From Bunny Slippers to Business Plans
Here we are again, you guys. The end of another week (ohthankgod). It’s been a rough one, but the fact that I’ve been running around like a maniac working on multiple projects must mean that I’m doing something right.
Anyways. I’ve managed to pause here and there to squeeze some reading in:
Ever have one of those days where every step of a project feels like pulling teeth?
For me, this usually occurs when I’m working on one of my dating advice columns for Nerve. First, it takes me eons to find enough people willing to participate. And then, when I feel as if I’ve finally overcome all hurdles, and am on the home stretch, my interviewees miss the deadline I’ve given them, or balk at supplying everything they originally agreed to, or just plain flake out.
While I’m always going on and on about this one class I took at New School, there’s another one I took before that — From Pitch to Publish, taught by Cris Beam — at which I learned a very important lesson: You must keep the momentum going.
So as I started receiving my very first rejection letters, I didn’t sulk. Instead, I became a master at not taking it personally, and quickly flipped the pitch.
[Photo via]
Two roads diverged in a yellow wood,
And sorry I could not travel both
And be one traveler, long I stood
And looked down one as far as I could
To where it bent in the undergrowth.
– Robert Frost, “The Road Not Taken”
…
Earlier today, I posted on my personal blog about the fear of missing out on alternate lives due to the decisions I make.
I waxed eloquent (I hope) on how worried I am that, because of ways in which I’ve settled in and settled down, there are no more surprises around the bend.
Funny that the same neuroticism doesn’t plague the way I approach my career.
At least not anymore.
Worrying about being all talk and no action, I decided to finally get off my butt this weekend and set up forums for Freelancedom.
I had initially intended to integrate forum software with WordPress, but was having trouble on that end. I mean, I’m not the most web-savvy individual out there. So I finally admitted defeat and set up a forum hosted through Activeboard.
It’s been a little spotty here at Freelancedom this week, with nothing going up on Wednesday or Thursday (notice how I tried to compensate by putting up an extra post today?).
Forgive me! I was buried in a copy editing project (a former colleague of mine did up a kick-ass parenting book that made me want to conceive) and brainstorming post topics for a possible new editor. So rest assured…I’ve been productive. Not all my time has been spent watching Netflixed episodes of My So-Called Life (every single episode makes me cry).
Anyway, let me shut up and give you what you came for:
Since money became especially tight about four months ago, my mother has been suggesting that I become a substitute teacher. My response? I’m the type of person who can’t even control 4-year-olds. An entire classroom full of any age would eat me alive.
Still, as far as side jobs go, teaching is a good one for freelancers, and I don’t mean subbing. Those who teach classes and workshops in their area of expertise can bring in a good amount of extra cash, in addition to extending their brand, establishing themselves as an expert in their field.
[$179, JCPenney]
I’ve been going back and forth over how to fill the empty wall space above my desk, and I finally decided that I’d like a bulletin board/wall organizer.
The best one I’ve found? The one above, which comes with an iPod dock for charging, 4 USB connectors, and…I think those are speakers!
It’s already come down $20 since I posted about it on MM last week! I’ve been tight for money since Christmas, but am wondering if I should leap.
[$15, Etsy]
According to British experts, today is supposed to be the most depressing day in history, due to factors such as weather, debt, the passing of Christmas, the failures of our New Year’s resolutions, low motivation levels, etc.
Thing is, I’m still feeling pretty good about things. After the jump, just a few reasons that I shouldn’t succumb to this Blue Monday:
Earlier this week, I got to try out the Keyboard for Blondes. Tonight, I’m having people over for pizza and premixed shots, also for the purpose of review. Some other test drive products in my queue? Bacon-related products, like canned bacon, Baconnaise, and bacon-flavored lip gloss. Anti-muffin top underpants for men. Flying Wish Paper.
Just for shits and giggles…what’s the kookiest book or other product you’ve received for review in the line of duty?
