Looking for a Telecommute Job

I'm thinking of working at home for realz again. I mean, like a regular job, employed by a real company, but, you know, telecommuting. The freelance thing is not working out so great, not because there are no opportunities (it's a given anyway how unstable freelancing is), but mostly because I lack the drive. I should be more industrious (which was my class section in grade 5, a useless bit of information I'll squeeze in here), but I waste too much of my time being a bum. Moving in with my folks had that effect on me. When we lived away, I had a much better command of my time, not just with working, but with homeschooling, etc. If I pause and do some self-evaluation, I'll probably just disgust myself, so I better do something before I do that reflection thing so I won't come out so pathetic.

More Paid Blogging Tales

Got my first opp from the new Socialspark and I'm so relieved. Payperpost upgraded and I never received an offer from them again. My IZEA opps mostly come from Inpostlinks now. I still got good opps from Socialspark, but quite sporadically. I thought that with the leads and whatnot, the new version would go down the same road as Payperpost. Anyway, with the new Socialspark, you get to submit your post first before publishing it. They actually do the publishing for you, so I'm not sure if it simplifies things or not. It's a different way to do it anyway. With Loudlaunch, they have to approve it first before you publish it (you do the publishing yourself). I guess, that's better than publishing and then being told that the post wasn't up to par. Hope to get more opps from Socialspark!

Update on My WAH Life

Super busy. Still have to do my Christmas shopping. Need to really start making good money from home. Thinking of a good business, something that would bring in as much income for me as working outside the home would. In blogging news, corrected my submitted URL at Sponsored Reviews (surprise! surprise! mere www changes everything Page Rank-wise) and have been getting quite good opps from there... Anyway, sorry for the telegram-style sentences... Off to church! Christmas party tonight!

Promotional Posts

Being approached by marketers to help them in promoting certain websites or products makes me feel important, lol. Now, there have been those who offered me cash to do so (this type is my favorite kind, of course, hee), while others offer something (a freebie, discount or giveaway prize) to me or my readers, which usually indicates the possibility of better traffic. I don't always agree to partner with these marketers. I only pick the ones that interest me. And then there are also those who offer nothing. They just ask you to review their site or product without promising anything in return. It's just like this favor you're doing for them. In this case, I remind myself that I'm really busy writing a novel (unless it's for a cause I believe in - like the Fresh Air Fund - or I personally know them, in which case, I'm always willing to help out a friend). That's not to say that I haven't written some promotional piece in the past without compensation of any sort, because I actually have, in the naive hope of getting some real business from them at a later time. Now, I know better.

Not a Good Time in My WAH Life

Would you believe that I actually tried to fast yesterday? I guess I wanted to be more discerning of what God was telling me. Also, I just really needed (need) to have a spirit-triumphs-over-flesh experience. So anyway, it clearly didn't happen. The thing is, there is this opportunity to work outside the home - something that I mostly don't want to do and the work is not something I'd enjoy doing, but, oh, the money... It pays really, really well and well, I think I just made it sound as though I really shouldn't take the opportunity... There's no point to this post. I just need to let this out...

Page Rank Troubles

Sigh. I had some trouble with one of the paid post programs I subscribe to. They assigned me an opp and then rejected my post on account of my blog's 0 page rank. There was some confusion as to my blog's actual page rank. The change had not registered in their system in time. It had to do with getting my own domain, aargh. Sometimes I really regret doing that. Anyway, I'm working on boosting Spinning Lovely Days' page rank. I want those opps!

Speaking of moneymaking, I'm bidding on this project that involves ghostwriting an ebook. The application process is quite long with the competition quite stiff, I believe. The compensation is quite sizable, so it's all worth the hassle. I hope I get the assignment.

Less WAH, More Parenting

I need to spend less time on the computer. First, I need the time to work on Marguerite's birthday details. Second, I need to spend more time being totally present with her. I have two reviews to do for my other blog. No money in exchange, just freebies. That's better than just being approached willy-nilly for a review and being promised nothing in return. Anyway, I told them after Marguerite's birthday.

Also, absolutely no connection, but I'm just going to rant about people who are pressuring me to spank my child. They think they have such a great argument. I happen to still be witnessing (and battling)the less than desirable effects of their discipline philosophy, so no thanks. And this, coming from people who do not even believe that parents should say "sorry", "please" and "thank you" to their children.

Trying Out Prize Live

Okay. As you know, I'm doing MyLot but the money there is slow going unless you do the writing tasks and as I've said before, I'm done with that until further notice. Entrecard came up with Atokens, but when I signed up, I couldn't really see myself earning much there. We'll see though. They might do some changes to the system to improve it. In the meantime, I'm trying out Prize Live. It just struck me as easier and more interactive. Also more fun. You can go check it out for yourselves.

I Can't Write for Demand Studios

How's this for dumb? I hear about Demand Studios. I hurry to sign up for it. I accomplish the online form, attaching necessary writing samples, résumé and URL links (for which I took time to pick, edit, and update). I get to the writing authorization part and choose "None of the above". I click "submit" and am told that they do not accept my kind of writing authorization. I guess you have to be from the US, Canada, or UK to be eligible. I wish I had seen that note somewhere before I went ahead and wasted all that effort. Argh. Even my argh is weary. The energy intended for it had gone to all that signing up trouble.

Writing Woes

Jobs have been slow going lately. Mostly because I haven't been seeking them out. I better snap out of this. I need to get back in my Odesk streak. I really just haven't been checking. I guess I found it frustrating, to check everyday and not find anything that I thought to be priced well. Also, the ones I bothered applying for all expired. I would have preferred for them to just have gone with another provider instead of to have expired. With the former, at least my efforts would have been worth the while since there was an actual job... Anyway, in the meantime, I continue writing my novelette, which is seriously going nowhere fast. All those dialogues and the plot still not perceivable (it's already formed in my mind though). Sigh. At least, I like working on that.

Again, on Fortitude

I just had another piece published in Fortitude, but unfortunately it didn't make it to the Front Page. Oh well, the Front Page streak (durr, if you can call two articles a streak, lol) had to be broken sometime. Anyway, it still gets a dollar, I retain copyrights, and I can republish it somewhere else... Go check it out if you have time: You Know You're a Homemaking Newbie If You Won't Stop Yapping About That Half-burnt Bread.

OXIS Is the Premiere Provider of Ergothioneine

In this world fraught with contaminants and toxins, keeping healthy is really an uphill climb. Everyday we deal with harmful substances in seemingly innocuous objects. No matter what you do, you cannot escape them. They are everywhere. It does not do to live a very paranoid lifestyle either. That would just suck all the joy out of living. How do you go about things then? Like in most cases, balance is the key. Go ahead and live your life, but do so with enough consciousness for your health. Invest in your well-being, but do not let it be an obsession.

Businesses know that health is a persistent concern and they endeavor to come up with products that will provide answers and solutions. A company that stands out for its innovations in the field of health and medicine is OXIS International, Inc. (See http://www.oxis.com).For half a century, it has been consistent in its efforts to address various health issues. Currently, they have produced a line-up of goods that includes therapeutic nutraceutical products, cosmeceutical products, and proprietary formulations and clinical products. Now is the time more than ever to invest in OXIS, even in terms of penny stocks. OXIS is at the top of its game as the premiere provider for Ergothioneine, a potent antioxidant. It targets oxidative stress, which happens when the generation of free radicals and ROS/RNS goes past the body's natural defense mechanisms and damages the body's vital molecules causing cell dysfunction and cell death. Ergothioneine has the ability to neutralize increased oxidative stress. It also supports the function of other antioxidants such as Vitamin E, Vitamin C and glutathione by conserving and maintaining their levels. Besides these, it also increases respiration and the oxidation of fat; protect mitochondria from damage, etc. When it comes to the matter of aging, OXIS products are known to have anti-aging properties.

How Are Things at Elance?

As you know, I've been doing Odesk for quite some time now. Things are rather slow for me at the moment, so I'm thinking about branching out. I'm also signed up with Elance, but have not taken the tests and whatnots. I just didn't want to go through that again to be eligible. However, if somebody would tell me that Elance has better jobs or something to that effect, I'll definitely consider tapping into it. Or is there another site that offers the same service. In general, however, I'm competing against other freelancers who charge much less than I do, so -- oh well, I'm not about to lower my rate just yet.

Bukisa Articles

Hey, listen. Here are my articles on Bukisa. Please show me some love and read them, so they'll start earning more than a few measly cents.

Ten Tips to Tap into the Artist Within

Tips on Diminishing Bouts of Forgetfulness

Achieving the Ultimate Chocolate Experience

Btw, if you have articles there, let me know. Maybe we can connect there and support each other. :)

Pointless Writing

I'm writing a story. I suppose it's a novella. Scratch that. I'm writing a series of really funny, witty dialogues. My intention was for them to lead to a certain point. As of now, the actual point is still missing, which makes the endeavor... I wouldn't exactly call it pointless, but close. The thing is I've already spent a lot of time on it and I don't want to just give it up. And what I've got so far is really funny (according to me), so since I tend to be attached to funny things, well, this work (if it can be called that) is not to be abandoned. I guess what I'm trying to say is I need to sit my tush down and come up with a writing process that works for me, that has me generating actual publishable drivel and not just a bunch of silly dialogues that may have myself and my sister in stitches, but are essentially POINTLESS. Gah, WAHMIvy, go get some actual work done!

Not Very Productive

Hmmm, some issues:

No work from Odesk - not really diligently applying, but I'm used to being approached for interviews by buyers (er, contractors now, I think)

No paid post opps coming my way... hate this. Just when I'm doing something to boost traffic...

Some nice available tasks on MyLot, but I'm a little leery because the task provider rejected something I had submitted in the past for no good reason... I mean it - NO GOOD REASON. It might just turn out to be a waste of time again.

Submitted something new at Bukisa... I don't know why... the last article I'd sent earned exactly 8 cents in the number of months it has been up.

I'm working on a story and I haven't completely figured out the plot yet. I can't seem to stop coming up with dialogues though. I've written so much pointless dialogue that the thing is the length of an entire story now... except the plot is still absent...

Sometimes, the WAH life really sucks.

Venting

I ignore this blog for months on end only to come back and vent. Really. The nerve of some clients. It's my usual freelance sob stuff. Demanding clients who breathe down your neck in the course of the assignment suddenly become absentee, totally elusive ones when the time comes for payment. Of course, it doesn't do to burn bridges, so short of hounding them, you just patiently "follow up" on the status of the assignment. Ah, the work at home life...

To Bid or Not to Bid

Jobs are a little slow at the moment... Okay, the reason they're slow is because I haven't been bidding at all. One of my clients promised work for me and I didn't want to bid on jobs in case that one started and I suddenly found myself with an overfilled plate. Anyway, there's some money coming in from paid blog posts and whatnots. I really should start joining discussions in MyLot again. I have about $3 with them and I won't be able to reach payout until I earn at least $10. The same with dNeero. I have about $14 with them and unless they start with the paid convos again, I won't be able to reach payout with them either. Honestly though? I just want to write stories. Why can't I earn regularly from that?

About the March Madness

Okay, here's another dNeero conversation for you. It's all about the March Madness. I'm not rabid about it, but I do follow when I can. Right now, I suppose I'm rooting for Syracuse, mainly because I have former students who go there now. Honestly, I like watching basketball, but I try not to care too much since I have the potential to get as crazy as the hardcore basketball fans out there.

dNeero's Back!

Remember when dNeero had a conversation for you to join all the time? And then suddenly they vanished into thin air? I think they're making a comeback. Here's their first convo in like forever. Uh, I didn't get to check if it was worth anything. Anyhoo, I'm just glad the convos are coming back. More please!

Another Day in the Life of This WAHM

The sky is dark. Looks like rain. That's why the ants are going berserk again.

Just submitted a writing assignment. New client. Hope it passes muster.

Was able to chat with the publisher of the anthologies my stories were included in. She asked me if I had a fantasy love story. I can make one. First time though. I've never written a fantasy story before. It's not really my genre. It'll probably be fun though.

I'm praying for something. Really fervently. If it's not meant to be, I'm sure God has something better in store. Hope I remember that in case I find myself overwhelmed by the clouds of disappointment. Ah life.

Just for the Sake of Posting

I have too much going on this weekend. No writing assignments, but anthology submission deadlines, plus stuff going on at church, plus some demands coming from certain people... Marguerite has a dentist appointment at 11 and father and daughter are still sleeping. Have to post though so here I am. Also clicking away. Gah. Toxic! Have something to say about a certain writing gig, but it'll have to wait. Why am I still typing? Need to get out of here!

More from the Trenches of WAHdom

Is there something going on at Odesk? I have two clients who haven't acknowledged the articles I submitted. It has been days. It's very uncharacteristic of one  (he has been my client  several times before and he's always been awesome to write for) and the other  (first time client) has an excellent record at Odesk as well. That's why I'm thinking there might be a glitch somewhere. I'll wait another day before really investigating. Gah. I never know the proper way to deal with these situations. :(

Overwhelmed

I'm a little overwhelmed right now although I have already finished one writing assignment. I just took on another one actually. It just won't do to turn down good paying gigs. It's just that issues pour when I have stuff to do. It's a real pain, but that's just how the story usually goes. There's no point complaining. Just work things out and try to be as productive as possible. Sigh. This attitude is all wrong. I need to be more thankful and, you know, freakin CHILL...

Where Do You Go to Learn How to Chill

I just scored another writing assignment. I know it's a blessing and yet I always panic when this happens. I know I can do it and I'm certain that I can do it well. However, I'm a dork, so I fuss and fret. I do not thrive on pressure at all. I always rise to the occasion, but without the necessary jovial spirit or grace. This doesn't reflect in the end product. It does affect my personal life though. For instance, I have yet to clean up and I was not able to prepare a decent breakfast for my family. The thing is, I have 7 days. The other thing is, I was always the person who submitted things days ahead of the deadline. I like getting assignments out of the way (no cramming for me) because while they're there, my stress levels get all whack. So yeah, I do give myself unnecessary stress. Will I ever learn how to chill and just take on things in a calm and collected manner? Which reminds me. I'll be out tomorrow and the entire weekend. Remembering this has me palpitating like some would-be victim in a horror movie. Oh Lord, please give me grace.

WAHM Update

Things have been slow with writing assignments lately, so I took the opportunity to write another review for Reviewstream and I finally submitted an article over at Triond. I would update more, but Marguerite is close to throwing a tantrum, so I have to log off. Btw, I'm hurling an "are you kidding" at some of the rates offered by clients. It's all very discouraging sometimes. Thankfully, I haven't reached the stage yet where I would bite. Hopefully, I'd never get there.

Writing Gig Update

Hi. Scored another writing assignment. This is with a new client. The other client finally came through with the payment. I don't think he was trying to scam me or anything. He just got a little disorganized as I understand he was busy. Anyway, notwithstanding that, I'd still have second thoughts about taking on work from him (not that he offered - I guess his priorities shifted. He did say my articles as usual were excellent *tries to hide smug grin*). The stress of fretting doesn't suit my years (okay, I'm not that old, but that doesn't mean I shouldn't take care of my blood pressure, heart, etc. etc.). Anyway, as usual I'm learning a lot and all that. I'm halfway done. Marguerite is awake so besides being bothered by things I have to do, I'm also bothered by conscience. Motherly guilt is never far from me. Should get off the computer and focus on my daughter. Later.

Things Are Hectic

Adgitize seems to be down again. :(

I'm hosting my first giveaway over at Spinning Lovely Days. If you're from the US, please, please join. All you have to do is leave a simple comment. You don't have to pay for shipping if you win. The prize is 250 stickers or labels from UPrinting.

I wrote an article for Bukisa. It's Ten Tips to Tap into the Artist Within. I just shared some ideas (the ones that work for me) on how to spark one's creativity.

Btw, here's the review I wrote for Reviewstream. I need to set aside time and write more.

Process It Already!

At odds with myself the past week, I decided to just get down and write a review for ReviewStream. I wrote about a hotel experience, something that was bordering on nightmarish (but of course, I strove to be objective about it - I didn't want it to turn into a rant, lest the review get rejected). Anyway, it said there that processing period took about 72 hours. I wrote it on the 13th so I expected to know if it had been accepted before the weekend. Excited about it though, I checked the status of my submission daily. At first, it informed me that processing would be done by the 15th, which was fair - I expected something like that. The 15th came and it got moved to the 16th. The 16th came and it got moved to the 17th. The 17th came and it got moved to the 18th... This is GMT, okay? So I checked just now to see if it has already been processed, and what a surprise! It said that the estimated processing date has been moved to the 19th. lol That's just bull! I wonder if it will ever be processed.
Update: It has already been processed. They're paying me $.50 for it. Apparently, that's the bulk rate. I somehow didn't qualify for the $2.50 rate. Anyways, you need $50 in your account to cash out, so, yeah, I'll be writing reviews all throughout the year - or not. We'll see.

WAH Risks

Here we go again. The risk in freelance WAH. Anyway, hopefully it's really just a delay. I did work for somebody and upon submitting the completed assignment, I didn't hear from the client anymore. It has been more than two days. I have yet to be paid fully for it. This reminds me of two previous clients. One was just always late when it came to payment (oh but how very stringent about deadlines - really, the gall of some people). I had to remind him to pay me every time. I worked for him for a couple of months and then I decided that I didn't need the aggravation. One time, he even said to me that his track record with me should give me enough confidence or something to that effect, the nerve. And then there was this other client. I didn't hear from her for a long time. I really thought I had been scammed, and then a friend of hers contacted us (we were an entire team) and said that she was in an accident. I did get paid eventually, but, oh the stress of worrying about having been scammed. The money part is actually just secondary. What really bugs is the possibility that I had been fooled. Anyway, hopefully, it's not a repeat of either of those situations.

Doing Odesk

Didn't I say I'd start being active on Odesk? Anyway, just to accomplish this goal, I applied for two job openings (they're available by the hundreds per category; naturally, mine is writing and translating), not really expecting to be considered since so many other job bidders had been using the Odesk system longer (I've had an account for the longest time, but didn't really use it - I actually thought that might reflect too). I was pleasantly surprised to hear back from one of the buyers almost immediately. Yeah, so I've already put in 2 hours. Hopefully, there'll be more to come. :)

New Year Plans

Here's another year, along with it is another pledge from yours truly to be more organized and more courageous about making money from home. Speaking of making money, I'm so happy that Adgitize decided to go back to its original rate of $14/month. I think I'll just get a couple of things out of the way and I'll advertize again. Also CMF Ads has a new program called Spike. Essentially, you get to purchase 50 visits with $.20. It's a good investment although I do have some beef with the fact that it's taking days for my 50 visits to be accomplished. The last 10 visits is currently spanning 5 days. Last I checked, I was still good for 5 more visits. I hope they can tweak the program so all 50 visits can be achieved in a day or two. In other news, I plan on finally doing Odesk and Bukisa. C'est tout for now.