Ay Carumba what an expensive week!
On Sunday the hard drive controller on my iMac completely died, so the machine couldn't see or mount the hard drive and the machine wouldn't start up. I had known it was lousy for a while (that iMac had been running 24/7 for over four years), but was stalling on replacing it. Repairing the machine would be a stupid decision financially because the cost of a new computer has gone down so much. (as in several hundred dollars to fix, or several hundred dollars for a new, much more powerful computer)
Still, I made a go of fixing it, and spent two days tearing down the old machine and attempting to get the wretched thing going again. Last night, I decided that there was nothing to do but bury the remains and buy a new computer.
Thereafter, the discussion started. Bob wanted me to buy an eMac, on the grounds that they are virtually the same machine as the iMac I was replacing and way cheap. I wanted the new flat-screen iMac with all the bells and whistles. Of course, I got challenged for a logical reason to spend three times the money "for a machine you only use to go online." (It's not like I'm programming anymore, so it's not so easy for me to justify my computer toys, and I _really_ like my technology toys)
I stepped back, thought for a moment and came up with my reason: I want the machine I want because it will make me happy. I am trapped like a rat in the house most of the time, and my internet connection is my contact with the outside world. I could have a lesser machine, but that just isn't what I want.
I ordered the new machine this morning, and it will be here on Friday. :-)
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Poorhouse Part 2
Before the unfortunate computer meltdown, I wrote that I am working on a sculptural RAW kimono made of fire polished crystals. Before I started, I made some rough guesstimates and ordered 4 masses of 4 mm round clear crystals. (4800 beads) Since I've been computer deprived, I've been beading my little hands off (well, my right hand anyway - not using the left at all anymore) and realized I had severely miscounted.
I'm partly done with the back of the kimono (it's about a foot square), and I have a half mass of beads left. Ooops. Also, I had ordered the bracelet stand ahead of the project, and realized that my original drawings were too small, so the thing has to be even bigger. I called Shipwreck to order more crystals.
I got the sweetest clerk on the phone who looked up my account and gasped when I told her I wanted an additional 8 masses of FP crystals. She had to ask "What the heck are you using all those for?!" and freaked when I told her. I had to promise to send her a photo when I'm finished, which ought to be around the year 3000. (BTW, when you order that many, they'll sell them by the kilo for a much deeper than usual discount)
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Poorhouse Part 3
Went to drive DD to school this morning (yeah, I know. It was really cold and the school is less than a half mile away) and the car wouldn't start. I took out the voltmeter and the alternator is fine, but the battery is junk. Of course, because it's a VW Bug, I get to buy the fun expensive battery from the dealer instead of the cheap kind you can buy anywhere. I hate spending money on invisible stuff that gives no satisfaction.
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In case you aren't feeling broke by this point, I have only one more purchasing opportunity to describe for today. DD came home from school with a field trip form for some drama workshop in Rhode Island. Now, when I was a kid and dinosaurs roamed the Earth, a field trip was a couple of bucks.
Not anymore. This flipping field trip is $50, please pay in advance. And, I have to provide a lunch! Double And - they asked if I could chaperone, and if I do, I have to pay an additional $50! (I can't chaperone, but that's besides the point) They did say that scholarship money was available for the trip, but sheesh. $50 for a field trip.
I should call my mother. She'd be totally scandalized.
Kathy N-V