Last night wheni stopped at QuikTrip for some smokes, I chatted with the 40ish year old feller behind the counter, who related his life story to me. Lived all over the US, taking jobs that sounded fun, spending a few years as a beach bum, and now making, as he said, $50k working night shift at a gas station. IMHO, sounds like a perfect life.

I sucked it up and bought a mattress and desk and computer chair last night from IKEA. $650 including home delivery (since I bought off website). That seems alright, I guess....

But speaking of home furnishings, I need decorating advice. My apartment is pretty much a 2-story studio apt, with a large room downstairs (living room) and the kitchen, while upstairs is another large room (bedroom) and the bathroom and a closet. My problem is that I don't have anything to put in the living room -- desk and bed are going upstairs, which leaves downstairs woefully empty. If I had a TV, I'd put it and a couch down there, but I have neither (nor do I want a TV). Sooooo... what should I do with my downstairs space?