Pros and Cons of Working from Home

This coming October, I'll have been working from home for 8 years and after a few days like I've had (the flu really kicked my butt), I'm very grateful and lucky to be able to work from home. I love working from home.

The thing I should mention is that you either have to love what you do for work, or be driven enough by money to keep distractions to a minimum.   You definitely have to be self motivated (or at least a self starter).

When I tell someone I work from home, I always get the raised eyebrows then ultimately, one of these gems (and yes, I've heard them all at least once):
~ What do you DO all day?
~ Why do you stay up so late?
~ Can’t you just do that tomorrow?
~ If I were home all the time like you, my house would be immaculate!
~ I wish I got to sleep as late as I wanted!
~ I wish I got paid to sit at home all day!
~ Must be nice to get to work in your pajamas!

Yes, my schedule is flexible. Yes, I set my own hours and no, I don’t get in trouble with the boss when I can’t make it to work that day. But, I still have deadlines to meet, responsibilities to maintain and obligations to manage. Because I work from home does not make my job less important or more dispensable than anyone else’s job.

But, there really is no such thing as working at home.

Really. It doesn't exist. It's not possible. And who are you kidding anyway?

Says who?, you ask?? Just Everybody.

You know Everybody...as in "Everybody says..."

Everybody knows you watch game shows and soap operas all day.

Everybody's sure you can handle this errand. After all,what are you doing that's so important?

Everybody gets a good laugh at this "work-at-home" thing, because Everybody will tell you that Everybody has to work for a living. (By the way, when are you getting a *real* job?)

Nosirree, no such thing...

Who gets the grocery list, picks up and drops off the dry cleaning, goes to the bank, and prepares a sumptuous meal replete with exquisite delicacies, a breathtaking sensual delight?

Oh, okay...but who opens those cans???

And all at the same time, you have those annoying, trivial "work-at-home" details...

Scheduling appointments, answering e-mails, doing billings, filing, typing, faxing, toting barges, lifting bales... (ok maybe not the last 2)

No, my friend, this "work-at-home" fantasy is only a dream. How, in reality, can someone rise in the morning and *not* jet off to a forced enclosure where you are carefully guarded and scrutinized by "bosses" and "superiors" who zealously hoard the money you earn and pay a position (not you!) what they determine it to be worth.

How, in reality, can someone enjoy a moment of reflection, introspection or distraction that is *not* rigidly scheduled and officially ordained, where your "co-workers" hurriedly gulp, gobble and gossip before returning to the tasks/projects/assembly work arbitrarily assigned without regard to their interests or desires?

How, in reality, can someone enjoy the comforts of their own home in a place uniquely theirs and a destiny they create and *not* embark on a crowded, frustrating, lengthy and perilous trek to and from this foreign place where, despite their diligence and loyalty, they can find themselves cast out by authorities unseen and unknown through no fault of their own?

(Oops! Fell off my soapbox...Insert your favorite dream here.)

Nosirree, working at home is a liberating, self-actualizing, creatively fulfilling, ultimately challenging and supremely rewarding dream. But, you know...dreams aren't for Everybody.

With a husband, a elderly mother, three dogs, three cats and and a household to keep together to boot ...

In my opinion, there are only really two things bad about working from home:

1) It can get somewhat lonesome, especially if you’re single or are at an age where seeing friends just doesn’t happen at the frequency it used to. Personally, I’m a bit older than 29, married and my friends are all getting to a stage in life where other priorities get in the way to hanging out. Luckily, I’m also a fairly independent gal so it isn’t too bad… but I could see this isolation being a big negative for some people.

2) There is a stigma with some people, as if you must not work as hard as they do. I work a fairly healthy amount of hours during the day, but the thing is that people see my ability to go for a walk on a sunny afternoon, or the fact I can get together with a friend or a coffee on a random weekday that I must just be lazy or don't work.  And I'm pretty sure, my mother thinks I play video games all day or something lol.

Other than two things, I love it. I get to do what I love to do, on my own terms, and during the hours I please. I only wish everyone could be given this same blessing.

... and on that note, tomorrow is Monday =)

Back on the Wagon

Wow ... the flu bug I caught from my hubby really kicked my ass big time.

I don't remember ever being that sick.

It came on so suddenly - around 10:30 pm on Thursday night.  I started feeling generally yucky and then about a half an hour later I was worshiping Ralph at the great porcelain throne.

Vomiting is awful. There's no denying it. There aren't many illnesses that make you feel worse than when you have some sort of stomach virus; you just want to know how to make it stop.

So today is day 2 - I am no longer throwing up, but am utterly and totally exhausted.  I was able to keep down a half bowl of chicken noodle soup, and I am forever grateful for that wonderful liquid they call Gatorade.  Hopefully this is a good sign and I'll be back on the blogging wagon ...

Fell Off the Wagon Already

Well, my intentions were good ... however, yesterday was only day 5 and yep, I fell off the wagon already ... *sigh*

Granted, my hubby has been feeling a bit under the weather with the flu ... and we all know how serious "man flu" is ...

... and now it seems I have caught the same bug :(

Let's Do This!

I admit, over the past couple of years I've been in an on again, off again relationship with losing weight. Unfortunately I've found that as I have been getting older, I am truly having a much tougher time losing weight.

This is probably a good time to mention that I'm 5'3" and when I decided that I would seriously try to lose some weight, I weighed 155 lbs - not really a big deal but I knew I needed to lose a few pounds.

Anyone who knows me, knows I love my Coke/Pepsi and it wasn't uncommon for me to drink 3-4 cans of pop/soda day if not more. So, a year or so ago, the first thing I did was cut out any pop/soda from my diet, and I admit, this first step was hard ... very hard.  However, I was determined and as I struggled I replaced my daily Coke habit with green tea.

My beloved Keurig!

Thankfully my hubby bought me a Keurig coffee maker ... which is funny because I don't drink coffee. But one good thing about the Keurig is you can buy a reusable filter basket that allows you to make your own K-cups with whatever you want. Since the Keurig is so fast at brewing, I can have my green tea (either warm or iced) in less than 1 minute. Awesome!!! That's one thing I always hated about having to use a kettle for tea - took too darn long to boil the water. The Keurig was a perfect solution!!

About a month or so after cutting out Coke and replacing it with green tea, I decided to weigh myself ... and to my surprise I had lost 15 pounds ... Wow!! Now I really didn't think I looked much different, but in mid-May we headed down to Orlando for our annual
May getaway and friends that had just seen us in October asked
if I had lost weight. Awesome!!!!

Heading home from our vacation, I wasn't sure what to expect when I stepped on the scale. We do like to eat well and tend to enjoy a few adult beverages when we are on vacation, and this trip was no exception, however, one thing I did not do was drink any pop/soda whatsoever during our trip (that was truly a test of my willpower by the way). Once again I was surprised ... I had not gained any weight at all ... now, I didn't lose any weight either, but I didn't gain any so it was totally a win in my books!!

Awesome Infuser

Since that time, I have been actively trying to lose the last 15 lbs by exercising more regularly (usually walking a couple times of week) and continued with my green tea.  Most recently I purchased a $10 fruit infuser pitcher at Wal-Mart and have been enjoying some nice cold flavored water throughout the day.  This is huge for me as I haven't been known to drink a lot of water during the day.

Unfortunately I'm finding that I still seem to be craving junk food later in the evening - which is really something I need to curb. It's definitely not helping my weight loss.

Now that Spring has arrived, I know getting out for our daily walks will help.  I also ordered the 21 Day Fix plan from Beachbody.  I had heard so many good things about this plan. Basically here's no counting, no guessing, and no wondering. Just easy-to-follow portion control and one 30-minute workout per day. That's all. You commit to it, and you can lose up to 15 pounds in just 21 days.

There are seven color-coded containers and a Shakeology shaker with a meal plan that you follow - so you never eat too much or too little. Fill them up with as much food as you want—if it fits, you can eat it! Plus I can continue to use my Shakeology on this plan which is something that I don't want to give up (I've been using the vegan Tropical Strawberry Shakeology for over 2 years now).

21 Day Fix kit

OK, seems simple enough, so why am I hesitant to get started on it???  Basically I like food ... I like food A LOT =)

I should also mention that we are taking a trip to Jamaica at the end of next month, and I want NEED to lose those last 15-20 lbs.  I went bathing suit shopping the other day and it was not a pleasant experience to say the least - so let's say that was the motivation I needed.

So ... Let's do this!!!  Wish me luck!!  I'll keep you posted :)

Disney Parks March Magic Final

I wouldn't be a true MouseJunkie if I didn't post about the Disney Parks March Magic Challenge. What, you may ask, is the March Magic Challenge??  Well, in a nutshell, it’s a coast-to-coast competition in which 32 Disney attractions have been going head to head to be named as the best Disney attraction.

Today is the big game, with only two attractions left for fans to vote on – the Caribbean Pirates (at Disneyland Resort) and the Gracey Manor Hitchhikers (at Walt Disney World Resort). Simply head to the official Disneyland or Walt Disney World Facebook page and vote for the attraction you prefer in the “Comments” section.

I have to choose Gracey Manor Hitchhikers as the Haunted Mansion is both my husband's and my favorite Disney.  Which will you choose?

Memorable Humans

I've often been asked, what famous people have I met?  Well, thanks to my husband, I have been to quite a few conventions where assorted famous personages have been in attendance.  I'd estimate I've met over 100 famous personalities in the last 10 years (not including Disney characters).  So who are my favorites?  Who was I excited to meet the most???  Here is my top 10 ...

10.  Kristin Bauer

Kristin is perhaps best known for her role as vampire Pam in the HBO series True Blood.  I was fortunate enough to meet Kristin in October 2011.  She is truly sweet, most gracious and so unlike her character Pam (excuse how huge I look in this photo ....ewwwwww)

9.  Steven Adler & Joey Belladonna

Spooky Empire's Ultimate Horror weekend in October and Spooky Empire's Mayhem weekend in May are two conventions we try not to miss each year.  The promoters of these two conventions have brought in some awesome musicians over the past few years.  One of those is Steven Adler of Guns N' Roses fame.

Another was Joey Belladonna of Anthrax.  Joey sticks in my mind as we were at the Spooky Empire VIP Party in October 2009, listening to the guests singing very bad karaoke ;) ... all of a sudden, someone starting singing Journey's Don't Stop Believing - that someone was not like the others... that someone could actually sing ... that person was Joey Belladonna.  Talk about an awesome surprise!  One of the guests actually got the performance on video (linked below - sorry it's a bit dark, but it's still awesome) =)

8.  Jason Lively

Jason Lively is undoubtedly best known for his role as Rusty Griswold in National Lampoon's European Vacation but he was also in another 80's movie - Night of the Creeps.  My hubby and I met him and his Night of the Creeps co-star Jill Whitlow in October 2009.

7.  Alex Winter

Alex Winter is probably best known for his role in the Bill & Ted movies, however, I first remember seeing him in another of my favorite 80's movies - The Lost Boys.  I was at a convention in May 2011 when I witnessed something wonderful.  Brooke McCarter, who played Paul in the Lost Boys (the vampire who died when he was pushed into a bathtub full of water & garlic) got to chat with Alex for the first time in 25 years =)

6.  Cassandra Peterson 

Most of you know Cassandra by her stage name ... Elvira ... yes that Elvira =)  I've met Cassandra a number of times now - both in and out of make-up and I must say, I hope I look as good as her when I'm her age (she'll be 63 this year).  The first time I met Cassandra she was in full Elvira mode and the line up for her autograph was a mile long.  That weekend at that same convention we had just about walked by her table but stopped to look because there appeared to be someone else sitting at the table ... to our surprise it was Cassandra out of make-up with no line whatsoever =)  I must say it's amazing to see her with and without her make-up - such a transformation!

5.  Anthony Michael Hall

If you are like most of us who grew up in the 80's you can quote lines from Sixteen Candles (“Last night at the dance my little brother paid a buck to see your underwear”), your iPod playlist includes more than one song by the Psychedelic Furs and Simple Minds, you watch The Breakfast Club every time it comes on tv, and you still wish that Andie had ended up with Duckie in Pretty in Pink ... you’re a bonafide Brat Pack devotee—and you’re not alone.

In May 2011 I had the pleasure of meeting "Farmer Ted" - "the Geek" - Anthony Michael Hall.  Michael (his real name is Michael Anthony Hall but there was already a Michael Hall in the Screen Actors Guild) is a super awesome guy and we enjoyed spending time with him outside of convention hours at the hotel pool bar - he even did some magic tricks for us  =) ... just in case you didn't know, Michael also played "Rusty Griswold" in National Lampoon's Vacation, so I have now met two Rustys ;)

4.  Daniel Roebuck

Danny is one of those people where you know the face but maybe not the name.  He has been in everything from Star Trek: The Next Generation, to Nash Bridges, and Boston Legal to Glee.  It's rare that you can turn on the tv and don't see Danny on any of the shows.  Danny is probably best known for his role of Cliff Lewis, alongside the great Andy Griffith, in the late 80's/early 90's tv show Matlock.  Danny has also been on The Walking Dead and my favorite, Lost.  I'm proud to say my hubby is executive producer on Danny's "Dr. Shocker's Vault of Horror" documentary.

3.  Carroll Spinney

Now most of you probably won't know the name, but I can guarantee you know the voice and the face - well the costumed face anyway =)  I had accompanied my hubby to a convention in Burbank, CA in April 2012 and was so very excited to see that there was a familiar "face" there that I just had to meet.  Like most kids, I grew up watching Sesame Street every day and it was surreal meeting Carroll, who as I walked up to his table, was speaking to a young fan in his Big Bird voice.  It was like I was a kid again.  When it was my turn to speak with Carroll, I mentioned I had just recently seen a behind the scenes picture of him in his Big Bird feet, puppeting Oscar.  Surprisingly Carroll had never seen that picture and asked me if I had a copy he could see (I did) and pulled out my tablet to show him.  I ended up giving him a copy of the picture and in return I received a hand drawn Oscar sketch from Carroll that I cherish!

2.  Robert Englund

Yep Freddy Krueger himself ... interestingly enough when I met Robert, he asked where I was from.  When I mentioned my home town he smiled and proceeded to tell me the story of when he was first starting out in acting and performed Shakespeare in my home town =)

1.   John Astin

I grew up watching the Addams Family, and it remains one of my most favorite shows of all time to this day, so I was ecstatic when I had the chance to meet John in May 2012.  He may have a bit less hair and be more grandfatherly these days, but he's still the same Gomez Addams I grew up watching on tv!!

So who are some memorable humans you have met or would like to meet???

ABC's of Me

What is something that describes me using each letter of the alphabet?

A: Author ... yes I am an author - I have written a book on the do's and don'ts of travelling to Walt Disney World (and yes that is a shameless plug LOL)

B:  Bossy ... I want things done right, and there's nothing wrong with striving for a job well done, is there?

C:  Compassionate

D: Disney ... I admit, I am a certified MouseJunkie (hence the title of my blog) - Now, you’re probably asking yourself what makes someone a MouseJunkie? Well, if you look at my wardrobe, almost every shirt I own has something related to Disney on it – be it Mickey Mouse, one of the Fab Five, or Winnie the Pooh. Our house is adorned with numerous Disney souvenirs, everything from mini statues of Walt and Mickey (aka the Partner’s Statue in the hub at Magic Kingdom), too many travel mugs with WDW logos and tons of Disney artwork on the walls in nearly almost every room of the house. Even our credit card statement has an excessive number of charges on it originating from the Orlando, Florida area.

E:  Easily amused 

F:  Friend ... I try to be the kind of friend I would want.

G:  Generous ... I am generous to a fault.

H:  Halloween ... Halloween is my favorite holiday of the year ... my hubby and I even had a Halloween wedding - yes on October 31st.

I:  Ice Cream ... I do love me some good ice cream - especially Milky Way Ice Cream in my home town.

J:  Jackpot ... I hit the jackpot when I married my hubby :)

K:  Kindhearted ...Well, I try to be. Unless you cut me off in traffic, then I unleash my wrath. :) But seriously, I hate hurting someone's feelings, so I try my best to be nice in (most) circumstances.  Isn't that what being Canadian is all about??

L:  Loyal ... I rely on loyalty and I am fiercely loyal.

M:  Magical ... this goes along with being a MouseJunkie, and every MouseJunkie knows you always "Have a Magical Day"

N:  Nerd ... it's true, I'm just overall nerdy.

O:  Open minded ... I am always willing to listen to and hear an opposing or contradictory view. I know that my views do not have to be held by everyone and I also know that my views can be wrong.

P:  Popeye's Chicken ... I really love fried chicken.  It is a weakness of mine and I am truly sad that the only place in Canada that you can find Popeye's is in Ontario.  I am hopeful that one day it will be available out here in Western Canada, but until then, my hubby and I will always make a point to visit Popeye's at least once during out annual trips to Orlando.

Q:  Quirky ... I have been told I am different ... but in a good way.

R:  Rascally ... yes I can tend to exhibit reckless playfulness ... I refuse to grow old gracefully!!

S:  Silly ... I tend to be very silly sometimes (do you sense a theme here LOL)

T:  Talkative ... yeah I know, that was an easy one.

U:  Understanding ... sometimes too much.

V:  Vivacious ... I just like the word vivacious ;)

W:  Waiting is not in my vocabulary and I'm a bit impatient. To quote Marilyn Monroe “I'm selfish, impatient and a little insecure. I make mistakes, I am out of control and at times hard to handle. But if you can't handle me at my worst, then you sure as hell don't deserve me at my best.”

X:  X-tremely annoying if you piss me off enough...haha =)

Y: Young at heart ... I sometimes forget I'm not as young as I used to be, but hey, you are only as old as you act feel, right? ;)

Z:  Zany ... yes I am silly, funny and a bit crazy ... see "Young at heart"


I am quirky, silly, blunt and broken. My days are sometimes too dark, and my nights are sometimes too long. I often trip over my own insecurities. I require attention, long for passion, and wish to be desired. I use music to speak when words fail me, even though words are important to me. I love hard and with all that I have ... and even with my faults, I am worth it!!