I know feelings are split on paid & sponsored blogging. Some people make a living off it (or try), some people just don’t care (like myself), and others absolutely despise when people “sell out” and give into the trend of selling space on their personal blogs and the entries they write. To be honest, while I don’t care all that much, I have run into the times where I become agitated that most entries made by someone on their blog are because they’re trying to earn that money. I know a lot of entries have personal opinions and stories in them, but those stories seem tainted when that link rears its head somewhere down the paragraph.

I’ve gotten into product reviews a little over a month again, and you’ve seen the result of that. Now, I’m also trying to edge my way into some paid blogging. Why? Because I’m trying to get all of my bills caught up and to have some extra spending money for myself is needed. I think it’ll also get me blogging a little more often, helping me write entries inspired by whatever assignment I might have.

Also, again to be honest, I don’t think I have that dedicated enough of a following that I’ll upset too many people with this change.

Even with as big as it is now, I still would like to know: What are your thoughts on paid & sponsored blogging?

Wednesday I woke up early for a doctor’s appointment and ended up having to redo something that required narcotic pain killers so I had to call out of work. It was my last shift before going on vacation for 10 days so I felt awful about it – but I doubt they know or care

Before I headed home, I bought a replacement power supply for my laptop at Frys. It was very quick since I brought with me my other one. My new one, though, is a tiny bit loose so it’ll disconnect from the laptop and it’ll cause this shrill beep. I can’t, for the life of me, figure out how to turn off that sound since it’s not part of the normal sound schemes. It’s the actual system making the sound and it’s SO obnoxious.

I managed to NOT find my eyeglasses before leaving with my brother from SD to LA. Half-way through driving up, my husband calls and tells me he found them. I left them on our washer/dryer, but since I had the door closed to the area it’s in, I didn’t see them. I didn’t even remember putting them there until he told me where they were. I’m debating on whether I want to have him mail them to me (in their case!). I’ve got to mail him his asthma medication he left in my brother’s room on Tuesday… luckily I have some leftover Christmas stamps in my large wallet that I brought with me. Oooh! I also found some First Class stamps! Nice, I thought the husband took them. I’ll be able to send post cards & letters.

I say I’m going to send people post cards & letters but I never end up doing so. How sucky is that? I still have post cards address to people from YEARS ago. Shame on me!

I’m going to have quite a bit to read while I’m up there. I brought with me a few books and bought two more while I was out today. I just added them to my currently reading shelf on Good Reads. If you’d like to check it out (there’s only a handful of books on there that I’ve actually read) and/or add me me as a friend, go right ahead! http://www.goodreads.com/mikachu

I should get in a nap before we leave in a handful of hours. I miss my husband already, even if things aren’t great & perfect My loving him never changes *sigh*

PS: I’m embarrassed that I didn’t do the last day of Project: Blog! What a bummer! There are a few days I missed… That’s a bummer, too.

I’m back home in SD. The husband was out all day before our drive home with friends at a pub watching the damn World Cup. That’s cool, whatever floats his boat, but I thought we’d be headed back down earlier than 2pm! I mean, having to be at work by 4:30pm is kind of crunch and the later it got, the more likely it was we’d hit some sort of traffic. We hit patches of it and there were idiots in the fast & carpool lanes going slower than 60MPH which was ridiculous. Slow traffic stay RIGHT, assholes! Luckily I got home with enough time to hit the toilet, change quickly and head the 5 minutes down the freeway to work with a few minutes to spare.

We’ll be needing some maintenance to the car SOON. The brakes sound AWFUL and while we haven’t hit the average mileage for the first brake job, we’ve driven this car through a lot of LA traffic, cross-country and through all sorts of up & down terrain coming up & down between LA & SD. Not to mention some of the belts need to be replaced since they’re looking aged and cracked. We definitely don’t want something more expensive to occur because we neglected to change that shit out.

I’ve had my new laptop since, I think, March? Somehow the power adapter cord has melted itself through (or maybe it got under some other hot running electronic) and tonight the laptop wouldn’t acknowledge that fact that it was plugged in. Lo-behold, it’s melted enough through that it’s fricken smoking through the melted rubber/plastic on the cord. *sigh* Looks like I’ll be making a trip to Fry’s tomorrow morning since I’ll be wanting to use my laptop while I’m on vacation (hello movies!). Though it’ll only be half useful without Internet access, having a dead battery with no way to charge it would render it useless. It’d make for a great weight for when it gets windy, though!

So now I’m currently using a little battery power as possible (dim screen, no fancy desktop effects, as few open programs as needed). After I take care of some online business, I’ll be off to take a shower, get some clothes put together for my vacation and head to bed to wake up early for a doctor’s appointment. I have no hope of doing laundry efficiently here since our all-in-one machine takes forever with ONE small load! I’ll have to lug a bunch of dirty (though some clean!) to my parents’ house when my brother comes to pick me up. Thankfully they’ve got the family-sized efficient machines that are only a few years old (at least, the washer’s pretty damn new)

PS: I have a new theme up. I’ve made some personalized adjustments to it but I’m still working on it as a whole! I need to make changes to have it reflect a personal blog and not a “magazine” style website, since that’s what the theme was meant for. I can do this! It’s not like I’m making a theme from scratch and no experience

I’m sitting in my recliner, watching a bunch of Lady Gaga music videos on Fuse. There doesn’t seem to be much else on that appeals to me. I had recorded the last hour or so of Happy Feet on the DVR but it apparently only wanted to record a random chunk of 10 minutes towards the beginning of the movie (I didn’t change the channel so it technically should’ve recorded the whole thing through the end). That pissed me off.

It’s father’s day and I’m so thankful and lucky to have the dad I have. He’s amazing. My cousin brought tears to my eyes last night, though, mentioning our grandfather who passed away in October two years ago. I miss him a LOT.

Lately I’ve been really wanting to take advantage of the work out room next to the pool in my apartment complex. At least, I’d love to walk on the treadmill or something for an hour a day to get started. I want to get rid of this stomach and smooth things out.

You know what I hate? When watching TV or doing anything else and it inspires a craving. Watching a random reality show, they were picking from a large platter of nachos and GOD I wanted them immediately. It’s easy to trigger a craving in me when I’m hungry, too. The closest thing I could do related to nachos is heat up some refried beans and maybe make a quesadilla with cheddar cheese and some leftover Taco Bell sauce. I’m not sure if I want to go through the effort though lol.

Tomorrow I’ll be going to my company’s picnic for our region’s associates. It’s about two hours away and I’m eager to enjoy all the free food (gosh, I’m sound like such a glutton!) and see my BFF and hopefully some of my old coworkers. The husband’s coming with – hopefully he enjoys himself at least a little bit.

1. You’re building your dream house. What’s the one thing that this house absolutely, positively MUST HAVE? (other than the obvious basics of course)
Built-in shelves everywhere.

2. What is your dream car?
A Rolls Royce. That’s my beautiful-but-(totally)-unlikely dream car.

3. What is your favorite website that isn’t a blog?
EcstasyMB.org.

4. iPhone 4 or Droid, which do you want?
Droid. I know the husband wants it badly enough that we’d actually consider switching phone companies.

5. When you’re feeling down or lonely or just generally out of sorts, what do you do to cheer yourself up?
Retail therapy works, but only if I have the money to spend. Otherwise I may just suffer through it, sleep through it or watch something on Netflix.

6. Tell me about something or someone that you love that most people seem to hate.
The husband lol. Uhm… I love pickles/mushrooms – a lot of people seem to hate those.

7. What do you want to be when you grow up?
I’m still trying to figure that out. Happy, ultimately.

8. Would you go on a reality show if given the chance?
It depends on the premise of the reality show. I mean, if it’s purely to make a fool out of me, than no because I’ll do that enough on my own.

9. Who was your favorite teacher when you were growing up. (Grade school, Middle School, Jr. High or High School only.)
Elementary School: Either Mrs. Erickson or Ms. Weiss. They were my 5th and 4th grade teachers, respectively. Mrs. Erickson taught drama and that’s how I managed to participate every year (but one) in the plays during my elementary school career. Mrs. Weiss had an awesome money system with school work and extra credit, she also introduced me to art and line dancing
Middle School: Dr. Krubsack. He was the choir teacher – I was placed in his Advanced Choir 6th period class when I wanted to do something other than drama in 7th grade. He looks like a gruff man, but he’s so amazingly kind-hearted and fun. He loves all things relating to Spam. He was encouraging and if he had to be, stern and authoritative if anyone actually was out of line in his presence.
High School: Mr. McGee. He was a favorite of my friends’ when I transferred to the 2nd high school and I ended up taking his earth science class my senior year. He’s like a 2nd father. He’s so supportive, encouraging and, like a father, will yell, scream, and punish if the need be. He’s so in love with learning – it’s amazing and inspiring.

10. You get one pass to do something illegal or immoral. What are you gonna do?
I steal me a LOT of money.

11. What were you doing 10 years ago?
I was 13 years old, getting ready to culminate junior high! That was a crazy year.

12. By this time next year, I …
Have finished a semester of college (at least a couple of classes!) and if not still working where I am, I’ll have stuck myself out there and gotten an office job of sorts.

13. Do you think the United States will elect a female President in your lifetime? Do you think this would be a good thing?
I’m sure it can and will happen. I don’t know when, but we’re getting there. It should be a good thing. Can’t be any worse than what the men have done

14. Which fictional, TV show character you would shag anytime?
Mr. Schuester from Glee He’s cute with a hot body AND can sing? Where the frick do I sign up??

15. What is your greatest pet peeve?
Either feet (socked or bare) near/touching me, or improper grammar/spelling – even online.

16. Tell me about your most recent trip of more than 100 miles?
I drove from San Diego to L.A. this past Sunday for my BFF’s baby shower.

17. Which do you use more often, the dictionary or the thesaurus?
Thesaurus.

18. Do you have a nickname? What is it?
I’ve been going by nothing but nicknames since at least middle school. Mika, Mike, Mickey, Mikachu, Meeks, Meeker, Michelob, Jello… I may have even missed a few lol.

19. What are you dreading at the moment?
Trying to pay shit off. ALWAYS.

20. Do you worry that others will judge you from reading some of your answers?
No. Anyone I care enough about already know the worst parts of me so if somebody judges me off these answers? Pfft, whatever. Go jump off a cliff

21. In two words, explain what ended your last relationship.
Lost interest.

22. What were you doing this morning at 8am?
Sleeping (finally).

23. Do you have any famous relatives?
Nah, not that I can think of. However, anyone with the last name Shaw or MacPherson could be of some distant relation (Scottish clans can get pretty big).

24. How many different beverages have you drank today?
Water. So, one.

25. What is something you are excited about?
My BFF having her baby next month, the husband’s birthday, company picnic, not being a certain something anymore, getting my furniture out of storage at some point… A few things lol.

26. When was the last time you spoke in front of a large group?
I may have said something before or after I sang karaoke at our bar the last time we went.

27. When you looked at yourself in the mirror today, what was the first thing you thought?
Dang, I need to brush my hair.

28. What were you doing at midnight last night?
Just getting home from L.A.

29. What’s a word that you say a lot?
It’s more of a phrase – “Right on” is not only the common response at work, but it’s infiltrated my daily normal life as well and I don’t even realize when I say it!

30. Who is your worst enemy?
Time and money

I’m currently watching Wall·E for the first time via Netflix instant play. If I haven’t said it before, I’ll say it now, but I love it. I finally got my Wii this past Christmas but I always go through phases when it comes to playing video games, so it was sitting unused for quite a while. Then came Netflix… and OMG wow. I’m addicted. I’ve been watching Law & Order: SVU and am on season 9 (I’ve skipped quite a few episodes that I’ve seen enough times to remember what happens). My husband and I have become big fans of 30 Rock. While there’s a lot available on instant play, there are quite a few other things more I wish were available. It sucks having to wait for DVDs of TV shows.

I’ve had a productive morning. I had to wake up early (for me – which isn’t saying much :lol:) to take the husband to work. I then sat at a Starbucks with a Frappuccino (coffee flavored, no whip, with a shot of espresso) and an orange-cranberry scone until I had to be at my store meeting. Afterward, I’d usually come straight home and sleep for the rest of the morning until early afternoon. Instead, I picked up some needed cleaning supplies and cleaned up a melted chocolate mess (thanks to a cheap lighter exploding!) in the car. Once I came up to the apartment, I went to town on the kitchen and main bathroom. I hand-scrubbed the kitchen floors (one of the items still in storage), cleaned counters, stove, microwave, did dishes, put the drip pans from the stove into the sink to soak.

Soon I shall fix something for lunch as my tummy is a-rumblin’. Next I think I shall take recycling down and maybe actually organize some of the crap in the bins & boxes laying around.

• Hells yeah, I'm going to the Dodgers vs. Yankee game on June 27th! :D #
• Dodgers kicked Tiger ass today http://dailybooth.com/u/30dii #
• Busy day! (@ In-N-Out Burger (Mira Mesa) w/ 2 others) http://4sq.com/4Wc6Ko #
• *sigh* #
• Just one of those blah kind of nights. http://dailybooth.com/u/30s2c #
• I'm at Arby's (Mira Mesa) (9089 Mira Mesa Blvd, at Rickert Rd, San Diego). http://4sq.com/5FsHPl #
• I have a fat cat and VERY messy (but still empty) apartment… http://dailybooth.com/u/31423 #
• Short shift at work this evening… T-minus 43 minutes and counting… #
• We'll finally get our stuff delivered from storage next Fri. We'll need to get rid of our washer/dryer though… any takers? #
• I just ousted @newgradlife as the mayor of In-N-Out Burger (Mira Mesa) on @foursquare! http://4sq.com/4Wc6Ko #
• I'm at In-N-Out Burger (Mira Mesa) (9410 Mira Mesa Blvd, Mira Mesa). http://4sq.com/4Wc6Ko #
• I just unlocked the "School Night" badge on @foursquare! http://4sq.com/bjetTD #
• Saw MacGruber (@ Edwards Mira Mesa Stadium 18 IMAX) http://4sq.com/8hA5uw #
• Ho hum http://dailybooth.com/u/31mhz #
• Homemade pizza! Pineapple & pepperoni! AND watching the original Hairspray #
• Well fuck me. I just ruined the pizza by dropping the damn thing into the bottom of the oven and all the toppings slid off. FUCK #
• Watching Up! on Netflix #
• Slept in later than usual. Fun. #
• It's RAINING! :D #fb #
• The cat's spazzing out… why the eff? #
• I'm at Panera Bread (10751 Westview Pkwy, San Diego). http://4sq.com/6C7xtf #
• I'm at In-N-Out Burger (Mira Mesa) (9410 Mira Mesa Blvd, Mira Mesa). http://4sq.com/4Wc6Ko #
• AUGH ITCHINESS ALL OVER! #
• Finally time for bed, I suppose. Hopefully I'll be able to fall asleep easier than last night. #
• The atmosphere here CAN NOT be beat! Ask for their panty dropper when you come tasting! (@ Longshadow Ranch Winery) http://4sq.com/cvjjre #

If you didn’t know already, I own two fanlistings. If you don’t know what a fanlisting is to begin with, here’s the description from TheFanlistings.org:

A fanlisting is simply an online listing of fans of a subject, such as a TV show, actor, or musician, that is created by an individual and open for fans from around the world to join. There are no costs, and the only requirements to join a fanlisting are your name and country. Fanlistings do not have to be large sites (although some are) – they are just a place where you can have your name listed along with other fans of the same subject. TheFanlistings.org is the original (but not only) web directory for fanlistings, dedicated to uniting fans across the globe.

I own and maintain the fanlistings for the Garden State soundtrack and the Sam & Andrew relationship (from Garden State). I’m currently having issues with getting the script I’m using to do what it needs to so I’m not placed on a “trouble” list on TheFanlistings.org – so I’m looking into using other scripts. I’m not sure how it’ll pan out, but I have a few days to figure it out.

This should get interesting… If any of you reading out there have suggestions, I’m more than open to them! All I need, really, is to get the member’s country to display next to their name and all will be right with the world. I’m probably going about it the hard way, but the script I’m currently using isn’t being supported by the developer and there’s little-to-no help documentation I can find.

• FUCK people who assume. #
• Ugh… my cat is being a super obnoxious spaz. Fucking hell #
• Had a busy day at work http://dailybooth.com/u/2xkrg #
• I give in… one more episode of Season 1 SVU on Netflix! #
• I has an arm kitty! http://dailybooth.com/u/2xu5h #
• My dad is one of only 3 people from his unit being held back in Iraq for something stupid. The rest come home tomorrow #
• There's no word on when he might even be let to come home Stupid Air Force… #
• Karaoke is going on but it seems nobody's up for it – bummer! (@ TGI Friday's) http://4sq.com/74xsqT #
• I just unlocked the "Explorer" badge on @foursquare! http://4sq.com/baHkPt #
• I'm at Admiral Baker Golf Course (2400 Admiral Baker Road, San Diego). http://4sq.com/cRYN9L #
• Watching episodes of the first SVU season on Netflix. w00t #
• Salad, crab legs, enchilada, pot roast and mashed potatoes @ a casino buffet. Delicious #
• Look what I can do! rofl http://dailybooth.com/u/2z11h #
• It may not be the tip of my nose, but I CAN touch my nose with my tongue lol http://dailybooth.com/u/2z11u #
• VIVA LOS DOYERS! http://dailybooth.com/u/2z190 #
• On page 101 of 384 of The Anatomy of Evil by Michael H. Stone http://bit.ly/aw0qoX #
• MY DADDY'S IN BALTIMORE! HE'S BACK HOME TOMORROW!! YAAAAAAAAAY! #
• Dodger game today! And I'll be damned if I don't stop by my parents' and give my dad a welcome home hug #
• I just unlocked the "Swarm" badge on @foursquare! http://4sq.com/9LrJZU #
• Lower reserve, section 27, row T (@ Dodger Stadium w/ 74 others) http://4sq.com/5Hi1Nz #
• VIVA LOS DOYERS! #DODGERS #

I’d have to say I watch an awful lot of Law & Order: SVU. I actually don’t watch new episodes when they come on, but it’s the show I prefer to stop my remote on in the late afternoon on USA to kill boredom or have as background noise while I’m doing my computer stuff. I absolute LOVE Chris Maloney and Mariska Hargitay. They’re gorgeous actors and what they bring to SVU is so great. I can’t forget the other characters/actors either, of course! I do appreciate an episode when Munch is the primary detective and Fin is always good, not to mention the interaction between the two! I also love me some of that medical examiner and FBI psychologist I’d have to say, out of the ADAs they’ve had over the years, my favorite is still Alexandra Cabbot.

I’m currently making my way through all the seasons available on Netflix Instant Watch. I finished the 1st season yesterday and over the course of watching it, I found only a few that I hadn’t ever seen before out of the 22/23 episodes there were in the season! I’m now onto episode two or three of the 2nd season.