All, Random

Alexa. Was I Just Paranoid?

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I broke down and joined the bandwagon.
I purchased two Echo Dots the other day.

When they first came out, I was very much against anything of the sort. I was paranoid about them listening to everything we say. Not that it’s a major deal, we aren’t doing anything illegal or concerning. It’s just uncomfortable. Not to mention, a few other disturbing things I heard about them.

At that time, I dismissed them altogether.
I really just never thought I would ever have one. Until now.

My fiance thought it would be a good idea to have them for a few reasons. The one feature that I do like the most so far, is that we can use it as an intercom. I can talk to him quickly and easily when he is in the basement. Or if he needs something, he doesn’t have to take the stairs unnecessarily. He has multiple sclerosis, so it can sometimes pose a difficult task. That alone, makes it worth it. And of course, I found the best deal that I could.

Part of me is actually excited to try it out. I do love technology.
Also, I really think I’m over my paranoia.

Was it just me? Or do others have concerns with Alexa and other similar services?

All, Random

Can Dinner Just Be Less Stressful?

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I somehow went from very rarely cooking some extremely basic items, to cooking 2 meals a night for dinner. I never learned to cook. It was all hands on disasters. I tried to learn in my twenties, but was faced with more criticism than success. I pretty much didn’t care much after that. I got lucky over the years that I never had to cook a lot or other people did it. Until recently.

My fiance did the cooking for a bit. He taught me a few things here and there and helped me to build my kitchen confidence. I’m nowhere close to making big fancy meals, but at some point I’ve taken over our daily dinners. Except, I seem to be making a lot of double meals lately.

I can eat mostly anything. I’m not picky and I am fine with leftovers. However, my daughter and fiance each have their quirks when it comes to food. Either they don’t like the same foods, or they have to be prepared a particular way. Even a TV dinner has to be tweaked before I can serve it.

I’m grateful that I finally have the desire to cook now, but I just wish it was a little less stressful. I’m working on learning new recipes in hopes of finding more agreeable meals for everyone.

What kinds of quick and easy meals do you like to make?

All, Updates

Stop By And Say Hi

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I spent some time today cleaning up my site a little bit. I added a few things and updated others. If you have a moment, check out the new Welcome Guests page and be one of the 1st to comment. I am looking forward to having this platform to interact more in the future. I will probably change the name of it at some point.

Stop by and say hello, leave some comments or feedback, or start a conversation.

All, Random

Is It Just Me And My Anxiety?

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Against my better judgement, I ventured out today. I had to. We were really low on groceries. I packed my sanitizer, got my mask on, and shoved my anxiety down as far as I could.

The amount of people that are still out and about is amazing to me. I just don’t understand it. Whether, I chose a bad time or not. There shouldn’t be this many people out! Not to mention, they are oblivious to social distancing rules and are rude.

There’s a good portion of people not wearing masks. I realize it’s a choice, but I feel more comfortable wearing one and seeing others wearing one.

I went to a drive through and asked why they weren’t a wearing mask. They replied that they aren’t sick, so there’s no point.
But what if they are? What if they picked it up from a customer and didn’t realize it, didn’t have any symptoms, and continued to spread it to others. That scares me.

The other night, we ordered take out. The delivery guy got entirely too close to me and touched me. He had no mask and no gloves. I didn’t want to be rude and tell him to back off, but I was getting close. What happened to contact-less delivery?

Am I being completely ridiculous?

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, Financial

Small Financial Tips – It All Adds Up

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Since everyone has been home looking for things to do, I figured it was a great time to share some of my savings tips and where you can make a few extra bucks. I’ve done the hard part. You can find the apps that I’ve been using on the Financial Tips page.

Scanning Receipts:

One way that I save money is by scanning all of my receipts, which then turns into points and cash. I am currently using five apps that have successfully paid me. I’m also using a 6th app on good faith. I’ve made approximately $105 to date, using this method. Since I’m saving my receipts anyway, I enter all the information into my spreadsheet for budgeting. It’s another one of my projects in progress, but at least all the data is there. It’s been interesting to see it along the way.

Cash Back via Apps/Sites:

Another great way to save some money, is to use the apps and sites that give you cash back. The percentage and time frame varies, but I’ve had success with one company in particular. So far, I’ve received $27.36 back using two apps. Also, check with your credit card companies. They will often give cash back as well. My bank gives a percentage off at certain retailers, while my credit card gives me back a percentage of my spending. I’ve received a decent amount back from this as well.

Playing Games:

My favorite so far, has been playing games. Previously, I was very anti-playing games. Now that I’ve been making money from it, I’ve changed my mind. As long as I can multitask and remind myself that I’m making money, then I can justify it. I’ve actually made $86 just playing mindless games.

Surveys and More:

I haven’t added them to my site yet, but there’s also several other ways to make some money. There’s surveys, which I’m always on the fence with. I don’t mind them and they definitely pay off, but they can be time consuming. There’s also apps that pay you to watch videos, click emails, and have so many other opportunities.

If you’re interested in making a few bucks, then click on my referral links. They are found on the Financial Tips page.

What apps / sites are you successfully using to increase your income?

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, The Universe

Just Another Retrograde Passing By

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I knew it! I’ve been feeling so out of sorts and everything has been going wrong. I wondered, then dismissed it. I did my best to not assume what was happening, until I couldn’t ignore it anymore. I googled it and sure enough, I was right. We just went through a retrograde.

Whether you believe in it or not, it’s happening all around us. Everyone makes fun of me whenever I mention it, so I keep it to myself mostly. I’ve even learned how to use it to my own advantage in some cases. But I do see the affects and it never fails to put a damper on things regardless of what preparations are made.

I usually pay much more attention. I make a new post it note every year with the MR dates listed. However, this year, I thought I would lay off and be normal. LMAO. That worked out just peachy for me. I just made my 2020 post it note and placed it under my clear desk mat for easy reference. I may not openly speak about it, but I will be much more aware the next time around.

I’m not sure which Farmer’s Almanac link below is more accurate. I haven’t looked into the exact dates. Besides there’s always residual affects beyond the last day. So take them as an approximate guideline of dates to pay attention to. These are times to do a lot of researching, listening, cleaning, & organizing. Be prepared to experience issues with electronics, travelling, and communication. Don’t make any major decisions or purchases.

Per Farmer’s Almanac.com:
* 2/16/20-3/9/20
* 6/18/20-7/12/20
* 10/13/20-11/13/20

Per Almanac.com:
* 2/17/20-3/10/20
* 6/18/20-7/12/20
* 10/14/20-11/3/20

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?