Hi all. If anyone noticed the downtime for nazareth this morning, it was because I was trying (unsuccessfully) to upgrade my firewall and also because Melissa and I are re-arranging the computer room. We’re taking out the table that was way too big for the room. It’s much nicer in here without it.
I also finally got a chance to install the monitor arm that I drug out of a dumpster in California last summer (I had to wait for a skunk to get _out_ of the said dumpster before I could get in). It’s really cool. A tad overkill, but cool nonetheless.
In other news, I committed a first today: I bought power tools. I bought a Ryobi three-pack with a circular saw, a reciprocating saw, and a drill/screw gun. It also had a nifty flash-light in there which also runs off the phatty 18volt batteries that came with the set. Apparently the flashlight doesn’t count though, because it’s called a “three-pack” on the box. Oh well. I’ve been using the screw gun and drill left and right. It’s nice to finally have schtuff like that. Borrowing is fine, but it gets old eventually. I’m sure Dad and Jerry will be glad that I’m not constantly borrowing theirs. So I’m pleased.
We’re still looking for bookshelves. I have no idea where I should buy such a thing. I’m price shopping. Furniture is not something I’m familiar with.
not a bad idea. dave, there’s one in your area called “naked furniture”. i think it’s in ft. wayne.
dave — i think you’re date is screwed up.
wow.
while i appreciate tools of the drilling and screwing variety, i wouldn’t know what to do with a saw.
is that a married joke?
finding bookshelves is easy. finding _good_ bookshelves for a reasonable price is a pain. I don’t have any yet either.
ikea
So far we’ve checked Staples, Penney’s, Target, and WalMart. Walmart had nothing. Staples had the best looking shelves thus far. (as far as appearence, perceived durability and price)
We’re considering taking a trip to Fort Wayne next weekend to check out some actual furniture stores, but the prices that I’m liable to find scare me. We’ll see.
ikea is nice because stuff looks decent, but it’s all flat packed put it together yourself el-cheapo type stuff.
your nearest ikea is in schaumburg, IL. that’s nw of chitown, so probably a bit over three hours for you.
Here’s a neat looking bookcase:
http://www.ikea-usa.com/product_presentation/show.asp?productnumber=00028634&type=III&id=6013,411,468
Here’s something more classic:
http://www.ikea-usa.com/product_presentation/show.asp?productnumber=20033863&type=ART&id=6013,411,468
$50 and $80 respectively.
Or they have whole coordinated sets of bookcases that can surround computer desks, etc:
http://www.ikea-usa.com/product_presentation/subcat.asp?id=6012,411,468
Dude, that’s the exact same tool kit I bought! Isn’t it awesome?
Ryan: you’re right, those are pretty nice shelves. I kinda like the look of the first link. I’ll have to see what Melissa says.
Josh: aye, nice tools indeed. It’s so nice to be able to just do something, instead of waiting to borrow a tool to do it. Plenty of torque, nicely sized. All kinds of tooly goodness in these guys.
Another idea, see if you have any “unfinished” furniture places. they sell stuff like picnic tables, laundry drying racks, etc, but they’re all plain wood. you get to finish them yourself. those are _really_ nice. I would also go hunting at all the vintage/used furniture stores in your nearest metro area.