What I've Been Writing (When I've Been Able to Write)

"Multitasker, Duplo-Thinkpad" by Thomas Angermann is licensed under CC BY 2.0

I'm aiming to blog more frequently, and I suppose I have to start somewhere. So here I am.

I've said it before, and I'm saying it again: I have a million ideas for blog posts, but finding the time to think them through and type them up is a challenge, to say the least. When you're raising a freelance business along side a family, especially when that family includes two Littles under three, getting anything other than the necessities done is a miracle. (I don't use that term lightly here. I truly believe it's miraculous when I manage to clean the bathroom before it's a disgusting mess that demands cleaning.)

Right now, I have fifteen minutes to write this post. I'm squeezing blogging in between three hours of freelance work and a long list of household tasks I hope to get done before picking up the boys at the sitter. Fifteen minutes doesn't leave room for much thought or editing, but it's enough to get things started. It's enough to move myself forward and to begin. I may not finish in that time, but I'm making progress, and that's better than letting this site sit stagnant while I wish and hope for time to write more, blog more, do more.

Right now, my life is revolving around the mantra: What You Can, When You Can. If you're a busy gal (or guy) who's trying to make any sort of life changes and you haven't heard this mantra, or don't know about the #wycwyc (wick-wick) movement, you should definitely check it out. (I have more to say about this later, but for now, this will have to suffice.)

Speaking of freelance work (I know, worst segue ever!): I've been blogging for The Penny Hoarder and am loving the opportunity to write about ways that SAHMs and WAHMs can make and save more money. Those are topics that I'm pretty passionate about these days, as we live on a limited budget ourselves and are trying to make a move into a bigger house in a better neighborhood. If you're interested in what I've been writing, or just want tips on saving money (or making more of it), check out the pieces I've published so far:

• Walmart Hacks: 8 Ways to Save Even More Money on Groceries
• Reduce, Reuse, and Recycle: 11 Earth-Friendly Ways to Save Money
• Love Don't Cost a Thing: 11 Cheap Date Ideas for Cash-Strapped Parents
• Going Back to Work After Staying Home with the Kids? Avoid the "Motherhood Penalty"
• 10 Fun Summer Activities for Kids That Won't Break Your Budget
• 7 Low-Cost Ways to Throw an Awesome Kid's Birthday Party

In addition to blogging for other sites, I'm doing some technical writing and editing, along with a bit of virtual assistant-style work for a content management consultant. It's a good variety for right now and I enjoy each job for different reasons. 

And with that, my time is up. The kitchen calls, with it's dirty dishes and floor that needs mopping. With any luck (er, I mean, lots of planning) I'll be back soon with another post. Until then:

Where can you free up a little time to do the things you REALLY want to do? What can you start NOW, right this minute? What can you make a little progress on, even if you know you won't finish?

What I Really Want

While I was away last weekend enjoying a couple of days in Atlantic City with My Love, I received an email from a someone interested in hiring me for some technical writing work. Extremely excited that this person found me through my website and wanted to speak with me about some potential work, I contacted him and we set up a phone meeting. It seemed to be perfect timing, since I've been trying to build up my freelance business so that when I'm finally ready to let go of the full-time job I'll have some steady work to pay the bills.

Unfortunately, the new project wasn't meant to be. It turns out the company needs someone for this particular project who is available during business hours. When the contact told me this, I actually considered quitting my job and throwing my hat in the freelance ring immediately. The thought was fleeting, but I think it was pretty revealing. I think it gave me a real glimpse into what I really want for my life.

I desire so much to take on this "freelance thing" full-time. I know it will be a challenge, and maybe I'm naive to think that I'll be able to make enough money to live off of, but I want to give it a try. Sadly, that fear of not making it, of having to go crawling back to my full-time job--or worse to find another one--keeps me firmly planted in my chair at The Job with one foot over the freelance line.

Thankfully, this new contact is interested in using my services for future projects and asked me to keep in touch, which I'll gladly do. Maybe the right work will come along at just the right time and I'll be ready to take the step over that freelance line. In any event, I've made a new professional connection and that makes me excited for whatever might be around the corner.

A 4th Well-Spent

Introducing...Write Out Loud.

After working almost a full day today, I spent the evening/night working on my "professional" blog. I'm very excited about it, but I'm too tired to coax you into visiting there now. Trust me, just check it out. Then please let me know what you think (either here or there). It took me a long time to come up with the name and theme, so any constructive feedback would be greatly appreciated.

My goal is to post there twice a week with ideas and prompts to get us writing, information on the writing business, and tips on finding markets for our work. If you're a writer, I hope you'll join me there for some fun and inspiration.

OK, enough shameless self promotion. Hope you had a great holiday (or weekend if you're not here in the US)! Goodnight, all!

Taking on the Challenge, Or "Aren't You So Proud?"

First, let's start with a few facts:

1. I hate public speaking.
2. I particularly hate public speaking when it involves groups larger than two people.
3. I really, REALLY hate public speaking when the group is made up of more than two people, all of whom are complete strangers.
   
4. I often underestimate my abilities.
5. I am not a trained teacher.
6. I have a knack for volunteering myself for things when I don't really want to do them.

Now, let's talk about the new project that I've taken on, despite numbers 1 through 6 above. Three weeks ago, I was asked how I'd feel about being the trainer for a course my company was going to provide for some customers. I did a lot of "well, I don't know" and "I suppose if this and this" before I accidentally said I'd be willing to do it. Without meaning to, I volunteered myself to act as the main trainer for a group of 8 customers.

Commence the freaking out.

For several days I worried about my inability, my lack of desire, my inexperience, my lack of skills and knowledge. Then, something shifted. I had signed myself up for the task and I wasn't going to be able to back out of it no matter how hard I tried. So I changed my perspective. I started looking at the task as a challenge, as an opportunity for growth. I studied the training presentations, I asked questions of the subject matter experts, I wrote notes for each slide, and then I studied some more. And just for good measure, I sprinkled in a little bit of positive affirmation ("I am a wonderful, clear, and articulate public speaker") and visualization (I'm standing in front of the group speaking clearly and confidently and everyone is enraptured by the material).

Today was Day 1, and I'm happy to say I slept like a baby last night. I wasn't the least bit nervous this morning. And I presented the material like a well-seasoned public speaker and trainer. I was so impressed with myself that I actually think I might have been glowing with confidence and pleasure. My boss was just as impressed, and he didn't hesitate to tell all the managers in the office how he thought I'd "found my new niche." Now, I wouldn't go that far, but I certainly think I proved something to myself, and maybe to those I work with as well.

If I'm willing to take on a challenge and give it my all, I can do anything.

My Mama would be proud.