alyburns' (aka sideburns & alyjude) Hiding Place

Got tired of the blue on my

2009-12-18T22:55:56Z

journal - decided to go more Christmassy. :) So now colors changed again. I'm so fickle.

I never thought this would happen!

2009-12-17T21:36:46Z

In what is now being called Twiggy-gate, women have finally stood up for their wrinkles and lines and wrecked havoc upon Olay and magazines that use airbrushing to perfect the female form. We roared so loudly, meaning the women in the UK, that the UK actually banned the entire set of ads done by Twiggy for Olay's new eye defining product, stating that they mislead the public as to what the product could actually do! Well, duh.

Twiggy fully made-up Twiggy on the cover: Yeah, quite the difference. But the airbrushing for Olay wasn't the only incident:

Twiggy in a photoshoot for Marks & Spencer back in 2007 (on the left) and how she appeared at the opening of a new store shortly thereafter (on the right)

sobs silently

2009-12-17T21:21:25Z

One of my forever all time favorite actresses has died. Jennifer Jones. Oh, how I wanted her hair and eyes and talent. The photo I chose is from my favorite movie, Love Letters, with Joseph Cotton. I loved this movie so much, I'd stay home from school if it were on, not to mention actually 'adapting' it to a TS story. I doubt there was a movie of hers I didn't love - be it Portrait of Jenny (still want to adapt that too - but with a vastly different ending), the WWII 'women at home' movie, Since You Went Away, which was particularly poignant as she and her co-star, Robert Walker were divorcing (they'd actually married in Chicago before either were stars and came to Hollywood together) and they had to play lovers. It's said that he never got over her - and I think it shows in this movie. And since she was in love with David O. Selznick at the time (and later married him), it's a testament to her talent that we could believe 100% in her character's love for Robert Walker's character and her devastation when he died.

Jennifer Jones

1919-2009

Thank God for film

Sometimes I think I shouldn't watch

2009-12-15T23:44:20Z

Jon Stewart and The Daily Show. Really. It's like asking for a heart attack and stroke together. The show is supposed to be funny, sure, but sometimes he shows snippets of politicians and news media that stun me into an unhealthy state.

As a Democrat (the closest party to what I am), I admit that I don't run around listening to the right wing as represented by certain stations (waves at Fox News) nor do I watch any topical show that are considered right wing (Rush Limbaugh, anyone?), so I'm forever surprised by what they're saying. As a result, sometimes, like last night, when watching The Daily Show, I'm stunned into paralysis. My jaw drops open and, after about 10 minutes, the blood starts to flow again and I yell, "WHAT THE FUCK?"

Last nigh, he did a piece on Global Warming and please, I do not mean to offend any of my Republican friends - but damn - the absolute stupidity of some politicians and news media?

He started with the African boycott at the UN meeting in Copenhagen (a boycott that lasted a hot hour and a half *snerk*), and then pointed out how complex the issue of Global Warming is by showing that on the one hand, African nations (and other third world countries) would suffer the most environmental damage in climate change scenarios, but stricter emissions control could hinder their growth. Then we heard Gore's voice saying, "Scientific consensus is that we are causing Global Warming. Our ability to live is what is at stake" (I loved Stewart's response to that, "Well, our ability to live on land...." *snerk*). At that point, Stewart immediately went to the opposition, in this case, Senator James Inhofe, a Republican from Oklahoma, who said, on Global Warming, "Is it possible that man-made Global Warming is the greatest hoax ever perpetrated on the American People? I believe it is."

*THUD*

That was my first WTF moment.

Could ANYONE really believe that? Like...what exactly would the motive be for such a hoax? Oh, I know - all the scientists in the world who believe in GW (that would be like...90 to 95% now) really just want their own sitcoms, right? Of course.

Stewart went on to state that while the fact that we're 'warming' is now more wildly accepted by NASA, the AMA, the National Academy of Sciences of 32 countries, including the US, and of course, the UN, for example (he then showed a clip from CNN about the ice berg heading for Australia) the opposition (the total JERKS on Hannity) started disclaiming Global Warming because...are you ready?

It snowed in Houston.

*DOUBLE THUD*

What is it about Global Warming these idiots don't get???? Do they really believe that Global Warming means the ENTIRE planet will get hot? That winter will go away? Don't they understand the full meaning behind the phrase, "Climate C.H.A.N.G.E"?

No, according to these idiots, Global Warming is a myth because it SNOWED in Houston!!!!

Stewart went on to show more Republican politicians and their explanation for the Global Warming hoax:

Rep. Ted Poe, Republican from Texas, who said, "Global Warming is big business...."
And a quote from someone being interviewed (I assume) on Fox News *rolls eyes*: "I think it's a scam"
And the real topper, a quote from none other than Sarah Palin when asked about Global Warming and climate change by Laura Ingraham (talk about two devils in red dresses....): "I think that this is a money-making deal for Al Gore and some of his environmental friends...."
And finally Ted Poe again saying that money is behind this so-called 'scam'.

At this point, I could only laugh with Stewart as he pointed out just how rich all those scientists were getting from this 'scam'! LOL! Oh, God, a person could get sick from the laughter (hysterical laughter because you have to wonder if these people really believe what they say - and if they do, GOD help us all, and if they don't, GOD HELP US ALL).

So, evidently the opposition's proof that Global Warming doesn't exist is: (quoting Jon Stewart here):

A) It gets cold in winter and
B) Scientists get paid....

Yep, a good argument against Global Warming....

But Jon didn't end there. Oh, no. He had to tip me over into the abyss with more Fox News and the infamous Laura Ingraham (Please, someone tell me she isn't for real? That people don't actually LISTEN to this woman???) who said, "It's not about climate change, it's not about Polar bears - It's not about any of that - it's a concerted global effort to reduce the standard of living of all Americans - bring us down so the rest of these countries can float up - and that's what this is about...."

Dear GOD in heaven.

The scary part is that people DO listen and believe and the opposition knows this. They know it's so much easier to believe there's some big conspiracy against us than to actually accept climate change and that we're responsible. Who wouldn't want to believe in the boogeyman versus realizing that WE are him?

Folks, I envision Earth - a generation or so from now - floating in space, devoid of humans and, planted smack dab in the middle of the huge ocean that took over the world, there's a bobbing gravestone, upon which these words have been engraved:

"It's not about climate change, it's not about Polar bears - It's not about any of that - it's a concerted global effort to reduce the standard of living of all Americans - bring us down so the rest of these countries can float up - and that's what this is about...."

The good news is the last human didn't use a Sarah Palin quote....

I have to agree

2009-12-14T22:53:18Z

with claudia603 that this is the best thing ever written on how to write fanfic. Just. The. Best.

I would add only one thing: When you first start - when you first decide that you have to write fanfic - you're going to be excited and jazzed and eager to run with it. Your fingers will fly over the keyboard and without a thought - you'll post.

Don't.

Give your enthusiasm and love of the characters the thought they - and you - and us - deserve. Stop and think. Do some research - find the right archive - find someone to beta, know your fandom and how it works. I know you want to post your first story right away, it's like a fever - but take it from me - and just don't. :) You'll be happier later - trust me.

I am a terrible person

2009-12-14T22:34:27Z

I really wanted SGU cancelled - to fall on its ass (and it may be, but you can't real ratings from Solutions - they just give us the ratings with the 7 day DVR data included *rolls eyes*) and get cancelled so I could go "HA!" but instead, it's picked up for another season - 20 more episodes.

Damn.

I'm really a mean person. *sigh*

I watched Oprah's White House

2009-12-14T22:09:31Z

special last night - and admit to being shocked. She actually corrected President Obama! When I watch shows like that, I watch the people very carefully, I enjoy trying to catch glimpses of the real 'them' and last night was a great chance to do that. Now, I watch Oprah and I know when she's correcting someone - her body language and tone give it away even when she's smiling and moving and acting like nothing happened. So it was very obvious, at least to me, that she was doing just that in the first few minutes of the special.

And what made it all the more weird was that she was wrong!

So if you didn't watch (or did and the moment slipped by you), let me share:

They were talking about the swing set that had been erected outside and within view of the Oval Office and she asked about how he must like being able to look out while working and he said he did, that he loved seeing them running around and playing. Then he added something to the effect of, "And Bo's racing around...." and that's when she corrected him and said, "Bo." And she said it not once, but at least two times. "Bo...Bo..." - I think she thought he was calling the dog, "Bows" instead of adding the contraction versus saying "and Bo is racing around after them...."

So why on EARTH didn't her people catch it or did they think the same thing? *rolls eyes*

And does anyone mind if I say that I think Oprah was just a bit too familiar with him? Friends is one thing, but this was television and he IS the President and she a talk host (and okay, one of the most powerful women in the world, but STILL....). I mean, she actually reached up and touched his hair when discussing how much more gray it had gone. I don't care who you are - you do not touch the President - no matter how comfortable he might appear. He's still owed the proper decorum, you know?

Overall, I was slightly disappointed and would have preferred more White House decorations - I LOVE the White House at Christmas and I love specials on the decorating and how long it takes and what each Presidency brings to it. This year, the main tree is the best I've ever seen - and the idea of sending out balls from previous administrations to Americans across the country and letting them 'redecorate' them to represent their state was brilliant! It's truly a magnificent tree this year. And the White House gingerbread house is also the best (imho) since the tradition started back in...was it '69 that they said? Although a bit more greenery would have been nice, since the front is full of garlands, etc. But still - it's GORGEOUS (and the white chocolate exterior doesn't hurt either!). Anyway, under the cut: The 2009 Official White House Tree in the Blue Room and this year's Gingerbread representation that includes the First Lady's vegetable garden and the White House dog, Bo!

I might be spoiled by 8 years of watching The West Wing and the Christmas episodes. Lord, to work in a place that looked so festive everywhere you turned - heck, it had to make the difficulty of the job a bit easier?

Just a thought....

2009-12-12T22:40:41Z

"My fine is....."

2009-12-12T01:09:10Z

$80. One of these days, I'll hit over $100

So, here's how this thing works. Just read the "offenses" and if you've done it, you owe that fine. Keep going until you've read each "offense" and added up your total fine.

When you are done post this as "My fine is $........"

You don't have to confess your answers, just the amount of your fine.

PS: Blaired from all over

Offenses:
Smoked pot -- $10
Did acid -- $5
Ever had sex at church -- $25
Woke up in the morning and did not know the person who was next to you -- $40
Had sex with someone on MySpace -- $25
Had sex for money -- $100
Ever had sex with a Puerto Rican -- $20
Vandalized something -- $20
Had sex on your parents' bed -- $10
Beat up someone -- $20
Been jumped -- $10
Cross dressed -- $10
Given money to stripper -- $25
Been in love with a stripper -- $20
Kissed someone who's name you didn't know -- $0.10
Hit on some one of the same sex while at work -- $15
Ever drive and drank -- $20
Ever got drunk at work, or went to work while still drunk -- $50
Used toys while having sex -- $30
Got drunk, passed out and don't remember the night before -- $20
Went skinny dipping -- $5
Had sex in a pool -- $20
Kissed someone of the same sex -- $10
Had sex with someone of the same sex -- $20
Cheated on your significant other -- $10
Masturbated -- $10
Cheated on your significant other with their relative or close friend -- $20
Done oral -- $5
Got oral -- $5
Done / got oral in a car while it was moving -- $25
Stole something -- $10
Had sex with someone in jail -- $25
Made a nasty home video -- $15
Had a threesome -- $50
Had sex in the wild -- $20
Been in the same room while someone was having sex --$25
Stole something worth over more than a hundred dollars-- $20
Had sex with someone 10 years older -- $20
Had sex with someone under 21 and you are over 27 --$25
Been in love with two people or more at the same time-- $50
Said you love someone but didn't mean it -- $25
Went streaking -- $5
Went streaking in broad daylight -- $15
Been arrested -- $5
Spent time in jail -- $15
Peed in the pool -- $0.50
Played spin the bottle -- $5
Done something you regret -- $20
Had sex with your best friend -- $20
Had sex with someone you work with at work -- $25
Had anal sex -- $80
Lied to your mate -- $5
Lied to your mate about the sex being good -- $25

Tally it up and Title it..."My Fine Is..." copy and paste, then repost it in your journal too.

Like...would anyone admit to the one that would give them a total + $.50???? I so don't think so! LOL!

alyburns @ 2009-12-10T12:00:00

2009-12-10T20:00:32Z

17:01 I just changed my design - both background and colors! I'm feeling very accomplished - it doesn't take much. #
17:04 er...just changed again. Woman, here. Mind changing gender. #
17:07 mmm...yes, one final change. I need to get a life. Anyone's life. Okay, maybe not just anyone's. She's got to be rich. And pretty. And thin. #

Automatically shipped by LoudTwitter

The Snowflake Cookie may be gone, but it's not

2009-12-10T02:01:51Z

forgotten! So to my flist and the wonderful ladies who managed to send me the snowflakes cookies before LJ broke *G* (GO GIRLS!) - my version of a snowflake cookie!

Amazing Race

2009-12-08T04:17:02Z

Stop scoffing - yes, I watch it! LOL!

This season was one of my favorites (I actually liked several of the pairs) and the winners were no surprise but as I watched each of the three pairs run down the lane to the winner spot (with the other pairs cheering them on), I couldn't help but wonder about the make-up of the final "Three". I mean, what are the odds?

Under the cut in case it's one of your guilty pleasures too and you taped it and haven't watched it yet. :)

First Place: The young white couple - blond, blue-eyed, good-looking and nearly perfect, with names naturally spelled weird: Meghan and Cheyne *rolls eyes*

Second Place: The gay brothers - adorkable Sam and Dan

Third Place: The interracial couple - calm male half (white) and the screechy female half (ex-beauty queen-black) - Brian and Erika (these two were by far the most interesting - especially Erika, who could go from Wonder Woman to Screeching Harpy in the blink of an eye and seemed to be doing this to prove to her family that Brian was good enough for her - a righteous, and much appreciated, twist if there ever was one!)

Could I have hoped for a slightly different outcome? Yep - and in no particular order:

Big Easy and Flight Time (Harlem Globetrotters - real names: Nathanial and Herbert)
Sam and Dan
Brian and Erika

It's not that I didn't like Meghan and Cheyne - but Meghan really wore me down and I was so tired of her always yelling "Cheyne!" It was also obvious that Cheyne was 'training' Meghan, who obviously has a patience problem. He was constantly having her do the weirdest "only one person can do this task" - the ones that guys usually did and that definitely required PATIENCE. Like the "needle in a haystack" challenge? He actually had her do that one! I don't know if it worked, but they did win more individual races than any other couple, not to mention the one million dollars. But still -

All the couples had their problems, as usual, but of all of them, the father/son combo of Gary and Matt were the least abrasive with each other and treated each other - by far - the best. I was sorry to see them go. I was also sorry that the team of Zev and Justin got bumped because they lost their passports. :( To have a racer with Asperger's Syndrome was also pretty terrific and Justin's patience and understanding of Zev was outstanding.

Anyway, it was a good race but with an...odd...finish, to say the least.

Richard on DH

2009-12-08T00:57:48Z

No spoiler cut needed since no one knows who died on DH last night. BUT - everyone says RB was signed for only 10-12 episodes for this season and so far, he's only been in 8.

Should I take hope from that or just assume that anything we see of him after the holidays are flashbacks? Which would be safer? Yeah, flashbacks.

*sigh*

WOW!!! THANK YOU!

2009-12-08T00:01:39Z

SNOWFLAKES have beautifully fallen upon me, so slipperieslope, brihana25, vida_boheme, maubast, krossero , simboo and gillianinoz !!!

I'm starting to feel the spirit!!!!

NEWS BULLETIN!

2009-12-07T23:55:50Z

Allison French, reporting to you live from Rancho Santa Margarita, Orange County, California where it is...

RAINING!!!!

...and it's only December 7th....

Blaired from

2009-12-06T02:44:55Z

gershwhen

On the twelfth day of Christmas, alyburns sent to me...

Twelve shiredancers drumming

Eleven brynnydds piping

Ten crossthebars a-leaping

Nine b1chvj39s dancing

Eight snarky geniuses a-milking

Seven cookbooks a-swimming

Six recipes a-storytelling

Five ele-e-e-ephant ears

Four tortoiseshell cats

Three handsome butts

Two stargate atlantis

...and an art in a homosexuality.

Do Your Own Judging

2009-12-04T21:54:25Z

gershwhen sent me a funny joke today that came with a popular photo of men by the beach. Oddly enough, even though I've seen the photo many times, I've never done my usual "Who has the best ass" but this time, I did. Under the cut, you'll find the photo (and the joke in case you need the same laugh Gersh gave me) so feel free to choose your favorite ass and then tell me why in the comments - or do it on your own journal.

Winter seems to be a fine time to think of men on the beach....

For me, the winner is #4. The ass is high, he doesn't have to clench it (like his neighbor) to get it to look good, and the roundness is nigh onto perfect. He's not the tallest, but he seems perfectly proportioned *happy sigh* - including the waist *another happy sigh*.

Honorable Mention goes to #7. He's taller, obviously, and seems equally well-proportioned. Ass isn't quite as high, but almost. He has a nice, smooth look all the way down...*considers cold shower*....

The Joke:

I had a flat tire yesterday, so I got out of the car and opened the trunk.

I took out my cardboard men, unfolded them and stood them at the rear of my car facing oncoming traffic.

They look so life like you wouldn't believe it!

They're exposing their nude bodies to the approaching drivers so cars started slowing down to look at my lifelike men - which made it safer for me to work by the side of the road.

Eventually, traffic started to back up and people started honking their horns and waving like crazy. It wasn't long before a state trooper pulled up behind me.

"What's going on here?"

"My car has a flat tire," I said calmly.

"So why the obscene cardboard men by the road?"

I couldn't believe that he didn't know... So I told him, "Helloooooo, those are my Emergency Flashers."

'Tis the Season to be Thankful....

2009-12-03T02:51:35Z

Dear Santa,

You know how wonderful flists are, so I hope you'll be very good to mine this year, but especially kind to some very special ladies. You see, for the last few years, life has been tough, but these wonderful women have repeatedly come to my aid with compassion, money, encouragement, the gift of listening, and meeting needs that seemed impossible for me - and none have asked for anything in return. Now, I'm sure that, with your famous list and all, you know exactly who they are (and in some cases, better than me because a few prefer to remain anonymous *g*). But just in case - if you could check your route to ensure they're on it...I'd be very appreciative - then, when flying around the States, you could spend extra time spreading your magic over, say, Michigan, New Mexico, Minnesota, Massachusetts, South Carolina and California (and a few anonymous States)? And maybe if you also gave Canada, the UK, the Netherlands and Germany some extra time too? These ladies deserve all the extra magic you have, so please grant each and every one of them, including the anonymous individual who just added more time onto my LJ (I do believe I'm now covered through 2014!), the wish of their hearts. Keep them safe, healthy and happy because the world would be a much darker place without them.

Thank you!

*sends extra carrots for the reindeer and batteries for Rudolph and his red nose*

alyburns @ 2009-12-02T14:27:00

2009-12-02T22:27:36Z

After a delightful discussion with caarianna this last Sunday, I decided a change was needed in how we express our wishes to each other for the holidays. *G* Since I'm a Princess in my own mind, I have made this a decree (in my own mind) but feel free to join in. *snorfle*

Okay, so we all know that it's considered politically correct to use the phrase, "Happy Holidays" so as not to insult someone who doesn't celebrate your holiday. One can certainly understand how this came about - especially in the US, where a hefty number of us celebrate Christmas (even if we don't believe in its origins). Schools, businesses, commercials, tv shows and movies were all geared toward Christmas even though many other Americans celebrate other 'holidays'. Example for December:

Dec. 6 = Saint Nicholas Day - Christian
Dec. 8 = Bodhi Day (Rohatsu) ** - Buddhism & Immaculate Conception - Catholic Christian
Dec. 12 = Feast day - Our Lady of Guadalupe - Catholic Christian
Dec. 12-19 = Hanukkah * - Jewish
Dec. 16-25 = Posadas Navidenas - Christian
Dec. 18 = Hijra - New Year * ** - Islam
Dec. 21 = Solstice, Yule - Christian & Yule * - Wicca northern hemisphere & Litha * - Wicca southern hemisphere
Dec. 25 = Christmas * - Christian
Dec. 26 = Zarathosht Diso (Death of Prophet Zarathushtra ** - Zoroastrian
Dec. 26-Jan.1 = Kwanzaa - African American
Dec. 27 = Feast of the Holy Family - Catholic Christian & Ashura * - Islam
Dec. 28 = Holy Innocents - Christian
Dec. 31 = Watch Night - Christian & New Year's Eve - Most

So you can see the problem, right?

I agree with the principal behind "Happy Holidays" but maybe not the solution. Especially since many businesses make it mandatory that the phrase "Happy Holidays" be used. Somehow, Americans have never found the easy way to do things. We always tend to swing that pendulum too far to the left or right. By forcing the "Happy Holidays" as a way to avoid insulting others of different religions, we've actually closed the door to both education and ~~tolerance~~ acceptance (yes, I hate the word tolerance in this instance - because it infers something has to be tolerated instead of simply accepted and/or enjoyed). Wait, because I hate the word 'tolerance' when used like this, I think I'll do away with it too (Royalty that I am - *snort*) and just go for 'acceptance'. *goes up 3 lines and fixes*

Where was I? Oh, yeah. Closing the door on education and acceptance.

I celebrate Christmas, you celebrate Hanukkah - therefore, I'm happy for your celebration and you're happy for mine. So say Happy Hanukkah and I'll say Merry Christmas and we'll share our celebrations, histories and traditions, see?

I'd love to know about Ashura, wouldn't you? And look above at all the different Christian celebrations! I mean, I've never heard of Feast of the Holy Family, but I'd love to.

And what about those who don't celebrate any religious 'holiday'? Not celebrating, or not having a religion is neither a crime nor something to bemoan nor should it stop someone from being happy for those who do. And how 'bout those Christians who belong to churches that don't follow the December 25th tradition of Christ's birthday? Like my old work buddy, Gloria. She belonged to a church that believed Christ's real birthday was in March and they chose to follow that. (actually, most Christian religions accept the fact that December 25th probably isn't the real birthday, but they choose to stick with the tradition supposedly set by Constantine) Anyway, she's always celebrating Christmas in March (and yes, other churches go with September, some with November, and still others with January), but that doesn't stop her from joining in celebrating with me, or wishing me a Merry Christmas this time of year, nor of me wishing her the same in March (in fact, it used to be fun to join her family for the 'holiday' in March *g*).

Now, don't get me wrong - there's nothing horrible about saying "Happy Holidays" - in fact, by itself (with no PC agenda), it's a great way to include all your friends and their observances - it's only when we use it because we have to, or because we feel it's the politically correct thing to do, that I'm bothered. I think we should all be able to say what we're celebrating, but more importantly, revel in and be happy by the celebrations of our friends (or even lack thereof). I think churches should be able to celebrate with their decorations but I think if schools are going to recognize holidays, they should recognize all that are represented by their pupils (I suppose I'm talking about private schools since religious observances are a no-no in public schools - but wouldn't it be nice if ALL religious observances could be learned and observed, thus avoiding any worrying about 'separation of church and state', which I believe in).

I guess the thing we need to remember is that we all want to be able to observe our holidays - but it should never be at the expense of others and their observances. Instead, it should be done joyfully and in conjunction with them.

In Mission Viejo, we have an intersection at La Paz just up from the 5 freeway and one corner has a huge evergreen tree. As a result, it's decorated (like Rockefeller center) and they have a huge tree lighting ceremony every year. On the corner opposite, they have Santa's Workshop which is open Friday nights and Saturdays and Sundays until the 24th so you can bring your kids to see Santa. On the third corner, there was always a manger scene. Then one year, many city residents objected to the manger scene because: 1) the whole thing was sponsored and paid for by the city, thus the manger was a crossing of the line between the separation of Church and State and 2) it only represented one religion of Mission Viejo residents. Now here's the thing: They didn't ask that the manger be removed, they only asked that the final corner be given over to the other religions that make up the city of MV. And the city agreed. To me, that's what it's all about. What would have been the wrong way to go was to demand the manger be taken down - period.

Yeah, I realize I may have a very simplistic view - but isn't simple sometimes the best answer? And for those who don't celebrate anything, one would hope that going through that intersection, while having no meaning for them, will still give them pleasure simply knowing that others enjoy it.

Kind of the simplest version of "Live and Let Live" - and wouldn't it be nice if that's how everyone treated each other? Right up there with "Do Unto Others...." and "He Ain't Heavy, He's My Brother." *g*

Talk about your miracles!

2009-11-29T23:49:22Z

So I've been hassling with my insurance (surprise-surprise) first over qualifying for a mobile scooter (you have to be practically dead with Monarch to qualify, it seems) and then a walker, which I do qualify for (you have only have to be half dead). BUT - in spite of my insurance (I have Medicare Advantage and chose Scan and the doctor I chose is through Monarch - confused yet?) stating that I pay 0% for any "Medical equipment such as crutches, canes, walkers and scooters" - it seems what they really mean is that I pay 0% if all I need is the cheapest models. Cheapest canes, cheapest walkers, etc. Well, come on, I'm a BIG woman with arthritis in shoulders, back and knees - so I need the walker with the wheels and seat - strong enough to handle my size. But that's...you know...expensive. More expensive than the aluminum "tennis-ball-for-wheels, no seat, lift, move, lift, move, lift, move" walker. So they turned me down and suggested I try for the pronged cane. *rolls eyes* The wonderful gershwhen (BLESS YOU) offered to write letters to the evil-doers and I was ready to see lawyers.

Meanwhile, the great TS writer, Arianna (known on lj as caarianna ) was to join me on Saturday for a late Thanksgiving (she'd paid for the goodies, I was doing the cooking) but there was a small problem - and without going into it, I had to cancel (we're re-scheduled for Christmas, though, thanks to most everything going into the freezer *G*). Now, since she was already down here staying at a fave hotel in San Juan Capistrano and, since she was heading back to the desert today, we decided she'd drop by so we'd at least get to see each other - and she came bearing gifts - including real maple syrup from Canada - and, oh yeah, a small little item called a...WALKER!!!! Yep, she gave me her other walker!! Seat, basket, wheels, brakes, the works!!! *twirls*

THANK YOU
caarianna !!

*gazes lovingly at walker*

If you're on Facebook -

2009-11-29T02:56:10Z

just so you know - I'm not anymore. I have a real problem with some of the businesses their affliated with and it's already resulted in my personal accounts being hacked. So sorry, but Facebook is a bye-bye for me. :(

THURSDAY in the USA

2009-11-26T23:11:52Z

GOBBLE-GOBBLE

There's one good thing about not cooking for

2009-11-26T04:16:57Z

Thanksgiving - I can spam everyone. *snort*

Suddenly, every time I post to my LJ - a box pops up that says I can't do it because I'm not logged into - wait for it - FACEBOOK!?!?!!? I haven't been over to FB for MONTHS, I've made NO changes - so where the heck is this box coming from??? Why are my journal posts ending up at Facebook?

Anyone? Bueller?

Gosh, let's see now....

2009-11-26T04:13:07Z

No SGA movie or SG1 movie due to "low DVD sales (specifically with Caprica)" and yet, gosh, those wonderful powers that be thinks it's AOK to release half a season of SGU on DVD!!!!

*shakes head*

POLLY B!

2009-11-26T02:59:00Z

to polly_b
May all the turkeys in your life leave you alone for one. solid. day.

*G*