- To have an apartment where I can warm up with a space heater without worrying that the fuse will blow for the fourth time in a week? Seriously, I think I'm about to blow a fuse.
- To have adequately insulated windows so that it doesn't feel like a Nor'easter in my bedroom even with the heat cranking? Yes, I put up plastic on all the windows.
- To wake up in the morning and not get goosebumps as I hurriedly put on new layers of wool and fleece to stay warm? It's my least favorite part of the day.
- To have the thermostat located in a place where I don't have to climb over my roommate's bedroom furniture to adjust the temperature? Better yet, is it too much to ask to live alone?
- To have wireless access in my bedroom? Yes, we've called Comcast and they advised us that our apartment's layout makes it impossible to get a strong signal throughout.
- To have neighbors who understand that is just plain rude to play music on their balcony at 3 in the morning after their sleep-deprived neighbor (whose window faces the balcony) asks them to stop? Yeah, I called the cops and that worked for about 15 minutes.
- To have a pantry that stores food instead of mouse droppings? We have mousetraps and so far we've caught two of the little buggers, but I suspect there's an entire clan lurking behind the stove.
Apparently, it is. But maybe Santa will bring me a new apartment for Christmas (or at least cute pair of fingerless gloves as pictured above). And now, back to your regularly scheduled programming...
Flickr photo by ashe-villain
13 comments:
Sounds like you've been having the same week I have, what with all this grappling with my wireless connection, and the discovery of a virus on my computer. Oy.
Here's hoping things look up for the both of us in the coming weeks. Hooray for the holidays!
Hey, Steph! My wireless issues aren't that bad, because I can usually work in the living room. But if my roomies are watching TV and I'm on deadline, it's a little hard to concentrate. Forunately, that's why there's the library or a coffee shop (assuming they are still open). Eek - didn't know about your virus, but I hope that things improve for you over the holidays!
You have just described an exact replica of my last apartment. Well, throw in a dog that is left alone for 10 hours a day and barks for 80% of that time on the balcony facing yours. I feel for you, truly.
Thanks, Amanda! At I know I'm in good company.
Hi Susan,
"To have wireless access in my bedroom? Yes, we've called Comcast and they advised us that our apartment's layout makes it impossible to get a strong signal throughout."
I believe somebody at Comcast said this but find it hard to believe it's not possible to get a strong signal. I would believe they're lazy. Check out wireless routers that are capable of accepting external antennas. Also if that doesn't work there's extenders, expanders and repeaters available. There's a solution available and it comes down to details and price. I know this for fact as I considered setting up an external antenna to piggy back off wireless signals in my neighborhood. The research was fun but decided against implementation. :) Check out Kim Komando's article at http://komando.com/buyguide/index.aspx?id=2329 . It should get you started. Good luck.
Mark
Here's another alternative - HomePlug powerline system - http://www.komando.com/tips/index.aspx?id=917
Thanks, Mark. It wouldn't fix our heating issues, but it sure would be nice to have wireless in the other half of the apartment! And I agree, that was a lazy thing for Comcast to say.
Damn. I lived like that for about 2 years. I live in a really old house now where the heat seeps out the walls and windows...BUT..it's better. Maybe you should buy one of those Snuggie things from the infomercial. Good luck!
Ugh, the only thing worse than being cold all the time is being cold with a crappy internet connection. Just think, spring is only 4 months away...
Hugs,
kk
hey Susan - returned to the country recently, and trying to catch up on the blogs I liked. very glad I caught this post. besides the mouse droppings, i've had almost the exact same problems:
- when I'm working, I wear a jacket, a down vest, and a pair of glittens to stay warm enough to type.
- no wireless, and my main computer is downstairs where there's no internet. so if i need the web, i need to run up the stairs to access it.
- i was a resident assistant for 3 years, and dealing with loud college students/parties/music really wreaks havoc on productivity (and your love life.)
i'm glad we can commiserate. keep up the good work.
- chris
Thanks, Chris! Turns out our electrical problems are the result of faulty wiring, so we've had an electrician in to (hopefully) reconfigure the wiring so it's safe to use.
You might like the Snuggie blanket, its so comfortable and warm. I got mine at Harriet Carter.
Sounds like living in New York. But I've also got thin walls and crotechty old neighbors who scream all day while I'm trying to work. If one of them yawns -really- loudly, I can hear them through the ceiling.
Good times.
We're looking into that Verizon Fios stick that supposedly works anywhere. It even worked at my in-laws, where no signal has ever ventured before.
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