I’ve been taking part in Sponsored Tweets from Izea since it started a few months ago. I earn money by tweeting for an advertiser and by referring people to become members of Sponsored Tweets. Now there’s an easy way to refer Twitter users to advertisers, another way that I can make some extra pocket money.

Here’s the way it works:

1. I set my price for my tweets. I can rely on the suggested price given to me by Izea based on a number of factors including the number of my followers. I chose to go a little under the suggested price to get more offers, or so I think that’s how it works!
2. I decide on what tweets I want to send. I like having a choice.
3. I get paid! Once my tweet is approved, within 24 hours, my account is credited. It does take $50 for me to withdraw my pocket money.
4. All tweets are listed as being sponsored. I may use #ad or #sponsored on my tweets. There are a number of options to choose from, but all are transparent.

I can make referrals on Twitter, on my blogs (see the widget on the right) and anywhere else on the interwebs. Now with the new Referral API, I can make referrals to advertisers as well. I can use a twitter list and get information about their twitter grades, how much they charge, etc. With this info I can refer an advertiser and earn money this way too. Want to earn money from Twitter, go ahead and sign up for sponsored tweets
This is perfect for anyone with a chronic illness who uses Twitter to keep in touch with friends.

I’m also on immunosuppressant drugs so I had no fear getting the injection. I’ve heard all the hype against it, but being put on a ventilator to breathe and my doctor being unsure if I can even handle Tamiflu, the drug to take for the Swine Flu, puts it all in perspective for me.

There were no side effects at all, just a slight discomfort where I got the shot. That only lasted a few hours. I was told not to take any medication like Tylenol as it might prevent the vaccine from working. My 1o year old daughter’s arm hurt her for more than a day, but she is getting allergy shots twice a week and her arm is sore from that.

Remember you cannot use the mist if you have a chronic illness or are taking immunosuppressant medications, so get your Swine Flu shot as soon as possible to avoid any serious health problems.

Now I’d rather obsess over fashion than my physical appearance. One of my vices is buying shoes. Yes, they have to be comfortable, but there’s no problem finding gorgeous shoes like flats from Kate Spade. Although I’d only wear them a few times a year, Michael Kors boots would do me a world of good too. They’d have me strutting!

Simply put, buying shoes and feeling good about how I dress is a lot cheaper than getting cosmetic surgery. It’s taken time to accept the way my body has changed, but all women’s bodies change as we age. Focus on being positive, building up self-esteem, finding new interests and cultivating personal relationships. And, If looking good includes buying new shoes, go for it. And don’t forget to shop safely online.

This is a sponsored post. Please see my Disclosure Policy for more information.

1. Color - Be sure that you get a brand new box of crayons and a new coloring book. There’s nothing like the smell of Crayolas to bring a smile to your face. Don’t worry about coloring in the lines. Just go at it!
2. YouTube Videos - If you’re able to use a laptop, then just go to YouTube and watch the videos that people make themselves. Keep clicking around and laugh at the stupidity of people and what they’re actually willing to put online for everyone to see.  No computer? Watch some form of funny videos on TV. There’s tons of them now.
3. Talk Radio -  Find a talk radio station that has the most outlandish ideas about conspiracy theories or zombies and call in. Pretend to agree with the host and carry on like you’re having a normal conversation. Blame it on the meds.
4. Play With Toys - Pull out those old race cars, Barbies, Legos and play in bed. (Not that way.)
5. Hair and Make Up - If you feel up to it, play with your hairstyle and do something wild. Try some new shades of make-up that you haven’t used in a while. You too guys. Lots of girls love it. If you’re not up to it, let someone you love, help you out. Now that’s fun!

1. Rest Up the week before. Get yourself into a good sleeping pattern and even take some naps during the day so you can feel well rested before the conference.
2. Schedule Your Time at the conference. Go through the schedule provided including the speakers, events and parties. Prioritize what is most important for your needs. In case you need a break, you can take it during the least necessary events. Although being there in person is the perfect scenario, most conferences are available on video later so you can take advantage of viewing what you missed.
3. Eat Healthy Meals so that you are taking good care of yourself. If food is provided, take fruit or some other snacks with you. Also, remember to keep well hydrated.
4. Take Advantage of Breaks. If you are going to attend parties and other networking events, then use the allotted break times to either nap or just find a quiet place to close your eyes and it easy for a few minutes.
5. Take Your Medications on Time. Keep a timer to remind you to take your meds. I use the silent alarm clock on my cell phone. It can get so hectic that it’s easy to forget to take your prescriptions.
6. Find a Buddy. A buddy can take notes for you, pass out your business cards, let people know that you needed a break, etc.  There are many things that you can do in return - write a blog post about that person, mention their help on Social Networking forums, write a reference for them, etc.
7. Be Prepared to Miss Something. Even people who are healthy end up missing an event or even more. Sometimes it’s just too overwhelming. Travel problems may occur. Healthy people get sick too. There are many reasons. So don’t be disappointed if you don’t hear a speaker or attend an after party.
8. Take Lots of Photos. Keep your camera with you at all times and take photos of the people and happenings around you. Try to write down a short note about the photo so you’ll remember the details later. This will allow you to post about the conference later and create lots of memories.
9. Hand out Business Cards. Don’t push them on people, but after you start a conversation about the other person, ask them for their card, write down some notes on the back and then give them yours. If you can’t do a lot of networking, you can quickly introduce yourself, say that you need a break and really want to get to know them. Ask for theirs first again.
10. Relax and Enjoy! You’ve made it to the conference and that in itself is a big accomplishment. Have fun, meet new people, network and focus on the positives.

My advice for photos is to use an xshot so you can be in the photo too. Plus, using this camera extender will get people to notice you.

Cards are very important to me because I only have my mother and aunt living close by. Finding just the right photo holiday cards tops off my Christmas to do list. At 123print.com there are so many bright and cheery cards to chose from. I was able to find both religious and Santa cards, my favorites. It’s easy to upload your photo and find what you want by category as well as folded or flat cards.

I’ll be sharing this with the group so we can get one of our to do items checked off the list and feel the stress release too.

This is a sponsored post. Please see my Disclosure Policy for more information.

The urine is tested overnight to determine what metabolic problems are present and what can be done to improve the condition. The specifics that organic acids testing look for are:

• Vitamin and mineral insufficiencies
• Amino acid insufficiencies like carnitine and NAC
• Oxidative damage and anti-oxidant sufficiency markers
• Indicators to assess detoxification sufficiency
• The best functional markers of B-complex deficiency
• Neurotransmitter metabolites to assess CNS function
• Mitochondrial energy production assessment via citric acid cycle components
• Methylation sufficiency status
• Lipoic acid and CoQ10 sufficiency markers
• Specific dysbiosis markers for bacterial and yeast overgrowth

These cannot be found in blood tests; therefore, organic acids testing is done at home and read by clinical consultants who can also recommend nutrients, vitamins and dietary changes. Although this type of testing does not provide a diagnosis, it enables you to reduce harmful chemicals that may be causing your symptoms, increase specific vitamins and minerals based on your unique metabolic profile.

Since congress is making a decision on Health Care Reform, let our voices be heard! We are often the ones who pay high prescription costs, get denied Social Security Disability even though we cannot work so we go without insurance, and/or get denied insurance because of pre-existing conditions.

Please watch Marianne Hoynes, who has Sjogren’s Syndrome and Rheumatoid Arthritis as she attempts to speak at a town hall meeting on Health Care Reform:

It was noted that many people could not see that Marianne was not in a wheelchair. So even those of us who have “visible traits” of a sickness are not given the right to speak out on issues that matter to us all.

We all matter.

1. The illness I live with is: Myasthenia Gravis, Sjogren’s Syndrome, Fibromyalgia, Rheumatoid Arthritis and Ulcerative Colitis.
2. I was diagnosed with it in the year: with UC in 1985, with MG in 2000, the rest 2001 or the year later.
3. But I had symptoms since: 19844 for the UC
4. The biggest adjustment I’ve had to make is: not being able to work and giving up my active lifestlye
5. Most people assume: I’m not sick
6. The hardest part about mornings are: waking up because I’m so tired
7. My favorite medical TV show is: House
8. A gadget I couldn’t live without is: my laptop
9. The hardest part about nights are: pain and insomnia
10. Each day I take __ pills & vitamins. (No comments, please) 36
11. Regarding alternative treatments I: am not able to try them because of the medications I am on for Myasthenia Gravis. There are many interactions for a certain prescription I take.
12. If I had to choose between an invisible illness or visible I would choose: visible so more people would understand
13. Regarding working and career: I’m sad that I can’t continue working in the career I chose for myself. I’m happy that I can work as a blogger though.
14. People would be surprised to know: that I’m in pain almost all the time.
15. The hardest thing to accept about my new reality has been: that I have to rely on other people for simple things.
16. Something I never thought I could do with my illness that I did was: attend a conference.
17. The commercials about my illness: re: Fibromyalgia and RA - make it seem like a pill or shot cures the disease.
18. Something I really miss doing since I was diagnosed is: dancing, drinking  a few beers, running, walking as much as I want to
19. It was really hard to have to give up: working
20. A new hobby I have taken up since my diagnosis is: blogging and photography
21. If I could have one day of feeling normal again I would: spend it with my family, listening to loud music, dancing, cooking and eating all day long
22. My illness has taught me: to appreciate every moment
23. Want to know a secret? One thing people say that gets under my skin is: you look great!
24. But I love it when people: recognize that most of the things I do take me a lot of effort
25. My favorite motto, scripture, quote that gets me through tough times is: I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me. Philipians 4:13
26. When someone is diagnosed I’d like to tell them: find a doctor who is supportive and knowledgeable and a support system
27. Something that has surprised me about living with an illness is: how understanding my husband and family are
28. The nicest thing someone did for me when I wasn’t feeling well was: take my daughter, who was much younger for play dates so she didn’t have to sit home while I slept
29. I’m involved with Invisible Illness Week because: it’s so important for people to understand about us, what our lives are like, what we go through each day and how they can support us
30. The fact that you read this list makes me feel: fantastic!

Find out more about National Invisible Chronic Illness Awareness Week and the 5-day free virtual conference with 20 speakers Sept 14-18, 2009 at www.invisibleillness.com