Laptop problems

Hey all!
Haven't updated for a while. I have a reason. I took my laptop into The Laptop Company because when I bought it it came with a free 6month check-up, and there was a problem with it when I shutdown (the longer I had it on, the more "End Now" messages I would get after I pushed shutdown, so basically I had to physically stand next to my computer for five minutes everytime I shutdown and push enter until it finally closed). So because of this annoying problem I took it in, being told two days, three tops. A week later I am still without laptop, so I go in and enquire. Apparently the technician ran a virus check through it (which he said picked up no viruses) then proceeded to restart the computer, as part of the procedure. After which the computer would not turn on (started blue-screening). So instead of telling me, he decided to wait until a more qualified technician got back from holiday to tell him what to do.
So I went in a few days later...
The more "qualified" technician was in there and he told me a totally different story: that there was a virus, attached to an important, and essential file, and the virus scan deleted the virus and in doing so, deleted the file, thus preventing my computer having the right files to turn itself on.
(this is where I begin to think that I am being exploited as a student who doesn't have a wide knowledge on computers)
"But that's OK" he says, "there is a solution." All I have to do is send down my recovery disc from Christchurch (because they don't want to use one from their supply room) and he will be ever so kind to wipe my computer of everything and start from scratch. What a nice man! Oh but if I want the data on it then I'll have to pay $120 and they'll keep that there for me (and even give me a data disc with my name on it).
So I begin to contemplate this, I've not had my computer for about 2 weeks, it's extremely hard to study without one (a lot of course required activities are on the internet, and I have to use dial-up at my flat, which isn't working right now, or que for a computer in the library which means I have to walk to uni, and que and then I become very pressed for time.), I have most music, movies, etc backed up in Christchurch, but I don't have documents, files, programmes, calendars, etc backed up and losing all that would put me further behind having to try and reinstall, re-programme, etc during this critical time (mid-semester exam on Saturday, etc)

So nice the man has given me an option. My money or my data.
Yes it's partly my fault for not backing up more regularly, but I honestly didn't think that taking my laptop in for a free check-up would result in reformatting my computer (I'm still quite sure that I'm being exploited).

Anyway, my laptop isn't the only thing in my life, it's just something that is really frustrating me at the moment.

My flat is going well, I pulled out my fire-pois last night and we all had a go at them. When I get my laptop back, I'm planning on setting up a spreadsheet on how much I spend every week/month to see what I need to cut down on, and to get an overview of my costs.

I'm part of Student Life down here. There is always something to do on Saturday night and Wednesday afternoon. I'm also part of one of the small groups there. Going well. There are four of us in the group: Matt (leader), Ben, Jonno and myself. I hope to go on the Student Life camp the weekend before Easter. (If my timetable gets busier then I'll have to pull out).

Classes are going well, will be picking up a Biblical Studies paper as my 8th subject (because I don't like physics very much).

I'm in one club, the "fire performance and juggling" club. It's only on a Wednesday evening, and so I've still got lots of time to study (without a laptop).

I'm gonna be heading back to chch during Easter. To go to EasterCamp, and to have some of mum's cooking again!!!

So that's about me.