a strange thing happened this morning.

we'll talk about the cats later. maybe. i'm hoping we don't have to.

but, i got some ide drives. all 40 gb. 3 for $10. i know at least one of them works. i'll install after i get some rest...

the strange thing is this: i went to take out the old drive and i noticed something was loose inside, sort of like a blown light bulb. i shook it a little to prove to myself it was really broken, after 19 years. a little piece of metal fell out; it could have been the leg on a chip, perhaps.

i tried one more time.

...and it spun.

but, it took me up to the block screen i see when the power cuts. this requires a reinstall. the system is, in fact, designed for easy reinstall.

but, see, i've long suspected that the block screen is a sign of a dying hard drive, so i'm going to install on one of the new drives and see if it fixes it.

the more exciting thing is that i didn't lose my script.

i guess it solves the mystery: i seem to have blown a component, and the broken piece seems to have maybe created a short, i guess. the drive seems to work. but, for how long? i should put it aside and try something new.

updated actual spending totals:
22.58 (bicycle) + 32.77 (shoes) =    (6th)
55.35 + $10 (hard drives) =    (8th)
65.35

i was woken up this morning and need to get back to the sleep that i missed.