We go through a lot of printers. Well, at least that’s what it seems like. I’ve been using a Brother 3-in-1 and it’s already starting to act crazy. I love it because it does a lot of stuff and the ink is inexpensive, but when I replaced the black ink cartridge it didn’t read it. That’s so annoying because when I’m printing something for school it spurts and sputters and generally gives me a hard time before it finally spits out whatever it is that I need.

The good thing is that they’re so cheap now. I don’t have to spend a lot of money to replace it if I need to. The bad thing is that it costs more to have it repaired than it does to have it replaced. What’s up with that anyway? It’d be nice if I could learn how to fix them in one of my courses. Then I could do it myself and save myself a lot of aggravation.

Speaking of school: The semester’s almost over. I’m so happy. With everything going on I feel like I’m losing my mind. I had to take a math exam yesterday and did I study for it? No, of course I didn’t. Did I do well? No, of course I didn’t. And don’t even get me started on the papers I have to do. I think I probably shouldn’t have taken two extensive writing courses this semester. I shot myself in the foot with that one.

On a brighter note, it’s snowing. Oh, wait. That’s not a brighter note. I do not like snow. Not at all. The only thing good about it is that when it’s snowing it’s not too cold to breathe. Last weekend was so cold I thought my head was going to freeze right off my shoulders. And since I’ve seen “Day After Tomorrow” I always freak out when it gets that cold (don’t ask me why because I’m very strange about that sort of thing). The good thing is, though, our gas bills seem to be holding steady. Hopefully the natural gas, like the gasoline, will be cheaper this winter. Keeping my fingers crossed for that one. At any rate, I hate the cold and will be doing cartwheels when I see the first robin in spring. Count on it.

I have been trying to lose some pounds for a while now. I’ve been doing yoga, dancercise and even considered top diet pills. All to no avail (of course, just considering the diet pills doesn’t help, buy you get my gist). I have been steadily gaining the pounds. I was having a difficult time understanding it, but then realized something.

My medication for the FM is probably making this happen.

One of the methods of treating Fibromyalgia is anti-depressants. I can’t take the usual kind- such as Lexapro – because I’m allergic to SSRIs. So I’m taking Elavil in small doses. Still, one of the side effects is, sadly, weight gain. And it’s working a little too well in that area, I think. Yikes!

Another thing that could be working against my efforts to slim down is my reproductive ills. I have a 3.3 cm (1.15… inch) cystic mass on my left ovary. My Gyn says that it’s nothing to be worried about, but that it could be messing with my hormones. That can cause a whole range of issues, most of which I’m certain affect me right now. The solution? Medication, of course. Birth control pills. I think we all know what one of the side effects of those is. That’s right, folks. Weight gain.

I should be thinking about my self in a more positive manner, but I am absolutely convinced that some of my medical issues are stemming from my weight. For instance, my lack of energy. Were I a few pounds lighter I would no doubt have more energy. Also, my hip and ankle issues. Hello? I’m 5 foot 1 inch tall and my poor ankles and hips aren’t designed to carry this much weight. I think if I dropped down to a more healthy weight these issues would resolve themselves. Ya know?

Of course, it doesn’t help that my beautiful daughter weighed in at 161 lbs when she gave birth and almost two weeks later is a svelt 120 lbs. She’s lost 40 pounds and that makes me green, green, GREEN with envy. Seriously, I want to do that. LOL! I would like to mention, though, that I’m happy for her because she’s gotten past the danger of the pre-eclampsia and my jealously is purely selfish wishing. She still looks much better than that cheeky friend of hers that I can’t stand.

Today we go for a long walk and HOPEFULLY I’ll be able to manage my pain afterward.

Keep your fingers crossed.

Last weekend I made a list of things that I need to get accomplished this week. On the top of that list was “Spring cleaning”. Other things on the list were “Send out Resumés”, “Write two articles”, “Study for exams”, etc. Can you believe I got two of those done? Ha!

Spring cleaning was the worst. I thought I was going to have to rent a couple of steam cleaners.Seriously, this place was musty. Down came all the curtains, out came the cleaning supplies and I got busy. All weekend. Windows, floors, ceilings, everything. It’s like new in this joint right now. It won’t last long, of course, because my home is occupied by a toddler, a dog and two slobs, but for now it looks really good.

I sent out three resumés today. Two of them were for writing gigs and one of them was for a gig that pays hourly (still working from home, of course). My poor resumeé looks like crap. And bare! Holy smokes, it’s pitiful. But I’m keeping my fingers crossed. I’m going to go back over it again tomorrow and see if there’s anyway to make it better. I thought about doing an article on that, but I really don’t have the time for researching it. Isn’t that sad?

Two weeks from tonight is my last night of class for this semester. I’d love to spend this time studying for that, but next week is a section exam. Studying for the final will have to wait until after that’s done. I’m not pleased. This class is not easy for me and I need to get a grip on the material. Since it’s comprehensive I may end up bald and in tears before it’s all over. Luckily my other class doesn’t have a final and I’ve gotten good marks on all of the projects so far. At least I don’t have to worry about that. I’ve decided to take algebra and English next semester. My coding classes will have to take a backseat to this other stuff for now¹.

I’m also considering moving this blog off the main index of Chipped Polish and making a portal instead. I was thinking, if I get more gigs, that I could make some kind of portfolio page and link from there. I don’t know though. It’s probably an idea that won’t see fruition for quite some time. Honestly, I can’t see myself doing anything extra until after July. By then I’ll be so sick of the warm weather I’ll be hiding inside through the day. The sun isn’t good with me. He likes to make me have episodes and I really don’t need anymore of those.

Tomorrow, I write my articles. I’ll link to them when I’ve got a few more up. Right now my page is bare and I don’t like the way it looks. I have to rearrange some categories, spruce up the forums, etc. I’ll be out of training soon, so I’ve really got to get on the ball. I can’t wait to start raking in some dough².

1. I’m hoping that my tech professor is replaced before I start taking his classes again.
2. Not much, of course. But I’ve got a plan.