MoonStorm

A Gloomy Day at Disney's Wilderness Lodge

noreply@blogger.com (MoonStorm) — Sun, 07 Mar 2010 13:53:00 +0000

I found this photo on Flickr and was just floored! It is such a beautiful photo; a wonderful way to make even a gloomy day in Disney absolutely wonderful! (click on it to enlarge)

Photo Credit

CJ and I have begun 'the list' for vacation needs! On the top of his list is a new pair of men's sunglasses; even though he normally doesn't wear sunglasses, they're a necessity on vacation!

Social Security Disability

noreply@blogger.com (MoonStorm) — Sun, 07 Mar 2010 13:40:00 +0000

My dear friend Amy, 5 years younger than me, is already on social security disability because of an autoimmune disease that has really disabled her. I couldn't believe it - the last time I saw her she was walking with a cane :[

She looks to me to find information for her on tings as she doesn't have internet access (her and her boyfriend live in the middle of nowhere on tons of acres!) I told her about Allsup - they are a leading nationwide provider of financial and healthcare related services to people with disabilities. Since 1984, Allsup has helped more than 130,000 people receive their entitled Social Security Disability Insurance and Medicare benefits.

This information should help her out since she's been having trouble getting her benefits recently - if you're in the same boat, check out Allsup :]

Playing Outside

noreply@blogger.com (MoonStorm) — Mon, 22 Feb 2010 02:28:00 +0000

It was in the 40's today and the sun was shining! The snow has been melting too - just in time for more snow... I told the boys to go out and play but I put them in their snowsuits because I knew they'd get muddy. I have OCD when it comes to dirt and mud, I swear, it stresses me out so much I get older by the second. Are hgh releasers available over the counter? LOL!

What an imagination they have...There they were, chairs lined up, pretending they were in a van. I heard Dante say to Wyatt, "Where do you want to go?" and Wyatt answered, "To DISNEY WORLD!"

Trying to Get Fit

noreply@blogger.com (MoonStorm) — Mon, 22 Feb 2010 02:00:00 +0000

All these jobs I have! I swear, I have 4 different freelance jobs going- YAY! That means I had to switch up my routine a bit. I managed to work in exercise - go figure! I've incorporated exercise into my schedule so it's something I have to do and I actually like it.

I've Googled 'best muscle building supplements' because the flabby skin is gross! Let's hope a new me emerges this summer! Skinny and rich! Hahhaaaa

I Actually Have a Bedtime Routine

noreply@blogger.com (MoonStorm) — Sun, 21 Feb 2010 15:13:00 +0000

I never used to but lately I find myself having a routine. I used to be able to fall asleep on the sofa, wake up just enough to drag my ass to bed and fall onto my pillow.

Now I check on the kids, brush my teeth, wash my face, I even use face moisturizer and wrinkle cream before bed! I am turning into my grandmother!

Love Affair With the Treadmill

noreply@blogger.com (MoonStorm) — Sat, 20 Feb 2010 21:56:00 +0000

I am finally back to falling in love with exercise. I know, what the hell am I talking about, right? Well, I have always known exercise is the key to weight loss and feeling better but I was having so much trouble getting motivated.

I was even found myself researching for the best fat burner because I really wanted to take the easy way out. Well, the truth of the matter is, there is no easy way - no matter which way I look at it the answer is still the same; smaller portions, better choices and exercise.

I am finally back in that zone, the zone where I look forward to the exercise. I think it's because I finally found a routine that works and believe me, that makes things so much easier!

Independent World Community

noreply@blogger.com (MoonStorm) — Sat, 20 Feb 2010 21:46:00 +0000

Speaking of jobs, I know way too many people trying to find them. In fact, one of my friends even has bpi training and is still struggling to find a job.

So, I have decided to keep the Independent World Community Forum open and not only keep it open but also add a blog, Twitter account and Facebook page to the community!

To find legitimate work from home opportunities, visit the IWC blog - that will also provide links to the other aspects of the community!

Patiently Waiting

noreply@blogger.com (MoonStorm) — Mon, 15 Feb 2010 18:39:00 +0000

We are patiently waiting to hear from our accountant. 2009 was the first year there's been more than one income coming into this house. I can't wait to see how much money I will have to pay in this year! Looks like I will have to pay quarterly taxes from here on out.

I know so many people who are struggling to find jobs in this economy so I am verty thankful for the work I have.

What's It Like to Be With Me?

noreply@blogger.com (MoonStorm) — Sat, 13 Feb 2010 02:36:00 +0000

That is what CJ asked me tonight - lol. He was on a tangent tonight and just would not shut up. I mean, he was talking about everything from when he built guitars to when he lived in Ohio and was a machinist - oh that conversation went into detail about a cad drawing he had difficulty with to how he misses that job.

Then he went on and on about concerts we went to together, then he talked about the Winter Olympics - OMGs, my head hurts...

So Close to Vacation!

noreply@blogger.com (MoonStorm) — Thu, 11 Feb 2010 15:51:00 +0000

I have been making a list of things I want to remember to take along with me on vacation. We’re less than 3 months away and I feel so unprepared. I know I definitely need a new pair of sunglasses; even though I rarely wear them they sure come in handy on vacation.

In the meantime, I have been busy helping to plan a baby shower, so I'm totally internet deep in baby shower favors but as soon as I pull off this baby shower, all my focus will be on this Disney trip!

Interesting Spin on Health Insurance

noreply@blogger.com (MoonStorm) — Sun, 07 Feb 2010 18:56:00 +0000

When CJ was contemplating working full time as an independent contractor we were looking into buying health insurance. One aspect I came across was a health savings account which, in a nutshell, isn't health insurance at all - but just what it says it is; a savings account.

Since this is not something you purchase from an insurance company, part or all of the money you save on premiums can then go into a tax-free health savings account; in YOUR name.

Pretty interesting stuff. I am going to have to read more about it. Thoughts?

A Peek at Bay Lake Tower

noreply@blogger.com (MoonStorm) — Sat, 06 Feb 2010 22:55:00 +0000

I just had to share these photos I found online of Bay Lake Tower!

Photo Credit

Here is a peek inside the lobby. I think this is a good example of the commercial lighting they have in the lobby area - very modern looking. I gotta admit, I wasn't a fan of the modern look but I think it's growing on me!

Photo Credit

What to Pack for the Road Trip

noreply@blogger.com (MoonStorm) — Thu, 04 Feb 2010 11:17:00 +0000

I have already begun to make lists (in my head at least) for our upcoming Disney vacation. However, the list that is the biggest pain in the butt is the list for the road trip.

Photo Credit

We are going to rent a vehicle. Last time we rented one we couldn't get one that had a DVD player in it - which really sucks. 3 kids + 2 day drive - DVD player = restless, annoying and really bored children!

If we can't get one with a DVD player this time around I'm thinking maybe we should get 3 apple ipods so they can at least listen to their own music and not fight over songs to listen to.

The Dreaded Bathroom Discussion

noreply@blogger.com (MoonStorm) — Sun, 31 Jan 2010 19:25:00 +0000

Our downstairs bathroom is still not finished. It's an unfinished room with a toilet in it and that's it. CJ and I keep going round and round about the bathroom. I say keep it basic - it's in the basement for crying out loud.

He wants to go all out and really do it nice, from the vanity to a cool shower stall, right down to special floor tiles and I don't now, maybe it's just me but I don't want to spend $5,000 on a secondary bathroom. I'd rather save the money and have an awesome Disney vacation!

Technology is Overrated

noreply@blogger.com (MoonStorm) — Sun, 31 Jan 2010 18:54:00 +0000

There are no gaming systems in use in this house, besides the VSmile - a learning system for kids. Olivia wants to use the computer once in a while to play JumpStart (kids'online learning site) and I'll let her use the desktop and even sometimes my laptop but I only allow her to use it for a certain amount of time.

Thankfully my kids, while aware of technology and how to use it; would still rather read a book!

Even Celebs Are Searching For Jobs

noreply@blogger.com (MoonStorm) — Sun, 31 Jan 2010 14:48:00 +0000

I was fortunate enough to spend an entire morning with Michaela Conlin - who plays Angela Montenegro on the tv show Bones - which airs on FOX.

I blogged about that here: Spent the Day With Michaela Conlin (go look; there are pictures!)

Anyway, one of the questions my mom asked her had to do with Eric Millegan; who plays Dr. Zach Addy on Bones. He was a great asset to the show but the story line basically took him out of the show; however the door seems to have ben left open for his possible return. Michaela didn't give us too much detail but apparently he is in the midst of a New York job search and may quite possibly never return to the show.

What a shame; his character was so intriguing and hell, he is nice to look at too!

What About My Questions?

noreply@blogger.com (MoonStorm) — Thu, 28 Jan 2010 22:16:00 +0000

As some of you know I do freelance writing in my 'spare' time. I've had some, let's say 'interesting' topics I've had to wrote about lately. One thing I have found is that there is a guide or a review site for just about everything! From how to lose weight to holistic ways to treat certain ailments to natural hair loss treatments. The Internet really is a HUGE data base full of so much information, it makes my head spin sometimes.

So why is it that when I am looking for something specific, I can never find it?

Going back to School

noreply@blogger.com (MoonStorm) — Thu, 28 Jan 2010 14:24:00 +0000

In today's fast paced world everyone seems to be struggling to get ahead and with this struggle are the thoughts of going back to school. Unfortunately it's tough to juggle going to school, holding down a job and taking care of family.

The upside? Learning online. It's becoming more and more common for people to get an online degree and in fact, I know two people who are doing just that. One is my mother in law. She's decided to go back to school and she is able to do this at home. A friend of mine recently received an online teaching degree and that still amazes me because she is home with 5 kids!

I thought I'd take a look around to see just what types of online education is out there and one university tat peaked my interest was Western Governors University. They have an tuition offer - they basically charge tuition at a flat rate every six months, so you pay for the time, not the credit hours. That is a huge plus!

They also offer a number of different degrees and programs. I don't know if I will go back to school any time soon but I do know of one other person who is tinkering around with the idea and I am definitely going to suggest he look into Western Governors University.

I Eat When I Am Bored

noreply@blogger.com (MoonStorm) — Mon, 25 Jan 2010 02:36:00 +0000

Well, I have realized I am a social eater and I eat when I'm bored. Both are not good traits to have. All the dieting and exercising in the world won't help if I am going to binge eat whenever I'm at a picnic or laying around watching tv!

I wonder if I need to incorporate a diet supplement into my regimen? Either that or I need to sew my mouth shut!

How Old Am I?

noreply@blogger.com (MoonStorm) — Mon, 25 Jan 2010 01:34:00 +0000

I thought outbreaks of pimples and blemishes were supposed to subside the older we got? Lately I have noticed my face breaks out a lot. It's really frustrating because it's happening on my face! Why can't I get a pimple on my rear or something where no one would see it? Haha

Time to get acne medicine to help with this. I'm sure my self confidence will increase if I can get this under control.

Monorail Blue Arriving at the Polynesian

noreply@blogger.com (MoonStorm) — Fri, 08 Jan 2010 18:23:00 +0000

Photo Credit

I absolutely LOVE this picture - another excellent one by Joe Penniston, he is amazing!

I should be checking on an auto insurance quote I am supposed to be getting but instead I am browsing Disney photographs and feeling all mushy inside. Notice how even the outdoor lighting is amazing.

3 months and 22 days, baby!

One More Week of This

noreply@blogger.com (MoonStorm) — Wed, 30 Dec 2009 15:12:00 +0000

I love Winter break because I love when all the kids are home, believe it or not. However, it makes me LAZY! I have been sleeping until about 8 am and that is late for me! I have no motivation to work and I haven't even looked at a piece of fitness equipment, let alone used any of it.

I just feel so blah. There are things that NEED to be done around this house and I probably should take advantage of the little people and have them help me. I need to go through toys in Livi's room - she has so many that she never plays with, she needs to decide what she wants to keep and what she wants to give away. That is on the agenda for today. I told her I wanted to get some work done this morning and then after lunch we'd tackle her room - and here I am blogging! Oy vey...

Finally That's Over

noreply@blogger.com (MoonStorm) — Sun, 27 Dec 2009 01:08:00 +0000

So glad the holidays are over. I really can't stand them. All the chaos and craziness. My kids gets way too much crap. People spend money they don't have just because it's the holidays. Insanity!

I just want life back to normal. Up, exercise, work, play with the kids, eat dinner, hang out, work, bed. Right now CJ and I are watching District 9 - I already feel bad for the poor aliens. They look so skinny - they should've been given some bodybuilding supplements so they could beef up and fight back. I am not liking this movie.

Favorite Stocking Stuffer

noreply@blogger.com (MoonStorm) — Sat, 26 Dec 2009 19:02:00 +0000

I always get neat stuff in my stocking from my mom and grandma. This year I got some mineral makeup and I love it!

I had heard so many wonderful things about this kind of makeup and now I know, it is pretty awesome!

The kids got lots of toys and actually didn't get any clothes. I will have to look online for after holiday sales on childrens clothing I suppose.

Bagels Make Me Miss New York

noreply@blogger.com (MoonStorm) — Mon, 14 Dec 2009 02:26:00 +0000

I was sitting eating bagel chips and had a sudden flashback of NYC and the trips I used to take with my mom and grandma to see Broadway shows. Phantom of the Opera really made a huge impression on me an I'd love to go back to NY and see it again. I mentioned this to CJ and he just looked at me like I said something in a foreign language. I know NYC isn't all that glamorous but I just love it there...

I begged him to take me for a night - go up, see a show, have dinner and stay over. I told him to just 'google' hotel reservation new york to find a good deal on a reputable hotel. Wonder how ong I should keep my fingers crossed for this one?