Woof Wednesday

My Coda eats her food so fast. Mi hija told me about a product sold at the store she works at in Chicago. Pet parents told her it helped their pets slow down while eating.

I came across a similar product online and ordered it.  I wanted somehow to slow her down and allow her to chew her food. I also didn't want to spend a lot of money. Happy to say I found the

I've used this bowl during my dog Coda's last four feeding times. She hates it and sighs every time I put it in front of her. She also looks over at her old bowl longingly.

The Skid Stop Slow Feed bowl is a great product at a fantastic price. Your pet may dislike it, but it will help many of them stay healthy and avoid stomach bloat.

I ordered this bowl on Amazon.

xxoo,
Monica

#WoofWednesday

Powerball!!

I am super excited about the Powerball drawing tonight. The jackpot is $900 million dollars, a record breaking amount. It seems like the entire population of the United States is talking about this lottery. Powerball Update

If I win I will pay off all of my bills, donate to my Parish, and a few select charities. I wouldn't quit my job this year as tempting as it sounds lol. I would also share the money with my immediate family and close friends. A vacation and extended spa trip in the springtime sounds perfect :).

I have always dreamed of building a tuition-free private school for at risk students grades 4-9. Winning the Powerball lottery would make my dream a reality. Each member of the staff would be hand picked by me. Just thinking about the possibility makes my heart race with excitement.

It's not too late to go out and purchase a ticket. You can find the information HERE.

Money doesn't buy happiness, but $900 million dollars would definitely put a smile on my face!

**Edit - Tonight's drawing is worth $1.3 billion dollars!!! 1-13-2016.

Fingers crossed,
Monica

Happy New Year 2016!!

Wishing you a happy and healthy 2016. Thank you for sticking with me through 2015. Lots of ups and downs, but never dull.

Estoy orando 2016 traerá la paz, la alegría, y tal vez el verdadero amor.

Besos,
Monica

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