Things to Do Before Turning 50---Update

It is funny how things can change. When I started this blog in May of 2007, I had intended to list here my goals before I hit the big Five-O. I wanted to also chronicle improvements, etc. Unfortunately, sometimes things planned do not pan out. I created the list, placed the updates in red in 2007 and early 2008; however, I have yet to add more.

As I am turning 45 this year, I only have five years left before I turn 50. I still have a lot to accomplish. Although I did not make a lot of progress on a lot of things I have hoped to achieve sooner, I; however, accomplished a lot more than what were on my list. For one, I have become a freelance writer. I started in May of 2007, right around the time I started this blog. I write for Demand Studios (DS), Associated Content and Bright Hub. I even wrote a few articles on Helium, but decided to drop that gig due to my other commitments. So far, my biggest money-maker is Demand Studios. I rake in between $1,000 to $1,400 each month of extra income. If not for my full time job, I know I could bring in more. It is a great second supplemental income. We would not have been able to afford paying another car without it. Since we now pay cash on everything, it is our cushion.

I am planning to increase my writing goal. I am a bit slow in writing because I do thorough research and I also make sure that everything I write (well almost everything) have at least one photo to raise my scorecard. It pays to be thorough...I get fewer rewrites and I get to do a lot of other special projects for them that pays more because of the quality of work that I do. However, I do want to be a "Q&Q" Writer for DS. Q&Q stands for "Quality & Quantity". I would really want that recognition, a DS shirt, and, most especially, increase my income!

So, why am I here blogging instead of writing, well...I do not have a deadline this moment. I have one before midnight. I am quite ahead actually, finishing most of my assignments ahead of time. I use this blog to motivate me, that is why I am here. Good excuse right? RIGHT!

Anyway, I plan to write at least 4 to 5 articles on DS a day. I currently write 2 to 3. I would like to increase my monthly income from writing for DS to $1500/month. Doable? YES! Then, as I hone my skills, I would like to raise it to $2000/month by early 2010. WISH ME LUCK!

A lot of DS writers make a lot of money. They write for a living, they write fast and they are experienced...more than I. I go to the forums and learn from them and I am inspired by most writers there. Some, well, there are a few bad apples who only whine each day. I ignore those forums, those that have rants and negativity. I have a lot of better things to do with my time.

I plan to write 5 each day from Monday through Friday and, maybe increase my Saturday and Sunday submissions to 7 to 8 per day. I do want to spend time with my husband and daughter, so I am really trying not to claim so much for weekends so that I will have more time with them. At least with DS' new system that you can claim after each submission, it helps. I do not have to panic and I do not have to claim articles and dump them if I cannot fulfill them.

I take Saturday writing as it comes. I hate to sacrifice my time with family, so I do it lightly these days. However, to reach my goal of $2000 it may be difficult to adjust schedule, but I would make it work. With mounting bills to pay...and Jessica going to college in 3 years, I have to save more!

Anyway, as I said in the beginning of this post...there will be changes. I am adding this to my list of things to accomplish before my 50th birthday, which is in August 2014. I will also update the original list. I am still going to write creatively and try to publish a novel.

Check out this blog for more updates from me.

Bye for now :)

July 31st ---Our 16th Year

To my dear husband Patrick---

I know it has been almost two weeks, but since I have been swamped with other things...I forgot to post my thoughts.

I am so grateful that we have lasted this long, and I pray that we can have more years to come. We have been through rough and tough times together, yet we are still standing strong. I know that we can withstand the tests of times and we can pull it through. 2007 and 2008 were really tough on us as a family---with the economy and our big "clan" move. This year...well so far so good. We are seeing improvements in our lives, although we have a lot more to do. Thank God for His love and guidance.

I know that there are tougher roads ahead; however, I know too...as long as we are together and God watching over us, we will survive.

So, to you my wonderful husband, my dearest honey...I LOVE YOU FOREVER!


Sincerely,

Your Loving Wife Josie :)