Category Archives: Random

All, Random

Thank You

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I wanted to send out a quick thank you to everyone.

I’ve noticed a recent increase in the amount of traffic on my site. It’s been a while. This is really exciting to me, especially while watching the transformation of how much things have changed.

I originally created this site voluntarily to help promote local bands and businesses. That was many years ago. I thought it would be a great platform to display their information, promotional ads, and photos. I also did a lot of photo shoots for them, handed out promotional materials, made merchandise in my home, and even managed a few bands as well. It was fun, interesting, educational, emotional, and sometimes aggravating. But overall, I’m grateful for the experiences.

Why did it all end?

Eventually, I started a new job and had to cut back on my volunteering. I had just started to actually make a few dollars and take on some more serious projects, however I had to rethink my life. I needed the income for my family and they needed my time with them. Nearly all things outside of that had stopped.

At that point, I should have closed my site. I’m a hoarder and I didn’t want to give it up. I liked having my own site to do whatever I wanted. I had no idea what that was for several years, so it laid dormant. Every so often, I would move a few things around or post a note that it was under construction, but that would be it. I think I tried a new direction once but that went nowhere.

Where to go from here?

Just recently, I decided to massive change the content. Of course, I kept some tidbits of the original LadySkullshine Entertainment site in the archives and the About Me page. I’ve shifted gears to helping others to save money and to make a few bucks. I also have a page displaying the coins that I have for sale on eBay. There is now a page dedicated to the awareness of certain conditions. This exists because they greatly affect my life in one way or another. I plan to add a lot more content when I have more time.

I often toss around the idea of posting things or not. I wonder if anyone cares what I have to say or share. Then I get the notifications that tell me that others are reading and liking my posts. That means a lot to me. It inspires me to continue sharing whatever the next adventure brings.

Again, I really want to say thank you and that I am so very grateful.

All, Random

My Current Go-To Music List

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I took a survey on Toluna today that I thought I would share. It asked “What’s your mixtape for a road trip?” I don’t take enough road trips to relate, but I do love music. It almost always seems to make me feel better, no matter where I am and what’s going on.

For me, my music list changes constantly. My musical interests are all over the place. But off the top of my head, I answered the question as follows:

1. Me And Bobby McGee – Janis Joplin
2. Jump Around – House Of Pain
3. Break Stuff – Limp Bizkit
4. Halls Of Illusions – Insane Clown Posse
5. Faith – Limp Bizkit
6. Seven Nation Army – The White Stripes
7. The Way Of The Fist – Five Finger Death Punch
8. What I Am – Edie Brickell & The New Bohemians
9. Solitaire / Unraveling – Mushroomhead
10. Sugar Magnolia – Grateful Dead

What is your go-to music list?

All, Random

Keeping Busy, Sane, And Safe

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I’m trying my best to stay busy during this time of quarantine. Of course there’s always something to do. I’m never ever bored. Not sure how anyone could be with so much to do all the time. I am constantly racing against time to do as much as possible. I usually fail, but I keep trying. Those small wins, really do matter. Baby steps, right?

I can say that lots of cleaning has been done. Repeatedly. Except the dishes. I just can’t stand to do them. Once I start, I’m ok. I know that’s a major thing and usually no one else will do it, but getting there is difficult. I actually just found a used portable dish washing machine for sale online today. That may be a happy new addition in our tiny home. It might be a tight fit, since I also want a hot/cold water cooler. I know, they are so 80’s. My fiance tells me constantly how lame they are. I had one for years up until recently and I regret not taking it with me. I absolutely loved it. Except for the part where I had to obtain the bottles. That part sucked. I guess we shall see.

I’ve also been doing all sorts of organizing, updating, filing, and so forth. I’ve fallen so far behind with this, that I have a few piles started here and there. Usually I do this during the mercury retrograde, but I wasn’t properly prepared for this last one. I’m a major dork. Give me a pack of sticky notes and I’m happy. Everything must be labelled, things need to be in bins, and paperwork must be in chronological and priority order. I have OCD and ADHD, so I often get distracted while being super focused on a particular project for a while. Hence, the multiple piles started here and there. But I get through them all, eventually.

Since I’m always working on anything that provides an extra few bucks for my family, I figured I’d take this time to follow up on the sites and apps I’ve been working with. Some were a bit more time consuming so I’ve been delaying them till now. I’ve been narrowing down a few more survey sites and places to get free Amazon items. I’ve also cashed in on a few Amazon cards from playing games and scanning receipts. My eBay has also been updated with a few ongoing coin listings. I expanded to a few other selling sites.

I have ventured out as needed for medications and food, but I make those trips as little as possible during this time. My family won’t let me leave without a mask and gloves. It’s so strange when I’m out driving. Very little traffic or people in general. Fast food places only have their drive thru’s open. Places are now delivering that didn’t before. E-vists are becoming standard, as doctor offices don’t want you to spread anything further. We all have to be safe everyone. Even if you feel like you won’t get it, someone else you interact with might.

How are you staying busy, sane, and safe?

All, Random

Going On A Week With No Phone…

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I got through almost one week without my phone. I thought it would bother me more but I managed. I guess having an old tablet laying around helped a bit. I’m able to keep up with at least some of my rewards apps. However, some things have been slightly irritating. For example, going to Dunkin without being able to scan my app. Not so fun at all. Of course, there is also the inconvenience of not having my banking apps. Ok, so the list does go on. But, I made it so far.

I would probably have a new one by now but I struggle with making decisions. I also hate spending so much money for anything. I need something compatible with my current phone service, but that I can also use elsewhere later. I’m not too picky, but the camera has to be pretty decent. I take a lot of pics and scan documents all the time. I also need to be able to run a lot of apps. I requested some recommendations on Facebook, but got nothing. I’m hoping Amazon can help me decide.

I’m pretty sure the grieving process of my phone went smoother since I have been so focused on finding a new used car and rearranging things around the house, among other things. Thankfully, I was able to step back from looking for a car. I just don’t know enough about that financial/mechanical end. I get my hopes up and then instant disappointment. I can’t take much more of that. My fiance knows what I like so I’m leaving it to him and his friend to work on that project. I’ll just keep rearranging things and continue down my never ending list of things to do. That will keep me busy for a while.

At least I’m not sitting in some electronics rehab center somewhere. Silver lining, right?

How long have you genuinely been without your phone, on purpose or due to an unexpected incident?

All, Random

One Train Wreck After Another…

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This past weekend was an ongoing series of horrible train wrecks one right after the other. It may not have been so bad overall, but one of my mental medications ran out on Thursday and I never called the doctor Friday to have it refilled. I was a bit preoccupied so it slipped my mind.

Friday was full of anxiety over the upcoming co-parenting session, the session itself, along with the residual emotional wreckage that it brings. I mostly worry about my youngest daughter. She has been through enough as it is, then added her multiple disabilities to the mix of things. I see what all this does to her and it’s really not right. I just want to actually accomplish something with the sessions, along with learning how to prevent our vicious cycles from happening again. Wishful thinking, stupid girl.

Saturday comes along and I’m thinking that I’m focused and can accomplish some shopping. The moment I ventured out, I felt nauseous. I figure some DD coffee and a snack will help, but I want to break my habits so I duck into the dollar store for a moment to grab a few things and make sure I’m up for the grocery trip. That confirms that I need to head to Dunkin, but the line is out to the street. McDonald’s is next but they tell me there are no ice bags when I ordered iced coffee so I thought they meant I couldn’t get coffee. Turns out, they got orders mixed up.

I texted my fiance saying I really hope all of this isn’t a indication to go back home. Despite my feeling, I went on to food shopping.

Partially through my grocery trip, I stop at the customer service desk to follow up on a previous visit when I overpaid for grapes. The sign said $4.99 each. I paid $5.99/lb. She said they always charge per pound. I had a pic as proof, but had to locate it. So I let someone go ahead of me. He carried on for some time arguing because a discount won’t apply to his app for use until the following day. I waited patiently and then slightly impatiently when it became monotonous for too long. I got closer and said out loud “Sir, you know I’m still waiting here.” I know it was rude, but I was nice enough to let him go ahead. It was time to move along. He did. I immediately showed the lady the pic. Another lady ran off to check the current sign. In the end, I had my receipt and the date stamped pic of their sign, so I received my $9 something back.

Continued on to the rest of my shopping, in a somewhat crowded store. I managed to get through it, then it was time to cash in all my coins at the very loud clunking machine. I do this every few trips since we always have a lot of coins left from the bank rolls when my fiance gets done with them. If you never used a CoinStar, when you first start the machine, it wants to know if you want a cash voucher or gift card. I usually take the Amazon gift card because it’s free and I’m a freak for saving money. I knew I spent a lot on this trip and I always hear about how silly I am about savings. I bit the bullet and took the cash. I spent more on fees than I got back on my grapes. I later declared that I will never ever do that again. Amazon cards always and forever.

Finally, I pay and begin to load up my truck. Most of it inside, some in the bed. I’m running the heat so it’s nice and cozy when I get in. I shut the door and realize instantly that I locked my keys in my now running truck. My purse and phone, and about $300 in groceries are also locked in there. The store had me call the non emergency police, then I called AAA. Apparently someone else called the police from their Onstar. They reported that someone needed ems for panic attacks in the parking lot. So the police finally do show up and got me in at least. AAA would have been another 40 mins of me freezing and sobbing about how stupid I am. By the way, I don’t think I was displaying major signs of distress, but thank you mysterious Onstar person.

Sunday I’m thinking is a new day and can only get better. I wake up to a dead phone that will not charge. It was pretty beat up to begin with, but now it was shot. I was mainly upset because I was chatting with my oldest daughter right before bed. The rest of my aggravation has been in trying to figure out how to access certain accounts and other items now lost. Not to mention, trying to find a new phone.

Meanwhile throughout all of this, my meds have my head screwed up. I get gretzy really easily and I’m lashing out. I’m doing and saying stupid impulsive things that I know I shouldn’t but have no filter or control. My fiance always gets the brunt of it. Once I come to my senses, I’m usually sobbing for hours because I’m so sorry and feel horrible about everything.

I get through it. I always do. Somehow. I am definitely fortunate to have my youngest daughter that keeps me going, and my fiance who keeps me centered and focused. He takes a lot of crap from me as well. I’m grateful knowing no matter what the universe throws at me, I can get through it.

All, Financial, Random

The Rewards Are The Reason

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Sometime soon, I plan to update the Financial Tips page. There’s several more sites to add that I’ve been using. I also realized that I added some that haven’t actually paid me yet. I tend to get side tracked and lose my train of thought. I really want to make a point to separate those that are legit, tried, and true.

That’s the whole point of sharing all this on my site. I’ve experienced not being paid, wasting too much time, contacting customer service multiple times, researching, and so forth. I have been doing the crappy part of the work and discovered what is right for me. Now, those that are interested can partake in the benefits part with me. All I ask is that my referral links and codes are used. Most of the time when you do this, both parties get some sort of extra rewards.

The rewards are absolutely the only reason I do any of this. I honestly never had any interest in playing games on my phone. Except for that time I was obsessed with Dragon Vale for a while, but that didn’t last long. I viewed anything unproductive as a complete waste of time and other things should be done instead. When I learned about being paid to play games, this finally intrigued me. I looked into several apps. One paid me, but then stopped accumulating points. I ran into all sorts of snags, but I have found one that has been pretty decent. It’s called Mistplay. So far, I made $40 and I’m just about to cash out another $25.

I am taking a break from testing out any extra apps at the moment. It’s time consuming and I want to check out a few other things. I definitely need to do more surveys. If you find the right ones, they actually can be profitable. They are a bit of a timed, focused commitment which I struggle with. I will add the ones I have been successful with at some point. My latest endeavor has been testing and receiving discounted and free Amazon items. There’s one site I’ve received several items from, but it’s not always successful. I am working on researching some other sites at the moment.

Are there any apps or sites that you are using to make or save a few extra bucks? Share what works for you and any referral codes you may have as well.

All, Random

What Is Your Biggest Motivation?

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Every day is a new adventure. Some days, I’m frozen not being able to leave my bed, much less my house. I feel like an empty shell, just staring into space, while occasionally drifting off. I think my brain just goes into overdrive from thinking about everything that has to be done for the day. While other days, I can jump right out and face the world, without even thinking about it.

I’m also a night owl mostly, which adds more havoc to the mix. As the day gets later, I’m a multi-tasking crazy girl just trying to get it all done. This eventually conflicts with my fiance’ and daughter’s sleep schedules, so I force myself to go to sleep before I really am ready to.

Either way, I absolutely hate all the wasted time. I need to get my head together a bit more, so I can work on that better. Otherwise, I’m just stuck in this never-ending viscous cycle.

I’m pretty sure my biggest motivation overall is my youngest daughter, Scarlet. If it weren’t for her, I probably would sleep most of the day away and do next to nothing. Everything I do, I do for her. She has several disabilities, yet no matter what she has been through, she is always full of laughter and love. My babies are my world, no matter what age they are. They know that I am always Mama Bear and do anything I can for them. My eldest Haley is 19 and doesn’t quite need me so much. She’s moved to another country. This makes me sad and proud all at once. I miss her dearly.

My fiance’ is also a motivation, but in a different way. He reminds me often about how many times my ways have failed lol. It can be frustrating sometimes, but he means well. I do get side-tracked entirely too easily. Literally, I will see a puppy and completely get off track. So, yea I see his frustration as well. A lot of times, I make my own race to accomplish a certain set of tasks to prove to him that I can do it. Which in turn helps keep me focused.

What is your biggest motivation?

All, Random

Maybe I’ll Get It Done, One Day

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I have never been on good terms with time.

I tend to take on entirely too much and expect too much of myself. I’m constantly multi-tasking, trying to do it all at once, and fail miserably. I am always getting side tracked easily and can’t accomplish anything completely. I procrastinate constantly. I panic and can’t think straight. I’m also extremely forgetful. Add my multiple mental issues that can take over quickly.

I think the worst part of it all, is how it affects others. I really only want to make everyone else happy, but it is often is seen differently. No matter how much I try to prove otherwise. None of it is intentional. Believe me, I’d change in a heartbeat if I could.

It’s an ongoing struggle. I take a lot of baby steps towards accomplishments and I do celebrate them. I’ve come a long way on some levels, while in other ways I feel that I’ve fallen backwards a few steps. Either way, I find the silver lining or lesson and then move again. Staying positive is sometimes all that’s left to pull me back out of the rabbit hole.

For instance, this current post that I am writing took me 3 days to complete. Between being side tracked, deciding whether to even share it, renaming it, and so on. The distractions are appreciated though. Like, yesterday I accomplished very little, but my daughter and I made pink pancakes and I took her to get her hair and nails done. She was so very excited and happy. That always makes it so worth it. Today was actually a much more productive day. I got to check off a ton of things from my to do list. And we even made chocolate dipped strawberries for the 1st time. They didn’t look pleasant since the chocolate didn’t melt how we expected, but they were delicious and didn’t last long at all.

I was also able to list a few more coins today. I know we would do better if they were graded, but we can’t afford to do that at the moment. They have been heavily researched though. If interested, check out my Coins page. I need to add my new listings. You can also follow my ebay to stay current.

There’s so many things to do yet and my head is spinning, but again I’m running out of time for the day. Hopefully tomorrow will be productive as well.

Thanks a bunch for visiting,

LadySkullshine

All, Random

Happy Valentines’ Day

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I really don’t have anything new today, other than I updated my post from yesterday since I forgot to add a link to my actual page and I’m still working out a few things to make this site look a little better.

I spent the day showering my youngest daughter with Valentines’ treats and fun. I got her all sorts of gifts, we made pancakes with hearts all over them, and watched a movie she’s been wanting to see for a while. My oldest is out of the house, but we exchanged our love via text. My fiance doesn’t buy into all the holiday consumer crap, he says. Although, he still ordered gifts for us that will arrive late. That’s his work around to say it’s not for the holiday lol.

Today really got away from me, but it was fun and I still plan to list some more ebay items. I have a lot of coins and some random books to add. I will add them here as well.

If anyone is reading this, let me know. I appreciate the feedback and also the knowledge that I’m not talking to myself (more than I already do).

Thank you!

LadySkullshine

All, Random

Who Would Read My Blog?

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According to my next task, I’m supposed to determine the kind of person who would read my blog and what I would like to say to them. This is intended to help focus my thoughts and goals towards that specific person.

I know the assignments are cheesy, but my mind is all over the place. This helps me get used to blogging more and gives me something to chat about.

Honestly, I don’t know who would actually read my blog. I have no preference, as long as they bring no issues and enjoy their visit. My site has lived through about 10 years of changes. I could see all sorts of people reading it at one point or another, while I could also see none at all. That’s part of why I have gone back and forth with posting. While I’ve been pretty eclectic, I just don’t know that what I have to say is interesting enough to continue reading. Originally, this site was all about promoting others. Now, it’s more about what I would like share on my time. Content has shifted, but the idea of helping others is still there.

To those that are reading my blog, I’d definitely like to say Thank You and I appreciate it immensely. Please feel free contribute by liking posts and commenting.

All, Random

Music Mix 🎶

This mix is very much eclectic, so don’t be shocked when it goes from a current country song, into an old hair metal band from back in my day lol.

Update: I’m not really on Spotify these days due to subscription pricing & massive ads. Pandora is always my go-to favorite.

LADYSKULLSHINE MIX ON SPOTIFY