ALAS . . . .

Complete system failure.

What is:  three words you don't want to hear about your computer.

Particularly when you have a book deadline and it's been going well.  And you have a novella you just started that was, also, going remarkably well.  And you have photos you took (although, fortunately, they were on the website, so not lost).

Didn't lose the whole book.  BUT lost one of the best fight scenes I've ever written (unless they can save the machine, which I am doubting).

Lost the start of the novella. 

YES I back up.  But I haven't for a couple of days--mostly because life was being particularly lifish, of which the system crash is yet another example.

I will not be going to Fencon AGAIN this year.  I have to get caught back up on the book and I have to spend the money on a new computer. (Assuming they don't replace it since it was under warranty.  And in the meantime, I am working on my ancient behemoth that I held onto even though it doesn't run very well any more.  [More limps along, walking with a cane actually.])

But it could have been worse.  MUCH worse.  SO, I will count my blessings and move on.