Computer...fail!

I was ridiculously proud about the fact that I was able to replace a part in my computer. It worked really well...for about a week. Now the new fan doesn't work, and I'm beginning to think that the problem is bigger than just the fan. I've had a few friends and family (all "computer people") suggest that it's quite possibly something to do with the motherboard. I tune them out at the point (wayyy over my head) but listen enough to realize that fixing the computer would now cost more than buying a new computer. That seems completely illogical to me, and really stupid. I guess that's good for the computer industry, but kind of a waste (unless, of course, you have money just laying around, which I unfortunately do not).

So I've resigned myself to the death of my laptop, which makes things substantially harder. I'd really like to start my graduate school applications, but I can't exactly work on my personal statement in the living room. It will not work, that much I can guarantee.

Yesterday I convinced Mom and Dad to go look at new cell phones with me, finally. It looks like we'll be switching to Sprint (for real this time) because it's cheaper than any other provider we can find. I'll be getting my new phone in about a week...the Samsung Intercept. It's a smartphone, with the Android platform, and I'm quite excited. I really like Android phones, and I'm going to enjoy playing with my new phone when I get it.

Also, I had quite a nice surprise yesterday. Mom told me that Dad had to "pick up some stuff" at Best Buy, which turned out to mean that they were buying me a new laptop!!! I did not expect that, at all. Being without a laptop would make me have to work a little bit harder, but it wouldn't be the end of the world (not really, I guess). But this is really nice :) So I've spent last night and today playing with my lovely new laptop. It has an AMD processor which we are a little unsure of, considering we've only ever had Intel processors, but I doubt I'll ever notice a difference. As much as I'd love to be a "computer person," it's still a work in progress. And that's probably ok.

So now I can continue to blog (which I don't like doing in the living room, much like anything else) and on Monday, I will officially begin working on my personal statements. I'm somehow really stressed about it, but trying to remember that my applications are basically all due in DECEMBER. So I have time. But...I'm really concerned about making sure that my applications are high quality. I plan on putting a lot of work in...but I do also want to enjoy senior year. It's hard to find that balance, between making sure I get everything done (and done well) but also having fun. We'll see how it all goes--but I suspect that having a lovely new laptop will help!