. But maybe because I'm not a woman (interpret that however you wish), grill-shopping is much more interesting to me. I have seen some good deals here and there but overall they are all still pretty expensive and stretching my budget.
The good news is that I saved a lot of money by taking furniture from my Mom and Dad and from some generous newlyweds (thanks again Jon and Angel!). So maybe that will give me an excuse to drop more cash on a grill, I dunno.
Someone was also telling me about the "Love Sac". Basically a pimped out version of a regular beanbag and priced accordingly. I have never seen one or heard anyone else mention it but for some reason the Love Sac intrigues me. Perhaps it is all in the name, but either way I must find out more about this Love Sac.
Laguna Beach Season 2
On a non-house related item, I am thrilled that the new season of LB starts tonight. For those of you who think I'm a freak for being excited about this show, you are all invited to bite me. If you think I'm a freak for using the abbreviation "LB", ok fine, you got me there. But seriously, that show rules all. I've always wondered what it's like to be a rich white teenager living it up in Cali. Now, thanks to reality TV, I know that it means hot chicks, nice weather, and surfing.
Andy Milonakis
On the other hand, I have been disappointed with this new "Andy Milonakis Show". I thought it had so much potential, and at some points it is actually pretty funny, but I'd say about 95% of it sucks. Pretty much the only parts that make me laugh are when he raps. "I got bees on my head, but don't call me a bee-head...."
Also I heard he is actually not a kid, but a guy in his late 20's who just happens to have some condition that makes him look and sound younger. I looked up his profile on IMDB and sure enough, his birthday is listed as being in 1976. Watching the show is definitely not as entertaining now that I know this. Sorry if I just ruined the show for anyone out there, but like I said before, I thought it mostly blew to begin with.
Saturday, July 16, 2005
Move-In Day
I moved in most of my stuff today. Still don't have some furniture, and nothing will be set up downstairs until the floors are done, but at least my bedroom actually has a bed in it now.
To move the big stuff, I had to rent a 12' U Haul truck, which was an interesting experience. Driving that thing around all day really made me appreciate my car a lot more. Not just amenities like power windows/locks/seats, air conditioning, and radio controls on my steering wheel. But things like "brakes that work", "steering that's responsive", and "being able to see what's around your vehicle" were not really applicable to driving this thing.
Anyways, I should get back to organizing and cleaning. Hopefully things will get set up and settled soon and then I can host some of you fine folks.
I moved in most of my stuff today. Still don't have some furniture, and nothing will be set up downstairs until the floors are done, but at least my bedroom actually has a bed in it now.
To move the big stuff, I had to rent a 12' U Haul truck, which was an interesting experience. Driving that thing around all day really made me appreciate my car a lot more. Not just amenities like power windows/locks/seats, air conditioning, and radio controls on my steering wheel. But things like "brakes that work", "steering that's responsive", and "being able to see what's around your vehicle" were not really applicable to driving this thing.
Anyways, I should get back to organizing and cleaning. Hopefully things will get set up and settled soon and then I can host some of you fine folks.
Monday, July 11, 2005
New Townhouse
I closed on my new townhouse this morning. Was fairly uneventful, basically just signed and initialed a bunch of documents. Most of the work was done in the weeks leading up to closing I guess.
Anyways, I won't move in until this weekend at the earliest, and now it looks more like it won't be until next week. When I get everything settled in, carpet/flooring fixed up, buy furniture, etc., then I will start inviting people over. Not sure how long that will take though.
I'll probably have more thoughts to share later about how it feels to own a house, but for now here are a few pictures I took tonight when I was there:
I closed on my new townhouse this morning. Was fairly uneventful, basically just signed and initialed a bunch of documents. Most of the work was done in the weeks leading up to closing I guess.
Anyways, I won't move in until this weekend at the earliest, and now it looks more like it won't be until next week. When I get everything settled in, carpet/flooring fixed up, buy furniture, etc., then I will start inviting people over. Not sure how long that will take though.
I'll probably have more thoughts to share later about how it feels to own a house, but for now here are a few pictures I took tonight when I was there:
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