See if the required text books are in the library. Maybe you can check them out? Or digital copies that you could download? If it's lit classes, a lot of the old, non copyright books are on Project Gutenberg.

Well done, Miracleman!

Yay! Well done, MM indeed!

Woo hoo MM!

Ya know, i've never had to pair up vicodin with benadryl before today (itchy) and am feeling shockingly loopy and nauseated. Boo. On the bright side, I'm ready to wager that my mystery undiagnosable pain is mostly definitely muscular as walking to work in the snow tomorrow ratcheted up the pain to previously unknown levels. And the vicodin is working on the pain, so that's good. Had to call in sick to work today since walking even to the bus stop at the end of the block is right out of the question. Especially on a big sheet of ice (no love to you, "ice pellets"). It's finally above freezing so I'm cheering on the melting. Go melting! Come on melting! Clear my street to a driveable level before it gets dark and all ices over tomorrow! Go melting! You can do it!

In related news, I'm pondering leasing a different kind of vehicle next year. I love my little 2005 honda civic hybrid and don't want to even think about attempting to sell it (it's well maintained under the hood but i let it run to moss cosmetically) but it's mostly useless in snow even with the finest chains that can fit the low profile clearance. Last time we had major accumulation i got high centered on snow drifts. Three times. And had to be pushed out by passerbys. As an 'essential employee' it would be nice to be able to get to work in my vehicle and not trust in utterly unreliable bus services or walking with a chronic injury. It would also be nice to be able to haul furniture and lumber. But that's something to ponder further another day. Now i need to go camp out in the bathroom for a bit, I fear last night's dinner is going make a reappearance.

Yeesh, erin. I'm glad you figured it out, but I hope you get to feeling better soon, that's no fun.

As an 'essential employee' it would be nice to be able to get to work in my vehicle and not trust in utterly unreliable bus services or walking with a chronic injury.

Yeah, I love your car (cause mine is similar) but it's not a snow car. And you are pretty essential, especially in the kinds of weather that your car is less reliable during.

I am glad that you are finding some reasons for the pain and this helps you find some relief.

Given that you have a hybrid now, and it's running fine. And I'm guessing it doesn't snow often in your neck of the woods, would it make sense to have a second vehicle for snow? ATV or snowmobile? Not sure how far away your commute is, so, those might not be viable options. Just trying to think outside the box. Would hate for you to burn tons of extra gas for a handful of days that you need gas guzzler.

Or? Maybe the EV Highlander (I think it's the Highlander...Toyota SUV). It has the higher clearance. And no gas burning!

my commute is ony 2.5 miles, totally reasonable walking distance if the sidewalks weren't above-the-boot drifts (and apparently my body is utterly against goose-stepping for reasons). Electric only is totally an option. Road trips are rare. The furthest I drive on a semi regular basis is less than 15 miles to Costco. I was toying with idea of a lease on a second vehicle, even though it is utterly absurd for me to have two vehicles....i'm totally not up to owning 2 vehicles but maybe if i tried out another option for a few months i'd like it enough to actually go through the hassle of attempting to sell or trade in the honda. Totally can't afford a new car. Right now savings is for new windows.

Or I can just commit to being physically sound and healthy so I can continue with my current emergency commuting option which is my two feet. Dumb body, messing up my plans with pain.

Maybe skis. Except i've never skiid. How hard is cross country skiing to pick up when you only practice every 5 years or so?

Huh, ATV....that might be fun. Impractical for most of the year (can't really load one on the honda....) but fun. Hrm. And local police don't give a flap about ATV's on the roads during snow even if it's technically illegal "info only, all nets." I got passed yesterday by 2 snowmobiles and could only wonder why portlanders have snowmobiles????

Mt Hood?