Computer Meltdown

I am officially in the process of freaking out and having a serious meltdown.  When I got home from dinner last night (which was lovely), my computer would not turn on.  Well, it would sort of turn on - the blue lights would come on but that was it, the screen remained black.  There has been no warning of a problem before this.  I took everything to a computer store this morning, and they basically said it "was not good" and that there was nothing they could do.  Apparently, it looks like the motherboard has died and that I will need to get in touch with the HP people.  And, it is only 2am in Texas, so I cannot call my dad to freak out!!!  My computer isn't very old (1-2 yrs) so this is very disheartening.  Luckily most of my information is on my external hard drive (except a lot of the pictures I have taken recently - those are only on my computer...crap).  Raluca from the department has been amazing, though.  She recently had her own computer malfunction and has gotten me in touch with a friend who helped her.  I am calling this person at noon to set up a meeting.  He is going to check out my computer and will give me an older laptop of Raluca's to use in the meantime.  Right now, I managed to talk my way into the locked American Studies department at BBU and am using the computer in the office.

More than just computer issues, though, I am having some phone issues.  There is no landline in my apartment, and apparently I cannot call international using phone cards with my cell phone.  They ONLY work from landlines (sigh).  I can do some calls on my phone but at a rate of 3 minutes for 1 euro (3 minutes for $1.50), which is ridiculous.  So, I am really not sure what to do.  Should I figure out how to get a fixed line in the apartment??  I have no clue at all.  Right now I am just feeling very very stressed about the computer situation and the lack of a way to reach people via phone as well is just make me feel very isolated.  Not sure what to do.  I wish I had just brought that little netbook, too!!!!  This is all just so frustrating!  I guess if it comes down to it, I either have my computer fixed or just buy a new one (no clue what that means for using it when I return to the US though) even though that will be a rather pricey option.  I wish I had transferred all of my Romania pictures to my hard drive, but I definitely did not.  I really hope there isn't anything else that is only on the desktop.  I know there are a few files, but I don't think there is anything I really care about.  Oh, crap, other than all my password information.  Sigh.  Okay, okay, if it is just pictures and that, it will be okay.  I hope that is all.....