I’ve got a huge list of projects for my new house, from remodeling the kitchen to replacing all the windows. Most of the things I’ve thought about up to this point are major, requiring major cash. Hell, the windows were estimated at $4,800 last week (9 top of the line windows, with full life-long warranty and installation included – including any frame repairs required to install – but still $4,800), and I’ve got a ceiling in the basement to finish taking down. The sheer cost and scope of what’s on the project list so far is a bit daunting, so I think it’s time to start thinking about some smaller, more easily accomplished things… which mainly center around decor.

The big question now is to go with blinds, curtains, or both. I want simple, clean design on the interior, and I’m afraid that, though definitely adding a "Homey" quality, the curtains might also add a "Busier than I want" quality. Curtains are nice, though… If I go with curtains (with or w/o blinds), I probably won’t go with any of the more expensive setups with hardware to draw the curtains back. It’ll all be manual pull and tie back… less to pay for, and less to break and go wrong. If I go with blinds (with or w/o curtains), I’ll go considerably nicer than Target or Walmart. Something (again) clean and simple.

Basically, I’m looking for an interior look with a definite Japanese flair. I don’t want to go full-on Japanese b/c… well… I’m not, and this isn’t. But I do so love the look.

Along with this is another change that is, in many ways, far more drastic. Those of you that know me will understand why I say this. I’ve been wanting to upgrade my in-home server for some time, but with the house, the projects, the car, and all the expenses that go along with all that, I just don’t have the capital. Thus, I’m seriously considering sacrificing my desktop to the new server. Besides increasing the power of the production server, giving me a development box again, this has the added benefit of keeping me off the computer for browsing and gaming while at home. That will free up time to get the house in shape for the inevitable house warming party. As it is, I apparently don’t have the willpower to keep myself off it, so I have to take the privilege away from myself. With a fully capable laptop courtesy work, if I really need to be online while at home, I can just take it home with me until such time as I can afford a personal laptop. I’ll let you know when/how that works out.