Found out last night that the Pismo's AirPort card does still work. Now I'd just like to know why it's seemingly failed on several occasions in the near past. One obvious change to the machine's config: 10.4 (not that this makes any sense). Now I just need to get one of OWC's high-capacity replacement batteries and it'll be really useful again.
Struggling to get going on the diary project. At least I have a plan now. I slacked so hard this week.