Getting Busy with My New JOB

I have been very busy lately with writing--obviously not in this blog, but for my new job.  Or should I say, "jobs".  I have gotten myself into oDesk for the past two weeks or so, and have landed on new jobs.

oDesk is a marketplace site for contractors and employers.  Usually short-term work, freelancers are best for the jobs posted by employers.  As a contractor, you must create your own profile, take some oDesk readiness tests (such as U.S. English skills tests, etc.), which will be posted on your profile for employers to see.  You can find jobs that suit you and your skills.  In my case, skills that I posted are more on writing and blogging.  You can either find jobs and apply, or employers themselves can find you and if they think you have the potential, they can ask for an interview from you directly.

It's amazing because in just a matter of days, I was able to land on a number of jobs already, and even got interviews.  I have been writing for 2 steady employers now about a variety of topics--from online dating to window tinting to menopause.  I've been learning a lot from it, and I'm actually enjoying it.  Besides, I get paid for it, too.  As a starter, I've already earned almost $20 in two weeks.  Of course that's still a bit small because I have not had the chance to write regularly yet.  I'm still mastering the art of writing in between Caitlin's baby naps.  But it will increase soon--hopefully!

The Surprise Breakfast Meeting

This week has been quite special for me because I got to go out of the house at least three times!  Yey!  Before you think I'm a loser, here are a few valid reasons why I almost never go out:

1. I am pregnant with baby #2 and I was advised by my midwife to lessen activities (that obviously includes outdoor activities).
2. I have a 6-month old baby, which makes it less easy for me to go to some place any time I want.
3. I am a work-from-home mom.

So before I sound defensive, I'll end there.  But they do sound valid, don't they?

Anyways, I hope you had a lovely Valentine's Day.  While my husband and I never really celebrated it, it was quite special this year.  Well, he made it special. :)


Last Monday night, he told me that he will be having an early breakfast meeting at BGC with his former classmate.  He even told me how bizarre it was for him to meet this old classmate of his at our favorite supermarket--of all places.  His name was Rommel Diaz, a rich entrepreneur who used to live in Caloocan but moved to Pasig with his family; and now he's interested in Mon's business, and so the breakfast meeting.


I was excited for him and he told me that Caitlin and I should come along because he wants to introduce us to this Rommel guy.  And so I agreed.  Leave at 7am to meet old classmate at BGC at 8am.

Well, that night, Caitlin didn't let us sleep until 4am.  No need to go into detail, but that's pretty much what happened.  We woke up at about 9am already--so much for our original plan.  Well, Rommel didn't text yet anyway so I thought it was okay.  We left at about 10:15am already and headed to BGC.  Mon said Rommel was on his way.


I was starving by then and I was picturing a hearty breakfast meal.  That's the time Mon said, "Krispy Kreme daw."  Uh-oh.  I wasn't up for any sweets then; in fact, I did not want to eat any sweets that time.  I wanted eggs, chicken, sausages, rice--something like that.


And so we were walking already to Bonifacio High Street when he led me to the direction away from Krispy Kreme.  I knew he was up to something by then.  Well, turns out, it was a surprise breakfast meeting with me at Pancake House.  Aww.


Might sound too simple, but these are the reasons why the surprise made me extra happy that day:

1. My husband has not surprised me in a loooong time.  I think the last one was on my birthday in 2007.
2. He despises Pancake House.  0% chance--of all the many times I have asked him for us to eat there.

Well, I ordered my favorites: Pan-fried chicken and Best Taco in Town!  Definitely a hearty breakfast with my hubby and baby! :)


Too bad we weren't able to bring the camera!

Finding the stage mommy in me

Okay, I have to admit that I've been searching for local photo contests where I can join Caitlin.  Teehee.  She just has so many cute photos!  Although I honestly think she's more beautiful in person than in pictures, it's a thrill for me, as a first-time mommy, to involve her in these local promos.  Not really up for the prizes (yeah, right), but it's quite exciting.


So I actually found one photo contest by Babies and Hairbows. It's actually strange because the owner announced a contest without fixed policies, criteria, and anything you need to know about a promo.  At first she just asked mommies to submit photos of their babies 0-2 years old for her contest, "CUTEST baby photo." She just asked them to put their names and birthdates.  I think she got overwhelmed with all the entries because she got lots of them (naturally).  So she announced that the entries must have a description, like "Why should your baby win this contest?" and "What does your baby like to do?".  It's just funny because I felt her panic through her posts.  Hehe.  I don't even know how she's going to choose the winner because she doesn't have a fixed criteria!  Oh well.  At least I know now how to launch a contest if I ever have to launch one in the future.  :p


But anyhoo, of course I joined.  It's the stage mommy in me!  Here's my entry and a description of my cutiepie and skidamarink, Laura Caitlin :)

"Hello All! My name is Laura Caitlin Espiña, daughter to Daddy Sol and Mommy Lala, and definitely one of God's precious children.
One Sunday morning, I felt the need to push myself out of Mommy's tummy. I knew it was not yet time because I was still too little and I could hear Dad and Mom telling me from outside, "Baby, please stay there. It's not yet time for you to come out...". But then, I surprised them on August 1, 2011 when I came out as a 31-weeker baby. They said I was premature.

I didn't see Daddy and Mommy right away because I was put in a capsule-like container with lights and so many other things. It felt warm like when I was inside Mom's tummy, but it was still different. I missed hearing Mommy's voice just right above me. I could only hear voices of people I didn't know, saying they had to put tubes in my nose and in my lungs so I could breathe well; and so they did. After a few hours, I heard the sweetest voices ever--I heard Daddy and Mommy talking right beside me! And what's more, I felt something touching my little toes and caressing my chest. Mommy was saying, "Ang tangos ng ilong niya!" It was the loveliest feeling.

Days and weeks passed, and I was still in that capsule-like container (I think they call it an incubator). Although Dad and Mom couldn't be with me round the clock because of hospital policies, they still visited me everyday. My favorite time of the day would be when Mommy would come and sing to me and read to me my favorite Psalm 139. I would blush every time she would remind me that I am "fearfully and wonderfully made...". Everyday. Even in that cold hospital room, I felt very much loved.

It has been a long journey but as Dad and Mom would always tell me, God has been really faithful. The day came when I was finally home. No more incubator, no more tubes, none of those anymore. I found myself in the arms of my Mom and Dad--no, not just for a few minutes, but every minute and every hour. Now, this was the loveliest and most incredible feeling. I am truly blessed.

I guess I'm growing everyday because my clothes won't fit anymore! It's such a happy feeling to wake up everyday and put smiles on my Dad and Mom's faces. I thank the Lord for blessing me with a wonderful family who has never failed to make me feel loved, and who has never failed to remind me that even if I'm a preemie, I am still "fearfully and wonderfully made"."

 

Not forcing you to vote for her, but if you think our Caitlin could be the cutest baby, please click here and like away! :)