Software is expensive.

I had a problem with the computer. It would not access wireless.
My programmer friend said he'd take a look at it. Only fix we could find was re-installing vista. I hate vista, so why not buy Windows 7?
That's what I did.
Except I first tried to buy it online and THOUGHT I cancelled the order, but when I got my computer back and checked my email I found out that the order went through! Loverly, and their return policy is very complex. I don't yet know if they'll let me return it, so there's $150 down the drain.
He took everything I wanted off the computer, wiped it, and then put my desired items back on.
Well, except for Microsoft Word, Excel, and Power Point, Photoshop, and any other software I had to install beforehand. Crap, didn't think about that.
Thankfully, I know a website that allows students and educators to get a VERY good deal on software. Word, Excel, Power Point, Access, Outlook, and Publisher for $99. With their warranty program and rush shipping (I have to proof read a paper by Jan 4), it came out to $139, the same cost as the Windows 7 software I DIDN'T but did order. I hope they accept a screen shot of my class schedule as proof of enrollment. Now to find our Photoshop disk.
At least I have my photos and documents. I just can't see the documents yet.

I must be insane

I am breaking one of my personal school-time rules and getting a dog.
You will all meet Penny shortly.

Merry Christmas!

I realize that technically Christmas has been over for about two hours, but I hope you all had a merry Christmas (or a happy one, whatever). My family and I had a very relaxing (for the most part), laid back day at home with just us, followed by a viewing of Sherlock Holmes, which I liked very much.
My best gift hands down was my power drill and circular saw with a bunch of drill bits. I know I sound like such a guy every Christmas, last year it was tinsnips. However, I have noticed quite a few times this year when a drill would have been nice (like when I had to wait two weeks for my uncle to hang up my wall desk because I didn't have one) and now if I have the odd desire to build something, I can! I've moved to a house with a garage from my apartment, so I could really and truly build something. Hello, creative outlet! I told my mom how I felt rather masculine and she said "No! You are a liberated woman! Independent!" To which I sang "W-O-M-A-N!"
I can be totally feminine and totally competent at a non-traditional female role (such as working with power tools). Why is it I am just now realizing this considering I was raised in an egalitarian home?

Home at last...

...and quarantined in my room because my allergies have already caused my right eye to swell up (always my right eye...) and my face to itch all over. Kapu and Bob get a bath TOMORROW!
Also partly because my family has passed an undefined illness around for the past couple weeks.
Welcome home, Kate!

Oh sticky tack, we used to be friends...

Sticky tack stains sheetrock. I guess I forgot that when I used it to hang all but three things on my walls. I've tried using DAWN to get it off but now I have blue dawn spots on my walls. I've heard of using a cornstarch paste to take it off, so I will try that next, but I may just have to end up painting over it.
Dumb apartment. Dumb sticky tack. Dumb sheetrock.
Hmph.
If anyone has a suggestion please let me know! This apartment didn't have a security deposit so they'll just charge me afterwards for anything they have to do and I'm afraid of them taking advantage of me!

I'm done.

It's done. I did it. I made it.
Now I have to pack, move, and clean. Then I get to go home.

Just hold on until Saturday

I have an exam tomorrow, a final paper due midnight Thursday, a lit review due Friday and a final that same day and time. Then I am done with my first semester of graduate school. I just have to buckle down.
Then, I get to move out of my apartment and into a house and set it up (I have to be completely out by noon on the 18th), then a graduation party, then HOME! Then Christmas! Then a reception for some friends who got married (Two hours away and on January 1st, no less!). Then I don't have class until January 20th. Likely the longest winter break I've ever had.
I have so much to do, and I'm really worried it won't be finished in time, but at the same time I keep reminding myself that for good or ill it will all be over by Saturday.