My Random Thoughts

What I do not like about internet marketing?

2011-12-27T22:31:00.000-08:00

Do not get me wrong, internet marketing is the life of the online businesses today. I like internet marketing if used correctly but when it is clearly misused, i gets in my nerves.

What I do not like about internet marketing?

Never ending backlinks. I mean, come on. I think there is enough backlinks in the article. Content marketing is about your business but the links always goes to your site. Sometimes it is not even relevant. So it is a backlink to a backlink to another site, and another site. Its just tiring. Do you think I would keep up with that? If I get annoyed, I'll just close the site and never come back to it again.

Over integration of keywords. Well, I can understand the keywords and I use it sometimes as a matter of fact, several of my articles in these site have keyword integration as an SEO technique. And it is not a big deal. It just became an eyesore when each paragraph starts with the keyword or each paragraph has keyword integration. Kindly limit your the keywords, or else, Google / Blogger will think it is a spam and delete it, permanently!

Non-sense chitchat. I know you want to convince people that your technique is great and that you are one of the best, and that they will not regret doing business with you. Only to find that at the bottom of the site, you are asking for money for a really good technique that one can actually look for patiently via search engine. The Internet is accessible now to everyone - people. You are not the only one who knows the secret. Now, what makes you different from the rest? That's what should be written in your site.

Search Engine Optimization (SEO). The most complex technique I have ever encountered. Maybe that is why I do not want to learn it anymore. I just read the basic stuff and I am actually happy with it. That's all. But for those who have come around and gone through SEO thoroughly, I applaud you. It might not just be for me.

Internet marketing is one of the best inventions in marketing and with the help of the world wide web, we are not limited to a single location anymore. I like Internet Marketing as long as it is used properly. In the meantime, I will just apply the internet marketing that I think is suited for my blog. :)

Organization rules!

2011-11-13T23:26:00.000-08:00

I do not consider myself a neat freak nor an organize freak. I do not freak out when things are out of place but I do like things to be properly and neatly placed. I feel that my place is messy but friends tend to disagree. They can be like "If you're place is messy, what more can you say about mine... It's a jungle out there!"

I am not a messy person and i usually get the itch when someone's place is messier than mine. I tend to get things in order and the unavoidable habit of being nosy and just put things in their places.

I find that embarrassing and I really am not surprised if my friends are a bit annoyed of this habit but that's my nature.

I feel that whenever I need something I should always know where to look and where to find it.

So a bit of organization skills I find really handy and that works for me.

courtesy of google - from closet-shelf.com

1. Organize stuff by frequency of usage. I tend to put clothes that I do not often wear in the bottom of the drawer or on the far side of the closet so I wouldn't take it when I do not need it.

2. Organize same stuff and put in one container. I have tons of bags (hey, I'm a girl... I love bags) so I have a cupboard specifically for my bags. That way, I can see what bags I have and they are neatly arranged. Same can be done with shoes (buy a shoerack), books (specific bookshelf), accessories like belts, chokers, bracelets, earrings, etc. (a beautifully designed boxes of varying sizes specifically for these will definitely decrease the clutter). Put a label to easily find it.

3. Organize stuff alphabetically. This will really come in handy especially with CDs. You have no idea how itchy I get whenever I see unorganized CDs. Sometimes, it goes out of hand that I just automatically arrange them from a friend's drawer, without telling them. Most of them say thank you. hahaha! :)) Other stuff you can do alphabetically are books.

4. Organize stuff by size. Like Monica from the popular sitcom, Friends, i like to arrange things also by size. From smallest to largest or shortest to longest. Whatever that maybe.

5. Organize stuff by color. Same colors are put together. You will can definitely see if you have too much color or too less color in your life. :))

Simple yet effective. Try it. You'll definitely feel more spacious, more organized if at least one of them is applied in your room. :)

Thanksgiving

2011-11-12T22:31:00.000-08:00

One of the most celebrated holidays of the year and much awaited is the Thanksgiving. Who knew? I mean, we never celebrated Thanksgiving. I have lived in countries where there never was a Thanksgiving day celebration. What is this all about? What is to expect in such occasion?

To start with, Thanksgiving were primarily celebrated in United States and Canada (no wonder we don't celebrate it!). Thanksgiving are celebrated every third Monday of October in Canada and fourth Thursday of November in the United States. Huh! I did not know that.. honestly!

Although this is primarily celebrated in North America, the whole world wanted a piece of the action and have their own Thanksgiving Day Celebration.

Regardless of where you are, you can celebrate thanksgiving your own way. I guess, what we should think about is what we are thankful for. What are the blessings you have received in the year? Do you really have to just wait for thanksgiving to give praise and be thankful? So what is this? Kind of like Christmas where you have to figure out whether you're naughty or nice?

Why do we need to wait for this celebration to be thankful? Let us be thankful everyday that we're alive. We conquered obstacles. We've achieved our goals and we are blessed. After all, isn't that what Thanksgiving is about?

Reviewing my thoughts, reviewing my mind

2011-11-12T14:03:00.000-08:00

As I browsed my own blogs, I realized how naive I am to basically just want to randomly convey my thoughts online. I have heard that eventually you'll be heard... right?

Browsing here, I noticed that I have no particular theme nor topics conveyed. Just random thoughts.. (as the blog title implied). I just write what I felt that time and it was even new to me. Sometimes, I just get lost in my train of thoughts that as soon as I write it, I forget about it.

It was only through comments and statistics that I find people are drawn to certain topics I've written. Again, nothing particular - just random.

Now, I can honestly say - this is my diary and I have to write my life well. :)

Peculiar Thoughts of a Peculiar Mind

2011-11-05T13:46:00.000-07:00

It had been months since I have written anything in this blog and it had drained me to think of what I could possibly write in this blog. I have been contemplating in revamping it and make it sort of like a magazine style. But after a while, I thought.. "hmmm, what do I want readers or net-surfers to learn? What else could I give to them besides the same old boring stuff?"

Then, it hit me.. why not change the style of this blog? I know. It's not natural to monitor the stats. If someone is reading it, they should just read it... nothing else. I should be happy in sharing my thoughts with others. But I wasn't that satisfied.

So I think, what else could I do to regularly write in this blog? I developed a theme-based monthly blog, targeting mid-20s to 40s group (since I'm part of that age group). And what could a woman like me want to learn? Everything.

Stuff doesn't have to be limited. Just pour your heart out here. So maybe that's what I should do. Hope you can give me suggestions.

Update regarding the 30-days of truth

2011-07-01T11:42:00.000-07:00

I have committed myself into writing 250-words essay pretty much about myself for 30 days of random topics I have copied from other sites. It is such an accomplishment to have finished writing the challenges and no matter how hard I try to hide myself, a glimpse of me is still imparted to every topic.

Unfortunately, as the days progressed, the topics get more and more personal, and it scares me to share. As much as I want to talk about myself, it is scary to reveal yourself in public, let alone in the world wide web for everyone to read and see.

Perceived as someone confident, so intact, so strong, I do not want to be seen as vulnerable. I do not want to reveal secrets or hidden feelings that I want to bury.

This challenge has become my therapy, an insight in my mind and a mirror of my mistakes that I intend to forget. I like the idea of taking notes, of journalizing, letting your feelings out - writing it but those thoughts are for me, not for anyone to see. What's the use of blogging if you can't share it with anyone?

I just hope I get over the challenges. Reveal a glimpse of me that I want people to see, people to read. Hope I could let go of my inhibitions because it is not always about me.

Something to Brighten Up Your Day

2011-05-24T02:22:00.000-07:00

Let us try and smile once in a while. After all, it's free. :)

Next time, don't log-on while mugging someone... LOL!

next time.. try the door... :)

What the fudge? Where is this place again?

Can anyone see me?

Have a great day, everyone... :)

What's not to "Like"?

2011-05-18T00:11:00.000-07:00

I read an article today about an Israeli couple naming their daughter "Like". Odd name for a girl, common word for others. Facebook has definitely became a phenomenon as the couple admits that the inspiration behind their daughter's unique name is from the like button of the popular social networking sites.

Dad researched it first, googling names and found that no one has the name like especially in Israel. Talk about unique. That is extremely unique.

But then again, LIKE isn't exactly the first to have odd names. Like's Mom and Dad are known to have unique tastes when it comes to names. Another daughter was named PIE, while another VASH (Hebrew for honey) because the parent's fascination to cooking.

Catchy, isn't it? I wonder what would I name my children... :)

Follow me, follow me, follow me...

2011-04-26T11:59:00.000-07:00

Just as the popular song have said, follow me. If you have noticed, I have put on a "follow this blog" widget on the side of the page. Well, it does help with the traffic and it makes me feel that my blogs are actually read by people, like me. I thought I am just talking to myself, echoing back.

At least there are like-minded people, who do appreciate and actually listen to what I have to say.

I know that we basically just want someone to listen to us. I have always wanted to share what I think is essential for me. And for sure, someone else considers it important too.

Anyway, as I have ranted the past few posts, I have not been satisfied with my blog template and I really am still not. I am not a very techie person. My knowledge is only limited. There is a certain template or format that I really like which I could not work on so I really do need help with that.

But besides this, I really like what I have accomplished with my blog. I get to write regularly now. Well, not as regular as I wanted but at least everytime I think of something I get to write it. and that is exactly what I wanted.

Do look out for some reviews. I love movies so I probably would be writing about my rants and raves about movies or sites or an activity, etc. For someone who isn't exactly fond of the great outdoors, I pretty much have so much to say about the great outdoors.

Thanks for reading... :)

What does your blog look like?

2011-04-22T07:41:00.000-07:00

I am actually obsessed with what my blog look like. I keep comparing it to those I often visit and those that I just come to take notice. I really do not know what it is about the blogs that makes me want to read them. But the most obvious thing that I like about a blog is the way it looks. So hello people, this is what my blog look like.

I still couldn't figure out what my favorite Blogger Template is. This is not the first time I have changed my blogger template and I don't think this will be the last. I am obsessed with what my blog look like so I never settle for one. That is probably what I look for in blogs I read.

I am a bit neurotic when it comes to blogs. Within a glance, I like a blog that is neatly formatted, not too much advertisement, well aligned, catchy headlines. I prefer blog posts that are justified. That's why I tried my best to make my posts justified. And although blogger templates or any blog templates are important and helpful, it does not help you with the traffic, doesn't it?

As much as I like the blogger templates or any templates for that matter, nothing beats the content. As for the content, I like it short and simple (KISS - Keep It Short and Simple) and direct to the point. Basically because I am a direct person so I like the contents to be direct to the point too. No fuzzes, no buzzes. Whatever it is that you want to convey, that would be it... hahaha! :)) Wow! Not much of a smooth-talker obviously! :))

So just in case you have anything in mind or if you could suggest a blogger template or a blog template for me that you think will be attractive to my blog theme, let me know. I might like it and make my blog a sample. Just write the website in comments and would visit it. I do hope I get to at least settle to a blogger template for more than a year before I change it.

Thanks people for sharing... :)

Blogging As Another Form of Income

2011-04-17T10:58:00.000-07:00

I have posted a few months ago about blogging being a legitimate online job. I haven't changed. It still is another form of legitimate online job.

As a matter of fact, I emphasized that it is a legitimate online writing job, especially for novice writers like me. Here is a great way to practice and enhance your writing skills and make your way to professional world of writing. But blogging isn't exactly just for writing, you can actually turn it into a lucrative online business, Blogging as a legitimate online business.

As it does look so simple, it is not easy. In fact, I have been registered in Google Adsense for more than 5 years now and I haven't gotten any money from it. Meaning, I just put ads yet not everyone would want to click it.

But that does not discourage me into blogging. Blogging is fun. I like that I get to write my thoughts and let the whole world know about it. Let us just say my business is to blog, and it is a legitimate online business.

I guess it is a matter of priority. If you really want to earn online, you have to push yourself to earn. Online earning is just like everything else... Hard work. You will eventually reap the rewards and let yourself free if you have reached your goal.

Pieces of advices for those who want to earn online. If you really want blogging to be the sole source of your income, you must:

- Find your niche. Have a focused blog. I didn't, but I like it. The focus mainly is my thoughts to be written.

- Advertise. Get yourself out there. Let the whole world know about your blog. Advertise your blog.

- Monetize. Another thing to get your blog well known, you must also accept advertisers. You can put ads on your blogs, either by giving them space or by registering in Adsense, affiliate marketing, etc.

There are a lot of things to do online, and earning is definitely one of them. In fact, that is a part of them. Keep in mind that if you can blog, you can definitely earn. Just remember, blogging is not just a job... blogging is a legitimate online business.

The 30-day Writing Challenge

2011-03-27T23:46:00.000-07:00

I am committing myself to writing for 30-days.

Rules are:
- It should be at least 250 words of random topics.
- At the moment, it is based on a blog site that listed 30 topics that should be written for 30 days. After the first site, would go on for another site and so on.

This is to make me write everyday and to fully commit into writing in my blog.

If interested, visit The Great Writing Challenge site.

The Never Ending Template Change

2011-03-27T23:41:00.000-07:00

I do not know what it is about the templates that I do not like. I wanted to settle to just one and keep it that way. I just feel that most of my posts look different in each Blogger template, considering they are all of the same content.

Blogger have awesome templates and I do like all of them. Blogger templates are simple and actually, my posts look organized. I always feel it is not how it looks but the content that is more important but in my experience, at least for me, I get interested in a blog if the blog looks organized, neat and easy to read. I do not like too much clutter.

I try to make my blog as clean as possible by not putting too much advertisements. I know that is how I can earn from my blog posts but Blogger templates has nothing to do with what I put in the blog itself.

I do hope you could recommend a great Blogger template and for the at least a few years settle with that look. I am open to suggestions. :)

Free Advertisement for your Website

2011-03-14T00:47:00.000-07:00

Keeping your company afloat is essential especially since there are a lot of external nuisance that could jeopardize your business or website. It really is important to get yourself out there and be known. If you want your site to get noticed or get the best deserved exposure, you might want to consider doing something that is not exactly drastic but at least worth the effort. Besides they are free - free advertisement for your website and business.

Get a website. There are a lot of free website now. You can actually get indexed in major search engines once you establish a website. It does not really matter where you get your domain name or where you made your website, as long as you have one.

Blogging. I can't emphasize enough the importance of blogging to get your business exposure. If you are a writer and you are applying for a writer position, then write. Who would believe you are a writer if you haven't written any. How will we know how well you write if we haven't read any of your articles? Getting sarcastic here. I'm sorry. But you do see my point. Whatever your service or product is, you can actually tell us what your business is all about when you blog. Additional points, if you can be a guest blogger at your favorite blog or blogs that are related to your business or website. You also need to put a bit of search engine optimization integration in your posts. This is one of the best way to get free advertisement for your website.

Tagging. I know this could be a bit of exhausting. It basically involves a lot of persuasion and a bit of creativity. You see if you regularly update your blog and your recurrent visitors happen to like your blog, you may ask them to tag your website. In exchange, you also have to tag theirs. Example of these are the favorite blogs which i have indicated in the left of the page. You can visit them. I admire them as they keep their blogs updated, unlike mine. hahaha! :))

Forum sites. Forum sites are a great way to interact with your future clients or just be actively involve in the web. You can try and be a member of your favorite sites' forum and put your website in the signature line which usually appears at the bottom of your posts. Try it.

You can check my previous post about free advertisement for your websites. The concepts are pretty much the same and with a little effort, your website can go a long way.

Rules for Writing

2011-02-12T08:35:00.000-08:00

It must be the recent development in my profession that I became obsessed with rules for writing and writing itself. Are there any standards? Any formats to follow? Any theme? I never had basis and I am looking for one.

I found this in the site called "The Word of Jeff" by Jeff Wetherington. I do not know where he found these rules for writing but they are very much applicable to every novice writer, just like me.

Well, as you can read on the rules for writing, the one above, writers read... i mean a lot. Sadly, I do not read. haha! :)) Hmmm... I do but mostly blogs. Never had time anymore to read books. Planning to download more ebooks in the near future. I hope i get to read them.

I like it. They are simple, and easy to follow. Very practical. I hope you enjoy these rules for writing.

By the way, I cannot help but put search engine optimization techniques in all my posts. It just became a habit.

How much should a business spend in marketing and advertising? - free ways to advertise your business

2011-02-05T22:56:00.000-08:00

I have written about this before. In my previous post, most of the ways may not be entirely free, but besides being highly effective, they are so cheap. What exactly are free ways to advertise your business?

In any business, you really have to work hard. You have to give more effort than being an employee. All your efforts must direct people to transact with you. Again, there are effective yet free ways to advertise your business.

1. Utilize the Social Networking media. If you have writing experience or good in writing, maintain a blog in your site. Explain to us what your business is about and how will it benefit us. And then, you can share it in facebook, twitter and other social networking sites. One of your invaluable clients are your friends and families. Might as well let them know what your business is about. Right?

Facebook has definitely changed we communicate. Facebook allows you to do a group page. You can set up a group page for your business. You can invite your existing clients to be with you, another way for them to advertise their business. If it is confidential, then just ask your friends and other network contacts to like your page.

2. Another free way to advertise your business is to set a promotion. For retailers, they could give away free gift certificates for your customers for a minimum purchase of a certain amount. Or try the rewards system. After a certain number of rewards or points, they get something. You can display your prizes so its more appealing.

3. Take advantage of the free ads sites. Be it international or local, there probably is one in your area that offers free ads. In the Philippines, one of them is SULIT.com.ph. You can advertise to the site for free. Premium members however, enjoy more perks than free advertisers. Remarkable results though. This site is extremely effective.

4. Smile is the best and the ultimate free way to advertise your business. Always have a smile on your face. Customers come back to a certain place especially if they feel so comfortable and kind of homey. They feel welcome and people are very accommodating.

For other hints, you can check out "No-cost to low cost ways to advertise your business" and "Tweet your way into sales". I hope you do get chance take advantage of the free ways to advertise your business.

How to deal with rejection in writing

2011-02-04T12:31:00.000-08:00

Well, I guess not everyone is exempted. Everyone have felt rejected one way or another. Whether in relationship, work, business or other matters, we have been rejected, In writing, even the most famous writers have been rejected. Regardless, that did not stop them from writing. So how to deal with rejection in writing?

Rejection is something everyone will go through. Kind of a like a right of passage. And every time we get rejected, we feel vulnerable, we feel insignificant... a loser. You have to admit, it hurts and i mean, really hurts. So even if this is your first time or the nth time, it is still not easy to deal with. How to deal with rejection in writing, then?

Well first, we have to accept the fact that we cannot please every one. No matter how hard we try, no matter how likable you think you are, you are going to be rejected and some people will still pick on you. It is a sad truth. And rejection makes our lives invaluable as if we need other people's approval and to make other people happy. To some extent, we have to. More of survival, so we kiss ass.

Writing though has a whole new ball game. Whenever we get assignments, most of the time, we do not see who we are writing for, and it is a constant battle to make a very good first impression. Writing takes a lot of practice. You may know the grammar and the subject-verb agreement by heart but it is still not enough. You need to constantly write to improve yourself.

It is not the rejection that makes you a writer or a person, it is what you do after the rejection. We may not know how to act or how to deal with the rejection in writing. But if you stop writing, you lose. Lost your dream, lost your opportunity. If you see this as an inspiration to do better, then you see the positive side. Just because you have been rejected does not mean you are not a good writer. It simply means you do not have exactly what they need. So ask them, what exactly do they need?

It does take time to step again after being rejected. You feel depressed and wallow for a while. That is totally acceptable. But seeing rejection as an opportunity to improve yourself is something you really need to work on. The world does not end just because you got rejected. you need to move on. Work, write more, improve more. Someone might reject you know, but someone will also accept you. Striving to improve yourself, stand up and move on is so much better means on how to deal with rejection in writing.

Legitimate Online Writing Jobs: Blogging

2011-01-30T12:20:00.000-08:00

There are so many online writing job sites now that i can't help but wonder are they all legitimate. I know that some of them really have earning potential but the fact is, you need to go through the eye of a needle to get your articles published. Getting your articles published is like going through a series of editors who would only make comments about your writing being too generic. If you are looking for legitimate online writing jobs, i think it is better to make it freelance.

Yes! Writing is more of practice and hard work than a gift but you have to admit, most writers get more rejection than approval. For us, who are inexperienced writers, it is more likely to get rejections ever so often and it is really frustrating. What better way to improve your writing, do blogging.

Blogging, among any other online businesses, is one of the best way to earn legitimate online writing jobs. It is not hard now to look for topics but you have to be keen on what you are writing about. It should be informative and well researched.

What other criteria should you consider about blogging and why it is worth thinking about?

Again, it is one of the most legitimate online writing jobs you can find. Most of it are free to set-up as there are so many free blogsites. You are not only limited to earn thru writing, you can also incorporate other means of earning online such as affiliate marketing and advertising.

What i love about blogging is that it improves my writing skills. My goal is to earn online and work at home, and i see blogging has an online earning potential. You can pretty much write about everything if you have your own blog. You can even use it as one of your qualifications should you want to make writing as a profession.

You can utilize blogging for pretty much everything besides being a legitimate online writing job. You can use it as your portfolio for photographers and graphic artist. You can advertise your business, either by writing about it or showing it to us through pictures. Blogging is not limited to text. It can be anything.

Whatever and however you use your blog, use it and see how it can help you improve yourself. If you are not using it to earn, you can use it to express yourself and show it to the world. Considering you do want to earn and have legitimate online writing jobs, you can always practice writing while earning through Blogging.

How to earn online? Some online earning business potential

2011-01-24T02:29:00.000-08:00

I love forum sites. Unfortunately, I never get to visit the sites as often as before. One of the topics caught my attention. A thread-starter asked "how to earn online?". She basically want to know and learn how to earn online.

Answers poured and some of them are quite feasible. Here are some of the possible online earning business they have suggested:

1. Blogging. Many people may not believe it but others have already expressed and verified the earning potential of blogging. You need to be creative and have to write as frequent as possible. To earn online, advertise in your blog. You can put a specified blogs space and offer it for a small fee (better to start small).

2. Affiliate marketing. Another way to earn online is thru affiliate marketing. There are some sites that offer commission if you post their banner ads on your site. Every time a visitor from your site clicks the banner ads and buy some products, or register as a member, you earn commission. That is how I understood Affiliate Marketing.

3. Online Freelancing. There are several sites that hire experts in certain fields such as graphics designing, desktop publishing, consultancy, etc. You can either maintain a website of your services or you can register to sites such as Odesk, Elance, etc. and other freelancing sites.

4. Writing. There are a lot of sites that hire writers. All you need is imagination.

5. Buy and sell online. Register through Ebay or post your products in your site.

6. Paid-to-click sites. If you like the challenge, you can register to more PTC sites that you can manage.

7. Google Adsense. The most establish among all online earning businesses. Post google ads in your website. the more clicks you get from your site, the more earnings you get.

Here are some of the ways on how to earn online. People have already bear witnessed to its earning potential. Hope you earn too. :)

bagaholics!

2011-01-24T01:42:00.000-08:00

I admit i'm a bagaholic. I recently purchased more than 10 bags and as of now, I really do not know how to use all of them. I just like them because they're pretty and functional and cheap... hahaha! :))

anyway, drool at my new bags.

too bad i haven't used any of them yet. :(

Where to Get Ideas to Write About for Blogs

2011-01-19T13:52:00.000-08:00

I have blabbing for the nth time how much I am not fond of writing yet, here I am, writing! And there are a lot of times where I end up blank or plainly just too lazy to even start writing. It is not easy to look for ideas to write about in blogs. That's why most people give up.

So if I really do want to write, I usually look for ideas. Where? Well, that's unclear. Some of it are even unconventional but at least you get inspiration and determination to at least start a few paragraphs. I know it's tiring. Tell me about it.

I like blogs because it does not limit what you write. You're free. It's yours and people get a glimpse of you through your blog. With your blog, you can be yourself.

anyway, where can you get ideas to write about in blogs?

1. Forum sites
People have a lot of frustrations and questions. If they do not get their answers from their friends and families or if they are not satisfied with their answers, they usually ask strangers. What better way to come across globally than Forum sites. Forum sites have a lot of rules though, but you can pretty much ask anything under the sun. Whatever itches you. Ask them, someone will definitely answer. It may not be now, but there will be. Why not, instead of posting your answers in the forum sites, write them in your blog, elaborate and research your ideas and put them in.

2. TV shows - documentaries and news
There is not much good news nowadays. Besides, we ignore good news. We focus more on the bad news. Documentaries give a glimpse of the bad side of life, our country, our economy. I doubt there is any good documentaries. Probably anything to do with kingdom animalia. But then, I do not watch much anyway. But these shows encourages thoughts. Thoughts that are put into actions. So if these wakes you up, write about it in your blog.

3. Rants and raves
If you're happy and you know it, write it down. *clap, clap, clap*
If not, well, you can still write about it. Your blog is yours unless you give someone else an access to it.

4. Advertisement
Well, this may not be inspiration but if you have an online business, you have to advertise. Most companies have their own blogs to better explain what their business is, the services they offer and how they will help their customers. You can do yours too. Write about your business.

5. How-to's
Step-by-step guide into doing your expertise. Share to us. Recipes (including procedures), Origami samples you have, cellphone usages, etc.

Well, no need to elaborate more. There are other criterias on where to look for ideas but some generally fall into some of these criteria. It may not be easy to look for ideas to write about in blogs, but you always get a chance to do at least one of the above. It does not have to be long. What you write is completely up to you.

Oman in all its splendor - El Jebel El Akhdar

2011-01-19T13:13:00.000-08:00

Here are some of the spectacular views I have of Oman. Been here for 5 years and still going. I have not seen myself yet leaving Oman. Oman is part of my life now and a place I call home.

Warning: these are my pictures. if anyone wants to borrow or copy it, let me know. otherwise, don't you even dare..

An Abandoned Village - I do not know how old this is...

one of the abandoned houses in the abandoned village.. lol!

the abandoned village - mountain side

Is writing for you?

2011-01-05T11:01:00.000-08:00

I have registered to several writing sites and those that really pay, are hard to pass thru editing unless you have an impeccable, grammatically-correct, original (unique) article.

There are so many things to consider when writing online. You need to have knowledge of search engine optimization, updated with the most searched keywords, proof-reading, a little bit of editing here and there, and page views. Oh yeah! How will you earn if no one reads it. And I thought writing thru their sites will help me get page views.

Established writing sites have community of readers. They could read your articles but you're competing against each other. They don't want to read your articles. You need to make your title stand out just to get other's attention.

Writing is a trend now. Most people write and there are several reasons why. I just thought that my enhanced writing skills would be enough to get other's attention. I guess not! I have one writing gig, and I think that would be enough for me to earn online for now. I know that writing will help you earn but I will still keep my day job.

Why do you write?

2011-01-03T11:53:00.000-08:00

Have you been sucked in the hype of earning online thru writing and joining the endless streams of paid-to-write sites? I am. My goal is to work at home. I admit that I write to earn. I really want a steady flow of income online. And there’s totally nothing wrong with that. Who doesn’t want to earn doing something you love?

I always thought that writing is a gift and only special people can write. After reading several articles and books about writing, they say it is not exactly true. Writing, like any other profession, takes time to master. You need to continuously writing to enhance your craft and you get ideas upon ideas when you write frequently.

But even if you have a thorough grasp of how to write and what to write, putting into practice takes courage. It's not as easy I thought. I thought that when you have your blog, you can easily get people to read your blog, I was dead wrong.

So why do people write?

- They write to earn

- They write to relax

- They write to express their feelings

- They write to communicate

- They write to because it's fun

- They write to share their expertise

I put "write to earn" as number one because most people do want to earn thru writing. Even budding young writers thought “if I could just have that one chance to write something amazing, i could be a millionaire”. So they enroll to writing class, get comments about their writing, be graded and upon completion of the course, graduate. There's nothing wrong with having to enhance your skills. If that will help you, go for it.

What I am talking about is that people assume that it is easy to earn thru writing. It's not! If you're new to the job, don't they put you into training first or at least give you an orientation of what the company is about, explain your duties and responsibilities, and put you on a probation basis? It's the same in all companies including writing sites.

I have a new writing gig and it helps me enhance my writing and actually earn from it. The articles in my blog are unique. Although not much, there are new visitors coming every day. It doesn’t have a theme but I write what I think will help me do something better. I share what I learn in my blog. I make it a point to write as simple as possible for others to understand. I just want to share. I’m not giving up writing but I think that earning isn't supposed to be a priority.

A new graduate of a writing course dreams of one day leaving his legacy thru writing. A blogger expresses his daily activities thinking how other people can learn from it. An expert advises people about how to make their lives better and easier. A writer writes his dream and inspires people to chase their dreams. Our goal is to make writing fun and to put that thought in 500 words or less.

Optimizing Site Using Search Engine Optimization

2010-12-29T06:28:00.000-08:00

I finally understood at least in my own little way how search engine optimization works. I still find it complex but at least i can effectively use it now.

At the moment, I find myself having writer's block (as if I'm a writer) but from what I've gathered, I found that search engine optimization works by:

- putting the keywords in your title. If you want others to easily find your site, write the keywords in the title.
- spread the keywords evenly to your content. the keywords should appear numerous times in your article. it will enable the search engine to focus its search mainly in your site for such keywords.

note: keywords may appear several times in your content but not as much as that the content is considered a spam. i think 5 to 8 times will be okay depending on the number of words your article contains.

although this isn't the only way to utilize it but if used effectively, search engine optimization will help you and your business to be on top of the page.

Does Email Posting works?

2010-12-21T07:56:00.001-08:00

I have been blogging for sometime now yet i never took advantage of email posting. I guess it never crossed my mind. I tried it in my other blog, the first try worked instantly. now, what can i say about this feature?

for those who use blogger, Its one great way to update your blog without logging in to your account, especially if they don't allow internet browsing to your office. most companies block sites like facebook and other networking sites in their offices, since most of their employees spend their time updating their status and nosing around their friends business. I find facebook and networking sites addictive. the more you spend time there, the more hooked you are. and although, you keep telling yourself your not going to look at them anymore, you're still going to browse.

that's why some companies block sites such as those. they feel that their employees become unproductive because they keep an eye more on the facebook friend's status than actually working.

so how do email posting apply? well, companies can't block everything, right? you still have access to the internet. blogger has this email feature that just lets you send your article directly to your blog, just like what I'm doing right now.

Try it!

Write, Right?

2010-12-19T22:37:00.000-08:00

there has been a huge trend right now in article writing and building reputation through blogs and content writing. Other sites would pay huge amount for creative writers just to fill up their sites and get updated on the latest trends. it is also a way to keep yourself on top of search engines.

i've seen most of the ad sites with huge paid ads, banner ads etc. looking for writers. writers now have a lot of opportunities to write and a lot of venues to choose from. they can even establish themselves on their own by building a reputable and original blog.

i too have fallen in this trend, as you can see. I have registered thru several online writing sites that promises me to earn this much if you write good, original, unique articles thru earning share and page views. do you honestly believe that will happen?

i haven't written that much but whenever i do, it took me a lot of effort to come up with something to write about and to make my articles original.

nowadays, it seems your lost if you haven't followed the fad. even newspapers and broadsheets have seen the importance of blogging that most of their articles (which are published in their papers) are also published online. its for those reasons, website owners become more intimidated since they do not see themselves as writers and neglect the blog part of their site.

do we really need to write? i know, we do. but is it necessary? for website owners, how important is blogging or the website content for your? will anyone be willing to pay huge amounts just to fill up the slot for their blogs?

what other options would anyone do to earn online? I was just thinking out loud. This is my dream too.

On our way to Seifah

2010-12-11T02:18:00.000-08:00

It was 25 November 2010. we were on our well-deserved, much-awaited departmental outing. planned by the Filipinos in the department, we were joined by friends from other departments and other companies. A fun-filled overnight outing with friends and colleagues at the majestic beach of Seifah, Oman.

at the Sultan Center, Qurum (the meeting place)

upon arrival, the first view

Ahhhhh! the beach...

time passed and before we know it, its night time... the moon is eerie. too bad i didn't take a picture. the night is young but we're all tired so, we fell asleep as soon as our backs hit the sleeping bags. hahaha!

bonfire... duh!

almost everyone woke up at 6:00 am. for someone who considers herself nocturnal, 6am is too early for me. anyway, the sea is inviting but i was never in the mood for a swim, besides, the night has been cold and the water is probably freezing. i didn't like the cold.

the morning is good, its promising...

moon in the morning

well, what do you know? i found a goat on the mountaintop. i could have guessed goats are far better rock climber than us... hehehe! wonder what he's doing?

find where the goat is...

I guess he's waiting for his friend... LOL!

now, find where the goats are...

well, we didn't want to go home late so we head off as soon as we finished our breakfast. we were all too tired, probably because it had been a while since we had an overnight camp on the beach. our bodies are sore and we can't keep our eyes open.

during the trip back home, i can't help but take pictures of the lagoons we passed by. its just breathtaking.

Wonder when we go back... or maybe explore new places. we'll see.

Search Engine Optimization

2010-12-09T14:20:00.000-08:00

I never really understood what the fuzz is about the search engine optimization (SEO). i only thought that once you write a blog, people will eventually find out about it and visit your site. There is actually a way for them to visit your site and read all about you.

from what i've understood (although, i know its more complex), SEO is a way of marketing or advertising your site without much as a dime involve. what it does is keeping your site / blog on top of the list in search engines so that people visit your sites first before anyone else's. i guess that would really be cool. i mean, your site above all sites. WOW!

unfortunately for me, my understanding about it is so shallow, i kind of don't want to follow it. for me blogging is just a way to keep your friends and families updated about you and what your interests are (like social networking sites only more detailed). the problem with blogs in particular, is that whatever you write here, the whole world can see. of course, there are privacy settings and all that, but who knows who still have access to your site, right?

i guess im not as techie as i thought, search engine optimization for me is complicated. but there are several ways to advertise or make your site up at least among your clientele.

you can check out my previous post about "no cost to low cost ways to advertise your business". i basically outlined some ways to advertise your business without much cost.

you can also find out some ways to advertise your site here... click here.

well, no matter what you write in your site or blog would be irrelevant if no one reads it, right? who do you want to tell your stories about or what your business is all about, who do you think else cares to read about anything you write. that's who you should write to... target your audience. search engine optimization only works if you really put your mind into it. everything needs hard work. we should all try.

November... Spookiness!

2010-11-05T08:21:00.000-07:00

I just noticed that i haven't written anything this November. I know its just the first few days of the month, but still.. i haven't written any. I'm starting now.

November 1 & 2 are considered the thriller / chiller / scary days in the Philippines. Filipinos give honor to their dead loved ones on All Saints Day (01 November) and All Souls Day (02 November) - right after the Halloween (31 October).

Also, these are the days where everyone scare themselves. All the ghost stories, paranormal activities they've encountered were talked about and written. Lame, I know. But we love to scare ourselves.

I happen to like horror movies. And for me, the key to overcoming the terror in the horror movies is to watch it over and over, until you see all the flaws. Then, you don't think about the story anymore, just the ridiculous graphics and the other weird gooey stuff they put in the movie as special effects.

I have several paranormal encounters too. And I know I would feel and encounter some more. I probably have hypersensitivity to presences. I don't see them, I just feel them.. at least not all the time. But whenever I I do, i always tell myself, God is greater than fear.

If God is with us, who can be against us? right?

Frustration

2010-10-26T02:30:00.000-07:00

knowing i'm going to be disappointed and frustrated, should i still continue something i know will hurt me eventually? i shouldn't be looking for it anymore. i shouldn't expect more. whatever it is, be contented and be satisfied. will that always be the excuse when you know that there is something else you can do? you can make it better. you can compromise. what excuses should i hear now? just be quiet for now... (Vent!)

Tagalog please...

2010-10-23T11:38:00.000-07:00

Subukan ko ngang magsulat sa Tagalog. Madalas kasi, Ingles ang isinusulat ko. di ko akalain mas mahirap pa lang mag-isip ng isusulat sa tagalog kesa sa ingles.

ano bang magandang nangyari sa akin nitong linggong nagdaan? hmmm....
- nagsimula na naman akong magturo online. balak kong mag-turo linggo-linggo, kung kakayanin...
- nagsawa na rin ako sa Facebook (himala!) gayunpaman, nakatambay pa rin ako dun.
- mag-aral at matutong magsalita ng Arabic. matinding pangangailangan lang..

ang hirap pa ring mag-isip ng isusulat, siguro dahil pinipilit kong magsulat. kung di ko naman gagawin, ano naman ang mangyayari sa blog ko. dapat pala mga maiigsing kowts (quotes) na lang ang napili kong isulat dito, hindi nobela. kung bakit naman kasi masyadong mapilit eh!

kelangan ng makakita ng bagong mapaglilibangan... hehehe!

uh-huh!

2010-10-21T14:23:00.000-07:00

this past few days have been a blur. i dont know what the heck im doing and im slipping most of the time at work. my mind wasn't in what im doing. im not stressed, just bored. i really need a change or i need to change myself. either way, the pressure's killing me. maybe its just PMS.

since i havent been writing in my blog for a while ( i blame it in the internet), i also slipped in exercising. from now on (here we go again...).. i am writing as often as possible. it may not be everyday, it can be every hour. whatever comes to mind must be written. AJA!

things to do:
- teach online
- look for volunteer jobs
- look for teaching job
- look for a new job.. period!

vent 1

2010-10-16T08:35:00.000-07:00

dont feel like writing today. i never expressed my true feelings here anyway, what's this for.

hmmm... what song should i associate with what im feeling today? one is "i love you, goodbye" and "i miss you" by mymp.

that's all... :(

Light

2010-10-15T08:18:00.000-07:00

"let your light shine before men that they may see your good deeds, and praise your Father in heaven." - Matt. 5:16

have i been a light? have i done my christian duty? i go to church regularly and i try avoid temptations. but is it enough? whenever people see me, people try to know me, do they see Christ in me? Do they see the Christian lifestyle i wanted so badly? or am i one of the reason why people avoid church now?

making a reflection.

week-end

2010-10-13T08:39:00.000-07:00

sadly, i didnt write in my blog yesterday. no internet connection. i guess i shouldnt complain to the things that are lacking. i chose not to have an internet connection. i chose to have a prepaid service and since i dont subscribe internet at home during work days, i dont have internet at all.

oh well, this has been an uneventful week. nothing much to do i guess. nothing fabulous. that must be because i dont like going out.

i miss the philippines. whenever i feel like going out, i just go out! you dont need to have a reason to go out, i just do. although, i can do that in Oman, its not easy! besides, there's nothing much to see. their idea of recreation is to sit on the side of the road and eat... go to the beach or any empty lot and play football. i dont do that! might as well be at home and watch tv... much better!

what a boring lifestyle!

why do i miss you?

2010-10-11T08:27:00.000-07:00

i dont know why either.
i just know i do.
i can't help it.

you make me smile,
you make me cry,
you make me want to jump high.

excited...
frustrated...
exhausted...
disappointed...
that's what i feel when im with you.

i want to see you again.
i hope its soon. :)

Day 5:

2010-10-10T08:54:00.000-07:00

Exhausting day. had been busy at work. shouldn't complain, that's part of being an employee. i wish i can take as many breaks as i want.

its a good thing i don't answer phone calls anymore. so many irate people. i dont know if its stress-related or age-related, or people are just generally rude. they all need to take a telephone courtesy course or something. its irritating.

need more time for relaxation. should have taken yoga or anything, to relieve stress. i miss vacation. i need another vacation.

never a day without a line

2010-10-09T10:01:00.000-07:00

Day 4:

i just googled my blog title and i shouldn't be surprise, i'm not the only blog with this title. It's so common. It came from the saying "Nulla dies sine linea" (never a day without a line) Horace - 658 B.C. A common title from a well-known philosopher.

Most writer made this saying their motto. To enhance their skills, they need to write something everyday, regardless of what it is. it might something that happened to them within the day or that instance or just a way to express their feelings. Like a video blog for those who like to talk about themselves and don't want to enhance their writing skills.

writing here is more of a way for me to practice English, although i do want to enhance my writing skills. another way to practice is forum sites. I like forum sites so I joined them, paid or unpaid, Tagalog or English. And, since there are only few Tagalog forum sites out there, I always resort to English.

i dont care what i write... sometimes they're not even related to each other. no theme, no directions. just typing the words that goes in my head. no wonder!

It's October, almost Christmas. Better start the countdown to Christmas.

My week is booked with routine activities at least for the next couple of months. Arabic class on Saturday and Mondays, Choir Practice on Tuesdays and weekends (Wednesdays) well, up to the gang for hang-out!

Looking forward to the week-long Eid Holiday and the National Day which will be on November, I hope i get to go somewhere during the holidays. and before you know it, 2010 just passed. at least i've accomplished something this year. now i need to plan next years activities. need to sort my priorities and goals. better start saving...

see.. no relation whatsoever... and yet, i kept on typing... :)

it will soon make sense!

trying!

2010-10-08T11:42:00.000-07:00

now writing isn't burdensome, its work. its like an exercise. you just have to do it!

for the first time, i've watched a hindi movie. "anjanaa anjanni" (something like that) - meaning strangers. wasn't what i expected. its actually not bad. i had fun and the movie was funny. for some strange reason, i can relate to the movie. i hope it doesn't happen to me though.

relationships are hard. that part everyone can relate. i dont want to attempt suicide though, which the characters did. i believe that whatever your problems are, there's always a solution. it's not a reason for someone to end their life. well, just like any other movie, its cheesy.... the characters obviously end up together.. so predictable.

i hope everyone figures out what they want in relationship. we all wanted someone perfect for us. they have to be this... they have to be that... how about us? are we worthy for them?

right now, i'll just have to prepare myself to whatever comes. :)

Anything free

2010-10-07T08:44:00.000-07:00

I love freebies. I loved it so much i made another blog just for those i found free online. I am a firm believer that education is important. People have to be knowledgeable and that education need not to be expensive.

A supporter of that belief is the site called University of the People. University of the People is a tuition-free site with a wide range of courses. It has created a lot of buzz and has been featured in businessweek and other well-known journals and publications.

Check out their website: Click here.

for other free online courses, go to Bargain and Freebie Hunters.

Afterall, who doesn't love freebies? :)

thinking hard...

2010-10-07T07:07:00.000-07:00

today's the second day... still blank. why is it so hard for me to think of something to write about? i mean, this should be a breeze. apparently, not everyone is gifted and only few enhanced their writing skills.

so far... thought hard about career advancement. i have to say that pursuing a teaching career has been so appealing. i'm getting sick of the monotony. the same job - everyday, same boss, same colleagues, same position, etc. i do like my colleagues, and i can't quit my job... at least not yet!

the walls keep closing in on me, as if my time is running out. i got this feeling that if i dont work on it, i will never get out! my boss will retire soon. no one knows who will replace him. And, most of my colleagues, at least the one i'm directly involve with, are planning to leave (quit). i guess it's time to think hard of what i really want.

to stay in job that drains me or to pursue a career and hope that it works out for me...

writing is such a burden...

2010-10-06T04:00:00.000-07:00

first day to write...

hmmm... what should i write about?

i'm a very talkative person but when it comes to writing, i go blank. i mean, i only have to write my thoughts. what's so hard about that?

i must be so critical of myself. i'm very particular when it comes to pronounciation, grammar, spelling and punctuation. i edit while writing which is not what's suppose to be.

but just like everything else, writing is suppose to be fun. they say its good for you. venting out your feelings, letting your emotions go, imagination gone wild, etc. etc. FUN is the key. everything becomes a burden when its not fun.

practice makes everything perfect. maybe if i do this everyday, i will get the hang of it and eventually, writing will flow smoothly. i sure do hope so. i still have a long way to go.

what to do online...

2010-03-19T11:47:00.000-07:00

- play online
if you have a good internet connection, there are several sites which you can go and play online for free.

- facebook / friendster and other internet networking sites
get in touch with your friends and love-ones, get updates and find out what they're doing.

- look for online money making sites... (at least you can earn)
there are several money making sites besides doing blogs... some of the links are listed on the right side of this page.

- read ebooks
i happened to like reading books but i dont have the money to buy them. found several free ebook sites ready for download and print... hehehe! you can go to www.ebook3000.com, www.ebook30.com, www.free-ebooks.net.. just to name a few.

Make use of your time. utilize it to enhance your knowledge and earn at the same time. there are several legitimate sites which you can earn and download whatever you like. internet is not just for fun. try and use it for the purpose of learning.

:)

Making money online

2009-10-12T05:56:00.000-07:00

I've been surfing the net for several articles on online business and blogging. Most of them are rather common tips and tricks. I found most interesting (and I could say it is proven) that the most visited articles, particularly mine, are clearly the ones I wrote... no one else. never been copied and never been published (besides here in my blog)!

I find writing difficult because it takes a lot of effort and my time. I sometimes think it is foolish. but when you think about it, you can express yourself more in writing than in anything else. it's also hard to convince people to read what you wrote. I hate being criticized. Maybe that's the reason I never tried writing at all as profession. It all seems to easy for the gifted and painstaking for the mere mortals... :)

I've discussed about tagging before. Its actually one of the ways you can write and do a little bit of advertising. You tag one blog and another blog tags you.... and so on and so forth.

I mean, its kinda easy... you're surfing the net anyway. so might as well use it to something that will make your time productive.

Tagging techniques:

1. When you find a very interesting article/blog... copy it, quote on it (unless it is copyrighted)... and put it in your blog. at the end of your article, write where you found it (which website).

2. When you comment on other people's blog, they simply can't resist looking in your blog back (backlinks) because they want to know who wrote those comments. Good or bad, its one way to get traffic.

3. i love forum sites. love them so much, i'm a member of several forum sites... whether they pay or not. try to make your replies/discussions as interesting as you can. they will try and look for you somewhere.

4. do what you love best and then, do it in the net. if you love writing, write a lot. if you love drawing, keep on drawing and upload it in the internet... you get the picture.

You've been Tagged

2009-07-01T00:34:00.000-07:00

Im so amazed at how some people just happened to have this gift of writing so effectively almost about anything. I would say im one of those who doesn't have the GIFT.

I never really seemed to care about blogging. I just like it because its a fad, just like everyone else's reason. But being tagged by another blogsite like The Humble Pen, amazes me. I would say that one of the visitor's of that site actually visited my site. I always knew that link exchange works but I never pursued it.

Anyway, according to Christine, I have to write 7 random things about me. Unfortunately, 7 is not enough... so I'll make it 10. here goes:

1. Im a frustrated writer... i tried but writing doesn't seem to like me...
2. Im a chat, forum and net surfing addictus... (at least that's what i think)...
3. My brother, my sister and I all attended the same school since kindergarten up to highschool.
4. I am currently in one of the most beautiful place in the world, yet I still want to go home.
5. I am currently emotionally struggling between pursuing my dream career or stay at a job where I felt drained my energy.
6. I love to watch TV... as in couch potato.
7. Although, not all people believes this, but Im an Introvert. I like to be by myself most of the time. :)
8. I want to be rich... (who doesn't)
9. Frustrated Teacher... haha!
10. I love to sing...

now, it's your turn.

Notes from my desk
The Humble Pen
Free Tips and Wits

I'll write more blogsites after this.... will browse more in Blog catalog... :)

An Inspiring Phrase

2009-05-30T22:20:00.001-07:00

Every sixty seconds you spend angry, upset or mad, is a full minute of happiness you will never get back. Life is short, break the rules, Forgive quickly, Kiss slowly, Love truely, Laugh uncontrollable, and never regret anything that made you smile.

how to fireproof your marriage?

2009-03-11T13:45:00.000-07:00

how can you fireproof your marriage? or relationship for that matter?

i watched a movie entitled "fireproof your marriage". i have to admit that initially, i find it really boring... this is not the kind of movie you'd go to... its not a box-office hit / blockbuster material, but it was rather interesting.

i haven't been married but i will soon. this movie was sort of an eye-opener. i have admitted that i am a christian and i have taken my relationship with Christ for granted, same with my relationship with my partner.

as i watched the movie, i keep finding myself in the same situations as the characters, considering i wasn't married. relationship do have ups and downs but vows are forever. i am facing a covenant to people, the government, and to God that i will love this man forever, till death do us part and when the worst time came, i broke and left him. is that the kind of love you want? is that the relationship you would like to have forever?

i thought i appreciated everything my partner did for me, after all the loving gestures he always shows me, i started to doubt he was meant for me. one thing's for sure, whether the man im going to marry is meant for me or not, i will still love him. for he taught me how to love, how to be patient and most of all, he helped me grow. he loved me considering im a very difficult person to be with. he showed me patience and support. and the least i can do, is to be with him no matter what, help him, and i will. im so blessed God gave him to me.

http://www.fireproofmymarriage.com/

Perfection

2008-11-26T11:33:00.000-08:00

Key to making everything look good is imperfection.
Perfection is what everyone aspires for.
There is no such thing as perfect.
The little mistakes we constantly make,
The efforts and little details we put,
it is what makes everything perfect.
This will eventually takes us towards our life goal, the road to PERFECTION.

Desktop Publishing Basics Using Microsoft Office Programs

2008-11-04T11:46:00.000-08:00

I have always been told I am so organized. Wait till they see my room (messy!).

Anyway, in the office, being messy distracts me so I make it a point to make everything in order. It helps if everything has labels especially the files.

My computer desktop is clean. I don't like folders scattered on it unless the ones I open frequently. As for box files, it is definitely a breeze for me if all of them have labels. I've also been sort of the "go-to" whenever they have desktop publishing dilemmas like business cards, postcards, newsletters, presentations, etc. Well, that's part of being the Secretary!

Here are some of the programs we can use for simple desktop publishing:

1. Microsoft Word

Microsoft Office has a lot of things of things to offer for creative individuals, especially microsoft word. I have to say that if you've mastered microsoft word, you can definitely do anything. As in everything! Be it graphics designing, desktop publishing, presentations, websites, etc. The basics are all in the Microsoft Word.

Let's just say you want to make labels, you can do it the short way or the long way.

The long way: We're going to use the "Table". Click "Table" in the top of the page, where the menus are. then "Insert", then "Table". A box will pop out where you can indicate how many rows, columns and size you want. If you want to edit the size of the rows and columns, just highlight the table and right click "Table Properties". Click the tabs of rows / columns, then, set the size.

The good thing about the Table is being able to modify the size. You can use this for option for making business cards, small card inserts, mailing labels, folder labels, etc.

The short way: Click the "Tools" menu. This is for the older Microsoft Word Versions (2003 & older). Go to "Letters and Mailings", click the tab for "Labels". For setting a standard label, click the "Options" button. It is set to the Avery standard, and below it is a drop down list of all the standard Avery labels. Just choose from the list. Try exploring it. You can still modify the size with this option.

2. Microsoft Publisher

Although, not many people use this program, this is really a handy, easy-to-use, extremely program for desktop publishing. They have templates for websites, brochures, headings, business cards, business forms, labels, greeting cards, certificates, postcards, etc. You can insert your pictures or use the variety of design in its database that will suit the your taste.

3. Microsoft Powerpoint

Powerpoint is mainly use for presentations, but it has so much more to offer. the fact that we can utilize the backgrounds helps us even more to design our own website, labels, postcards, etc. You can use it more with prints by going to "Page Setup" found in File Menu. You can customize the size of the slide.

These programs are what we usually take for granted. We just use them primarily for typing documents, use to make our presentations look professional, or have just to look for business forms. Having mastered these programs will make all your documents look neat and professional. It also shows your attitude towards work. how we value and love our work. All your efforts are reflected on every detail you put. :)

Street Foods

2008-10-29T11:56:00.000-07:00

I'm a fan of street foods. Although, i try to avoid it for sanitary reason, I still could not resist. Philippines is infamous for street foods and below are some of the examples. Be careful though! Just check first if its hygienic.

Dictionary of Philippine Street Food (from Ivan About Town blog)

Abnoy - unhatched incubated duck egg or bugok which is mixed with flour and water and cooked like pancakes
Adidas - chicken feet, marinated and grilled or cooked adobo style
Arroz caldo - rice porridge or congee cooked with chicken and kasubha; see also Lugaw
Atay - grilled chicken liver Baga - pig's or cow's lungs grilled or deep-fried and served with barbeque condiments
Balat ng manok - see Chicken skin and Chicharon manok
Balun-balunan - grilled chicken gizzard
Balut - hard-boiled duck egg with fetus
Banana cue - deep-fried saba (banana) covered with caramelized brown sugar
Barbeque - marinated pork or chicken pieces grilled on skewers
Batchoy - miki noodle soup garnished with pork innards (liver, kidney and heart), chicharon (pork skin cracklings), chicken breast, vegetables and topped with a raw egg; origin traced to La Paz, Iloilo
Betamax - curdled chicken or pork blood, cubed and grilled
Bibingka - glutinous rice flour pancakes grilled with charcoal above and below in a special clay pot
Biko (also Bico) - glutinous rice cake with grated coconut topping
Binatog - boiled white corn kernels, sugar, grated coconut and milk
Bopis - minced pig's heart and lungs sauteed with garlic and onion and seasoned with laurel, oregano, bell pepper and vinegar
Botsi - chicken esophagus, deep-fried or grilled
Calamares - deep-fried squid in batter
Calamay (also Kalamay) - glutinous rice cakes; varieties all over the country
Camote cue - deep-fried camote (sweet potato) covered with caramelized brown sugar
Carioca (also Karyoka, Karioka) - deep-fried glutinous rice flour cakes served on skewers
Cheese sticks - deep-fried cheese wrapped in lumpia (spring roll) wrapper
Chicharon baboy - pork skin cracklings, made from pork rind boiled and seasoned, sun-dried and deep-fried
Chicharon bituka - pork or chicken intestine boiled, seasoned and deep-fried
Chicharon bulaklak - pork omentum boiled, seasoned and deep-fried
Chicharon manok - chicken skin cracklings
Chicken balls - balls made with chicken meat, deep fried and served in skewers with a sweet, sour or spicy sauce
Chicken skin - chicken skin battered and deep fried
Cutchinta - see Kutsinta
Day-old chicks - literally day-old chicks deep-fried to a crisp, served with sauce or vinegar
Empanada (Batac) - pork longganiza, egg and grated green papaya in a rice flour shell, deep-fried and served with vinegar
Fishballs - balls made with fish meat, most often from pollock, deep fried and served in skewers with a sweet, sour or spicy sauce
Goto - rice porridge or congee cooked with beef tripe
Halo-halo - translated as "a mix of many things" or "an assortment," it is a dessert topped with shaved ice that may contain sweetened saba (banana), camote, macapuno (young coconut), kaong, nata de coco, pinipig (rice crispies), gulaman (agar), sago (tapioca balls), brown and white beans, garbanzos, ube (purple yam), and leche flan (creme brulee), with milk and sugar; Pampanga has three popular versions in Guagua, Arayat and Angeles which may include pastillas, crushed white beans and corn
Helmet - grilled chicken head
Hepalog (also Toknonong) - hard-boiled duck eggs dipped in orange batter and deep-fried
Isaw - collective term for different types of grilled chicken and pork innards; varieties include isaw manok, isaw baboy, atay, goto, botsi, balun-balunan, and tenga ng baboy
Isaw baboy - grilled or deep-fried pork intestines on a skewer, served with sweet, sour or spicy sauce
Isaw manok (aslo IUD) - grilled or deep-fried chicken intestines on a skewer, served with sweet, sour or spicy sauce; also referred to as IUD because it resembles an intra-uterine device
Iskrambol (also Scrambol) - frostees; shaved ice, diced gulaman, sago and condensed milk
IUD - see Isaw manok
Kakanin - collective term for snacks made with kanin (rice), particularly malagkit (glutinous) rice; varieties include puto, kutsinta, calamay, sapin-sapin, suman, palitaw, biko or sinukmani, and espasol among many others
Kalamay - see Kalamay
Kamote cue - see Camote cue
Kikiam - the special ones are made of ground pork and vegetables wrapped in bean curd sheets, deep-fried and served with sweet, sour or spicy sauce; those in the street are seafood-based, usually made of fish meat and cuttlefish
Kudil - deep-fried pork skin
Kutsinta - steamed bahaw (boiled rice) with lye and brown sugar; has a gelatinous consistency
Kwek kwek - see Quek quek
Lomi - noodle soup made with thick fresh egg noodles or lomi Longganiza - pork sausage grilled or fried on a skewer
Lugaw - rice porridge or congee; varieties include arroz caldo (with chicken and kasubha) and goto (with beef tripe)
Lumpia - spring rolls; varieties include lumpiang basa; lumpiang hubad - fresh spring rolls wothout the wrapper; lumpiang prito; lumpiang sariwa - fresh srping rolls; lumpiang shanghai; lumpiang ubod; and turon
Mais - boiled sweet corn seasoned with salt, butter or margarine
Mais con yelo - sweet corn, milk and sugar topped with shaved ice
Mami - noodle soup
Manggang hilaw - green mango served with bagoong (shrimp paste)
Mani - peanuts either boiled, roasted or deep-fried and seasoned with garlic and salt
Maruya - banana fritters
Nilupak - mashed kamoteng kahoy (cassava) or kamote (sweet potato) with brown sugar and served with butter or margarine
Palitaw - glutinous rice flour pancakes topped with grated young coconut, sugar and roasted sesame seeds
Panara - deep-fried crab and grated green papaya empanda sold in Pampanga during Christmas season
Pancit - noodles; varieties are batchoy (Iloilo) - see Batchoy; batil patung (Tuguegarao) - local noodles topped with hot dogs, chicharon, ground meat, fried egg, and vegetables; pancit bihon; pancit canton - a kind of pancit guisado flavored with ginger and soy sauce; pancit guisado, pancit habhab (Lucban) - saut?ed miki noodles served on and eaten straight from banana leaf sans utensils; pancit lomi - see Lomi; pansit luglog (Pampanga and Tagalog Region) - it has a distinct orange shrimp-achuete sauce and is topped with chicharon, tinapa, wansoy and shrimp; pancit malabon (Malabon) - made with thick rice noodles tossed in shrimp-achuete oil topped with shelled oysters, squid rings, suaje or hipong puti and wansoy; pancit molo (Iloilo) - clear chicken broth with wonton, garlic and crushed chorizo; pancit palabok; pancit puti (Manila); and pancit sotanghon among many others
Pandesal (also Pan de sal) - breakfast roll; rounded bread
Pares - translated as "pair," means the pairing of rice with beef; beef pares is characterized by very tender meat, usually with a lot of litid (ligaments)
Penoy - hard-boiled duck egg without fetus
Proven - hard portion of chicken entrails that is either marinated and grilled, battered and fried or cooked adobo style
Pusit - squid grilled on skewer
Puto - steamed rice cake
Puto bumbong - purple glutinous rice snack cooked in a special steamer
Quikiam - see Kikiam
Quek quek (also Toknanay) - hard boiled chicken eggs dipped in orange batter and deep-fried; also used for quail eggs but some say the correct term for the quail egg version is tokneneng; the balut version is sometimes referred to as hepalog
Sapin-sapin - layered glutinous rice and coconut milk cake usually topped with grated coconut and latik (residue from coconut oil extraction); different flavor per layer such as ube (purple yam), macapuno (young coconut), kutsinta and langka (jackfruit)
Scrambol - see Iskrambol
Sinukmani - see Biko
Siomai - steamed pork dumplings
Siopao - steamed pork buns
Sisig - roasted pig's head, chicken liver, onions and chili, chopped and flavored with calamansi served on a hot metal plate
Sorbetes (also Dirty ice cream) - street ice cream made with local fruits and ingredients; common flavors include ube (purple yam), mango, avocado, queso (cheese), chocolate, langka (jackfruit), buko or macapuno (coconut); strawberry is common in Baguio City
Squid balls - balls made with squid or cuttlefish meat, deep fried and served in skewers with a sweet, sour or spicy sauce
Suman - glutinous rice snack steamed in banana or coconut leaves; varieties include binagol (Leyte) made with glutinous rice, gabi (taro), coconut milk and chocolate; budbod sa kabog (Tanjay, Negros Oriental) which uses millet instead of glutinous rice.
Taho - bean curd snack topped with arnibal (liquefied raw sugar similar to molasses) and sago (tapioca balls)
Tenga ng baboy (also Walkman) - marinated pig's ears grilled on skewers; see also Kudil
Toknanay - see Quek quek
Tokneneng - hard boiled quail eggs dipped in orange batter and deep-fried; also called kwek kwek by others
Toknonong - see Hepalog
Tupig (also Itemtem) - glutinous rice, grated mature coconut, coconut milk and molasses rolled in banana leaves and grilled; varieties in Pangasinan, Ilocos Norte (Batac) and Isabela
Turon - saba (banana) with with sugar and sometimes langka (jackfruit) wrapped in lumpia (spring roll) wrapper and deep-fried
Walkman - see Tenga ng Baboy.

Nice one! I sure do miss the Philippines. :)

Link: http://aiepro.org/index.php/topic,327.0.html

How to Write Reviews

2008-10-23T09:39:00.000-07:00

Writing a review is like describing what you're feeling. If you're happy about it, you'll say it. You will be all cheery and smiling, and it shows on the way you write. If you're not, you'll tell us why. It reflects.

Anyway, here are some of the things you might think of in doing a review:

* Be as descriptive as possible. Describe how you feel about the product or service. Why you bought it. Why you avail the service. What are the features. What do you like about it. What you dont like about it. Why do you hate it! Convince us that what you bought is really, really good... or really, really bad!

* Be concise and precise. Just because, you love or hate the product, does not necessarily mean you have to keep repeating it. You have to make it as short but as descriptive as possible, so as not to bore us out.

* Be honest and courteous. Let's face it! We tend to exaggerate things about a certain product. If you don't like the product, explain why you didn't like it but never say foul words. You still have to consider your reader, (or your friends). Again, when you like a product or service or anything, please be honest and tell us why. What exactly is it in the product, service or anything, that you like or dislike.

* Above all, have FUN. Your readers are your friends. You can tell us everything. As if we're having a bonding moment... If we know how much fun your trip is, how good the product is, we will definitely know and might even encourage us to do the same. With this, you'll definitely help the readers / us out with your experiences and earn from it!

No-cost to Low-cost Ways to Market Your Business

2008-10-20T12:05:00.000-07:00

I know that we all want our business to be profitable. In order to increase our sales / income, we all have to advertise our business. With competitions being tight and everything, it's hard to differentiate our business from our competition especially for small businesses.

I've had a business before and still want to pursue it. It's fun and stimulates me. I always think of ways to close a deal. Here are some of the ways I observed to be effective. Some of which I've done before and will do in the near future (when I get back to my business):

1. Print Advertisement. Forget the yellow pages and newspapers, what I'm saying is a publication that is meant solely for advertisements. These publications offer free advertisement. If there's none in your area, find a publication that offers free or low-cost advertising. In the Philippines, there are several publications that offers just that - free ads. It's very effective. Readers tend to keep the publications for references so it has longer shelf life.

CONS: The ads are too small, you really have to come up with a good slogan.

PROS: The good thing about it is the ads are alphabetically arranged. Keep yourself always on top so the readers will see your ads first. Ads have to be catchy but it does not have to be expensive.

2. If your business can afford it, hire someone who can work for you on-commission basis. These on-commission sales personnel will help you market your business. They will look for a prospective client, close a deal and make the sale for you. You have to comply with their orders. Before you do (hire someone), you have to set a percentage on how much they would earn if they close a sale. Make it clear.

CON: It's just like having an employee, they need motivation. You have to come up with ways to keep them upbeat and stay focus. Example: Rewards... have quota system, if they reach beyond their quota, you can give them freebies or additional incentive. Nice!

PRO: They will market the business for you. All you have to do is comply with their orders.

3. BUSINESS CARDS. Always have a business card with you. You never know who you'll bump into into. It can be someone you just rode with in a bus, train or any public transportation. That's why I sometimes eavesdrop at someone elses conversation. And then, smile whenever I hear something funny... then, bam! A prospective client... ha! It only takes a smile. As the boy scouts motto, always be prepared! Besides, it makes you look professional.

4. Always include your name, address, contact details in all your emails, faxes, etc. Friends and families are your number one prospective clients so it wouldn't hurt to put your address when sending an email to them.

5. Put a signboard outside your establishment. It's a lot easier to remember. Passers-by can easily identify your business and will then tell others about it.

6. Free Ads Site. Like i said, free ads... internet has come a long way. There are so many free ads sites to choose from. These sites will definitely help you out if you want to be competitive and global. Maximize the power of the internet. Take advantage of it.

7. Always smile. Be friendly. This always make repeat sale. Being a friend will definitely make your clients or prospective clients comfortable with you and will tell you exactly what they want and need. You will then comply, satisfy their demand and make a sale! Yessss! Never go out of the public without smiling. (not in a creepy way please!)

8. Always, always, always, do your best. Your business reflects your personality, style and attitude. If you've done a good job, chances are, they will transact with you again. Existing and recurrent clients are the best clients.

These are just some of the ways I've come up with. A little gesture will go a long way. It wouldnt hurt to try. These are all easy and pretty much free and practical ways to market your business. I hope that helps!

Kikay Kits

2008-10-17T12:58:00.000-07:00

In the Philippines, KIKAY is the term we use for a girl / woman who is witty, sociable, trendsetter, party-animal, bubbly, fashionable, etc. In short, GLAMOROUS. So obviously, Kikay Kits are actually GLAMOUR KITS. It can be as big as a bag or as small as a purse. Either way, we all have something in our bag to make ourselves look presentable and the best we can be. It also says something about us girls / ladies on how we take care of ourselves.

WARNING: Men.. Don't ever. I mean NEVER, ever touch or take a peek on a woman's purse, bag or other forms of kikay kits. It's a girls small santuary. Something we call our own.

What's inside my "kikay kit"? (It's a bag):

* Comb - Climate in the Philippines is tropical. It's mostly humid. Very hot and windy, most of us our commuting. A comb is essential. Our hair is our crown.

* Make-up: A bag within a bag - In order of application, all compact, all miniature:

- Face Powder (to make me look radiant. I don't want to look pale when i go outside our house.)
- Loose powder (I sweat sometimes. This makes me feel a little bit dry.)
- Foundation (preferably liquid. I apply this only when I'm at work. I don't want to look like my skin is peeling. Like I said, it's humid and I sweat. Foundation will eventually wear off.)
- Another touch of Face Powder
- Eyebrow pencil (nothing particular. Even the cheap ones will do for me.)
- Eye shadow (color depends on my mood or what I wear.)
- Blush-on (add a touch of color on my cheeks).
- Lipstick (multipurpose - can be used as an eyeshadow, blush-on and classic - lipstick).

* Baby Cologne (makes me smell fresh and like a baby) or perfume (Victoria Secret's Endless Love / Love Spell Body Spray or CK one / CK one summer).

* Moisturizer (apply it whenever my face feels dry).

* Lotion (hand & body - to smothen my hands).

* Hand sanitizer (for emergency, hand wash and disinfectant).

* Cellphones (since I have more than 1).

* Notebook (essential for budding writers).

* Keys (house keys and office keys).

* Wallet / Coin Purse (money)

* Ballpens

* Cards (ATM Cards / Credit Card / Business Cards)

* IDs

* Books (To pass time: Pocketbooks, business books, study books).

* Candies (menthol candies - breath fresheners)

* Tissues / wipes

* A pair of sunglasses

* Occasionally: Sanitary pads (which we call "sandwich") and extra-undies (whenever we have those monthly visitor).

This is just my Kikay Kit. Different ladies have different versions of their kikay kits and have very particular brands of make-up & other essentials. Men, this is the closest thing you'll get to peek inside a woman's bag.

Women have to take time to prepare and take care of themselves. It's what makes us feel beautiful. And everything that makes us pretty and proud of ourselves are well worth spending. After all, if we want to be beautiful, we have to spend.

Published in Epinions.com (20/10/2008)

Link: http://www.epinions.com/content_5248557188

Illiteracy

2008-10-17T11:10:00.001-07:00

In this fast pace world, in a world where technological advances are so broad and changes everyday, you can't even keep up. Illiteracy is not anymore the inability of the person to read and write, but rather, it's a person's inability to use and operate a computer. Even the most basic computer program is not enough. You have to be proficient in all application software. Most especially, its foundation, the Windows application. Microsoft Office already had its almost perfect version, the Office 2007. You're not even proficient with the older versions, what more with the latest one.

The measurement has become, how many softwares are you using? How long have you been using the computer? What's your anti-virus? Do you know how to edit pictures? How fast can you type? How big is the capacity of your Hard-drive? How fast is your computer? Do you have a laptop? Is your phone WAP enable?

You will feel sorry for yourself once you've realized how little you know about computer. We are so behind!

Things to consider before Investing

2008-10-11T05:51:00.000-07:00

Before considering investing, answer the following questions first. Guidelines for Investing:

1. Why do you want to invest?

Is it for business purposes? Capital requirements? For future spending? College fund? House and Lot? Specify why you want to invest. In my case, I invest because I want to retire early and in order to do that, I need to save now.

2. What are you going to invest?

Money is the most common thing to invest, to buy stocks, for capitalization. it's universally recognized form of exchange.

Others consider time as an investment. For me, goal-oriented individuals are the ones who invest time. Time is essential because time is money.

3. How much are you going to invest?

Set a limit of how much are you willing to risk. Remember that investments are not guaranteed but it can be rewarding. You can't invest all of your money and time. You need to set aside for your immediate needs too. You can only risk what you are willing to lose. Whether, $100 or $1,000, you need to be definite and let it grow.

4. Where are you going to invest?

Will it be foreign exchange? Stocks, bonds or mutual funds? Angel investing? Additional capitalization? You decide. There are PROS and CONS in investing in these instruments. You have to analyze and weigh your decision. No one can make that for you. Financial advisors are well, advisers. They can't tell you what to do. They will give you specific information you need to know about the companies or instruments you want to invest into but the decision is still yours.

5. How much are you going to make from your investment? Return on Investment (ROI)

In analyzing your profits and losses, you have to understand how much are you going to make from your investment. If you know you're going to lose, why are you going to invest? Read the Terms of Agreement of the proposed or signed Investment Contracts. Return on investment (ROI) are usually expressed in Percentage (%).

6. How long are you going to leave your investment? (terms)

Set your limits. Is it 5 years, 10 years, 20 years? Brokers will handle your money and will tell you where your money is and what happens to it. It's up to you if you want to sell it, keep it, or spend it.

7. What will you do with your earnings?

Re-Invest it. Deposit. Use as capitalization. I think this is self-explanatory.

Investing is really complicated. There are certain things you need to understand about investments before considering it. You also have to understand that once you invest, especially in stocks, you are part owner of the company. Obviously, you want your company to be profitable so help out whenever you can. Keep in mind that you are responsible for your decisions. You have to choose well.

Submitted to Epinions.com - 10 October 2008
Link: http://www.epinions.com/content_5246263428

Hmmm...

2008-10-08T11:52:00.000-07:00

“Whatever you do, work it with all of your heart as if working for the Lord, not for man because you know that you will receive an inheritance from the Lord as a reward. It is the Lord Christ you are serving.” Colossians 3:23-24

I know I cant please everybody, that’s why i never tried. But whatever I do, I always do my best, even if it means doing something I don’t like. Why? Because it reflects me. I like pretty things, being organized, being in control. I always want to be perceived as someone who knows what to do and do it best. You don’t have to love your job, you just have to love yourself!

Calm Down!

2008-10-08T10:05:00.000-07:00

How exactly do you become a calmer person? It's not actually easy. With so many activities and lifestyle on the fast track, people are so stressed, pressured and grumpy. I have to admit that I've fallen short to this once in a while. I really hate it when people pressure me.

There are instances where I have to make a quick important confidential memo for several people, and people are all over me, looking over my shoulder trying to convince me to take their letters and make them first. I mean, I'm just one person. How could I possibly do all of the them at the same time?

Unfortunately, the more pressured I am, the more likely that I won't be able to do anything. I keep telling them to stop pressuring me. During this fast pace moments, I would really love to be in a serene place, where the wind is blowing in my face, overlooking the fields, the mountains, and the sea. I just like to be in place where I can relax.

The world doesn't work that way, though. How then? This is a world of endless opportunities and possibilities where people have responsibilities, work, jobs, bills, etc. A world that makes people superficial.

I usually do these exercises to calm myself during pressured times:

* Stop everything that you're doing. Sit down. Breathe. Close your eyes if you have to and just be still for awhile. This helps me think!

* Prioritize. Upon opening my eyes and see the task at hand, I would then choose what to do first, the second, the third, and so forth.

* Keep yourself focus. Pressure is something i really don't like. Isn't it obvious? I hate it. I can't do everything! So when someone pressures me, I usually just tell them to shut up! (literally, shout - shut up!), and tell them to wait because I can't do anything with them trying to be all jumpy!

* Music helps. I put some music on. I sing to it sometimes so I don't feel the pressure.

* Be quick. Just because I'm calm, doesn't necessarily mean I have to do things slowly. I still try to do things faster especially for an important assignment. I just don't let anyone bother me.

* Have a lot of patience. I can't shout! I can't scream and most of all, I can't be mad!

I just think that in all this chaos, I can still do things with an upbeat attitude and positive insight. It makes me more calmer, more productive and more effective as an employee, as a friend, as a person...

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submitted to EPINIONS.com - 29 September 2008

Link: http://www.epinions.com/content_5243379844

SMILEY!

2008-10-08T06:13:00.000-07:00

" Never give up on the things that make you smile... "

What Hinders You from Writing?

2008-10-08T05:32:00.000-07:00

"Having not much to say”, I wonder if that always had been the hindrance to what could have been another profession of mine, Writing. I always come up with ideas in my head and believe me, I’ve tried to deliver it as descriptive as I can. But upon facing an empty page or a blank screen, I froze realizing that if actors and actresses have stage fright, I have WRITER’S BLOCK.