This week started off so well – Dace came over, we had pizza and played games. I had some golf practice with Grandad on Monday, then a lesson on Wednesday and our usual coffee. I picked up Mum’s new computer that I had ordered, since the old one is… well, old. I got work done, to the point where it was time to start the actual code-monkeying for the software house. I got accounts done, I got laundry done, I watched a bunch of good shows with good company and had good chats with people online. Then, my computer decided to have a spaz.

Now, I had already booked her into the shop to get a few minor things looked at (one of the speakers is bung, some annoying dead pixels, etc), but apparently this was the wrong thing to do, because as soon as she sensed that it was time for the shop, she went mental. Literally. My graphics display started doing all kinds of crazy shit which basically rendered her unusable when it happened. It seemed to be on-and-off though, so I figured I’d pick her up today after they’d had a look at her, found out what parts they needed to order (last time it took about three weeks… sigh) and then at least I’d be able to semi-use her while I waited for parts. The call came in today that the power board (which they had replaced only… 8 months ago?) was bung. So, in I go to pick her up and hope for at least some temperamental use. When I get her home, she won’t even boot up. Luckily I’d had enough time while she was temperamental to make sure all the important stuff was backed up, but this pretty much screws me in terms of work. My machine is so custom that it’s a royal pain to set up, and I really don’t like un-setting up a machine, as that takes even longer. So, right when I was set to dive into a bunch of work, I’m fucked.

At the very least this has given me an opportunity to set up Mum’s new computer physically, then install a bunch of software on it and set it up for her use. Later on once I’ve made sure it’s running properly with everything she needs on it, I’ll pick up the old machine and transfer over all the data. I even put Total Annihilation on it and Dace and I had a few LAN games. Still a fabulous game after all this time – I am constantly amazed by how little memory this game takes up for what it is. For those of you that are interested, Dace always canes me at this game. Always. I would not recommend taking him on. I instead choose to join him and kick some AI virtual ass.

Silver lining of the black technological cloud continues somewhat, as I got to spend some time with Ian helping him develop his SoundReason website shop, which he’ll be using to sell packs and tracks of original music that he has composed (and is still composing). It’s not live yet, so I can’t link you to it, but I’ll be sure to as soon as I know it’s up and running.

It’s weird having to go back to using webmail after using Thunderbird for so long. I also got the results back for my dormitory selection in Japan, but it’s an Excel sheet and I haven’t installed Office on Mum’s machine yet, so I’ll find out soon enough, I guess. ^^

Today I feel really, really shit. My laptop is bung and this cuts out a huge portion of my regular activities, including my work. I was right on the verge of doing a bunch of really productive things, particularly for the end of the month and that means that my projected progress has just been shot. This adds to my feeling crap. I miss Anastasia a lot as well and am just generally feeling horrible like I want to curl up into a ball. I’m trying to see the silver lining as much as I can, and I know it’ll pass and things will get better… it’s just kinda crap right now.