Refinancing? Cleaning?

I'm thinking about refinancing my loan, and I haven't even been in the house a year. Interest rates have dropped by almost 1%, and I think my credit score has improved (although I need to check) so I can possibly save a few thousand dollars if I'm doing all this math right. Plus the rates are bound to rise soon, so I want to lock in on as low a rate as possible. Next week, after finals, I'll make some calls and see what's available.

Spent last night cleaning the living room. I managed to drag it out to a four-hour process. I really didn't want to clean (do I ever) but all the Christmas presents were scattered across the floor, and it was getting to be a little much. Plus I'm reading the Complete Tightwad Gazette, and as the author points out the quickest, cheapest way to make your home look good is to keep the house clean.

The Gazette is interesting reading. The author advocates saving aluminum foil, washing out ziplock bags, and making pot holders out of blue jeans. She's right -- doing all these "little things" will free up money for more important purchases -- but I can't see myself smoothing out bits of aluminum foil, or using folksy pot holders. (Not that there's anything wrong with cute or folksy -- it's just not my style!) Some of the other ideas in the book, though, are more interesting. She advocates using powdered milk for baking and even as a beverage, which makes good (if not tasteful) sense to me since I live alone and don't drink that much milk. I'm always amazed at how quickly the stuff goes bad!! The book is interesting enough that I'm planning on re-reading and making notes.

The damn sanding still is not finished. I had myself talked into renting a floor sander, but after reading the Gazette I changed my mind. I can do the job with the sander I already own. It will take more time, but my time is basically free. Tomorrow I'm going to sneak away from work as early as possible, go home, and FINISH THE FLOOR. I am sick of dragging it out!!