uuugghh... i swear it hates me

If you didn't disconnect the negative battery cable and did see sparks fly around the amp gauge wires... there is your problem (fusable link etc.. pointed out above).
If thats not the case and the problems seem to change from one condition to another you should have a look at the ignition switch.
Your car doesn't hate you .It is helping you find and correct its problems before the weather gets REALLY COLD . Good luck and rmember to pet the dashcap when you geter done :)