I Missed the oDesk Contractor Appreciation Day Tuesday, November 06, 2012

What: oDesk Contractor Appreciation Day

When: November 6, 2012

Where: UP Dilliman Bahay ng Alumni

Oh well...I am very sad to say I missed this event. I was looking forward to it for several weeks but I ended up missing it because my arm hurt really bad because of the vaccine.

Gifts Monday, February 27, 2012

I am lucky in many ways, and one of them is work. I have a great job plus great bosses. I mean, who gives their employees gifts for Christmas when they're halfway across the globe? Thanks to my manager Megan. :)

Auto Repair Sunday, January 16, 2011

Having bought a second hand car, my husband and I have been experiencing several issues with it. Well, since we didn't know the first owner, we weren't sure how the car was treated and all, although its body seems to be in good condition. But well, since the reality is that we currently cannot and do not want to finance a new one, we stuck with a second hand one.

My cousin who lives in Texas is fortunate to have spent only several hundred dollars in a Dallas auto repair shop. He purchased a Chevrolet Silverado but I'm not 100% sure what year/make it was. After assessing the car's condition, they did some minor repairs on it plus a brake job. Now, the car is running as smooth as ever.

So all in all, this got me thinking. Buying a second hand car isn't as bad as some people would think. It really depends on choosing the right one, and then taking it to a trusted repair shop to get anything that might need fixing to be fixed.

Excited about House Monday, January 10, 2011

I can't wait until my favorite TV series House resumes airing new episodes. The Christmas/New Year break they took did not do anything to help my eagerness to watch their episodes, lol. I guess there's something about nursing scrubs and doctors in lab gowns which I really like.

In part, I guess it is because I dreamed of becoming a doctor once upon a time. Well, this dream wasn't going to be a reality since I knew I couldn't afford medical school, but it was OK and I didn't mind at all. Besides, scrubs clothing looked extremely comfy, and since doctors and nurses worked round the clock, I felt those weren't going to help me keep myself awake. :)

So I'm eagerly awaiting the next House episode and I'm really excited. I can't wait to see my favorite TV actors and actresses in scrub clothing again.

Need Help with your Home Appliances? Thursday, December 16, 2010

It was that day of the week again where I need to do laundry, an activity I do every week. I have a Maytag washer with a model number of LAT9206BAE, and it’s been with me for several years already. So, with everything set, I turn it on and guess what? My washer won’t start. So what’s wrong with my washer?

I’ve seriously considered getting a new one, especially since I’ve been using this washer for like 5 years already, and that’s saying a lot. But with the holidays just around the corner, I was a bit hesitant in spending money for a new washer. Besides, what will I do with the one I currently have? I’ve never had any problems with it before until today, so I was really confused.

Since I knew my washer’s model number, I headed to my trusty laptop to check the internet. I was thinking, I couldn’t possibly be all alone in the world with this same problem, right? That’s when I came across this website, Partselect.com. It’s a pretty cool website which allows you to buy parts for various home appliances.

But it doesn’t stop there. Partselect.com not only allows you to buy parts from them with same-day shipping (a big plus especially if you’re in a hurry to get something fixed like I am), they also help you diagnose what could be wrong with your appliance and presents you with possible solutions to fix it.

For my washer, after I entered the model number (if you don’t know what your model number is or where to find it, all you need to do is to click on the little guy at the bottom right corner of the screen and he’ll help), the website gave me a list of the problems other people were having with my exact same washer. And guess what? There were other people whose washer’s wouldn’t start either, so I clicked on that to get some help.

Turns out, all I need to replace with my washer is the Lid Switch Assembly, a part that costs $21.10. Partselect states that replacing this part fixes the problem 100% of the time (of course I checked if the washer was plugged into the outlet). And since I’m not a technical type of person but I wanted to save as much as I can, I was pleased to find out that there were plenty of detailed installation instructions to help. All the tools I would need in getting it done was also listed, so I prepared in advance. I also showed my husband the diagrams and he read the instructions (a lot of them said it would take less than 15 minutes to get everything done). They were right! Hubby was done replacing our Lid Switch Assembly around 6 minutes tops.

Thank you Partselect.com! You saved me $$$ by showing me how to repair my washer and now it’s up and running again! Now, off to do some laundry…

Caught Off Guard Sunday, October 10, 2010

I have known for a fact that earning online is something that isn't permanent, and I always tell that to myself. This weekend while at the mall with my kids, I bought my laptop with me to show my mom in law the playground where we take our kids at. Unfortunately, the email that I first read was the one where an assignment of mine which paid $10/hr had ended suddenly, without warning. Ugh.

I'd like to think that in a way, this is a reality check for me that I shouldn't be too complacent about how much I earn and I should strive to have every amount I can save be put in the bank. However, I can't help but feel sad about the bad timing this news came about - with my eldest kid's 7th birthday a few weeks away plus Christmas just around the corner. Oh well, this is freelancing. :)

What to Do in Shenzhen Monday, September 13, 2010

A lot of travelers find themselves headed to Shenzhen for different reasons. Some are in the city for work, while others are wondering what to do in Shenzhen because they are there just for fun or maybe on a leisurely trip.

I've come across some good reviews of Suzy's Lounge Bar in Shenzhen, China and from what I've read, there are quite a lot of foreigners hanging out in this bar. This is probably because of the fact that all the female staff of the bar speak English, some are good but all of them can certainly carry a decent English conversation.

Aside from the staff, what sets Suzy's Lounge Bar apart from all the other Shenzhen bars is the reason that they offer a lot of drinks. From imported beer to the local drinks, Suzy's Lounge Bar in Shenzhen has all of them. You can check out their drinks list here. And just in case your favorite drink is not in that list, you can tell the bartender and they'll try to make that drink available on your next visit.

So, if you're thinking of what to do in Shenzhen, stop by Suzy's Lounge Bar. I forgot to mention - new customers get their second drink free, too!

An Unhappy Ending Thursday, September 09, 2010

I've been keeping a blog daily for weddings for a client of mine, and today my services were effectively terminated. Somehow, I am "relieved" to know that our contract has been ended.

I am sad in a way because because of the length of time I've been writing for her, I have learned to see her as a friend. Both she and I shared our experiences when our mothers got sick, shared stories about our kids, and other experiences as well.

Because of that friendship, I have learned to ignore and look past the fact that she was constantly late on sending payments. I have had to constantly remind her that the payment was due every month, and she was always late for like a week or even more. I did not mind as a friend, because what was important is the fact that I actually got paid, even though it was late.

What upsets me most is the fact that today, I finally receive my payment for the posts written for August, and it says in the note that my services are terminated immediately. But before this, I have been emailing my client and sending her IMs which I did not receive responses to. Well, so much for a friendship! Or maybe it was only me who thought that I had actually made a friend. Maybe I imagined the whole stuff up. I wish she had the decency to reply to my emails or at least inform me if she did not have money yet to pay me with - I don't mind waiting and her being late, but a heads up would be nice. I'm in for the work because of the money, and reliable payments mean a lot to me. But since I have other clients who do pay me on time, I don't mind her being late, but letting me know beforehand that the payment I am waiting for isn't going to arrive on time is the decent way to do business. The professional way would be to not be late at all.

So, I am unpleasantly relieved to be released from this contract. Good thing I did not make more posts for September had I known this was going to happen. Besides, what writer in their right mind would want to continue writing for the current month if the whole previous month you wrote for was unpaid? I have not been inactive, I was just using my common sense.

On Casino Gambling Index Friday, July 23, 2010

Casino games online are very popular nowadays, mainly for the reason that you can play casino games wherever you are, in the comfort of your own home and at any time you choose to. Compared to going to a regular casino, you would likely have to spend on transportation in getting to the casino, make reservations for a place to stay in especially if it is far from home, and also spend money on food. But if you choose online casino games, you can just focus on the game itself and nothing more.

Naturally, people look for the best online casinos for US players. If you do your research, you will find casinos that give joining bonuses and other incentives to get you to play on the site. Of course, you should also look into the kind of customer service the site provides just in case you run into problems. You can find thousands of other players on Yahoo casino games and get to know the mechanics of the game first and play for fun. Once you're more comfortable with playing online casino games for free, you can move onto other online casino game sites where you can play for real money against other competitors.

An Early End to a Busy Night Wednesday, July 07, 2010

I've been extremely busy juggling several clients with my online work, and it's something I am not complaining about. Although every day I feel exhausted, it's a different exhaustion - mental exhaustion. I feel like I'm taking College Algebra again (a subject I had to take twice, hahaha!).

Even though I am always tired and always sitting in front of the PC, I feel that this job is the most rewarding I've had so far. I get to use my brain, research, and speak, read, and write English. Compared to working in a call center where I have to memorize a script and not think outside of the box, here I am learning, working, and earning online at the same time. 

Featured on Loqal.ph Saturday, May 08, 2010

Recently, I was featured on Loqal on their article about freelancers and freelancing. I cannot say anything else except for the fact that I am extremely flattered with the mention. I've been making a couple of posts on my blog about oDesk and how much I earn from it, but I never seriously thought other people would come to recognize it.

One thing I would like to point out though is the fact that oDesk is not a get-rich-quick-scheme. It entails lots of honest and hard work, and I think you should have a profitable skill even before venturing in the site, like writing, translation, etc.

Sure, I made Php71,000 last month on oDesk, but it wasn't an easy feat. I was almost always short of sleep, and I think I only got out of the house twice in that entire month for grocery shopping. I admit that time management is one thing I have to learn, since I really suck at it, lol! I feel like I'm always rushing through deadlines.

I have also been blessed with extremely great clients who for reasons of non disclosure I can't mention, not only have ongoing projects which I've had for months (some years), are a dream to work with. I know I've been lucky in that part, as some of my other friends get clients but after the project's over, they have to go through the entire process of searching and applying for jobs.

So for anyone who would like to take the gamble of working from home, I sincerely recommend keeping your existing job or whatever source of income you have before you decide to become a full time freelancer. Tread the waters first and make your decision from there. As the saying goes, don't take the plunge blindfolded.

Awake for 25 Hours and Counting Monday, March 22, 2010

I've been awake since a little before noon yesterday and now I am still awake typing away on my laptop. I am so darn sleepy but I want to finish a project of mine so that it will be paid out this Friday. If I am able to do so, I might just have enough cash as a down payment for a second hand car, which will also be my very first one.

My mother in law might be in the states earning a considerable amount of money when converted into my currency, but I do not want to be dependent on her for the things I want, need, and want to give my kids and my family. So here I am, even though I am just a stay at home mom, I manage to earn a couple of hundred of dollars a week, but I already look like the guy in this picture from this site I stumbled upon. Oh well, I guess I can keep my eyes open for a few more hours if it means that I can get one of my goals done.

Should I.... Monday, March 08, 2010

My husband Henry asked me if I wanted to trade in my netbook for a dual core Asus laptop that comes with a 12 inch screen. I'm not sure of the model yet, but the person whom we bought my current Neo Vivid netbook does offer trade ins for a reasonable price. I've always wanted a bigger netbook with bigger keys, not to mention something that came in black since this one I'm using never fails to give out signs of daily use.

What I'm concerned about is how I'm so used to everything with this netbook I currently have, and getting a new one would be like getting to know a whole new person. I know the guy we bought this from can transfer everything that I have on this netbook to the new one I'll buy, but I'm not sure...so should I or should I not?

Rehab 101 Tuesday, March 02, 2010

Helping someone who doesn't want to be helped or thinks that there is nothing wrong with him or her is a very hard thing to accomplish, especially if the case is addiction. Fortunately, there are plenty of drug rehab in Ohio you can seek help for your friends and family members. 

The Ohio Drug Rehabilitation can help your loved one in so many ways. Aside from drug addiction, this facility can also help your friends and loved ones get over other addictions such as alcoholism. Addiction is often caused by pain from a past trauma that a person tries to hide or numb with the use of substances. We all know that you can't hide the pain forever, and using such substances is bad for anyone's health. Having a family member who is addicted to such substances also affects everyone in the family, not just the addicted person.

The Ohio Drug Rehab has different ways in approaching treatment for addiction, including long term treatment. Your loved ones will be receiving a combination of cognitive therapy and medical treatment. More often than not, detox doesn't always do the trick since some patients tend to jump right back into their addiction after they get out of rehab. Finding out what the root cause is and working from there while treating the addiction medically is the best way to go.

Deadlines 101 Thursday, February 04, 2010

oDesk has proved to be really profitable for me. What I thought was impossible is now packing me with deadlines to meet, and plenty of online earnings. When I first started on oDesk, I thought landing my first job would be impossible, now things are very easy for me I guess in part of the feedback I have built up.

Over at my other blog Rant and Rave, I've been posting several tips on how to make money on oDesk and how to earn a lot from it. I may not be able to post tips daily or even every other day, I will however exert every effort to post at least twice a week - that's how busy I am with hourly and fixed price jobs over there.

Dazzled About Bidazzled Wednesday, December 23, 2009

This is a Sponsored Post written by me on behalf of Bidazzled. All opinions are 100% mine.

I just came across a site called Bidazzled that is really a new change when it comes to online auction websites. There are a lot of websites wherein you can bid on certain items and the winner of the bidding wins the said item, but with Bidazzled, it is totally different. this site offers savings to customers of over 90% on branded name and items and at the same time, funding a charity. So you actually not only get the item you won on bidding, but you also help a charity at the same time. Doesn't that sound great?

The charity that Bidazzled helps is actually a lung cancer charity and on this site, nobody loses, even if you lose on the item you bid on. If you lose, you get 50 bonus bids and if you win the item, Bidazzled either buys the item back from you by paying you through PayPal or check, bonus bids, and other great items like a Nintendo Wii.

If you are interested, you can join Bidazzled and get an additional 15 free bids if you use the code BBP1202A until January 15. They also have a referral program wherein the more friends you refer, you get more bonus bids.

TextMagic - Send SMS Anywhere from your PC Thursday, November 12, 2009

I came across a site called TextMagic and I have to say, I am very pleased. It is a great way for you to save on their mobile phone costs, especially when you're on the minimum plan your mobile phone provider has to offer.

TextMagic allows users to send SMS from your PC anytime, anywhere. I highly encourage you to compare how much international messages cost from TextMagic and your mobile phone provider. If you have relatives who live in a different part of the globe, this will be the perfect opportunity for you to stay in touch with them without costing too much.

Another great feature of TextMagic is the fact that it is very accessible. In case you forget to charge your mobile phone, you left your mobile phone (or worse, lost it), you can easily get on any computer with internet access and send those very important messages.

So what are you waiting for? Compare the costs of SMS from your mobile phone with what TextMagic has to offer so that you can start to send SMS from your PC!

I Am Exhausted Friday, November 06, 2009

I never thought being a full time writer could also be exhausting. Whew!

I've always had a passion for writing, something that I never hid and I always dreamed of practicing eventually. I never thought though, that it would be my career and that I could seriously earn from it in the comfort of my home.

But now as I spend days, nights, and even weekends laboriously in front of my laptop, I cannot help but sometimes feel exhausted about everything. Writing is not physically exhausting since only your fingers work as you type away the words, but mentally exhausting.

There are times when I just want to sit back and close my laptop and not look at it at all. But then again, there are bills to pay and things I want to buy for my kids, Henry, and myself that I just can't help but sigh and open my laptop again.

There are also times that I am glad I got myself into this career, as I am always at home at do not have the need to be away from my kids. But then again, when I am chasing deadlines, I become a figurine sitting in my living room as the kids play around me.

I just finished another whole day in front of my laptop, interrupted by meal time and bathing time for my kids. I finished quite a lot of hourly and fixed price jobs today, bound to get me a lot of good feedback and payments, but enough to leave me drained for the whole day.

Tomorrow is another day of online writing.

Thoughts on Web Hosting Tuesday, October 20, 2009

I have given serious thought over having my own domain, my own dot com where I can host this blog as well as the others. Since I am really not knowledgeable when it comes to HTMLs or other codes for that matter, I am worried and afraid as to what will happen should I encounter any problems with my blog. Also, since I am already very much used to the interface that my current blogs already use, which is pretty much just drag and drop, I don't think I can get used to another that would require me to do more than that.

With these things in mind, I tried to look for a web site hosting that would give me all of the features I mentioned above. Easy to use, quick customer service, and an affordable price are my priorities. Since I really don't know much about web hosting, it really pays to know as much as I can about it before I take the plunge.

I also came across an article about cheap hosting. Factors to consider like downtime, bandwidth, and support, were tackled in the article I read. It made me realize that just because it's cheap doesn't mean a web host is good or bad. It is really just a matter of evaluating the things that matter and things that you need in terms of keeping your online presence. It's not impossible to find a web host that's affordable, but also works as hard as you do in keeping your site up.

Happy blogging!

Awake at 3AM Tuesday, October 20, 2009

It's a little over 3AM where I am at and I am awake at this ungodly hour because I saw Henry off to work. Sometimes I wish we just ran a business or something so that I could see more of him each day. I only get to spend Sundays with him, and usually Mondays as well, but sometimes, he still gets called off to work during Mondays.

What I dislike about his job is the fact that he leaves really, really early and comes home late in the evening. Sure, there are times he does come home early, but that happens like twice or thrice in a month. He spends over 16 hours at work, and gets paid like Php1,000 (or sometimes more) every field trip.

Somehow, there is a little part of me that would like him to just look for a regular day job, but the other part of me wants to let him continue with this line of work as I can obviously see that he enjoys what he does, not to mention the fact that he gets to travel all over the country at no expense because of his work.

He asked me last night why I sigh whenever he tells me what shirt he needs to wear when he goes on a tour. I simply said, "I can't help it if I miss you all the time."