Just got back from registering for classes. I failed last semesters algebra class. I need to submit a forum and wait 24 hours for it to be approved before I can even take another math class again. If I don't pass this time I won't be able to graduate.
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And yet, that isn't the worst part. The worst part is telling my dad. He is not a reasonable man, and is confused easily when something shocking like "I failed" is uttered.
I'm seriously considering running away for a night or two just to drive home how seriously I'm taking this, as that seems to be the one senseless thing he always says when he's angry.
That's really rough. I wish you luck on the coming semester; I know enough about you to know that it isn't beyond you, so just take it as seriously as you can. I'm in a similar situation with my Algebra/Trig stuff as well this semester, so I know how you feel (we can be study buddies! :DD).
As for the dad thing, I'd advocate what I advocate for anyone stuck dealing with unreasonable parents; look into finding part-time work, a cheep apartment/rental house in a nice neighborhood near school, and optionally a roommate or two, and move out. I've found that it tends to mellow out relations with said parents considerably. It's not something to consider lightly, but if living with any sort of dependency on them is causing you unhappiness, and there's nothing you seem to be able to do to change that, cut what ties you can; this forces them to consider how they interact with you, and removes the entitlement complex that causes some parents to be asshats.
Oh look an IM discussion
I use GoogleTalk primarily, but since Trillian added support for it (along with MSN/AIM/YIM/etc.), I tend to cycle between the two, depending on who I want to talk to. Trillian interfaces with IRC as well, which is pretty cool.