smallpiper - The studying I did was just on the internet trying to learn what I can of various subjects - web design, music, and mythology, mostly. Guess I can list that as great internet research skills, at least. Good idea. Thanks for the hug.

Jeanie - *Hugs back*

'fox - Great idea! I always used to fall through the cracks, but it was just that I didn't know what help was out there. You wouldn't believe how many times I've later found a program that *could* have helped if I'd known about it at the time... so there's gotta be something for right now, somewhere!

mooman - Thanks. I'll get this nutritional thing dealt with first, then work, then CD. And I'll definitely pick anyone's brains on mixing and mastering!

Matt - GREAT to see you!!! Thanks for the hug, and good luck to you too.

McG - patch cords are the things that are attached to mics and keyboards that go to the mixer or the line-in, lol. I'm pretty much doing computer music. Finally got the midi keyboard working after three years of it gathering dust, heh. The vocals and flutes need to be recorded in audio, then the midi needs to be recorded to audio, then it all gets mixed together. So I've pretty much got the setup I need, just need stereo cords for the vocals. A midi keyboard where I can record both hands at once would really help too, but that's a luxury right now.

MMario - *BIG HUG!*

Mrrzy - Thanks. Sympathy is good too! *Soaks it up*

Sharon - Yay, more hugs! Yep, first things first, right? Why is that so hard?

RichM - I've been on welfare, and even in an absolute emergency, they treat you like you aren't even a human being, and you're screwing the government for no reason save total laziness. If I went back on welfare, I would have a ton of emotional crap to deal with on top of all the other stuff that I'm already dealing with. So it wouldn't really help at this stage. Food banks and real "helping organizations" look like a better plan for the short-term. Thanks for the heads-up about the dental stuff...

Alice - Will do. Wow, that's some beautiful work you've got.

Spaw - *Hugs!* Yeah, I've already outlived my estimate... so I know what you mean. I'm still here, and I'd better DEAL with it, eh?

Deda - I can dance for half an hour a day. I can walk for three hours a day. More than that, and I need sleep, immediately. So it would depends on the work - sitting work is fine with a large walk each way. Standing or walking work.... uhhh... give me a couple of years to get in better shape. *g*

Mary - Yay! *HUGS!* Nope, never went to higher ed. I would LOVE to go. Job search materials would definitely help, I'm feeling rather clueless.

Don - thanks, vitamins would help. PM will be sent shortly.

Joe - yep. Feeling much better from the rant, and even better from the caring responses.

GutBucketeer - thanks! Yeah, I love writing. And well-wishes for you and your wife, too.

Lepus - Thanks, rabbitking! *Hug*

Amergin - {{{{{{{{Hugs}}}}}}}} to you too. Yep, it's actually doing it... lol.

weepiper - {{{{Hugs!}}}} Yeah. It really is the little things that GET you. I do have a lot going for me, and I know it... but those patch cords being mono instead of stereo totally set me off. And I think I already knew they were mono... sheesh.

Bobert - yep. Thank you. And good point about the ex-bf, though he is definitely still a friend, I need to learn how to be a *self* again...

catsPHiddle - (Very cool name, btw.) {{{{{{{{{{Hugs!}}}}}}}}}} What's your degree?

Neil - thanks! *VERY BIG HUG* Yes. Priorities are good. And don't worry, I have to keep a little creativity going. (I will be digging Goddess Quest out again soon, too, if only to post the first few chapters where y'all can read them again.)

Maryrrf - *Hug!* Thanks.

kat - received, and will look through it as soon as I find out where the food bank is.