Devices, tablets, and computers

After a week of vacation with lousy internet access, I came home with a long list of projects to tackle. My employment situation has recently changed, and now more than ever, I am a freelance writer. My laptop and an internet connection are essential to my livelihood. Without them I cannot work and cannot earn money.
On Sunday night my laptop made a flying leap off of the couch. I wasn't even on the couch to witness it. I did hear the thud as it landed though and feared for the worst. My laptop has not turned back on since. It is currently in the laptop hospital, where I hope and pray my documents and photos can be recovered.
With little other choice, I went out and bought a new computer. I had heard good things about the Microsoft Surface, and was intrigued by it. Half computer, half laptop? It sounded like it might fit my needs. $500 later, I took one home with me.
I was wrong. I hated it. It is actually a fabulous device, but incredibly impractical for someone like me who needs to be typing and working all day.
24 hours I took it back to the store for a full refund, and purchased a new laptop.
Laptops only come with Windows 8 on them now. If you have not yet had the experience of using Windows 8, you cannot imagine my frustration. It is the unwanted love child of Microsoft and Apple's ugly cousin. It's Microsoft pretending not to be Apple. And it fails big time.
And yet we are stuck with it.
It works best with a touchscreen laptop, and I was informed at the store that by the end of the year all laptops will be touchscreen. (So I bought a touchscreen, because I have no idea how to use 8 without it.)
But all of this got me to thinking. A friend made the comment that she didn't see why we had to move to apps. Why can't we just be happy with the way Windows used to work? (I would venture a guess that she's probably never used a Mac.) Why touchscreens and apps?
As I looked around the stores tonight at all of the different options, I was surprised how few actually pertained to me. Here I am thinking I just need a truly basic computer- Microsoft Office and an Internet connection. A webcam would be nice, and an HDMI port. And really, that's about all I ask for- a working computer. Or a computer I am able to work on, would be a better way of describing it.
And how do swiping or touchscreens make me more productive or a better worker?
In short, they don't.
And that's what hit me tonight.
Computers were originally designed to compute, and do work. And then along came the Personal Computer, or PC. They were intended to allow individuals to do work from home. But we added games to them. And then the internet.
And computers began to become gaming devices, entertainment devices, and media devices, that just happened to also have document writing or spreadsheet creation capability.
And then there are tablets, which are not designed at all to be working tools, or computing tools, but mostly entertainment devices (with rare exceptions), made most evident by the fact that they don't even have real keyboards. They aren't designed to be typed on for more than a few lines.
There is an entire generation growing up that don't think of computers as work devices, but as entertainment or personal devices. They don't think in terms of typing, but swiping and touching. And as I saw first-hand at the store tonight, that is what is sold now. It was harder for me to find a computer that was built just for work computing than it was to find an entertainment device. And as I work my way around Windows 8, I realize that even the operating systems have changed now.
There's a lot to think about there.


 Hey You! Check out my new novels, "You Heard It Here First" and the sequel "This Just In!"

What do you do in the summertime when... you have just been ripped off?

In the past few weeks I have been ripped off not once, but twice, by clients. I was hired to do a specific job for a specific amount of money. I performed both jobs not just well, but very well. Both clients expressed satisfaction and appreciation for the well done work.
And yet neither has paid me.
I am in the process of taking the proper steps to recover what I am owed. In the meantime, I'm left with the emotions that come with such dishonesty. It frustrates me to no end that people do this sort of thing. Why would you hire someone if you have no intention of paying them, unless you really do have dishonest and quite frankly immoral or evil intentions? And how can you live with yourself?
To say the least, the dishonesty of these other parties has had a very negative effect on my life. I am a freelancer. I depend upon the work I do to make the money I need to support myself. When someone intentionally hires me, accepts my work, and then doesn't pay me, it isn't just some mere inconvenience. I don't have other forms of income coming in. It's the money that was supposed to pay for my food, shelter, gas, etc..
When I go into job interviews for full-time jobs I always get asked, "Why do you want to leave self-employment?" (Actually what they almost always insensitively say is, "why do you want to get a job now?" Because apparently working 50 hours/week from home isn't a real job.) The answer I want to give is, "I'm tired of getting ripped off by my clients, and I'm tired of working three times harder than I have ever worked before to make 3 times less money." But that is not considered a professionally appropriate answer, so instead I say, "I miss being part of a larger, dynamic team." (But I'm always thinking, "I really want a consistent paycheck every 2 weeks.")
So help me get back at the guy who hired me to write a 25 page e-book (10 pt font, single spaced) on how to use Facebook for small business marketing, and then didn't pay me, by buying, "Increase e-Book Sales with Social Media Marketing." It's not the same exact book I wrote for him. (I'm still trying to be somewhat honest. I said I would write it, he would pay me, and he would own the rights to the book. But since he hasn't paid me, I've made some changes, and decided to sell it direct myself.)
It's just 99 cents to buy.  Use this magic little linky straight to PayPal, and I email you the PDF (or .mobi file if you prefer) book right back! (I swear to you this is a totally safe and secure link!)

PS- I don't say too much about my job hunting efforts around here. It's considered unprofessional to do so. But today I could just use the moral support from my friends.
I was interviewing last fall for some jobs, but nothing really panned out. I took a short break from looking, but have resumed my efforts again. In the past month I've had 3 really big disappointments. 3 different opportunities where it came down to me and one other person for an ideal job. And obviously in each case I didn't get the job.  I'm reaching the end of my "able to handle so much rejection rope." (couple all of that with clients ripping me off, and you can start to get an idea of what it feels like on my end of this internet connection.)
Last week I had a job interview that was just... ridiculously bad. The interviewer talked about random, unrelated subjects for 20 minutes, and then said, "So you really aren't a good fit for this position. Why did you apply?" And this is after I have just spent 5 hours in a car to drive to the interview, not to mention close to $80 in gas for the travel. And that was the only question she asked me. She couldn't have asked me that over the phone and saved me the trouble?? Ugh...
Back to my point... I have [another] interview this week. And this job (what little I know about it so far), really does sound perfect for me. I'm excited about it. I am a very good fit for the position, and it is something I can see myself doing for a long time. Can you think some happy thoughts for me? Hope for a good interviewer who knows how to ask the important questions, and that the 500 crucial details I have to get worked out between now and then all come together. (Just one of them being getting paid!)
Thanks. I appreciate it.
Hmm... you know what? I just might go publish the Facebook for small business marketing book too. I can't really think of a good reason not to.

I'd give my left leg to not write this post

I'm sitting on the couch with my laptop burning my left leg. Why the left leg? I don't know. But that is the side of the laptop that gets hot and eventually starts to burn my leg. Thankfully this doesn't happen too often, only after I've been working on my computer for at least 12 hours.
Yes, I have been working on this thing for 12 straight hours. (No wonder I'm so hungry.)

I've resumed job hunting after a month long break. (Why a month break? Because it took less than a month for me to remember why I wanted to get a "real" job again, and then another week to talk myself into putting myself through this misery again.) Every time I have a job interview they inevitably ask, "So why do you want to leave self-employment and go back to work?"

And every time I hear that question I want to tell the truth, "Because I'm sick and tired of working 12 hour days that result in barely more than minimum wage. And it wouldn't be "going back to work." I've never had to work so hard in my life, for such a small payoff."

Days like today are why I want to "go back to work." There is one more very big reason why I am tired of self-employment- I am sick and tired of having to promote and sell myself! I would so much rather market another person or company. Marketing and selling yourself all day is just tiresome! Not to mention, a complete ego-killer. Except on the days it goes well. Then it's a big ego-boost.

But I'm not in this (this being gainful employment) for the ego-boost. I'm in it for the paycheck!

Speaking of paychecks, there is a stinkbug climbing along the ceiling over me. I can't reach it, not even with a broom. I know, I tried. And while I was up I got an ice pack to put on my left leg, under the laptop. It may be time for me to give in and buy a new computer. But to do that, I'm going to afford a new laptop, I'm going to have to several more extra projects. And that means more time burning my left leg. How much can my little left leg take?

And that people, is why I have resumed my job search.

And why you are feeling an overwhelming urge to save me a few hours of work tonight, and go buy my books- "You Heard It Here First" and the sequel "This Just In!"

If the pen is mightier than the sword, how dangerous is my laptop?

My current lifestyle doesn't lend itself well to many interesting photo ops during the day. So here's a random favorite from Cambodia for your viewing pleasure.

"Either write something worth reading or do something worth writing." - Benjamin Franklin

As mentioned a few times before, my day to day life has yet again changed drastically. I've picked up a few freelance, part-time jobs, and they are keeping me very busy. The first one requires that I edit a website for 2-4 hours every day, plus if a writer fails to meet a deadline I get to quickly jump into action and write a filler piece. The second job is still blogging for the Motley Fool, where my goal is to write at least 2 pieces a day (preferably three), since I get paid per syndicated piece. These two gigs alone can take 8-10 hours of my day.
From there I still have this blog, my political blog, and my sorely neglected Cutting Back and Going Green blog.
Oh and I'm over 100 pages into writing a book.
All in all, we're talking about 14-18 hours of writing every day.
That's a lot of quality time spent with my laptop.
Or roughly 20,000 words typed daily.
Who knew I knew that many words?
It has been a lot of work, and a lot of lifestyle adjustments, but I have to admit, I'm loving every second of it. I'm getting paid to do something I love. I'm getting to study and learn several new things every day. And I get to write for fun on subjects I'm passionate about,and get paid for it! And I rarely have to get up and get dressed- bonus!
It really isn't the worst lifestyle in the world, I'll give it that.

Grateful for the work, but not for sore feet

Guess what? I got a part-time, holiday job! Woohoo! Yeah me! It is just cashier work at a major chain store that I worked at many moons ago. Nothing too spectacular or permanent. And it isn't even giving me enough hours to make ends meet. BUT! None of that matters to me. All that matters is I feel like a human again, earning money, getting out of the house, working, supporting myself (sort of), and getting to talk to people and not just my dog. In short, I am very, very grateful for the work.
I'd downright call this fun if I hadn't had to work on Black Friday. (A line of people outside the store when the employees showed up. I met my personal sales goal for the day within the first 20 minutes. It was painful, people. Painful.) But even then, it just feels good to be doing something again.
I think my first paycheck will sadly have to be spent on appropriate shoes for work. We can't wear running/sports shoes, or open-toed shoes. And a smart person won't wear high heels where you stand all day. Do you know how many pairs of shoes that leaves me? (Do you know how many pairs of shoes I own? Ballpark of 30-40.) Exactly ONE pair of shoes folks. That's how many fit the requirements. And sadly, that pair of shoes is an adorable, and yet not entirely supportive or comfortable, red (Christmassy) plaid, ballet flats. Do you know how many outfits I have that go with red plaid flats? Now subtract all the outfits that involve jeans. And I have exactly one pair of pants and no skirts that work. Yeah, that's a problem. So my first paycheck will be spent buying shoes I'll likely not need beyond the 6 weeks I work there. (I sense a thrift store purchase for these shoes.)
In other news, living in the boondocks can be very exciting during hunting season. I've heard many a shotgun blast today. Considering how many deer a week attempt to kill me while I'm driving, I can only hope the hunters are winning. As my aunt told my dad who told me when we moved here. "It isn't a matter of IF you get in a car accident on this road, it is a matter of WHEN you get in an accident." To wit- I saw over 20 deer in a 2 mile stretch today. And they were NOT yielding the right of way.
That is all, folks! Carry on.

Slowly Going Crazy

Okay, I have a quick confession to make (but only because I know my immediate family never reads my blog). I should not have come home to Virginia. When you are under the gun with a major marketing campaign, feeling unreasonable amounts of work stress, questioning your entire career and life goals, and ready to just kick and scream and throw things at the computer monitor, and wanting to just quit your job because this is really not the way you want your life to be, this is NOT the time to have to make nice with family, visit with relatives, not have a car, not have an escape hatch, not have much privacy, disrupt your entire routine, and have a family that thinks it is their personal mission in life to un-addict me from Diet Coke.
That is all. 

Want to read a funny story about my lunch today?

here's the teaser...

Lunch with Heidi and Sara
$100 bill
Scuzzy guys
True blog moments

For the story click here.

My new alarm clock

I've made an interesting discovery. The sprinklers in my neighborhood turn on at 11 pm. They make a beeping sound before the start.
Why does this matter to me?
The beeping is my cue to stop working and get ready for bed.

Enlightenment- Moving at the Speed of Life

Several times lately I have heard old friends and family say to me that I am back in my element, or in the right place, or that I sound like the old me again. They almost all seem to be laughing when they say it, and I almost always sound exhausted or overwhelmed in the conversation.
It's a good feeling. But wow, I have no idea where this energy all comes from. Or where it used to come from. Or how to make sure I keep it.
If all goes well, I'm getting furniture next week sometime (um, I'll be in touch Laurie). And I can't begin to tell you how excited I am for a real bed. I need my sleep these days, and this broken air mattress and I are not getting along well.

A little bit of this, and a little bit of that

I just discovered this LeAnn Rimes' video, "Nothin Better to Do," today. And I love it. I love the song. I love the sass. And I love the simple, but fun, dance scene towards the end. It's worth watching the whole video.



In other news, I have lots of news. I just can't share much of it yet. Did you know it is possible to have already worked 40 hours and it is only Wednesday night? And I used to think my 911 and fire department days were long. HA!

But to give you an idea about how happy the news made me today, I give you another video-



And if that makes you laugh (because it should), you should then watch this video. And then wipe away the tears of laughter.



You know, the diaper pant really didn't get its day in the sun, did it?

Weekend, Exhaustion is Thy Name

Thursday 4 pm- get the go ahead to launch major project, start working fast and furious

Friday, 1 am- end crazy work, go to bed

Friday, 8 am- meet with new client

Friday, 10 am- meet with another new client

Friday, 12 noon- rush home, grab food, shower, pack, leave for Cedar City


Friday, 5 pm- arrive Cedar, meet up with road manager.

Friday, 5:30 pm- get to Jae's house. Begin adoring cute triplets, and catching up with old friend. Go to dinner with Jae and Brady.

There is something very comforting and relaxing to visit with a friend you have literally known your whole life. You don't have to "get to know" each other again. You just do know each other. There's no need for explanations. No need to worry about what they will think. You can remember what you looked like in your homely pre-teen years, and you are still friends. Nothing can really beat that.

Friday, 7:30 pm- get to Centrum Arena, watch Due West get TWO standing ovations! (Craig Morgan, the headliner, didn't get any.)

Friday, 8:00 pm- Use restroom and find strange ads in the stalls. Disturb other patrons by taking a picture in the stall.




Friday, 9:00 pm- do lots of networking in the hall during the concert. Enjoy watching my Due West boys sign hundreds of autographs. At some point, actually talk to my clients.



Friday, 11:00- get back to Jae's house. Catch up with old friend more.

Saturday, 12:30 am- Brady lets Jae and me know it's late and we should go to bed. We don't argue.

Saturday, 7:30 am- Cute adorable triplets wake up. We all wake up for the morning feedings. I have never before seen such well-behaved and sweet little girls. So cute!! (Jae, please forgive me for the pajama picture.)


Saturday, 9:30 am- Brady kindly checks out the scary noise coming from the back end of my car. He gives me the all-clear, I leave for SLC.

Saturday, 1:00 pm- Decide there is no way I can stay awake much longer, pull over at a truck stop. Discover that the nearby Comfort Inn has a free and strong wi-fi signal. Prove my nerdiness by checking emails.

Saturday, 2:30 pm- Get home, shower, change, leave again.

Saturday, 4:00 pm- Arrive Juli's house for our 2 mile walk. And go to Maverick for necessary post-walk Diet Coke. Get hugs from favorite fairy god-daughters. I heart the Caldwell Chicks.

Saturday, 6:30 pm- Dena and Lance's wedding reception! LOVELY!



Saturday, 8:00 pm- Eddie's birthday party. Catch up with Eddie, Juli, Mattie (pictured), and Camille (not pictured). So fun to see so many faces from home in one weekend!

(sidenote: I weighed myself on Saturday. I am at my lowest weight in 2 years. You just can't tell in that dress with it's apparently unflattering print.)

Saturday, 11:00 pm- Get home, fall into bed, talk to Stacer for a few hours.

Sunday, 1:00 am- Fall asleep.

Sunday, 12:30 pm- Wake up.

Sunday, 12:45 pm- Fall back asleep.

Sunday, 1:30 pm- Answer ringing phone. Nap intermittently.

Sunday, 4:00 pm- Discover there is absolutely no food in my house. Only freezer burned ice cream. I'm starving. Go out to eat.

Sunday, 5:00 pm- Enjoy blissful dinner with an amazing view.


Sunday, 6:00 pm- Decide to stop off and visit these guys. Come up with brilliant event idea.


Sunday, 7:00 pm- Home. I like home. Blog.

No Sleep Till (. . .) Brooklyn!

Does anyone else sing this song to themselves when faced with a crazy work week ahead?



I just have to figure out how to do about 60 hours worth of work before leaving town

Bored and Frustrated

I'm bored and frustrated, as the title bar says. I get this way on Sundays frequently. I have NOTHING to do. No place to go, no one to visit, NOTHING to do. So by the end of Sunday I'm just bored out of my mind and wishing I could just go to sleep and make tomorrow come faster.
Except I have nothing to do all week either. Nothing to get excited for or look forward to. And that frustrates me even more. It's just another week where all I have to do is work. And quite frankly, I'm not supposed to be working as much as I do (I work billable hours, and I'm not supposed to work more than a client is worth). As pathetic as it may seem, I get so bored when I get home from work that I just start working again. And I'm pretty sure that has a lot to do with why I burn out so easily.
It's the fact that there is no end in sight to the boredom. I'm stuck in a low finances- high boredom situation that won't be changing any time soon. And I'm not good at this. I'm used to being active and busy and involved in things. But since moving here- NOTHING. Seriously, I've lived here 11 months now, and things aren't getting any better in that department are they? I swear they are actually getting worse.
Don't give me the crap about trying harder and putting myself out there more. Because believe me, I've tried very hard. Maybe it's just time to accept I'm a square peg in a round hole, and I'm never going to feel comfortable here? And maybe it's time to accept that this is what life is like over 30 and single. You just get good at being alone, and always being the gooseberry.
Whatever it is, I hate it right now.

Just made my whole day

Me: What day works better for you to attend my farewell lunch? Friday or Monday?

Office Cabana Boy: Well, if waiting till Monday means we keep you one more day, I vote for Monday.

Gotta love that kid. I wish more 19 yr old boys were that good.