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