Feliz Navidad 2015

Merry Christmas!!!

xxoo,

Monica 

MySpace Days

MySpace was one of the first social networks I joined in 2003. I enjoyed getting to know people from all over the world. I also loved the interactions between musicians and fans.

I was trying to conceive during my second year on the site, and I found a group of women who were a lot like me going through the same struggles with fertility. I'm still friends with two group members to this day. I spent hours posting on groups!

As time went on MySpace turned a little scary. Sex workers and desperate garage bands were the only people joining and posting. Facebook took most people's attention and by the beginning of 2009 my once favorite website turned into a virtual ghost land. 

MySpace is still online. It's now basically a music service. I think it will completely disappear in the next few years, but the memories I made will always have a special place in my heart.

xx,
Monica 

Haircare

(photo via Aguage's Twitter account)

I recently discovered a wonderful gluten-free shampoo and conditioner. It's called "Biomega" and it's made by a local company Aguage. I used it for the first time this afternoon. I didn't have any burning red eyes, or a painful rash on both of my cheeks and forehead (my body reacts quickly to substances I'm allergic to, usually within the hour).

My hair smells great, it's not tangled and it's very clean.

Aguage can only be purchased in a salon or by your hair stylist at a beauty supply store. I ordered the smallest sizes and my total was $26.68. Totally worth it.

Tracy Edmonds from the TV show "Extra" is a fan of these products as well.

Gluten free since 1973 :).

Mwah,

Monica

Sorry.

Arizona is not that far away...

Siempre,
Monica

"Host"

I happily pre-ordered "Host" as soon at it became available and I'm so glad I did. Dr. Robin Cook is my favorite author. I've read almost all of his books and this is going to be one of my favorites. Relax with a Kindle and read "Host"!

I usually watch scary movies during Halloween weekend, but there was no need after reading this book. "Host" is a terrifying look into what could happen if unethical pharmaceutical companies are allowed to run amok. I won't spoil the ending, but everyone should know greed and corruption can have devastating consequences to quality healthcare.

Lynn and Michael are intriguing new characters. I can't wait to see what happens during their next adventure. I hope we see them again soon. Dr. Cook is fantastic at presenting diverse characters in a respectful way. It's obvious that he takes the time to research different ethnic groups to add a layer of realism to his fictional stories. I appreciate this.

I'm having surgery next week. I probably should have waited until after the procedure to read this book due to the subject matter, but it was just too good to put down. I highly recommend "Host" and I look forward to meeting these characters again.

*Dr. Cook responded to a post I wrote on his Facebook page. I am beyond happy!!

Smiling,
Monica

Hoverboards

I'm finally figured out that my Hypoglycemia was caused by a new medication. Sometimes the Internet is a wonderful place. I find the best information on patient forums. The real side effects of prescription medicine are not always listed on the pharmacy insert.

The hoverboard ... One day I'm going to learn how to operate one of these things. Most of the YouTube vloggers I follow own one. Plus this has to be a fun way to get in a little cardio.

Growing up in the 80's both boys and girls learned how to use a skateboard. Mi primo taught me how to skateboard. I felt so cool back then!

The hoverboard is the high tech version of a skateboard. I see guys riding them through the airport and downtown without a care in the world. YouTubers like Casey Neistat and Jenna Marbles make riding one look easy. If I do end up getting one I won't be riding it wearing heels. Muy peligroso.



*Update 12-14-15 Some models have been implicated in house fires. Please be cautious. Repair kits may save a life.


Hoverboard Repair - Parts Repair Kit

Maybe one day,
Monica

Darker?

If you haven't seen the USA channel's new hit TV show "Mr. Robot", you are missing out. This show is a scary mirror of what is going on in the technology world right now. Catch up here because the new season begins next summer. According to the news, next season is going to be DARKER. I don't know how that's possible.

Super fans of "Mr. Robot were rewarded with a surprise gift and a follow on Twitter. I was honored. Great TV makes my evenings pleasurable.

Once you watch the show it's fun to discuss it with others. I highly recommend Reddit. There are both causal and intense fans on this subreddit. Very lively posts.

Take care friends,

Monica 

Good to be Back

Even though I like fall weather, I spend the first months very sick. The combination of mold spores, back to school germs, weather fluctuations, and pollen are an awful combination for Asthma sufferers like me. Achoo!!

I sometimes have to ask my Dad to mow for me during this time. If anyone has any tips or hints about mowing and staying healthy please let me know. I have tried wearing a mask and taking extra medication, but neither option has worked in the past. There has to be a solution.

The Pope is in the United States right now. He's been to Washington DC, New York City, and Philadelphia. The response has been overwhelming positive. I wish I could attend the mass he will be holding this afternoon in Philly. Over one million people are expected to attend!

My AmStaff Coda is nine years old. I can't believe time is going so fast. She's so white around the muzzle and on her paws. She's also moving very slow most days. I'm looking for a supplement to give her a little more pep. Every time Coda gets her yearly vaccinations she has a bad reaction. I'm researching safer options to discuss with her vet.

Speaking of vaccinations, last year at this time I got the flu mist. Looking back that was a huge mistake. I was so incredibly sick from one of the ingredients in the vaccine. I should have looked into it more. I will not make that mistake again.

The school year is off to an interesting start. I have a different position this year. I'm not teaching. I'm working with students who did not pass the state standardized tests over the last few years. It's going to take a while to get used to my new job. I'm grateful to be employed and helping students who need intense intervention. Never a dull moment.

Abrazos fuerte,
Monica

Life After Ashley Madison

You found your husband or boyfriend on Ashley Madison. What happens now...

Please sit down and take a deep breath.

Signing up for AM was free. He might have been curious. If that's it calmly have a talk with him in the next couple of days.

If there are credit card transactions, research how many times his card was used. Divide by two because there are two entries for each transaction. Make sure the credit card information and billing address are correct.

If there are only a few there still might not be a reason to worry. Those are probably communication charges. Maybe a little fantasy talk? Calmly have a talk with him tomorrow.

If there are several transactions with fees over $1000, he has paid for the "guaranteed affair" package. If you have children take them to a relatives home and speak to him at once.

You can survive this. Depending on the situation you may have to have STD/HIV testing. You may want a legal separation or even a divorce. Make sure you have a good lawyer. It will be expensive.

You may decide to forgive him. If you do, do not share details of the ordeal with everyone. This is a private moment. Sometimes others can do more harm than good. Be careful if you decide to share your marital issues with anyone but your spouse or a trusted counselor.

True Story on Fusion

Take care,
Monica

#WeddingWednesday - Themed Weddings

Scandal Themed Wedding | Bridal Musings Wedding Blog - http://pinterest.com/pin/101049585364963641/?s=4&m=blogger

Today is #WeddingWednesday on Twitter and my focus is on the concept of a themed wedding. The photograph is from a themed Bridal Musings shoot based on the tv show "Scandal".

xxoo,
Monica

#WeddingWednesday - Wedding Stationery Suite

Photograph via Magnolia Rouge

White green and dark accents flowers. Featured in Magnolia Rouge Magazine Issue 9. Judy Pak Chung Ph... - http://pinterest.com/pin/101049585366268429/?s=4&m=blogger

Today is #WeddingWednesday and my focus is wedding stationery. The wedding invitation is your guests first peek at your wedding.

xxoo,
Monica

#WeddingWednesday - Tablescapes

Photograph via Snippet & Ink

Today is #WeddingWednesday and my focus is on tablescapes. There are hundreds of amazingly stunning examples on my Pinterest account.

 
xxoo,
Monica

Making Money Online

The Internet is an interesting place. You can literally find anything online, including money making opportunities. Being on medical leave from my job has made me get creative in order to afford medication and groceries. If you do your research and have a high speed Internet connection, you'll be able to make a bit of money online.

I've found many opportunities on a Reddit board titled Beermoney. Reddit has thousands of daily readers who find information online. I found the Beermoney board while reading posts on the Frugal one. I thought the title was unique because I remember the constant search for beer money in college. If you take the time and read through the posts, you will definitely find a way to make a few dollars online. This is not a way to become a millionaire. Always be sure to do your research before signing up for anything.

I've been a fan of taking surveys since I was little. Every time we ate out I completed a comment card. I still like to express my opinion so participating in online survey groups seemed natural to me. Right now my favorite websites are Prize Rebel (referral link thanks) and CashCrate. Both of these sites have hundreds of surveys about all different things. It takes awhile to complete certain survey questions, so patience is key. It's crucial to check out any survey company or website before giving your personal information.

Between the three websites I've mentioned, you should be able to make some money online. If you know of any other reputable sites please feel free to comment below. Also if you have any questions about any of the places I've mentioned I'll be happy to try and answer them :). Yo hablo español.

Abrazos,
Monica

Dating

Last summer I decided to give dating a chance. No idea why. If you have been reading my blog for awhile you know I have terrible taste in men. Terrible.

I don't know why I have always attracted "bad boy" types. I honestly don't know why. Psychologists would probably say I am an enabler. I want to nurture and save these bad guys so I allow them into my life to help them.

I'm also a very forgiving person. I always want to give someone a second chance. That's why I decided to date a man with a troubled past and several felonies on his record. I should have known better.

He was totally upfront about his history. We talked about his arrests and prison (yes PRISON) time at length. He admitted he had made mistakes in the past, but he'd changed. Mostly because of religion.

Everything started out great in the beginning. Most relationships do. Then the tiny red flags started popping up.   I noticed he would disappear for long periods of time without a good explanation. I finally trusted my instincts and walked away. I'm so glad I did. I guess after dating for over 20 years, I learned when to say when.

I haven't dated anyone since last summer even though I trust myself to make better decisions. The right man will come along one day. Until then I'm okay being by myself.

Estoy soltera y feliz,
Monica

Life On Disability

Those of you that have been with me for awhile know that I had to go on disability leave from my teaching job. I had no choice. My employer gave me the choice between no job or disability. I chose to go through the disability nightmare.

I refer to going on disability leave as a nightmare because in my opinion it is one. A big scary one. Here is my story.

I was diagnosed with Rheumatoid Arthritis by my primary care doctor and my Rheumatologist. I was put on Plaquenil for 2 months. It didn't help and made my hair turn brittle and fall out by the handful. Dr. Z then suggested I take Methotrexate. He would start me out slowly and gradually increase the dosage depending on my progress.

I ended up on the maximum dosage of Methotrexate. My body couldn't handle it and I kept getting sick to my stomach, passing out, and unable to keep down what little food I ate. I missed a lot of work and had no more sick days. That's when I got the notice about losing my position.

I went through all the medical exams, meetings, and tons of paperwork. Three months later my disability leave was approved. Everything changed at that moment.

When you are on disability you will be broke. The medical bills will pile up and the insurance plan offered may cover 15-20% of the cost. The reason you are on disability is because you're ill, the financial stress you will be under will make you feel worse.

It's tough to pay bills when you have a job, even more difficult when you don't. House payment, utilities, food, medications, doctor/hospital co-pays, student loan debt, and so much more loom over your head every month.

The disability payment you will receive will not even come close to paying all the bills. Depending on the terms of your leave you may be allowed to work. If you do find a job this will trigger a re-evaluation. Catch-22 situation.

You will be monitored and followed to make sure you are ill. I'm sure it's because people lie and fake it to get out of work. I have no idea why someone would do this because being on disability leave is not fun. It's stressful and should only be taken if you have no other option.

This has been the saddest I have ever been. It's lonely and frustrating. Little to no human contact other than doctor appointments.

If you know someone that is disabled and unable to work please pray for them. Ask them if they would like a card, a
visit, or a phone call. Isolation is not healthy.

I wanted to share with you the reality of life on disability. The cold, hard truth. If you ever find yourself in this situation it will be rough, but you can survive. I'm proof of it.

Take care,
Monica

Coming Up Next...

Upcoming blogs:

-How to make money online.

-My first giveaway.

-Hypoglycemia.

-Life on disability.

-Dating adventures.

-Myspace will always have a place in my heart.

Thank you for staying with me. I write for you as much as I write for myself :).

xxoo
Monica

Mosquitos Attack but Clif Bars Rock!

We have had so much rain over the past 30 days, perfect conditions for mosquitos to breed and hatch.

I've been watching the rain forecast to determine when I would be able to mow. There was a bad thunderstorm earlier this morning, but the weather cleared by afternoon. 

I prepped my yard and mowed my grass while the mosquitos dive bombed my face and arms. I am covered with bites, but witch hazel helps the itching feeling. Mowing is always an adventure!

After I finished mowing I got cleaned up and sat down on my bed. I started to watch tv and immediately felt sick. I've been trying to save money on my medication, so I've only been taking half doses. No bueno. Headache, dizzy, unable to see. I'll be taking all of the correct dosages from now on.

I recently had a bad experience with a box of Clif bars last week. I use them as meal replacement bars. I purchased a box of 12 for a really good price at Target. 

When I got them home and opened one of the bars it was stale. The others were hard as a brick! This has never happened before and I was concerned. I tweeted the company and got a response and a call back the next day. Impressive!

I received a full refund and the company wanted to follow up with me. Clif Bars are delicious and I'm now a customer for life. I highly recommend you give them a try. Por favor check out the Clif Bar website .The Chocolate Chip bars are my absolute favorite. Mmm.

Abrazos,

Monica 

Good News/Bad News

Ah the joys of home ownership...

I have a mold problem in my basement. I'm super allergic to it, so I'm doing everything I can to remove it so I won't end up in the hospital with an asthma attack.

All this started because I haven't been able to turn on the air conditioning unit. Now I have a bad situation brewing. Going to try and take care of this myself. I have gloves, eye protection, and N95 masks.

If I can't get the mold cleaned up properly, this is the end. I can't take any more stress. My shoulders are already loaded up. No más por favor.

Thinking about doing a giveaway for my fabulous readers during the next couple of weeks. It will be wedding related and I'll talk about it more on my Twitter ~ @mlvlatina and my Tumblr ~ Bliss by Monica.

Abrazos,
Monica

Not Giving Up

"Don't give up. Great things take time." I read this randomly on Pinterest this morning. I'm taking this as a sign that everything is going to be alright.

I'm still job hunting. It's tough because no one wants to hire someone just for the summer, especially since I'm not a teenager lol. I refuse to give up. I think I have an application on file almost every where in my area.

Due to financial issues I have lost almost 70 pounds. This is good and bad. Being hungry all the time is a challenge, but when I go back to school in August I'll be able to go to the grocery store regularly. I am literally counting the days.

If I can make it through the next 3 months I'll be okay. I still post on social media. I still read posts and I'm grateful for all of you. Thank you for not giving up on me.

xxoo,
Monica

Hand Pain

I've been having terrible hand pain for the last couple of months. Nothing has helped. It's cut down on my social media posts and my blogging.

YouTube is usually a service I use to watch music videos and a few vloggers. One day I could not stop crying, I was scared I was going to lose the use of my hands much sooner than expected (I have Rheumatoid Arthritis). I decided to search for hand pain treatment videos. I came across a dedicated professional by the name of Gary Crowley. His videos helped me more than any recent physical therapy session. I'm now able to use my right hand again. It's a miracle. I am so very grateful for his help.

If you are suffering from any type of muscle or joint pain, please take a few moments and check out his website Do it yourself joint pain relief - Gary Crowley

*I have no affiliation with his company. I only want to share something that has really helped me.

Take care,
Monica

Baby Love

Today is mi sobrinito's birthday. He's five years old and will be starting kindergarten in the fall. I can't believe time is going by so fast. He's smart, kind, and super funny.

I was able to attend his birthday party this afternoon. There were several little ones there. Even a baby girl. I got to hold her for a bit. It was wonderful. There is nothing like spending time with kids. They have boundless energy.

It was great to not be stressed for a couple of hours today. I felt almost normal. No tears or sadness. I hope to have more days like these again.

Abrazos,
Monica

Flower Power!

Spring brings more than sneezing, it brings gorgeous flowers! The talented staff at Loverly has put together a great illustration of spring flowers commonly used in weddings this time of the year.

I will be happy to help you choose flowers for your wedding!

Bliss by Monica

Siempre,

Monica 

Changing Directions

If I wait around for me to get better, I will be sitting here for awhile. I haven't been this sick in a long time. There doesn't seem to be an end in sight.

I'm going to press on. Going to fake it until I feel better. I have a few good things in the works so please keep reading and watching my blog and social media accounts.

I have lost 57 pounds since my gallbladder surgery. Being ill has an upside :). I will have to try and save a few dollars because none of my clothes fit. I can't go back to work dressed un-professionally. I have until August to pull together a suitable wardrobe. Ay...

The Food Network has been my saving grace. I love watching the cooking competition shows like "Chopped", "Iron Chef America", and "All Star Academy". Watching these shows help me forget about my stress and anxiety for a couple of hours a day. Feels good! Claro, la comida es muy bueno. Buen provecho.

Fun times are ahead, I promise!!

Besos,
Monica

Choices

I haven't been sleeping well. The pressure points hurt because of my mattress. I've done the research and it seems that a fiberbed mattress topper may help ease the pain. I found one online at Sears late last night. It's a reasonable price but now I won't have enough for food. It's okay because this lack of sleep is my biggest concern right now.

I want to write happy and upbeat posts. One day soon I hope things will be better. Stress is making me spend most of the day crying. I don't even remember what it feels like to be happy and healthy. Sometimes I just want to give up and go away forever, but that's not the answer.

I know I have to stay strong, but when your life is crumbling around you, the medical bills looming, it's almost impossible not to want to put an end to everything. God says He will not give you more than you can bear. I'm at that point right now. I'm cold, hungry, stressed out, and scared.

I'll be okay... Just going to take life a minute at a time. Take care and thank you for stopping by my blog!

Despondent,
Monica

One Day at a Time

I have no idea what has grabbed ahold of me, but I wish it would let go.

I have been to several doctors from two different hospitals, all agree something is wrong, but no diagnosis.

I think my issues are from the removal of my gallbladder. I've done a lot of research and my symptoms mirror bile reflux. Not much can be done other than more medications which I cannot afford or another surgery.

I'm not having surgery or taking expensive medicines. I'm trying natural cures. I've been doubling my fiber intake, eating apples, and soda crackers everyday. My symptoms are becoming more managable. The soda crackers are not gluten free, but I'll deal with the damage from eating them later.

Getting healthy is my number one priority. I also have to reduce stress. I haven't been commenting on world events because many things going on upset me. Of course I care about others, but right now I have to sort of live in a "bubble". I've been reading books, learning gentle yoga stretches, watching free movies, and keeping to myself. When I am in a better place I'll join the world again.

I'm trying to make my body stronger so I can return to work. This time on medical leave hasn't been a walk in the park. I've always been very frugal and thanks to a subgroup on Reddit sent to me by my daughter, I'm making the small amount of money I have stretch farther. I haven't been eating well. I've lost so much weight and I'm so weak. The food suggestions on Reddit gave me the best days and times to shop. Today I had a full meal. I almost cried while eating.

Not eating makes getting healthy so difficult. You also can't take vitamins or supplements on an empty stomach. Estoy triste. I some how have to keep myself alive until I can return to work in the fall. I'm taking one day at a time though, but it helps to have a goal to work towards.

ComicCon is coming to my area. I'm super excited. I volunteered to work the conference for a couple of days. I think this will be good for me. I wish it was a paid opportunity, but just the chance to continually improve my event planning skills is invaluable.

I hope you are all doing well. I'm trying to post on social media more. If I'm not around, I'm not doing so well.

Please feel free to comment on my blog posts, message me on Twitter or Google+.

Abrazos,
Monica

Chest Pain

Today has been scary. Around noon I felt really sick. I got feverish and my chest started to hurt bad. I tried not to panic, but the pain moved to my shoulder.

I had no idea what was going on. I decided to just stay still and in bed. Two hours later the pain got worse and I just couldn't stop crying. My phone rang. It was mi hermano. He wanted to invite me to Sunday dinner. I tried to stay calm, but he's a trained social worker and immediately knew something was wrong.

He made me promise to call for help if I didn't feel better. I promised him I would. I turned on my side and tried to remain calm.

About an hour later I received a text from mi madre. She said that she gets chest pains too and that drinking something carbonated always helps. I didn't have anything fizzy to drink in the house so fortunately my Dad happened to be in the neighborhood and he brought over two large cans of Sprite.

I took two sips and I immediately felt better. I have no idea why the simple cure worked. I hadn't eaten much in the last two days so no heartburn, but I have been under so much stress and anxiety I think my body just cried out.

Today was a wake up call. I cannot let worry and anxiety rule my life. I have to figure out how to cut expenses and make a supplemental income. If you have any creative ideas I would love to hear them.

Thank you all for always being so understanding and supportive. The Internet can be a scary place, but you all make it better.

Abrazos,
Monica

Feliz Año Nuevo - Happy New Year

This has been a year full of ups and downs, but I made it.

I plan to do everything I can to make 2015 a healthy and happy year. My goal for next year is to have no surgeries and less doctor visits. I want to reduce my stress levels and be strong enough to go back to teaching.

Thank you all for staying during the good times and the sad moments. Your comments, private messages, and support on social means the world to me.

Please keep me in your thoughts and prayers and I will do the same for you.

Peace, love, and light!

Besos,
Monica