Roberta

Happy New Year

2009-01-01T03:45:49Z

As I gladly send 2008 off into the past, I want to wish everyone a very Happy New Year! Let us hope that 2009 brings everyone nothing but good health, utter happiness and joy and good fortunes in life, love and work.

Thank you all for your thoughts and prayers during a rough 2008.

As for New Years Resolutions, I am only making one.

I am letting go of everything in the past. All the hurt, sadness, loss, anger, resentment, disappointment and malaise of the past.

To wit, I have spent the day - when not shoveling the snow we got here in Boston - shredding papers (except of source stuff I need to complete 2008 taxes) that cover everything from past job CYA files, to my grandparents care and records, past legal issues, jobs records, personal records, health records, travel information and finances. It is a real world attempt to symbolize my resolution of letting go and starting fresh.

So here is to starting 2009 with nothing. What comes, comes. What does not come, I will not miss.

So to 2009, I start it with no job and nothing owned. But also no debt and nothing owed. I am letting go of the past on all fronts. So I have no hurt, anger, resentment, sadness or fear. And, no expectations, promises or to do list.

2009 will be whatever it will be.

And God willing, it will be a year filled with hope, good surprises, good opportunities both personal and professional and most of all, full of good friends, like all of you.

HAPPY NEW YEAR EVERYONE!

Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!

2008-12-26T00:36:45Z

Just a quick post to wish everyone a Merry Christmas and Happy New Year.

And thanks to bleukittie for my virtual Christmas gifts. Very very much appreciated.

I hope everyone has a wonderful day with family and friends. And for those of you in the UK who were lucky enough to have Santa bring you the Doctor Who Christmas Special - I am so jealous - and I hope you enjoyed it!

Roberta

My Grandmother Died Today

2008-12-08T03:00:38Z

Her name was Emma. She was 94.

She had a stroke around 3 am Thursday Morning. Because of a Bacterial Infection in my respiratory system (resulting in some kind of Bronchitis) I only got to go see her in hospital today.

She died around 5 pm. My brother Stephen and I were with her. She should have been at home, but that is a battle I did not have time to fight and for which I will always be sorry.

Oh, and today is Stephen's birthday. Maybe some day it can be a celebration of two lives. But right now, 2008 Sucks big time and December worst of all.

To summarize

Dec 1 - Diagnosed with bacterial bronchitis
Dec 3 - laid off from job in worldwide downsize due to market economy (by phone no less since out sick)
Dec 4 - Grandmother suffers massive stroke
Dec 5 - 58 year old friend dies of heart attack leaving behind elderly Dad he took care of (who is going to take care of him and take him to dialysis now?)
Dec 7 - Grandmother dies.

Can we bypass the next 24 days and just move on to 2009? Please!

Grandma, God bless, rest in peace, I love you.

Robi

The Mom Song

2008-12-03T22:00:32Z

To funny.

Tax Geek Humor in the current Economy

2008-11-21T02:08:35Z

INVESTING

If you had purchased $1,000 of AIG stock one year ago, you would have $42 left.

With Lehman, you would have $6.60 left.

With Fannie or Freddie, you would have less than $5 left.

But if you had purchased $1,000 worth of beer one year ago, drank all
of the beer, then turned in the cans for the aluminum recycling
REFUND, you would have had $214.

Based on the above, the best current investment advice is to drink
heavily and recycle.

It's called the
401-Keg.....

Courtesy of the web.

Urine Test Anyone?

2008-10-30T16:53:23Z

Generally do not pass this stuff along (but I am bored and it reflects my own feelings)

THE JOB - URINE TEST

I HAVE TO PASS A URINE TEST FOR MY JOB...

Like a lot of folks in this state, I have a job. I work, they pay me. I pay my taxes and the government distributes my taxes as it sees fit. In order to get that paycheck, I am required to pass a random urine test with which I have no problem. What I do have a problem with is the distribution of my taxes to people who don't have to pass a urine test.

Shouldn't one have to pass a urine test to get a welfare check because I have to pass one to earn it for them? Please understand, I have no problem with helping people get back on their feet. I do, on the other hand, have a problem with helping someone sitting on their ASS, doing drugs, while I work. . . . Can you imagine how much money the state would save if people had to pass a urine test to get a public assistance check?

I guess we could title that program, 'Urine or You're Out'. Just a thought.

Say it ain't so!

2008-10-30T00:05:08Z

David Tennant is to stand down as Doctor Who, after becoming one of the most popular Time Lords in the history of the BBC science fiction show.

Tennant stepped into the Tardis in 2005, and will leave the role after four special episodes are broadcast next year.

He made the announcement after winning the outstanding drama performance prize at the National Television Awards.

"When Doctor Who returns in 2010 it won't be with me," he said.

"Now don't make me cry," he added.

"I love this part, and I love this show so much that if I don't take a deep breath and move on now I never will, and you'll be wheeling me out of the Tardis in my bath chair."

Three years was "about the right time" to play the role, he told the BBC.

"I think it's better to go when there's a chance that people might miss you, rather than to hang around and outstay your welcome," he said.

I don't ever want it to feel like a job, so I want to move on when it still feels exciting and fresh

David Tennant

Borrowed from otterevil

2008-10-25T02:24:41Z

You Should Be Allowed to Vote

You got 15/15 questions correct.

Generally speaking, you're very well informed.

If you vote this election, you'll know exactly who (and what) you'll be voting for.

You're likely to have strong opinions, and you have the facts to back them up.

Should You Be Allowed to Vote?

The Roundup

2008-09-21T01:07:01Z

So, things have been out of sorts here lately, nothing major - Thank God - just, well ....

A friend got operated on and I spent a few days helping to take care of him. During all of this his Dad got sick and is in hospital. Hoping things turn out okay...

I accidentally left my phone on the back of my car and then drove off, and well, you can guess what happened, flew off, hit street, got run over by truck, nothing left but bits...so....off to At&T

Now, I am the bumbling owner of an Iphone 3G. Honestly no idea how to use it. Can't even figure out itunes for the ipod part of it (which makes sense since I have never owned or used an ipod)....and I left the charger and USB connector at my friends place. ....duh!

More travel plans go south this year. Had to cancel New York Broadway trip due to illnesses (see above)...

Diet and exercise not so great despite going to gym regularly, so off I go to hire a trainer (a real one) for twice weekly meetings. Now, all I need is to get him to remember - I am old!.........

New job still blah! ...

On positive notes,

Phillip is still improving AND growing hair on his head! Yeah.
Grandma is still, well, here and being Grandma....
Vegas and the PWC is only a few short weeks away

and I got Torchwood Season Two in the mail so actually have something to watch.

And Doctor Who, Series 4 is on pre-order. Have I mentioned, Donna is of the AWESOME!

Well, that's about it, still here, still dull...

For the exciting stuff, go visit Pat T - her stories from the ER are great.

Thanks for the Prayers

2008-08-31T01:07:19Z

Hello Everyone

A big thank you for your prayers, good thoughts and otherwise kind support these last 8 months.

My brother completed a battery of test the last two weeks, and woo, hoo, he is for lack of a better term, cancer free. All the cancer cells in the liver are gone. The colon still has some issues, but most are from the rupture and colostomy they had to perform.. As of now, they still cannot reverse it, but overall there are major signs of improvement and no more treatments. He is even growing hair back.

So, now they are back to focusing on his kidney, and making sure the transplant is still holding up.

So a big thank you everyone. I have, no doubt, all your positive thoughts made there way to heaven and God's ears.

Have a great holiday weekend everyone, stay safe.

Roberta

Do you think it was Fox News!

2008-08-15T23:36:12Z

Dear BBC User,

So I get a request to take part in a BBC Research Study (See below)

"We are currently undertaking a new piece of research and are inviting people who are familiar with the BBC and/or BBC America Shop to participate.

The BBC is committed to delivering the very best service we can to all our worldwide audiences and the research that we conduct is an important part of making sure that we understand people's needs, views and attitudes and helps us to ensure that we are doing all we can to meet our service commitments.

The research is in the form of an online questionnaire which takes approximately 35 minutes to complete. Your answers will never be attributed to you directly but will help give us valuable feedback on how we can meet your needs better.

http://www.gmi-mr.com/survey/s.phtml?E_112614_c67074a40fc699c60723aa206c177727

We look forward to hearing your opinions,

Kind regards,

BBC Worldwide Research"

I go to the site and start answering questions. Things like country I live in, if I live somewhere I was not born, then questions about my internet habits. They list lots of web pages and asked how often I visit. Most I had to check, heard of but never visit (like CNN, MSNBC, NBC news), the only ones I checked daily or such to, where Fox News, Fox.com and then at least once a week to BBC and Weather.com.

Hit next, and then it tells me "sorry you do not qualify for the survey.

How rude!

Roberta

Go ME - I got banned.

2008-07-13T16:35:21Z

Okay, I seemed to have gotten banned from the Doctor Who community. A discussion on Left Turn got very heated and one person in particular was very, very nasty. After a scathing post they left another member I posted this in reply to them.

" It is you using diversion, name calling and offensive tactics. You clearly cannot tolerate anyone who disagrees with your world view. And you clearly appear to hate anyone not like you. (in my world that makes you a racist and a snob).

But you are entitled to your opinion. It may be best to express them however, in a personal LJ or a blog, not in a Community that is suppose to be about a fictional TV show.

May I suggest you move this to your personal livejournal, blog or another political forum or community and not clutter this DW community with your superior attitude of what we should all believe and your hatred.

I am sure many would appreciate it.

Roberta"

I got this back,

The War King (thehornedgod) replied to a comment you left in a LiveJournal post. "

"No, I think I'll stay right here. You, on the other hand, have come to the end of the road."

I tried to reply, but it will not take it. I assume that means I am banned. Turns out this person is some kind of co-mod, whatever that means. Clearly they can lock out people.

Half to say, their action only proves the point. They posted the initial topic and when most disagreed with them, began escalating it and calling people names, etc. Then after the initial episode re - Left Turn - settled down, they put up a new post to get it going again. I replied after the called someone names.

Anyway, go me, and talk about an abuse of power? Can I complain to LJ or is this really fan run and as a co-mod they have full discretion?

Roberta

Remember this

2008-07-10T22:32:42Z

Nods to Ith.

Went to Movies

Saw Iron Man,

My Reaction

S

P

O

I

L

E

R

S

ITH IS ALWAYS RIGHT!

Friending Meme

2008-07-10T21:58:53Z

Because the devil's advocate (thehornedgod) wrote in doctorwho, and Because woman_of_ suggested it, the doctorwho friending meme. All questions optional. Have fun!

See Doctor Who community for post: http://community.livejournal.com/doctorwho

Because Name/age/location: Roberta / 44 /Boston, MA, USA
Favourite Doctors: Ten
Favourite companions: Donna
Favourite ships if any: N/A
Favourite stories (heh, fine: episodes/serials/books/audios/whatever): Blink, Empty Child & Doctor Dances, School Reunion, Girl in the Fireplace and Doctors Daughter
Favourite quotes: "Running, love the running", "Oi, spaceman", "Afraid to hug him I might get a paper cut".
Favourite monsters: Ood, Clockwork Men
Any fanworks you do: Uh, no, absolutely no creative abilities.
How you got into Who: Was under quarantine with influenza and caught and episode one Saturday. Order the entire New Who Series that Monday. Working on Old Who which I remember somewhat from my little kiddie days watching PBS.
What you like most about Who: Donna! And Wilt!
Other fandoms and interests: Highlander, Torchwood, Firefly
What you post about: Not a lot.
What you're looking for from an LJ friend: Just a place to see what others who share some interest I do are thinking.

Now a Puppy is Offensive

2008-07-02T02:24:40Z

This so ticks me off. Can we stop apologizing and remind everyone they are free to practice their religion but they are not guaranteed freedom from ever being offended, and they cannot make people stop displaying and using symbols because they disapprove of them. I mean come on, if a female officer was shown could they complain because her hair wasn't cover? It is an "official police dog" on an official poster.

Okay they don;t want to put it in their store windows, fine, throw it away.

I mean first piglet in the UK, and now a police dog (puppy actually)

Can we get real !

From
01 July 2008

www.dailymail.co.uk

Muslim outrage at police advert featuring cute puppy sitting in policeman's hat

A postcard featuring a cute puppy sitting in a policeman's hat advertising a Scottish police force's new telephone number has sparked outrage from Muslims.

Full Story:

http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-1030798/Muslim-outrage-police-advert-featuring-cute-puppy-sitting-policemans-hat.html

Arghhh

2008-06-24T01:40:13Z

Computer on fritz. Would not start up. Keyboard acting wacky. Have to literally smash key to type.

And I want to play.

Roberta

Doctor Who

2008-06-24T01:24:35Z

Can I just say I am so loving Doctor Who. And Donna is made of awesome. CT is definitely the best actress in the female companion department.

Loved the opening scenes - is the Chinese references a nod to Firefly?

The subtle comaraderie between the Doctor and
Donna as they walk the bazaar was great. Reminded
me of something the Doctor said, that the running
adventures were just the between stuff. I like to
think the bazaar (prebug) experience is what
traveling with the Doctor is suppose to be.

Oh, and was the fortuneteller Chan To from Last
of the Timelords? Even without the makeup she
looked and sounded the same, and the facial movements, remarkably similar.

Next two look fantastic. Jack, Sarah Jane, Ianto
and Gwen and even Harriet Jones (had to replay
trailer 5 times to figure out who the strange women was).

Finally, loving the Grandpa. He needs a trip in the TARDIS.

I actually think I have a fandom I like again. And this time I am online and maybe can find like minded people to chat with about it.

Roberta

PS thanks to Ith for a how to on a cut.

Aaaagh!

2008-06-22T23:52:40Z

I have been trying all day to get the new Doctor Who download. Finally called Comcast, whom by the way sucks big-time, and something is wrong with the connection - duh, no kidding Sherlock!

My download speed all day - 586 bytes. Yes, you read that right, bytes!

Over $150.00 a month for this sh** service.

I so am wanting FIOS to be approved in my area.

And every-time I look at the status the finish time is even longer since it keeps getting slower and slower.

Argggggggggggggggggggggggggggggggggggggggggggggggggg!

Want to watch it, NOW~~~~~~~~~~~

Roberta

robi_travels @ 2008-06-18T14:14:00

2008-06-18T18:15:34Z

Stolen from Ith. Not sure if this is good or bad

OnePlusYou Quizzes and Widgets

Travel Log

2008-06-12T22:36:16Z

Today I decided to work from home. As my new company allows it one day a week to help with commutes and gas prices, I figured the fact I only have a 15 minute commute should not make me ineligible. Besides my new boss pissed me off yesterday, so in trying to keep with my mandate to look at only positive things about this job, I worked from home. Actually got real work finished too. Sent in a response to a question, found some documents I need to complete a project and read some industry updates.

On the home front, I got all the laundry done and baked cookies to send over to Grandma's. This working at home thing is good.

Not as good as traveling, but then, not much is. On Wednesday morning I landed at 7:20 am from a weekend trip to Nevada to meet up with Ith and Nin. They picked me up at Sacramento Airport and we headed to Virginia City. I had never been there and had a great time. Next to being able to spend time with Ith and Nin in real life, my favorite parts of the trip where the day on a catamaran on Lake Tahoe and a visit to the old Catholic Church in Virginia City. Both were beautiful. Must go back to both, in fact, pretty sure at some point will rent a place for a week on Tahoe it was that nice.

Took pictures, I have them on my computer, now need to figure out how to post somewhere. A sample.

Oh, and my hostess.

A Safe Memorial Day to All

2008-05-26T23:15:04Z

With all my Thanks and Appreciation to those who served [and still serve] to secure all my freedoms.

Have a Safe Memorial Day Everyone.

Roberta

Dr Who Wanted

2008-05-18T02:55:40Z

Just Saying Hi

2007-12-28T03:29:07Z

Just wanted to say I hope everyone had a great Christmas and will be having a very good New Year.

Things have been a zoo lately, so not much time to stay current. Thank you to everyone who sent Virtual Gifts as of late (you know who you are - they were lovely and much appreciated), Merry Christmas wishes, cards (virtual, email and snail mail), or just otherwise posted about your days (nice to know there are people out there somewhere.

To those of you who have been ill, may you be feeling better soon. To the healthy, may you stay that way and to everyone, best wishes this Holiday season.

Roberta

What I did today

2007-12-17T02:31:59Z

We got a snow storm. So, naturally that meant shoveling. 3 hours, to get my place done and help a few neighbors before everything got really heavy with the rain that followed.

And, since Christmas Shopping was out, I

Baked.

Scones - Cinnamon Raisin, using my new mini-scone pan. And they came out damn fine too.

Choc. Chip Oatmeal Cookies

And I made soup - Broccoli Cheddar - it was okay, Ground Round still makes the best

I also wrote out Christmas Cards and wrapped some gifts (waves to Ninababe and Ith).

Since I leave at 6:00 am for NYC tomorrow, it will be Tuesday or Wednesday before things get mailed though.

Now, off to make cocoa and have scone.

Roberta

Also stolen from Ith

2007-11-29T03:07:19Z

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

Twelve mischief5s drumming

Eleven bleukitties piping

Ten pat_ts a-leaping

Nine unovis_ljs boating

Eight tequilajens a-hiking

Seven ninjababes a-kayaking

Six ithidrials a-dining

Five ambe-e-e-erleewriters

Four turtles

Three books

Two methos

...and a travel in an italy.