My Loud Ideas - Fresh From My Pod

Contemplating Over A Bunch of Peanut Butter Chips

2011-11-08T21:13:00.000-08:00

As I write this, I find it so refreshing to realize that once more I have more than enough time for myself. Well aside from the household chores, at least I am very much alive again and not just burning my back to get a lot of writing work done.

My goal right now is to make sure that I help my husband give our family a healthy living. But my love for teaching has never waned. Surely, I can apply at local schools or universities and teach anytime I want, however, there is the dilemma of want and need. Should I do what I want and sacrifice my family time and part of what I can earn if I just work at home? Do I just sulk here in my home office as a freelancer and let the $$$$ come while contemplating about what could have beens over a bunch of peanut butter chips?

I love both. But after hundreds of calories I know what I really have to do. Work smarter not harder to earn a living even while at home and at the same time teach my two smart kids how to live a fruitful life. I love my family to death and just thinking about this makes me feel empowered, knowing that even at my age and state of life, I know I have CHOICES. The only thing I need to make sure of is make each a WISE one.

Seven Years of Happiness and More

2011-10-08T12:17:00.001-07:00

Today is just the start of the many meaningful birthday series for you my darling Naning. My heart swells with delight each time I witness how you have become a better person each time. We never give you bizarrely expensive gifts, but "gifts of experience" that make you wiser, happier, more loving, grounded and God fearing. It makes us proudest that you take every gift as the MOST awesome one.

Thank you for teaching me how love can be shared in the simplest but MORE meaningful ways. Thank you for all the love letters. Thank you for helping mommy on every task. Thank you for sharing your daily experiences with me. Thank you for showing

Tears fill my eyes right now knowing that in a few years I may not be able to carry you anymore. When I asked you what you wanted for your birthday, you answered, "Mommy I want 12 pencils." Tears again fell from my eyes with delight for at a young age you wanted something practical and something that you can use for what you wanted most to do - writing and drawing. It means that we have brought you up well and that we have many more messages to get from you. Beyond everything that we have showed you, you shared a priceless message and that is to SHARE.

You asked not for gifts to get from your classmates but you asked me and your Dad to bring them cakes and toys instead. You asked not to be given treats alone but you asked us to buy your Kuya Eissey the same things you have. You asked not to have a grand party but asked me how we can share your money by buying others food. You asked not to buy new clothes but asked whom you can give your little shoes to. You asked not to buy the gift you want, but asked where we can buy a gift for Mandy hahaha :)

Anak, I pray that you remain humble and loving, that you continue to bite the simplicity of life in the fast paced world, embrace each time with momentum and LOVE the ones who give you overwhelming happiness and those who do not care just the same.

Mommy loves you so much Naning. Your beauty and wise thoughts are given by the Lord so you can tenderly and adorably reach more people in your lifetime. I pray that God continuously give me the strength and wisdom to guide you as you grow.

Happy, happy birthday Anak.

A Promise of Percy Jackson and His Vitamin Water

2011-03-10T09:52:00.000-08:00

I went to the mall this afternoon to treat my craving for a KFC Double Down. I did this with a prayer in my heart for the last time I ate one was a week of my wheals. Although my doctor told me it may not be related, I'm still afraid of the consequences. Well, anyways, after filling up with my little girl and hubby, I asked my husband if he could buy me a new jeans skirt, for I remember having one when I was in first year college mind you.

So we went inside and I found two glorious skirts which I eventually brought with me to the dressing room. To my HORROR, the size I usually get fits me but my bulging belly is horrendous!

Tonight I promised myself to go on a strict diet. I don't know how to start but what I know is I have to trim down a bit. Exercise will just come after. Tonight I plan on just having Percy Jackson beside me and a bottle of vitamin water.

I only have 10 days before that nice little skirt should "fit like a glove" on me.

Idiom for the Day: fit like a glove - meaning to fit an apparel perfectly.

Nimble and Quick, Landed On Feet

2011-02-01T07:05:00.000-08:00

For countless times, I have contemplated on other ladies' nice, dainty feet. Those pearly white ones with lovely toe nails with delicate looking skin are just too pretty for me and make me so jealous. I always wonder why the feet I see on television look so subtle and tasteful as if they've never landed on anything rough all their lives. After admiring how squishy looking at each even on magazines, I look at mine with dismay, sadness, dread, and HORROR!

Why do I have such thin looking, veiny, and dry skinned feet? I never played any sports during high school and college. I never even played outside when I was a kid. I don't go barefooted (of course)when going to places, even have occasional foot spa treatments and wear cushioned slip-ons at home. But because I really fancy them, I buy some of the pricey shoes to make up for my bad looking feet.

I was again pondering on the things I did today and the articles I have to finish before sunrise when I glanced sideways. Just as I raised my feet to relax, I suddenly felt warm and serene. No, it's not the socks but I just realized how far my feet has brought me, not to too many places but to LIFE.

You, like me, cried a river in the past and many times I have forgotten the many valuable things life has to offer. I felt like a bird with no direction, a mother goose without a parenting book, a teacher without a plan, a writer without a pen, a woman who doesn't know where to start before her 30's. One thing's for sure though, I know I think fast and work fast. My friends would often tell me they couldn't keep the pace and that's how I was with the things I do everyday until... Until I learned how to value time.

Writing just like life is full of errors especially when you have a whole lot of ideas to mix and never know where to begin with. I've been to many difficult experiences and each time I stumble, I learn something relevant. At this moment, at exactly 12:30am of February 2, 2011, I don't hate my feet anymore. I love them all the more now, for I know I always land on my two feet with grace.

Hey, I didn't forget. There's an English lesson again this time. I used the idiomatic expression "land on your feet" for my featured story. (Yeah, my pair of socks inspired me!)

Land On Your Feet - means ready to work, ready for action after a difficult situation.

Example: The company admires employees who land on their feet after facing a problem.

I Was Out But Very Much Back

2011-01-28T07:39:00.001-08:00

I was out for more than three quarters and I must say I had a great ride in life. I feel so sorry not to have updated this blog since I left my pod for seven nurturing years. I feel now is the right time to be right on track and to be accustomed to my new LIFE once again.

EMPOWER is my favorite word for the day! This has kept me alive and kept my heart pumping really mad. Thank you, I was able to accomplish a lot of things. Apart from my love of writing I did try new tasks - business. I started a small online shop and yes it is indeed in its struggling beginner's phase, still, it is something that kept me grounded.

I also started to put my GOALS into action. I always write about going far away from home, but last year was a boom! I went to Hong Kong Disneyland with my family. An achievement indeed.

I've got so much to say and write. My fingers are racing on my keyboard. It's fresh! It's hot! It's MY LOUD IDEAS signing on!!

Video: Garbage Bin Goes Kaboom! Fun Theory

2009-10-20T18:27:00.000-07:00

They say that human minds are so complicated. But some things are solved with simple actions. We are kids by heart no matter how many years are added to our resume. We find joy in things we already know and yet feel excited because there are added sounds or effects that make us feel young again. We giggle like how toddlers would and laugh at ourselves just because we we looked silly.

This video shows how throwing garbage could be fun by just adding a twist. Enjoy it. I hope our government has the funds to do it for us too.

Video: Take 'Note' Of The Escalator

2009-10-19T09:21:00.000-07:00

Watch this video and you'll see how a piano can change a lifestyle. We all have one life to live and there's no better way to do this but enjoy every moment of it. Live it like there's no tomorrow or at least it's the end of your day off. haha! :) You must remember though that happiness starts with healthy living. Try substituting your cab ride with walking and appreciate your surroundings. Or why not the escalator in the malls with stairs?

I came across an interesting video that shows how music and a simple workout could mean fun. I enjoyed it!

I'm Almost Out Of Time

2009-10-15T22:55:00.000-07:00

For days now, I have been suffering from time loss. I easily lose track of time especially when I'm at the pinpoint of my task, be it teaching, learning a new item, freelance writing or simply updating my files. This started when my favorite Timex watch broke. The watch itself is okay and the straps are still good, however, the little belt that holds the strap together when I wear it suddenly snapped!

I tried wearing other watches but it just don't feel the same. I love the date, time, day, alarm, timer, and snooze features it has so I was desperate to find the belt replacement. Unfortunately, I could only buy the whole strap. Not only it is hard to find Timex branch, it's also hard to find time to go there.

Thanks to an instant glue, I tried to stick the ends with it. I just hope this first aid action I did would last. Call me hopeless but this will sure help me a lot especially when I'm in the pits of doing my duty on time.

Time is really gold friends!

Brewing Sentence Patterns

2009-10-15T00:49:00.000-07:00

It can be really challenging to think of a lesson to teach to a student who is trying to learn English as his second language especially when he's already got a good vocabulary for a basic learner. The only problem I have now is how to make him compose his thoughts with correct grammar.

Well off I go to start giving him the basic sentence patterns in English. This may sound boring for most of the English speakers out there so I know even if I am teaching a 20-year old, I still needed to make it enjoyable for him.

Here are the 5 Basic Sentence Patterns

- Subject + Verb
  ex: I dance. Joe dances. They dance.
- Subject + Verb + Object
  I write a poem. Joe watches TV. They sang a melody.
- Subject + Verb + Complement
  I am tired. Joe became a pilot. They feel bad.
- Subject + Verb + Indirect Object + Direct Object
  I wrote her a song. He teaches us Music.
- Subject + Verb + Object + Complement
  I left the engine running. They named him Chewy.

That's it for now while I contemplate on what activities shall go with this lesson. I want him to really enjoy but at the same time learn the pattern with ease.

Friendship And Ajee

2009-09-22T08:03:00.000-07:00

Student: It's hard for people to have relationship with me.
Teacher: You mean that it's hard for you to enter a boy and girl relationship?
Student: No. It's hard to be close to me.
Teacher: Are you referring to gaining friends?
Student: Yes.
Teacher: Don't you have a lot of Filipino and Korean friends here now?
Student: No.
Teacher: You have golf coach, don't you? He must be your friend.
Student: No. We can not be friends because different ajee.
Teacher: But he is your companion everyday, you must have shared stories together.
Student: He is coach but no friend. Our ajee is cannot be for friends.
(The teacher is confused now.)

Confusion and misunderstanding between the teacher and a non-native speaker of English starts when the student mispronounce words. This is understandable as Koreans for example has a different sound. Their words come out as harsh and loud for us who do not speak their language. I tried not to look puzzled while trying to understand why my student and his golf coach couldn't be friends. Until we came up to this point of our conversation:

Teacher: Ah, you just want to work with him professionally?
Student: No. Because of his old and my level is low.
Teacher: Oh, it's because he is older than you. Are you trying to say that you have a big age gap or age difference?
Student: Yes. Our ajee.

It took me about ten minutes teaching him the right way of pronouncing the soft "g" sound. It was difficult for him at the start but he was able to pronounce the word 'age' correctly which made him smile in the end. As simple as it may seem, the word will spare him and his listeners the exchange of questions and answers until one can figure out what he's trying to say.

A soft ‘G’ is pronounced ‘j’ as in general, giant, gymnastic, large, energy, intelligible, changing
A hard ‘G’ is pronounced ‘g’ as in golf, pig, running, great, gum, fragrant, grasp, glut, progress

I'm Not Your Boyfriend

2009-09-20T22:03:00.000-07:00

I have a 4-year old girl and a 6-year old boy and little by little I am starting to teach them how to interact in English. They can well converse in their mother tongue (Filipino) right now and immersing them in the world of English is their next big step in language.

Thanks to cable T.V. and the cartoon channels, I began observing which shows they are most interested in. My eldest, Eissey is fascinated with animals and construction, so the Discovery channel is an option. However, there are some words he can't really understand yet, although he is able to capture what it shows through the videos or pictures he sees on the screen. My little girl, KC hooks up with any cooking show. It's not surprising with her appetite anyway.

But there's one thing that they truly enjoy most in cartoons and could even imitate what the characters are saying. It's Chowder. I can also recommend this for English starters. It's about a young child named Chowder who dreams of becoming a chef one day. He's an apprentice to a chef named Mung Daal, who owns a catering company serving the fictional Marzipan City.

I love Chowder personally when he says his famous tag line, "I'm not your boyfriend!" Watch and you'll know why.

It's English Tutorial Time

2009-09-18T03:24:00.000-07:00

It's half past six and I started to wrap up my list for my student. My Korean student can speak comprehensive English although he needs more refining. I could understand him since I am a teacher and it's my duty to analyze his sentences and correct them if needed. However, for foreign listeners, it might be difficult to understand him. Listeners would need to catch the context clues he's throwing to get what he is trying to say.

This is my duty now. I contemplated over the ideas I can use for my student and figured, simple words pronunciation drills would do for now. Like me, he's juggling his time between golf and learning English so an hour a day would be enough to put his speaking skills in place.

We're not rushing anyway. The idea for today is learn to focus on how he would learn rather than racing with time.

Got to prepare and meet my student now.

Writing: Is it a Talent or a Learned Skill?

2007-10-05T06:02:00.000-07:00

Since I was little I've seen my mom write a lot of things from lesson plans, to poetry, to oratorical speeches, formal and informal letters, and yes even books. I believe those to be the most contributing factor of my love for writing as well. I remember from my vivid memory seating beside her just watching her write "I don't know what," then asked her to give me a pen and that I should write too. I started copying what she writes and because she is a teacher I would erase each sentence on the board and rewrite it for her before her next class comes in.

It's a talent, for I know very few are gifted with wide imagination and creative ideas to put into print. But it is also a skill that is achieved through constant practice, desire to learn, and patience to try harder each time.

I combine both all the time. I'm able to express what I have in mind and earn extra by skillfully learning to be an expert so I can provide the needed materials by clients. So having no experience in writing does not have to stop you at all in starting a home based writing job. Learn it, then love it and earn with it. It's never too late to try and realize you can.

Here are few posts you can try to earn money online:

Good luck!

Upbeat and Busy

2007-09-25T06:03:00.000-07:00

I was out for a week trying to finalize a project with my new client plus I have been offered to do a 24/7 chat support service for a new site as well. (I actually need help here. I'll post a separate article about it).

So these things keep me busy nowadays and I'm very thankful for all these. Regardless of news and uproar on the telecommuting industry I still find good deals which make more inspired to help others who would like to do the same.

So as promised here are the new posts to earn money online. I can guarantee these for those aspiring online writers:

Proofreader for High Technology Market Reports
Need a Good Copy Person ($20 per hour; 3-4 hours per week)
Contributor for Online Website
Christian Writers Needed ($10)
Mental Health Writer Needed

Ciao!

Freelance Writing Leads for Today

2007-09-17T23:13:00.000-07:00

I have a bunch of career ideas for you folks out there today so you can earn money online in the future too. I've thought of giving out tips first on what exactly can you do as a home based job finder, but I thought of giving you an idea first of what home based jobs are currently available. This may not be everything on the web but it gives you a bird's eye view of what skill you may want to hone yourself first before deciding which ones to apply for. Good luck! :)

Freelance Writers with MAs or PhDs -
Linguists for English to Spanish Translations
Content Writing for Popular Websites ($70-$100 per week)
Writer for Short Outdoor/Recreation Pieces - Austin
Create Content for Prominent Online Magazine - Chicago ($200 per day)
Writer/Editor Needed to Work with Author - Lake Bluff
Contributors for High-End Editorial Web Site
Freelance Education Editor - Chicago
Book Reviews Wanted ($15)
Copywriters Wanted - Dallas
Urban Music Reporter/Feature Writers w/Photography Skills Wanted
Ghost Writer & Editor Needed for Non-Fiction Book
Read Books & Write Reviews for New Denver-Boulder Publication
New Up and Coming Magazine - Denver
Writer/Intern for Upcoming Project
Part-Time Gig from Home or Dorm Room (Internet Research)
Writer for Auto Video Reviews for Internet Company - Culver City
African Forest Fund - Tarzana ($15 per hour)
Freelance Writer for Funny Script
Quarterly Newsletter Editor/Designer
Copywriter - Miami
Freelance Copy Editor - Miami
Freelance Entertainment Writers Wanted - Miami
Looking for a Minneapolis Photo Journalist
Movie Reviewer - Online
Freelance Writers (Chelsea)
Writer for Pet Publication (O.C.)
Writer Wanted for New Product- Hospitality Related
Writers for Vicious Magazine - Philadelphia
Fashion Writer
Copywriter
CityDog Seeks Writers and Photographers
Short Funny Bios of Presidential Candidates ($200)
Writers Needed - Sacramento
Proofreader - Sacramento/Roseville
Seeking Personal Stories from the 1960s
Business/Marketing Content Required - 1 Week Project - Real Estate Investment Fund
Writer/Editor/Researcher with Some PR
Research and Development Associate Editor
Web Writer

Moving On Too Fast

2007-09-14T08:26:00.000-07:00

After a month of settling everything in my personal life and trying to relax to tune up my thoughts and creative writing ideas, I've decided to start all over again in freelance writing. From juggling 6 to 8 clients night and day, weekday and weekends, holiday or not in the past, I satisfied myself with only two clients this month of September. I realized that I missed a lot in my life - my friends, going out with my family, singing nursery rhymes with my kids and nourishing my marriage. I was able to successfully complete my task and now I feel like I have to pay my dues now and back to the reality of working hard again to make ends meet and to live comfortably. To earn money online is very easy I assure you.

That's the beauty of homebased jobs like this freelance writing gig I got into. It's a blessing and it's fun! From just applying every now and then to direct clients I now started creating and updating my own blog. This is going to be an outlet for me and a chance to help other moms who are working full time and would still like to earn more aside from your day job. I had a nice heavy dinner with my hubby at Grill 99 here in Angeles City but never forgot the leads for you.

So I got a new list of homebased job openings you can check out.

Technology Writers Wanted
Hip Hop, R&B, Reggae/Dancehall Music Review Writer Wanted
Freelance Translators Needed - Toronto
Writers, Artists for Contract Work
Urban Music Reporter/Feature Writers w/Photography Skills Wanted
Social Media Site Looking for Pro Contributors
Freelance Writer for Health Care Business Magazine
Proposal Writer/Strategist - Freelance
Fashion Blogger
Press Releases ($250 per release)
Business Plan for Internet Startup
Web-Savvy Editor-in-Chief/Online Editor - California residents only
Freelancers for Real Estate Magazine - San Francisco
PT Editing/Writing ($25-$35)
Poker and Sport Gambling Bloggers

Good Luck!

Freelance Writing Gigs

2007-09-12T17:03:00.000-07:00

Hello freelancers who would still want to add another name in the line up of of their clients and to all those who would be freelance writers out there. I have bumped into a few online listings of freelance writing jobs. Here they are and hope you get hired so you can earn money online...

I will never start searching and will give you more on the coming days. Hopefully this becomes a daily habit for me so I continue to help more would be professional writers.

My Actual Pod

2007-09-12T11:50:00.000-07:00

Years ago my little space on my thinking earth was nothing more than a table with a computer, desk, papers and a cork board. I alternated working between as a full time Technical writer then became a telecommute copy writer and editor. I began earning and having enough money in my pocket to almost forgetting what it feels like to have a neat pod.

This is a view of my pod now from a corner of the whole room. A spot where I feel like a queen! A corner worth millions than a cruise. Now that my online business/gig is booming, I am deciding whether to still keep my employment in an reputable company or just consider homebased business as a career.

See the picture posted on the board? Yeah, that's my husband in pink and my little sunshine faces on the side. That overflowing packet of papers clipped in the paper stand are what's keeping me sane and organized -clients to send me stuff to help me writing about their requests. That’s my “to do” list. And oh have I told you I love pigs? Not the real ones though but I love pig themed items and stuff toys. That one on the left was a good bye gift from my adorable boss - Ms. Del and the bigger one was from our hunk officemate Alek last Christmas. He saw it on sale and thought would make me really happy.

That’s it actually. It’s nothing fancy but I consider it heaven and a good solitude when I just want to write to release what I feel and of course to EARN bucks!

So how does your workspace look?

Earn While At Home! Seriously?

2007-09-11T09:35:00.000-07:00

That was my initial reaction when I heard about working at home. So, seriously? But obviously I tried. I said to myself, "If my friend isn't telling me the truth, he's sure gonna pay." Oh but actually, I got curious that I got so involved.

I sent my initial email application and whoala!! I got my first client, though it was for a meager amount I really enjoyed writing. The only problem is I don't get the chance to write under my own name. In short, I act as a ghost writer. I settled for the $2 fee pay per 500 words of article and would have to painstakingly keep up with the 24 hour turn around time.

That could happen coz these clients would really offer a low amount if they know you are new to the business. So the rule of thumb is to really work hard and market yourself. Join blogs and forums to earn your name in the Internet. Deliver quality articles to eZine for example.

Here's something to start with. You may want to look through this freelance work bidding site called GAF, short for Get a Freelancer. If you have questions, leave a message. Happy scanning!

How This All Started

2007-09-10T11:49:00.001-07:00

I need an outlet and writing is my only refuge when there's no one else to talk to. I have lots of ideas that struggle to come out, as though I would burst any moment and feel like crazy with thoughts. That was back when I still have my pen and rugged old notebook with me.

I got introduced to the world of wire. The Internet became my next best virtual friend. Here I came to learn more things and got more adventurous with my sentiments. With writing as my fancy, I have come to realize that this indeed can become my bread and butter if given the chance. There opens the door for freelance writing. Yes, I started earning meagerly. Not withstanding the test of sleepiness, I was satisfied with a few dollar earnings.

At the start, as competitive as I am, my only goal before was to earn, earn, and earn. Then I asked myself, who am I writing for? Do readers know me? Are my thoughts mine alone?

I ventured into looking for clients who would ask me to write and have my own copyright. Ahh.. yes, this is writing... Yes... this is what I dreamt of. Until then, I will share how and what I went through in this business.