First days back

    I spent my first two days home from Cleveland unpacking my belongings and getting some chores done that I would otherwise have to do on the weekend (when it will be warm and sunny and not cold and dreary like today).  
    I started off by visiting a few banks around town to try to get a job.  One outright said they have a "hiring freeze", a few others use only online applications (ugh, I feel like these never get looked at), and was able to fill out an app at one location.  Hopefully I'll find something out within a week or two or I'll have to try plans B and C: waiting tables or working at some small business like a bakery.
    Also today, I assembled my computer.  Normally not a big deal, but this time I decided would do something about the hideous mess of wires that are usually just hanging around underneath my desk.  I bought a cable management basket (read about it in a Lifehacker article about computer cable management) and it works well.  The mess of cables that used to dangle over the floor now is neatly kept hidden from view under my desk in this basket.
    Additionally, I decided to look into X10 devices today.  The X10 protocol is pretty cool; it sends information through AC power lines during zero crossings.  Hopefully, once my equipment from eBay arrives I'll be able to control some electric devices via remote and computer.  If that works without any major issues I'll be able to add in cellphone SMS texting control as well.
    Ultimately, my goal is to make an easily manageable party system for my suite's common room next year.  Something along the lines of MIDAS.