This week starts my internet marketing class...5 chapters followed by 6 assignments...yeaahhhh, until my teacher posts an update for our 'outdated syllabus' that said we only needed to read the first 3 chapters. I wish I'd have read that announcement before reading the chapters...I wouldn't be a day behind now, LOL

In any case, I'm 2/3 into next week's reading and only have two assignments left in that class (both fairly detailed), followed by one long algebra session (this week, anyway). Hopefully, next week will be better...

I'm almost finished with the one article...just have to add the references, then we're discussing the possibility of me marketing a site or two part-time. After my two articles this week, I might have a speech and powerpoint to do, but we'll see later about that...

It's a lot, to be sure, but if I can use the next two days busting ass on it, I might have a bit of the weekend after all...*fingers crossed*

Hope all's well with you all out there in the blogosphere!

A Relaxing Day

Today's been really nice, which is amazing since I've been up since 6am and it's 2:15pm now...so all day has been relaxing, so far. I managed to get ahead on an article I'm writing and get started (nearly halfway done) on another one, get some running done...all at a leisurely pace and without distraction. (watch, I'll say that, then it becomes instant chaos, hehe)

I even got an email from one of my employers who loved my last article so much that she wants to give me a $5/hr raise!!! Needless to say, I appreciated that idea very much! I'd been giving it some thought lately...instead of trying to start my own little biz or taking on additional work, I may simply stick to the work I have and use the free time I have during the day to be creative or lazy. I had griped that I no longer do anything I used to love doing and when the time came up, I wanted to work. Sure, I could always use the money, but the relaxation is more precious to me and will give me more time for cooking, sewing or reading.

The little one has really taken to daycare and we're all happier for it! Now he cries a sec when I pick him up, but just a sec... He gets to run his little heart out, play games, hang out with other kids and enjoy "messy" time (art). My oldest boy and my niece have adjusted to being back in school and it's all going smoothly. Heck, for that matter, my boyfriend and I are getting along better in many ways...er, well...we tend to get along well anyway, but I mean we react better to our stressors and don't take them out on each other as much.

I love the way Fall kind of slows us down a bit and makes us evaluate/prioritize things...this is a momentum I'd like to hang onto for a while, if I can. Here's to the smell of falling leaves, cozy nights relaxing with hot cider, inner reflection and the excitement of Halloween!

Summer's Coming to an End Already

Just when we get used to it, it wanes into fall...but that's OK, Fall is my favorite season, with Halloween being my favorite holiday. I'm getting giddy just thinking about it!

When I get my math caught up (it's due Monday), I'll start planning for the baby's birthday and the Halloween party. Today's my sister's B-day (she's 34), so visiting her will be this evening's priority...math can wait till I return. I have been trying to get the apartment in order since I had the free time and it takes my days, so I still have the practice and graded problems left to do. I'm not particularly looking forward to approx. 100 algebra problems, but once they're done, I can focus on other things.

I'd like to do a full smudging while I'm straightening up closets and cleaning rooms, but it would set off the smoke alarm and I don't have anything tall enough to stand on (even at my 5'7) to shut it off long enough. I'll have to make do with burning oils and clearing techniques...it really needs it.

I re-checked the Fixed-Price assignment I'm working on and am feeling much better about it. The writing is slow going, but we only committed to 10 articles a month, so I think I can get a rhythm going with it and be fine. I took a chance and applied for a social media marketing position...and got an interview! The terms look really good and I'm hoping I get it. It would be a good move for my marketing career.

The nights (and mornings) are getting cool pretty quickly but, despite this, Fall seems to be well on her way and bringing in some calm. Here's to cozy times and peace of mind!

My Lil Baby Boy

Just when I thought I had nothing to write about...my youngest started daycare today. I'm thrilled for the uninterrupted time to get more done, but it's gonna take a day or two to adjust, lol. I've even called to make sure he was OK (he freaked when he saw I was leaving and had to be led out to the playground along with the other kids). Luckily, he's doing great and has even adjusted to their lunch and naptime routines already.

I'm catching up on this week's math work and am near done...the syllabus is very well-structured so I shouldn't get all overwhelmed even when my next class (Internet Marketing) starts later this month. If I'm lucky, I may be able to get (and stay) ahead on it.

My block was helped by being given some topics to work with, which helped me focus. Right now, I'm dicey on the assignment but I'll know by next week if it's just my paranoia or not. I'm two articles in, but haven't yet seen them on the site they were written for and want to make sure I'll get paid for them.

In any case, I think I'm gonna hunt for a consistent assignment that will supplement the piece-work I've been doing. I should be able to spare 10 extra hours a week and still maintain my current load now that my little Mister is in daycare.

Here's to some peace and quiet this Fall! After some planning for the baby's birthday and Halloween, that is...