new house?

I'm anxiously awaiting a call back from the landlord of the house I really really want. I've got the paint colors all picked out, and plans for a swingset in the back yard. Cross your fingers, say a prayer, send positive engergy, and wish me luck! If I get it, a house-warming will be in order.

cable, internet, or both?

Ever since my sister moved out, we've been cable and internet free. And it sucks. So we're writing our budget for when we move, and trying to decide if cable and/or internet should be included. It would be nice to not have to bring my laptop to the bookstore every day if I want to check my e-mail. It would also be nice to be able to watch Cupcake Wars, Top Model, and The Mighty Boosh again. So which do I miss more? Neither are actually necessities... but I think I need them.
p.s. If you know anyone with a sewing machine they don't want, let me know.

urban pioneers!

So, we've been house-hunting, looking for a slightly nicer house, with extremely nicer neighbors. After searching and searching, and wanting to punch craigslist in the face, we may have found the one. Just turned in the rental app today. As soon as I walked in (well, almost as soon... had to get past that pink paint first!) I started daydreaming about painting, decorating, house-warming, and all the other things that I can do in a brand new house. Like expanding on our already odd tendency to do things ourselves. We make our own pickles. We preserved and canned blueberries. Brewed beer. Our first attempt at cheese failed, but I'm game to try again. My theory is the more I do myself, the more independent I can be. I am not a handy person, not particularly good with tools, nor am I an outdoorsy, country type. I like living in the city, but I want a root cellar. I want to get an old Mercedes, and make my own bio-diesel. (Seriously, I'm trying to convince Logan that this is a great idea.) All this in the name of making life simpler. By simpler I mean affected less by marketing, packaging, all the ways we consume in unhealthy ways. Anyway, the few small things I've tried to do myself have been empowering, and I'm on the lookout for new ideas. Got any good ones? I'm thinking about buying a sewing machine and some vintage Vogue patterns...