Thanks
@ShawnBrew , it seems there are a few techniques for getting new oak ready for use in homebrewing. I bought all the supplies yesterday and it is started now.
I sanitized a 1L mason jar, added the oak cubes and a neutral beer (german pils); I'm going to let it sit for 2 weeks before draining and rinsing. Then it'll go back into a sanitized mason jar with a Pinot Noir that Kyle recommended; let that sit for a few weeks. Then I'll add ~1-1.5 oz of the oak to the carboy for... a couple weeks? Not really sure how long it should sit in the carboy.
I had also heard about the boiling technique but decided against it because I am in no rush time-wise and feel that the beer soak method might have better results.