storypaint: (Default)
storypaint ([personal profile] storypaint) wrote2010-07-23 08:59 am

[Glee] sick and tired of being sick and tired (Rachel gen)

Title: sick and tired of being sick and tired
Fandom: Glee
Length: 1782 words
Prompt: access_fandom's Festibility: Glee: (futurefic) Rachel is in her mid-twenties and her career on stage is finally hitting its stride ... but she's been getting joint pain, she's having trouble memorizing lines, and she's constantly exhausted. The diagnosis is fibromyalgia. Preferably in the form of emails, text messages, and voice mails between her and former members of her high school glee club. Bonus for an epilogue in which Rachel has adjusted her goals, gone after them like she does, achieved them.
Pairing: Rachel gen primarily; minor Puck/Quinn, Brittany/Santana, Artie/Tina, and Will/Emma
Other: I do not have fibro myself and so I've done my best from research. Any medical errors in this are entirely mine and I apologize wholeheartedly for them.

Summary: Rachel goes to Broadway - but her health begins to fail and she might have to reconsider her dreams after all. A story told entirely using social media - Twitter, Facebook, emails, etc.

RisingStar first big part! knew by the end of the audition that I'd nailed it. I'm going to be on #Broadway!
five minutes ago via web

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Rachel Berry is going to be Wendla!
32 people like this.
View all 15 comments.

Ryan Berry I'm so proud of my daughter!
Mercedes Jones You go, girl
Kurt Hummel What happened to standards? :) lol jk Rachel good luck

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from: broadwaybound@gmail.com
to: wschuester@wmhs.edu, puckerup@hotmail.com, defying_g@yahoo.com, [....]
subject: Broadway role


Hey Glee Clubbers! Or former Glee kids, I guess I should say, and also Mr. Schuester. In case you missed it on Facebook, Twitter, Myspace, LinkedIN, Livejournal, or phone, I wanted to give you all an opportunity to congratulate me on this fabulous new role! I'll also be taking any questions you have.

Your newest shining star,
Rachel Berry

---------------------

from: mckqueen2012@gmail.com
to: broadwaybound@gmail.com
subject: re: Broadway role


Rach,
We know by now. I promise. Now go do it instead of just talking about it!

Q

P.S. Don't use this email address anymore. It should be qkfabray@osu.edu.

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Hey, you've reached the voicemail of future Broadway star, Rachel Berry! Leave a detailed message with your name and phone number and I'll call you back once rehearsal is over.

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Hey, you've reached the voicemail of future Broadway star, Rachel Berry! I've been very busy lately so if I haven't called you back, I'm really sorry! Leave a message and I'll get back to you.

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Hey, you've reached the voicemail of future Broadway star, Rachel Berry! I'll-- I'll call you Sunday, I promise. Sorry, Finn.

---------------------

goldstar1994's LJ - try defying gravity
date: Tuesday, 2 February, 2016 - 4:00 PM
security: private
entry title: to do
dr appt
vocal coach appt
psychiatrist appt (?)
sleep coach appt
physical therapy
buy vitamins

tagged: health, to do, private
music: Spring Awakening
mood: exhausted

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BroadwayGurl's latest blog entry [subscribe to this blog]

I've been really tired lately, but the doctor says that I'm fine. Must be stress due to my ~*~great new role~*~ (see my last six blogs for details). I'm putting my Myspace videos on a hiatus for a while so I can adjust to my new schedule. Don't worry, I won't be gone for too long. In the meantime (view more)

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goldstar1994's LJ - try defying gravity
date:Friday, 8 April, 2016 - 2:12 PM
security: private
entry title: to do

call doctor again
find another doctor
draw pain chart
memorize lines!!!
exerciseflkfajkhlkhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh
[this entry was autosaved at 2:53 PM.
This entry was posted at 5:59 PM.]

tagged: health, to do, private
music: silence
mood: worried

---------------------

Spring Awakening Still Asleep?
by Richard Swete

When first casted, insiders told this reporter that Rachel Berry was an actress to pay attention to. Now I'm wondering why. Tonight's performance was absolutely painful to watch, as Berry tripped over familiar lines and missed easy steps. One wonders where her supposed spark has gone and how she thought she could take on this role. Otherwise, [...]


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new message from "Noah" 5/2/16 9:09PM
do u want me to beat him up i will. quinn is dragging me 2 c ur show anyway

new message from "Noah" 5/2/16 9:11PM
fuck that was supposed 2 b a surprise. dont tell her i said

new message from "Noah" 5/2/16 9:16PM
r u sure? it would be easy in NY no1 would notice

new message from "Noah" 5/2/16 9:17PM
m not drunk berry. im trying 2 b a good friend or somethin

new message from "Noah" 5/2/16 9:20PM
fine, get some sleep, u even sound tired in txt. we'll see u next week

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Rachel Berry was tagged in the album New York 2016.
4 people like this.
Brittany Lopez You look like my favorite dead grandma.
Santana Lopez I think that means you should see a doctor, and you'd better do it quick. My first time in New York isn't going to be for a stupid funeral.

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RisingStar Screw Broadway. fuck everything
five minutes ago via web

RisingStar she can't hit that note, I hope you know
two minutes ago via web

RisingStar fuck. deleting these
30 seconds ago via web

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WebMD symptomchecker
sex: female
age: 18-24 years
symptoms: Joint aches (General)
pain or discomfort (Neck)
pain or discomfort (Arm)
pain or discomfort (Leg)
Fatigue (General)
Difficulty swallowing (Neck (front)
Night sweats (General)

Conditions Associated with the Selected Symptoms
20 conditions
Fibromyalgia
Viral syndrome
Peripheral neuropathy [..]

Fibromyalgia Overview
What is fibromyalgia?
Fibromyalgia is widespread pain in the muscles and soft tissues [...]

---------------------

new message from "Artie" 5/2/16 2:00AM
do you know what time it is here

new message from "Artie" 5/2/16 2:02AM
I was but that's not the point

new message from "Artie" 5/2/16 2:06AM
I can't diagnose you, I'm still a student. with an exam tomorrow. hint hint

new message from "Artie" 5/2/16 2:09AM
seriously Rach see a real doctor. they don't bite I promise

new message from "Tina" 5/2/16 2:15AM
if he fails tomorrow I'm blaming you even if you are sick

new message from "Tina" 5/2/16 2:18AM
your message got cut off, but I get the point, sry. T_T please see a dr Artie says webmd can burn in a fire

new message from "Tina" 5/2/16 2:20AM
g'nite

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Rachel, this is Will Schuester. You called me yesterday? I'm happy to hear from you, don't get me wrong, but I'm a little confused. You want a character reference for what? I don't think they base medical diagnoses on those.


---------------------

No, Emma is not qualified to diagnose fibromyalgia. She's a school counselor, she doesn't actually have a doctoral degree. She says she'll write you a character reference, though, if it helps. Call me and let me know.

---------------------


This is a return call to Rachel Berry. Ms. Berry, I know of no doctor's offices that accept character references as proof of your sincerity in reporting symptoms. There is simply no evidence of this disease; you've let yourself get worked up over stress and amateur self-diagnosis. I recommend seeing a psychiatrist instead, and getting more sleep.

Threatening this office with the ACLU will receive prompt legal action, but does not change my mind. Please, stop calling.

---------------------

goldstar1994's LJ - try defying gravity
date:Thursday, 23 June, 2016 - 5:25PM
security: private
entry title: doctors


Sick days left: 3
12,000 doctors in New York and there are only 8 listed under pain management.

Dr. Harry Sharpe - said I was hypochondriac (lawsuit?)
Dr. Kay Monaco - sports injuries only
Dr. Amy Lindsay - not taking new patients
Dr. Yusuf Hamza - would not diagnose
Dr. Lucy Brownbauer
Dr. Nakuru Amamiya
Dr. Zane Weaver
Dr. Ryan Heart

to do
update resume
call Brownbauer's office for appt
look up doctors within 20 mi
pain journal
look up natural remedies
report - due Fri
print fibro lit for boss

tagged: health, to do, doctors
music: office sounds
mood: frustrated

---------------------

Rachel Berry finally. diagnosis.
10 people like this.
Read all 4 comments.

Rachel Berry It's spelled "fibromyalgia," Finn. Thanks for trying.

---------------------

This message is for Rachel Berry. You can pick up your prescription any time after ten a.m. Thank you for shopping with us.

---------------------

Google Search
fibromyalgia support groups in New York
fibromyalgia support groups in Ohio
fibromyalgia treatments
what a fibromyalgia diagnosis means
explaining fibromyalgia to coworkers
Spring Awakening 2016 reviews
cheerful lolcats
famous people with fibro
living with fibro

---------------------

from: noreply@googlegroups.com
to: wschuester@wmhs.edu, rberry4312@gmail.com, tberry87@gmail.com, mckking2012@gmail.com, mercymercy@jonesdentistry.com [...]
subject: Google Group Invite: "fighting fibro with music"


Hello,

You've been invited to join the Google Group "fighting fibro with music" by broadwaybound@gmail.com. To accept, please click the link below.

---------------------

from: abramslincoln@mail.com
to: broadwaybound@gmail.com
subject: re: Google Group Invite: "fighting fibro with music"


You know there isn't any medical evidence that music helps, right? You shouldn't... get your hopes up so soon.

AA

---------------------

from: abramslincoln@mail.com
to: broadwaybound@gmail.com
subject: re: re: Google Group Invite: "fighting fibro with music"


Well, I'll add it to the list of diseases I'll cure when I'm famous. But I don't think they're going to rename it to Berry's disease. Maybe I'll get Abram's cure, though.

AA

---------------------

from: abramslincoln@mail.com
to: broadwaybound@gmail.com
subject: re: re: re: Google Group Invite: "fighting fibro with music"


Yes, I'm kidding. AA

---------------------

Rachel Berry is attending NY Fibro Meet-up 7/16.

Rachel Berry likes FIND A CURE FOR FIBROMYALGIA.

Rachel Berry likes High School Glee Clubs.

Rachel Berry joined I Know All the Words to WICKED the Musical.

Rachel Berry is having a good fibro week so far. :) The new medication is helping.

---------------------

goldstar1994's LJ - try defying gravity
date:Monday, 14 August, 2017 - 1:11PM
security: private
entry title: mantra
I can do this. I will do this. I will cope.

I am living with fibro but it does not own me. I'm Rachel Berry, and I'm going to be a star.

Good days this month so far: 9!

to do
off-Broadway auditions next week
apply for new therapy
buy milk

tagged: fibro, mantra, to do
music: Wicked soundtrack
mood: optimistic ☆

---------------------

RisingStar Auditions for Wicked are next week! Cross your fingers with me, okay?
five minutes ago via web

RisingStar #Broadway, you just wait. I'll be back.
0 seconds ago via web

---------------------

new message from "Finn" 9/2/17 12:07PM
u will be a great under study

new message from "Finn" 9/2/17 12:15PM
do they even have theatrical blacklists?

new message from "Finn" 9/2/17 12:18PM
stop panicking, i'll call u

new message from "Finn" 9/2/17 3:18PM
if you worry that makes it worse, so smile, okay? :) ttyl

---------------------

http://www.myspace.com/BroadwayGurl
This profile no longer exists. Search?

---------------------


From: rachel.berry@gmail.com
To: "all"
Subject: email change


Everyone,

Please note my new email address. Thanks.

Sincerely,
Rachel Berry

---------------------

From: poplockchang@hotmail.com
To: rachel.berry@gmail.com
Subject: re: email change


You going to be in town for Christmas?
-Mike

---------------------

From: poplockchang@hotmail.com
To: rachel.berry@gmail.com
Subject: re: re: email change


Two words: karaoke bar. No protests, the rest of the original glee club said they'd come. Matt said he'd help me drag you if necessary.

-Mike
PS My grandma had fibro, I know it really sucks. She used some natural remedies, I'll see if my mom remembers what they were.

---------------------

Thanks for calling to make sure. Yes, Ms. Pillsb-- Mrs. Schuester, I got the pamphlets, thank you. I am not suicidal. I have my therapist on speed dial. I'll be in Lima around Christmas in case you want to get together.

---------------------

Rachel Berry was tagged in the album Christmas 2017.
14 people like this.
Matt Rutherford I can't believe you got Mr. Schue to sing that again.

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Rachel, Welcome to Your Amazon.com (If you're not Rachel Berry, click here.)

Here's a daily sample of items recommended for you.

Designing and Optimizing Your Business Model (Hardback) by Carolyn Grey $15.95

How to Start a Home-Based Tutoring Business (Paperback) by Newton Carp $4.99

A Handbook for Beginning Choral Educators (Hardcover) by Walter Lamble $31.96

Reinvention: How to Make the Rest of Your Life the Best of Your Life (Paperback) by Brian Tracy $14.93

Up Close: Oprah Winfrey (Paperback) by Ilene Cooper $6.99

---------------------

RisingStar Looking for singing students who want a great opportunity to learn from former Broadway star.
20 minutes ago via txt

RisingStar Must have flexible schedule and great work-ethic. Tell your friends!
17 minutes ago via txt

RisingStar @SCorcoran Special family rate if you want to enroll Beth.
15 minutes ago via txt

RisingStar @SCorcoran Well, think about it if you ever move to New York. Don't you want her to be successful?
3 minutes ago via txt

---------------------

Today's schedule: Friday, February 9, 2018

09:00 AM Darla Harrington
10:00 AM nap
11:00 AM Sam Evans (work on solo!)
12:00 PM take meds - call for refill
01:00 PM lunch w/ Kurt
02:00 PM paperwork
03:00 PM Kayla Brady

---------------------

RisingStar One of my students got lead in the school musical!
40 minutes ago via web

RisingStar Listening to old Glee recordings on the way home from work today.
22 minutes ago via web

RisingStar Don't stop believing / Hold on to the feeling
5 minutes ago via web

RisingStar It's been a good week.
0 seconds ago via web

[identity profile] mywholecry.livejournal.com 2010-07-23 02:46 pm (UTC)(link)
Oh, oh, oh. I loved this. I think you captured Rachel in a way more sympathetic light than the show's ever managed. ♥

[identity profile] storypaint.livejournal.com 2010-07-23 04:40 pm (UTC)(link)
Rachel is so determined that she comes off as abrasive very often. I realized that cutting her romantic plots makes her like, twice as tolerable, too. Thanks for commenting! ♥

[identity profile] glasheen25.livejournal.com 2010-07-23 02:50 pm (UTC)(link)
This is really cool:) So Rachel:)

Loved it!

[identity profile] storypaint.livejournal.com 2010-07-23 04:40 pm (UTC)(link)
Thank you much!

[identity profile] phelipa.livejournal.com 2010-07-23 03:20 pm (UTC)(link)
This is brilliant!
I love the use of different online sources and some of them were just so sad, seeing her step away from her dream to take care of herself (obviously the right choice but still heartbreaking). Fabulous job! *mems*

[identity profile] storypaint.livejournal.com 2010-07-23 04:40 pm (UTC)(link)
I had a lot of fun picking the mediums to use as I went along, so I'm glad it went well. Thank you for commenting!
vass: Small turtle with green leaf in its mouth (Default)

[personal profile] vass 2010-07-23 04:07 pm (UTC)(link)
I'm a failed opera singer who had to step back because of mental health issues. This struck very close to home.

[identity profile] storypaint.livejournal.com 2010-07-23 04:41 pm (UTC)(link)
I'm really sorry to hear that; giving up your dreams sucks. Thanks for commenting.

[identity profile] sparkfrost.livejournal.com 2010-07-23 04:16 pm (UTC)(link)
I really liked this! Definitely an interesting way to tell a story, it kept me thinking about the timeline and the relationships. Poor Rachel, but love that she rallied and found a way to work in music that suits her.

[identity profile] storypaint.livejournal.com 2010-07-23 04:42 pm (UTC)(link)
I think Rachel is determined enough to adapt and move on with her life, but it wouldn't be easy at first. Thanks for commenting!

[identity profile] clockwork-jo.livejournal.com 2010-07-23 05:26 pm (UTC)(link)
This is just a piece of genius.

Heartbreaking, and perfectly in character. And just-- Guh. Yeah. It's really awesome.

[identity profile] storypaint.livejournal.com 2010-07-23 05:39 pm (UTC)(link)
ljafahfaklj I don't even. Thank you for your praise.
ext_1056: (Random: lurking!kitty is lurking!)

[identity profile] booknerdguru.livejournal.com 2010-07-23 06:35 pm (UTC)(link)
...Yeah. It took me five years and I cannot even tell you how many doctors till I found one that would actually listen to me long enough to actually diagnose me formally.

The fibro stuff is pretty well done.

[identity profile] storypaint.livejournal.com 2010-07-23 06:38 pm (UTC)(link)
Oh, thank you. I was so scared about de-anoning and actually posting this in case I'd done something totally awful with it... the closest I've been to someone with fibro is my girlfriend's ex-boyfriend. Thanks for commenting, I really appreciate it. ♥

[identity profile] anjak-j.livejournal.com 2010-07-23 10:16 pm (UTC)(link)
I really like this. Such an interesting way to tell a story. And as a fibromite, I felt the way you portray Rachel was very realistic - having to step back from a dream and find a new one that accounts for the pacing required to live a life with this illness...you made me feel for her more than the show ever has.

[identity profile] storypaint.livejournal.com 2010-07-24 01:40 am (UTC)(link)
I really appreciate your comment! I was hoping to make this as realistic as possible, and trying to be as respectful as I can for people living with a condition I don't have. Thanks again.
ext_34652: charlotte sometimes being fierce (glee: dianna in glasses)

[identity profile] wishfulclicking.livejournal.com 2010-07-24 02:40 am (UTC)(link)
I really adore everything about this story.

You manipulated the medium of social media so well and you told so much without being obvious about anything. I love how the others popped up and they all felt so in character. I felt so much for Rachel in this and I love how she came to adapt and still pursue a different version of her goals. The ending was so perfect.

[identity profile] storypaint.livejournal.com 2010-07-24 03:57 am (UTC)(link)
Thank you so very much. I am thankful to the prompter, who suggested the format, because it wouldn't have turned out half as well otherwise. Your thoughts are well-appreciated!

[identity profile] beckingham.livejournal.com 2010-07-24 04:59 am (UTC)(link)
My dearest friend in the world suffers from this. I was actually afraid to click and read how it might be portrayed here, but it was simply lovely and touching to read.

(My friend counts the number of "good days" versus "bad days" that she has too. Reading "Good days this month so far: 9!" made me smile. Very nice.)

[identity profile] storypaint.livejournal.com 2010-07-24 05:12 am (UTC)(link)
Oh, I'm so glad to hear that. I was really worried about doing it wrong!

(Thank you!)

[identity profile] chalcopyrite.livejournal.com 2010-07-24 07:17 pm (UTC)(link)
Even knowing nothing of Glee, I really enjoyed this. I liked how you used one-sided communications, and social media, to tell the story. The doctor who told her she was making it up was especially sharp. Thank you for sharing!

[identity profile] storypaint.livejournal.com 2010-07-24 07:38 pm (UTC)(link)
Oh, thank you very much! I'm glad that you got something out of it without knowing the fandom.

[identity profile] comeundone.livejournal.com 2010-07-26 03:59 am (UTC)(link)
This is brilliant. I had to google the disease to find out some background on it and wow, it's definitely something you have to change your life around to work with. I think you made this very realistic and in character. I loved the way it was told through websites and blogs and messengers. I also liked how you didn't make any of Rachel's relationships a focus and focused more on her career and fibro. This was just AMAZING and I really loved it.

[identity profile] storypaint.livejournal.com 2010-07-26 04:13 am (UTC)(link)
Thank you for this wonderful comment! I really appreciate it.

[identity profile] lhus.livejournal.com 2010-07-26 10:11 pm (UTC)(link)
This is really good. Really sad, but at the same time hopeful. Loved it!

[identity profile] storypaint.livejournal.com 2010-07-26 11:16 pm (UTC)(link)
Thanks so much!

[identity profile] http://users.livejournal.com/_harmlessthings/ 2010-07-27 01:48 am (UTC)(link)
i just want you to know i adored this. it was funny and touching and uplifting all at once. thanks for sharing!

[identity profile] storypaint.livejournal.com 2010-07-27 02:05 am (UTC)(link)
Thanks for your comment! I appreciate it.

[identity profile] maryread.livejournal.com 2010-07-27 05:43 am (UTC)(link)
Thank you.

The fibro stuff is right, the frustration of not finding a doctor who believes you is right, the change of plans is right, and very hopeful which is a good thing. Rachel perseveres. I like the projection of where the Glee characters might be after high school, even having reunions.

Which is where I am going next weekend, such a reunion, and two of us have fibro or undiagnosed something like it.

[identity profile] storypaint.livejournal.com 2010-07-27 05:51 am (UTC)(link)
Thank you so very much! I was hoping very hard to do this as properly as I could, and I'm glad it passes muster.

I hope your reunion goes well.

[identity profile] wynkat1313.livejournal.com 2010-08-01 07:55 am (UTC)(link)
oh gods this hits so close to home. I don't cry reading stories, but this one... just hurts because its so very real. Nicely done.

[identity profile] storypaint.livejournal.com 2010-08-01 08:15 am (UTC)(link)
Thanks so much for commenting! Sorry if I made you sad.

[identity profile] wynkat1313.livejournal.com 2010-08-01 08:35 am (UTC)(link)
Most welcome.

No worries, not you that made me sad, its the situation. You did a good job capturing the progression of this kind of illness and what it does to our plans and dreams. I'm still grappling with the fact that my dreams have been rerouted by chronic illness, so it makes this all a bit raw. I guess more so than I expected. On the good side, you have given me food for thought on how to work this stuff into a story or two, so thank you.

[identity profile] dontwannapanic.livejournal.com 2010-08-17 09:25 pm (UTC)(link)
Beautiful. I missed this when you posted it but someone linked it to me, thank god. ♥

SO good and perfect.

[identity profile] storypaint.livejournal.com 2010-08-18 12:47 am (UTC)(link)
Thank you so very much! ♥

[identity profile] disasteral-boys.livejournal.com 2010-08-28 12:07 am (UTC)(link)
Wow, this was fantastic. Telling this through social media worked so well and it was a really interesting way of doing it. I really liked how Rachel is friends with the rest of Glee club after high school and I thought everyone was written perfectly in character.

This was heartbreaking but uplifting at the same time, I really enjoyed it :)

[identity profile] storypaint.livejournal.com 2010-08-28 04:04 pm (UTC)(link)
Thank you so very much ♥

[identity profile] averita.livejournal.com 2011-02-11 03:44 am (UTC)(link)
This was just recommended on the angst meme and I wanted to let you know how much I enjoyed it. Both my mother and I have suffered from chronic diseases similar to fibro (she was actually diagnosed with it) and it obviously changes everything about your life. I loved that Rachel remained Rachel in this story, but that she ultimately did what was best for her. The section with the disbelieving doctor hit way too close to home. Thanks so much for sharing this!

[identity profile] storypaint.livejournal.com 2011-02-11 03:46 am (UTC)(link)
I'm so sorry to hear about your chronic disease, but I'm glad you enjoyed the story. Thanks for commenting!

[identity profile] pinkpanther20.livejournal.com 2011-02-11 04:24 am (UTC)(link)
...As a fibro sufferer who had to give up broadway dreams...I'm crying. But that's a good thing, I promise--this is fantastic. :)

[identity profile] storypaint.livejournal.com 2011-02-11 04:29 am (UTC)(link)
I'm so sorry to hear about your dreams. That really sucks. D: But I'm glad you liked the story.

[identity profile] hud.livejournal.com 2011-02-16 12:19 am (UTC)(link)
This story is absolutely amazing.

[identity profile] storypaint.livejournal.com 2011-02-16 02:31 am (UTC)(link)
Thank you very much!