Feeling Like an Old Lady

Lately, I have been waking up feeling like an old lady. My back hurt so much I felt like I had slept on a log or wood plank or something. So the time had finally come to start considering looking at mattresses.

Shopping for a mattress is not an easy task. Laying on a mattress for 2 minutes in the store is not the same as sleeping on a mattress for about 8 hours a night for 8 to 10 years, approximately 1,401,600 minutes to 1,752,000. Obviously, 2 minutes does not compare. I started looking at the weekly ads and online for what I think I would want and need. And I got the Consumer Reports issue that discussed mattress and talked to some people about it. Let me tell you, that just created more ideas and confusion.

Finally, I started looking at memory foam, latex, and air camber beds. I figured it would be nice to get a bed that would last longer that then 7 to 10 years, that traditional mattresses are reported to last. I ruled out latex pretty quickly because from what I read on the internet, they are just starting to become popular in the US and can be harder to find. That left memory foam and air camber mattresses. I was really interested in trying memory foam, because I have a memory foam pillow and love it. But I was worried that the bed would be very different from the pillow. After trying it, it is much like a traditional mattress, different firmness and comfort levels. After finding the right comfort and firmness it was just like my pillow and felt great. I also tried the Sleep Number bed. I saw some great reviews of the product saying it was the best bed they have ever had, and some saying it felt like they were sleeping on a blow up air mattress. After trying it, I really liked it. I liked that is can be adjusted with the way you are feeling that day as well as over time. I also liked the fact that you can add more padding to go on top of the air chambers to make it feel like a more traditional bed.

Now came the decision. Both beds had a try at home guarantee. If you don't like the bed they will take it back. Both beds have a 20 year limited warranty. However, the prices varied dramatically, the memory foam bed I liked was about $3600 before taxes and delivery and haul away, and the sleep number bed was $1600 before taxes.

I will not keep you in suspense any longer. I decided to go with the Sleep Number bed.

The price was a big decision maker for me, and I love the fact that I can adjust the bed to my comfort level. I also figured if I was to add in the memory foam feeling, I can buy a decent topper and put that on the bed.

And I am happy to report that I no longer feel like I am an old lady when I wake up. No more back pain!! And for the record my sleep number is currently 40.

Organization: Part 1

When I got my new laptop, and I needed to install some of the software I had on my old laptop. This sounds much easier than it actually was. It meant time to go on a software search in the office. I try to keep all my computer stuff, (ie. hardware, software, cords, etc.) in totes to keep them organized. Well, it seems that only some stuff was in the organized totes, while other stuff was all over the place. That means it is organization time!!

The office and basement in my house seems to be the collect all areas, which is apparent from the pictures. When I clean the house the stuff that I no longer want to look at that is the main living area or master bedroom either goes in the office or the basement. I can always close the basement door and the basement is not completely visible from my living room. The really is no preference between basement and office, it is just based on size which is closer. So, that makes cleaning and organizing a bit confusing.

I decided to start with the office. When the office is packed full, I usually just close the door. Poof, I no longer need to look at it. This past week I decided I would start with the office and then I would do the basement. I decided I would do a little each night during the week. Some nights 10 minutes, some 30 minutes. By doing a little each night, it left the office a bit chaotic. As you can see, there is stuff everywhere. Shoes, boxes, paper, CDs, clothes, and so much more.

So it took some time to clean, and some of it went down to the basement, the other collect all place. But in the end I got the office clean, and the door can now stay open. There is still some stuff piled up, CDs, some paper work and some clothes. But I know what this stuff is, it is organized and I have plans for the stuff to be moved.

Now that the office is clean, that means it is time to move on to the basement. And that is not going to be nearly as fast or easy for me to complete.

It really does amaze me how stuff just piles up.

Step It Up!! (Part 2)

So, I said I was going to start stepping up my blogging again on Dec. 30th. Considering it is now March 12, and I have not blogged at all, I have not stepped it up at all. So, it is now time for part 2.
We all know it is the dreaded tax season. I know a lot of people recommend that you set up your with holdings so that you pretty much break even and do give the government a interest free loan. However, I like getting that nice extra payday this time of year. And in all honesty, with the current interest rates where they are and the amount of my return, I really would not have earned that much interest.

So with some of my tax return I decided to give myself a nice little present, a new Toshiba laptop.

This will be replacing my 2006 Dell laptop.

And the rest of my return will be going to savings and bills. Not nearly as exciting, but logical.