(no subject)

I killed my printer.

I was trying to update it's firmware so it would stop blinking it's light at me for no reason (this model tells you you have low toner after 400pages, even though it can go to 1500 pages without needing a refill) and instead of fixing it I have killed it.  The computer can't recognise it any more, it's red light is on constantly, it makes a strange whining noise when I switch it on and I'm pretty sure it's overheating if I leave it on for more than a few mins.

I feel so fucking stupid.  I have done this to other machines in the past (PSP, DS.... even a sodding camera) but even though there is always a risk of bricking things when you mess with them it has never gone wrong before.  And everything I read about this update says that it either works or it changes nothing- after searching online for 4 hours I have only found 1 other person who's printer seems to have stopped working.  Well, 2 now, seeing as mine is broken, and there isn't a damn thing I can do to fix it, because it won't show up on my goddamn computer!! Even if my warranty was still in place updating the firmware would invalidate it, so if I can't fix it myself I have no choice but to buy a new one- and that is heartbreaking, since this one was given to me by Mum and Dad.

It's gone 3am now, and I have to be up in a few hours for uni.  I feel too jittery to sleep, though, and I keep feeling like I am going to cry.  I can't believe I messed it up so badly.  I am a fucking idiot and a probably deserve this, but I love this printer and I can't afford a new one and even if I could, I don't want a new one- I just want this one to keep on working. ;__;.

RIP Printer. ;__;.

 I plugged the printer in this morning to see if a night of being unplugged had done it any good.  I reinstalled the drivers on my PC first, rebooted everything, and gave it a shot.  As soon as I flicked the switch it made a popping sound and spewed out some nasty smelling smoke.

I will not be plugging it in again.  
Ever.

-__-;


I told Dad what happened and he was nice to me and told me it wasn't my fault (even though it completely was), and I have spent the evening since I got in from Uni looking for a replacement.  Unfortunately the only places that still stock my old printer's model have really bad reviews, and I refuse to buy a printer off e-bay.  So... I have gone for a similar one in the same range, slightly more recent but not massively expensive at £40 + shipping.  I am not entirely happy about this.  I want my old printer.  If I can't have it, I want one that at least looks the same... not some new imposter. >_<;  But then, this is often how I feel about change in general.

In Other News:
I am on yet more pills, this time to treat latent terberculosis, which I have apparently been carrying for a while (but no worries- I am not infectious or even having symptoms).  Occupational Health want me to be clear of the infection before I am qualified, because in a small number of cases (around 10%) it can reactivate, and if that happens while I am working on a maternity ward it could suck. 

Unfortunately for me, my other medications mean I can't take the usual treatment, so instead I am stuck with an effective but annoying drug that only comes in 100mg pills, meaning I have to take 3 every evening to get the correct dose.  It also has some awesome side effects, including: paranoia, delusions, hallucinations, insomnia, and breast tissue growth.  It's like the medicine company found out all my most irritating problems, and made a drug that automatically makes them all worse.  Then adds delusions.  >_<;  I am not pleased.

Oh, and as a bonus I also get pins and needles and unexplained toe cramps.  Because clearly this didn't suck enough already.


On the plus side, my little dragon BJD is on his way and should be here soon. ^__^.