One man's trash is Stiebel's new blog entry

I got a bookshelf/cabinet!!

Late last night, as I was walking back to my apartment, I came upon a bookshelf/cabinet on the curb.  Someone was throwing it out, even though it looked to be in great condition.

So this afternoon, I walked back to where I had found it, and sure enough, it was still there, waiting for the garbage truck to come and take it away.  I quickly borrowed my building manager's dolly, and within a few minutes, it was mine!

The bookshelf is in pretty good condition.  A little wear-and-tear, but it looks great and it's quality construction.  One of the shelf's strips of finish had come loose, but I used my trusty double-sided tape to fix that.

I haven't put anything on/in it yet, but since it's pretty deep, I will probably use it for pictures, Shabbat stuff, etc.  I think it might even be big/deep enough to hold a small TV.  Hmmm...

Anyway, I think this find balances out with my Craigslist stupidity.  :P

Let the furniture building begin!

I had a very memorable trip to IKEA last night with soon-to-be-colleague Andrew Noh.  I was very overwhelmed at that store, but I did succeed in making a few purchase decisions.  I wasn't quite ready o make a sofa bed purchase, and I still haven't decided what I'm doing about a bed (more on that later.)  Based on my sister's advice to "start with the things I really need," I only bought a tall lamp, a dining room table (that expands!), a simple work table, shot glasses (definitely a priority), and a set of silverware.  (Of course, in typical Stiebel fashion, when I got home I realized that I had already bought two sets of silverware at Target last week.)

Anyway, today will be a day of basic assembly (and probably laundry, too.  And maybe another adventure in gourmet cooking.)  I just finished assembling that infamous end table that I got through Craigslist.  Even though I overpaid by 2 dollars, it was worth it.  It looks really good.  I think I might eat lunch on this table today, even though it's only about one foot off the ground.

Lunch time!

I also need to assemble the lamp and the dining room table (that expands!)  I love expanding tables!

My humble abode

Here is a shot of my living room.  Very minimally furnished obviously, but hopefully it'll look much better over the next few weeks.

I'll try to post photos of each stage in the furniturization project.