Does it ever end? After waiting for what seems like weeks (maybe even months) we finally figured out what color we wanted to use in our family room. After many failed attempts and various forms of samples we decided to paint a faux combination of 2 Benjamin Moore paints. After spending 2 days painting I must say that I love the end result. The room is warmer and brighter plus it has an aged look to it that very subtle. So now, the last thing we have on our list is to get some recessed lighting put in the room as well... anyone know of a good (read "cheap") electrician?

Taking it back. For those of you who wonder why Karen and I are such Costco whores most of you got the question answered a little while ago when we returned our plasma screen and exchanged it for a new HD version by Pioneer. Of course, we returned our unit after enjoying it for 14 months... So there it is, the "mythical" return policy does exist and I'm here to tell you - it works! For those of you who aren't "in the know", Costco will allow you to return anything you've ever purchased at their warehouses or on-line store whenever you feel like it. The only exception they have are computers and PDAs. For these items you only have 6 months until you can't return the item.

For big items (like our plasma tv) it makes sense on two levels. For one, its probably going to be cheaper than the item somewhere else so you're saving money right off the bat. Second, if you bought it somewhere else you'd be thinking about getting the "extended warranty" offered by the other guys. Well, this little expenditure would run you an extra $300 - $500 and though it makes sense to get it why wouldn't you get the item at a store that has that protection built into the price?

Anyway, I was reminded of this policy when we returned the Satellite Laptop I got for Karen at Christmas. For whatever reason it had put itself into hibernate mode and it wouldn't wake up. We promptly took it back and they even let us swap out the hard drive so we wouldn't have to reload all of our software again.

We're big advocates of Costco but I just don't know why you wouldn't be if they have something you want. Once you get over the funny stories of gallon container of ketchup you're left with good deals - you just got look for em...

Random Mathematical Algorithm. After spending a week with my iPod on my snowboard I realized that even though the device is very compact and not altogether cumbersome I wouldn't want to fall on it or have the cold affect it. So, like most people I was now facing a dilemma; the use of my iPod was going to be limited to travel or commuting... As luck would have it Apple has listened to the various groups that enjoy an active lifestyle and created the iPod Shuffle. Seeing as how Karen loves to listen to "her" music while she's at the gym and I'd be happier about breaking or losing a $99 gadget rather than a $300 gadget I went ahead and bought a Shuffle this past weekend.

Now, the pictures on the web don't really give you any idea of how tiny this thing is. Matter of fact, if you didn't know better you could almost mistake it for a USB "thumb drive". Its roughly about the same size and its lighter than a pack of gum. In fewer words, the gadget is pretty sweet. It is definitely the perfect companion for riding your bike, working out, running or just about anything you could think of. The only downside to the whole thing is now I have two sets of iPod headphones that are 1) Too big for my ears and 2) Identify you to any would be muggers by screaming out "yeah, I got one of those Apple things, come and take it...

So, all I have to do now is get another pair of the Sony Fontopia headphones and we'll be set. The Sony's on the other hand are the best ear bud style headphones that I've had. I highly recommend them.