Oy, Barb.

I definitely need a new computer. I've been thinking for a while that I need a new computer, but now, I just tried to set up a new printer. The computer immediately recognized it, so I tried to see if it would print without me running the software, but no go. So I inserted the CD, and my CD drive ate it. It won't run it, but it won't eject it, either. Argh.

Barb, this woman sounds batshit, and also like someone whose parents never taught her that she can't have absolutely everything she wants in life. Wishing you all the best with your strategy with your lawyer. At least it sounds like she isn't going to win this one.

Ikea is indeed evil incarnate, but it also has so many wonderful things all in one place. It is simultaneously a magical wonderland full of beautiful bookcases and the source of all marriage breakups. (The Girl is putting together my Billy bookcase in the next room. I approve of this particular function of Ikea.)

Sorry, Hil.

Barb? I'd sue her ass off, but that might be just me. I think you and your lawyer are right about this issue, and you'll get the freedom you deserve to use your own name on your own books, without further craziness.

Aw, I love IKEA. I would go as far as to say that it is actually awesome incarnate.

Printer is now working. CD drive is not. Good enough for now -- time to prep classes for this week.

I actually enjoy assembling furniture (not ATM, of course, but normally, when i can, like, bend over and stuff) and like the plain pine ikea stuff. (my living room is surrounded in Ivar shelves AIFG) I've gotten two great bedframes there, both under $80 made of solid pine and delightful. The trick with ikea furniture is to always have a power drill handy, as sometimes "pre-drilled holes" aren't full drilled and trying to do it all by hand would kill one's wrists. I may also just be insane. Going there in person, however, because OMG so annoying, always takes the majority of a day.

eta: one of the delightful things about the unfinished pine is that if you happen to leave a candle burning on a shelf, a little too close to the next shelf up, your whole living room fills with the wintry smell of toasting pine. a pleasant reminder to move the fire.

erin_obscure, I hate flare-ups! May yours pass soon.

Same to Seska and anyone else in pain!

I must start cleaning out stuff and organizing stuff and packing stuff. It looks like I'm moving, ready or not.

Oh people in pain, I am with you. I woke up with my mid-back spasming and frozen and owey. Also, it is cold and rainy.

Much~ma to people in pain.

God help me, but I really do enjoy my job. I think what makes the different is working with uber intelligent people who trust me.

I got to see amych fence!!!!! More importantly, I got to see her fence really well! (Also, she fenced Jane Eyre. No, seriously. Jane Eyre is also a world champion. Seriously. [I'm trying to come up with a "Mr. Rochester" joke and failing.]) Also, I have pictures, but no time to put them up right now.

Hopefully, we will hook up later for Graeter's. In the interim, The Boy and I are going out to his parents' house to visit and have dinner.

t edit Actually, in the time it took me to type all that, it turns out I do have time to fiddle with pictures, because The Boy is going over to help out a buddy who's going through a bad breakup. So -- pictures soon!