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Archive for April, 2010

I hit $1000 :)

April 29th, 2010 at 02:23 pm

No, not the lottery, but I hit the $1000 mark in my savings account... needless to say, this is really exciting for me. I dont think I've EVER had that much in savings at any given time. Only $200 more to get to my goal for moving expenses.

It's funny, too, because the place I think I want to move into only has a $99 security deposit. Considering split rent, that could mean I only really spend about $400 in the first month. Extra money is great Smile That will give me a bit of a buffer for a few months.

In other good news, I just finished designing and released my VERY OWN WEBSITE! Big Grin Check it out if you like and let me know what you think:

Text is www.TaraSturm.com and Link is http://www.tarasturm.com
www.TaraSturm.com

The last bit of good news is that this site I'm mildly involved in may hire me on as a contributor, and I love the site. It'll be a great location for future work. I love seeing progress!

Between the business cards, the website, and new gigs popping up left and right, I feel like I've done pretty good this month in building up my freelancing career. Let's keep it coming... hehe.

Other than that, no big news. Just going to classes and working. Trying to make that money! I'm excited for May... not only do I anticipate some great financial strides, but it's my Birthday at the end of the month. Big 24, I'll be camping. I cant wait.

I'll end it here, and hope you all have a wonderful day Big Grin

Is it the end of April already??

April 28th, 2010 at 01:47 pm

Yesterday I built my May spreadsheet in anticipation of May... which is surprisingly this weekend... lol.

It seems my estimates for April were off a bit, but I can adjust my expected income for May accordingly. I've reached just about every goal-- except for making my moving goal. Well, sort of. I had to pull $500 from my savings for the trip to AZ, and I've since replaced it (without reimbursement or payment from the Army, mind you), but I have not reached the target amount yet. The good news, though, is that I have just under $300 left to add. I'll have it in there (hopefully) by the second week in May.

Speaking of goals, my freelancing goal was $100 and to date I have made $424 this month in freelancing income. That doesn't count the other social networking gig on the side. Just purely writing. How freaking awesome is that?!? That's a huge jump from March's $75... lol. Consequently, I'm setting my May goal to $500, but budgeting $400 to be on the safe side. I may budget more like $350 on the safe side, actually.

This is all so very exciting. I just have to keep working hard... and putting my income where it needs to go. That being said, I think I'm staying on base this weekend. I was going to hike, but I think my time could be even better spent by the pool Smile I have some reading I wanted to get done anyway!

It's off to PT for me now, I hope you all have a wonderful day!

In Arizona :)

April 27th, 2010 at 01:48 pm

So I've been in AZ for a week now, and the situation is MUCH better than expected. Though I had a big issue getting my plane tickets paid for, because a certain person at my unit doesn't seem to want to do her job-- or at least do it correctly. But nonetheless, I am here, waiting for that travel voucher so I can get my plane ticket reimbursed. It was heartbreaking to put it on my CC, but I had to get here, and now I'm glad I did.

I do not have to pay for meals, and there are vans we can check out during evenings and on the weekends (dont even have to pay for gas). All is well, and I'm having a wonderful time, actually.

I've been trying not to spend so much money. A few trips to Walmart to pick up some essentials-- coffee for my little coffee pot in the room. I could just get coffee at the DFAC, but I hear it's awful, and I need my Dunkin Donuts and flavored creamer... it's my little bit of home I want to hang on to Smile

My schedule is great. We've been getting 2 hour breaks for lunch, and get off work at 2pm most days. Eeeeasy. PT only 3 mornings a week, and plenty of time to work work work and write write write! Oh, and get school work done!

Over the weekend I went hiking up in the mountains, and I plan to go back with the group this weekend. It was a 15 mile hike total, but it didn't feel so, and there are these waterfalls with natural pools, and it's in this canyon and just GORGEOUS. I took tons of pictures, but my camera cord is somewhere lost at home, so I wont be able to download them for a few weeks.

There's a pool, which I will be checking out this week. There's also a game room in our dorm building that has a pool tabe, a phoosball table, ping pong. My neighbor and me were down there this weekend playing and drinking a couple beers (we're allowed to have it, and keep it in our rooms. That mini fridge has been incredibly helpful).

So overall, it's been a great experience. It hasn't gotten too hot yet, and I know it will. But for now it's perfect. Honestly, I couldn't ask for a better situation.

In other news, I dont think I'm going to have a job when I get home. The company is losing accounts and the sales people aren't picking up the slack... my boss told me yesterday we may all get laid off. This isn't a total surprise or heartbreak to me, because I was planning on finding another job this summer, but I'm sad that the company is doing so poorly. Ah well. Business is business. I dont have a plan B to fall back on, but perhaps that will get my butt in gear to actually find the new job. Freelancing still persists.

I'll end this now, as it's getting rather lengthy, but I hope you are all doing well! Everyone have a great day!

Prepping for AZ and more writing.

April 13th, 2010 at 01:37 pm

So I wrote this big long post yesterday, and it got deleted. So I gave up. I'm starting fresh today :/

So things are pretty hectic over here. I'm leaving for AZ on sunday, and I'm not even close to ready. I don't even have an address for where I'm going after I get off the plane... bah.

So really the frustration is just working with those in charge at my unit. It's so surprising just how unorganized people in the Army can be... but I keep reminding myself I just need to get there. Once I'm there I'll figure things out. I'll assess the situation and see what's best for the whole deal.

Apparently I'm NOT getting a rental car, because it's not on my orders. Actually, I was informed that nothing will be reimbursed if it's not on my orders, but I will be getting per diem? But I have no idea how much per day. It's all so confusing and I have a sneaking suspicion I'm going to have a hard time dealing with all these people.

Really, the only issue is that supposedly the dining facilities are closed on the weekends... which means I'm screwed if I want to eat because I'm going to have to take a taxi into town (read: $75-100 ride) just to eat. Alternatives are being explored now. If I can, I'm going to just purchase a bicycle. I'm just not sure where I'm going to keep it. So I'll see how plausible it is the first week, then just ship it back home.

So on top of my hideous list of things I need to do to prepare for my trip, I also have to take a final on wednesday, and I have a huge bulk of writing to do. The great news is that with an increased volume of writing, I've increased my income. The bad news is that I've got so much more to do. I'm enjoying the additional income, though. Especially considering the cut hours at work :/

Speaking of my writing, I've got up to $243 this month so far in income. More coming! It's really nice to see the progress. I worked so hard last month building a foundation for all this, and it's starting to pay off Big Grin Here are a few of the articles I published yesterday:

Text is The Best Summer Beers with Fruit Flavor and Link is http://bit.ly/9qP64I
The Best Summer Beers with Fruit Flavor
Text is Why Earrings are my Must-Have Fashion Accessory and Link is http://bit.ly/ar8sno
Why Earrings are my Must-Have Fashion Accessory
Text is Ranch Dressing: Misunderstood Condiment or Potential for Gourmet? and Link is http://bit.ly/99DhCd
Ranch Dressing: Misunderstood Condiment or Potential for Gou...

Well, that's it for now! Just trying to get ready and make money! (and not lose my mind in the process) I hope everyone is doing well, and I'll be back shortly Smile

Prepping for my Departure and More writing :)

April 12th, 2010 at 09:29 pm

Well, I leave for AZ in a week, and things are getting hectic. I have a lot to accomplish before I leave, and not a whole lot of time to get it all done. This of course includes an exam and a final (that I have yet read ahead to learn the material it is covering). I also need to pack, run a crapload of errands, and keep up with a busy (and growing) freelancing workload.

Best part? National city is switching over to PNC this week in my area. Happy day, more inconvenience.

Well, that's not the best part. I guess the fact that I fly out in less than a week, and still have no idea where I'm going once I hit the airport is worse, but hopefully that will be remedied prior to my departure :/

All that being said, things are going okay financially. As previously mentioned, my freelancing workload has increased, and with it so has the income. I'm up to $243.27 in freelancing income for the month, which astounds me and puts me way over my $100 goal for the month. Especially considering I've picked up about $100 worth of work today. It's going to be a good month for me in that respect Smile Just think, the month is only half done!

It seems all the foundational work and research I did last month is really paying off. It makes me incredibly excited to see where everything goes. Oh, and I got my fancy new businesscards in the mail Big Grin It makes me feel all too professional. It's almost like I'm a real writer! lol.

Here are a couple articles I published recently:

Text is The Best Summer Beers with Fruit Flavor and Link is http://bit.ly/9qP64I
The Best Summer Beers with Fruit Flavor
Text is Why Earrings are my Must-Have Fashion Accessory and Link is http://bit.ly/ar8sno
Why Earrings are my Must-Have Fashion Accessory
Text is Ranch Dressing: Misunderstood condiment or potential for gourmet? and Link is http://bit.ly/99DhCd
Ranch Dressing: Misunderstood condiment or potential for gou...

In other financial news, BF's b-day was this past weekend, so it was obviously a spendy time. I still haven't exceeded my entertainment budget for the month, but I'm already over on groceries... I'm hoping it'll all even out in the end. I really dont think I'm going to make my budget for the month, but my income I believe is going to be more than expected.

At any rate, I better get back to work! So much to do! Smile

First goal of the month reached :D

April 6th, 2010 at 10:41 pm

So, it's only April 6th, and I've already hit my goal to generate $100 in freelancing income. As of right now, I've made $146.79!!! Can you believe that?? I'm so excited Big Grin Not sure I can keep that dollar amount up EVERY week, but it's a hell of a goal! It's just super exciting given that I only made $75 for the entirety of last month's freelance revenue. I love reaching goals...

Actually, reaching this goal is entirely appropriate for today's Daily Haiku Poem:

Text is Getting There and Link is http://bit.ly/clohrd
Getting There

I published one other piece today:

Text is Advice for the New Student at the University of Akron and Link is http://bit.ly/aTDffE
Advice for the New Student at the University of Akron

Obviously reaching this goal will get me closer to reaching the rest Smile It's these other goals that really keep me motivated to keep writing and getting my name out there. It feels so great to see the kind of progress I'm making-- not only because of the numbers, but because I have people approaching me to write for them. It makes me feel so proud of myself. I've been workin my bum off... I like knowing it's actually paying off.

Along with that great piece of news, it is absolutely GORGEOUS outside. Nothin like working all day with the warm breeze blowing through the screen door. I absolutely love it.

Welp, I hope everyone is well, and experiencing as wonderful weather as I am! Have a great day everyone.



Just checkin in ;)

April 5th, 2010 at 09:10 pm

Unfortunately, I have no exciting news to speak of. It's been a busy day, and it was definitely a busy weekend. I'm 3 articles away from finishing up a job I'm working on-- and thus getting paid Smile I have 5 I have to write for these new people before the end of the week, and interviews to conduct for a couple. Busy busy!

I published a couple things today:

Text is Daily Haiku: One Brick at a Time and Link is http://bit.ly/bgMq95
Daily Haiku: One Brick at a Time
Text is 3 Great Locations for a First Date in Akron, Ohio and Link is http://bit.ly/aKK8Nw
3 Great Locations for a First Date in Akron, Ohio

Back to work now! Hope everyone is having a fabulous monday!

My, what a spendy weekend!

April 5th, 2010 at 01:09 am

Despite the fact that I attempted to spend minimal cash, my bank account is down to $10... heh. I guess it's not *too* bad, considering it was mostly groceries. Went out with my friends last night, but only bought one drink.

Today I ordered my very own fancy business cards! I designed them myself, and I'm fairly happy with how they turned out. I guess we'll see if the quality holds up through the printing process! It was only $10 with shipping for 50, and because I designed them myself I didn't have to worry about that cost. They should get here within the next couple weeks.

Next weekend is likely to be spendy as well-- it's BF's b-day. Not sure what exactly is going on, but regardless it should be a good time. I already purchased his presents, so no additional cost there. Just energy spent keeping up with his festivities! lol.

Other than that, my Easter weekend has been rather uneventful. I had a breakfast of coffee and pie at my mom's, then went home to do quite a bit of writing... part of the time outside to enjoy the beautiful weather.

Hope everyone had a great holiday, and I'll be back tomorrow!

Gorgeous weather.

April 3rd, 2010 at 11:17 pm

Well. It is finally the weekend, and it brought with it beautiful weather. I'd like to say I've been outside all day enjoying it, but unfortunately this is not so. I did, however, manage to have a nice picnic lunch with BF at the park for a bit-- so I certainly got to take in at least a small portion of the beautiful day.

I've been spending the last few hours writing, trying to generate that income! So much to do, so little time, and my roomie's cousin from England is in town, and I know I'm going to be pressured to go out (again) tonight, much to my dismay. I just have too much to do and would much rather not spend any more money. I've went out the last couple nights, and I'm pooped, to say the least.

Hit the grocery store today, which went okay. I've already come close to my budget for the month and it's only the 3rd! lol. Last week's groceries were on this month's budget, and it was a little over the top. I guess the only up-side to this is that I don't really spend a whole lot out at restaurants these days. And I wont be purchasing groceries for the last couple weeks...

Hit up the craft store the other day so I can start a scrapbook for me and BF Smile Cheesy, yes I know, but fun and something we can use to strengthen our relationship. I also bought the materials to make some super sweet mother's day cards. I'm going to be writing an article on how to make a "chocolate-brown" wedding invitation. I figured I could construct the card, but instead purpose them for an occasion I'll actually celebrate... lol.

Other than that, no big news. Just too much to do and not enough time. Thankfully BF is out of town until tomorrow evening, so I'll have some more time to get things done! lol.

At any rate, you all have a wonderful night and I'll be around later!

Hello April!

April 1st, 2010 at 01:46 pm

As I love fresh starts, I am opening my arms to April and extending it a warm welcome Smile

It's been a highly productive week, only to continue so. The weather is supposed to be gorgeous all through the weekend, and I'm rather elated about this.

In other news, I got an offer yesterday to do some freelance blog writing for a local advertising agency. I'm super stoked, and all set to start writing. Best part? It's all about food in my area! I was sitting on campus yesterday, totally amazed. I've always wanted to be a food writer, and even though my work has not appeared in any major magazines, local or otherwise, I am in some ways living out that dream. It's really satisfying to think about.

I have written a few articles recently. Here are a couple I published today:

Text is How To Set an Allowance for your Child and Link is http://bit.ly/d6hcUh
How To Set an Allowance for your Child
Text is Best restaurants in Akron, Ohio for a Graduation Dinner and Link is http://bit.ly/9eojEZ
Best restaurants in Akron, Ohio for a Graduation Dinner
Text is Daily Haiku: We've Come so Far and Link is http://bit.ly/bU3PBN
Daily Haiku: We've Come so Far

I've picked up a couple other freelance gigs in the last week, and it seems I'm going to be a very busy girl. But hey, what else is new? Smile

I love the feeling of being busy and doing what I love. Busy I can deal with.

That being said, I posted my April goals in the sidebar, and I look forward to achieving them. Happy April, everyone, and have a wonderful day!