If it's not one thing...

[elfs]

Lain, my laptop, just blew her backlight. Everything works, but the screen is hosed. I've orderded a new backlight; they cost about $35. But installing it is supposed to be a nightmare; the nylon screws have to be replaced, I have to get under the keyboard bezel to get at the connectors, and when all is said and done it has to be soldered into place.

In the meantime, my one best writing tool-- in truth, my only writing tool these days-- is gone.

Damn.