Woohoo!

Got my internet access set up! I ended up getting a Netgear DG834PN, which was really simple to set up and seems to work really well. Not that my flat is all that big, but it's split-level, and after the problems I had with signal at my last place, I really wanted to get a wireless router that wouldn't have a problem with walls and floors. The Netgear is a MIMO router, so it dynamically configures its 6 internal aerials to give the best signal - don't ask me how it does that, but it does, and so far it works well. Next step is to set up my camera and phone to use the new access point, and then all my gadgets can talk to my laptop whereever they are in the house :D (if only I could charge my laptop wirelessly, it would be perfect....)

Actually, it's the connection isn't 100% - it drops the connection for a second every now and then, but I assume that's just because it's still in the 10 day figure-out-the-best-speed period. And it's not terribly noticeable, except on msn, but it will get annoying if it carries on, I guess.

And also woohoo, I bought a bike yesterday! A beautiful Honda VFR400R NC24, in really good condition (at least, I think so, but for all that I've been riding for 8 years I still know nothing mechanical):

Haven't got it yet - the guy's going to bring it round Monday evening, since I'm really not comfortable riding it yet (very different riding style from what I'm used to), and I don't know the London roads at all. And I don't have a helmet... so tomorrow I'm going out shopping for a helmet, and a jacket, and I guess gloves as well, and a cover, since it's going into winter and I don't want the bike to get too rained on, and a lock, and a gps unit (TomTom Rider) so I can actually go places and know where I'm going.... it's an expensive business :-) Insurance was quite difficult - most quotes cost more than the bike did, and it was difficult to get anyone who'll insure a grey import. But I got it sorted, so everything's going well.

But for now, I'm off to bed - it's been a really exhausting week, and I'm soooo tired. But happy :D Out of the three 'b's, I have 'broadband', I have 'bike', and now I just need to work on 'boyfriend'... ;)