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Sometimes, my body screams foul and although I have promised to stay connected in case of emergencies, I never turn off the PC and Yahoo just in case.  So what do I like to do besides sitting on my comfy leather high back chair?  I like reading and watching movies. 

Its been awhile since I read a book for pleasure.  I love mysteries and legal fiction.  When I have extra cash, I like hanging around BookSale to look for Kellerman, Crighton, Patterson and Scottoline novels.  BookSale is convenient.  It is full of books from all genre.  Cheaper than buying new from National Bookstore.  Books are almost good as new!  And cheaper…

For this week I bought myself James Patterson’s Beach Road and Dirty Blonde by Lisa Scottoline.  It takes me one day to read a 350 page paperback.  Not bad.  But when I have work, I read my novel between breaks and before going to sleep.

To me, reading is one of the ways I can relax.  I like reading my books in bed. I also tend to take my book inside loo and tends to read while seated on the crapper.  Who doesn’t read while in the bathroom?

So, my friends, what books do you like to read?  Anything interesting?

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1) Gmail.  Who can live without gmail?  Gmail is quite convenient.  I have one catch-all account.  I have countless email accounts!   Believe me, if I would take the time to check each one of them, I’d end up wasting alot of time and yes- money.  So, I have made one gmail account as my catch all.  I also use gmail’s filtering and labeling feature to segregate my emails.

2) Dropbox.  I keep alot of files.  Work files, personal files, children files, medical files, legal files, you name it, I have it.  So having an online storage system is very important to me.  This allows me to unclutter my PC, as well as ease of access because I have 2 PCs, a laptop and a mobile phone at home.  Having DropBox enables me to share and move files from one end to the other.  This allows me to share folders with other coworkers easily.  And did I mention that its free?

3) Google Docs.  This application is so versatile, I use this to share and collaborate with my coworkers and clients.  I use Google Docs for ease and access.  Almost all my active work files are conveniently saved in Google Docs.

4) Google Notebook.  So sad that Google has stopped developing this great collaboration tool.  Just like Google Docs, Google Notebook allows you to share Notebooks with other collaborators.  You can browse, clip, and organize information from across the web in a single online location that’s accessible from any computer.  I continue to use this for compilation purposes.

4) Jing.  I use Jing everyday.  This application allows me to quickly create screenshots.  I can quickly annotate any webpage using Jing.  Below is a screenshot desktop.  Cool ha? I also use Jing to create quick tutorials for internet challenged clients.

5) Yahoo Messenger and Skype -  Self explanatory.  I use Yahoo Messenger and Skype for work.  At a cost of $30/year,   I also have an online US number which enables me to call and receive calls from the US.

6) Firefox- My love for Firefox has not waned.  I use Firefox everyday and never use IE unless it is necessary.  I use alot of Firefox add-ons and most of them I use everyday.  Firefox continue to dominate the browser arena.  I also use Google Chrome from time to time.

Here is a list of my favorite Firefox Add-ons:

GButts. This is a nifty add-on by Soeren Rinne.  This add-on is a must for those who use Google services alot.  Upon installation, you can easily jump from one Google service to the next.  It is also non-intrusive and sits neatly on your toolbar. In case you run into some glitch with GButts, which is rare, you may contact Soeren and he’ll quickly help you sort it out. Thanks to Soeren for helping me with my GButts years ago.

SEO Quake- Since I started learning SEM last year, SEO Quake is almost on at all times in my Firefox.  SEO Quake allows me to view and track our website’s ranking from various SEO parameters.

TwitterBar- I am not as active on Twitter now.  But its good to be able to share links and post one liners just by typing on Firefox’s address bar.

list.it- Do you constantly wish you have a quick notepad access on Firefox?   List.it is a research project from the Haystack Group at MIT CSAIL.  What is great about List.it is that you can sync your notes from one installation to another.

Persona- I love dressing up my Firefox.  Currently, its wearing WordPress Inkwell from WordPress.org.  Really funky!

Fox Clocks-  This allows me to display more than one local times around the world.

ScrapBook- This Firefox extension, is great when doing research.  It helps you to save Web pages  quickly as well as add annotations and other notes.

ColorPicker- this is helpful in determining the color of any webpage.

Stylish-   this addon allows you easily install themes and skins for Google, Facebook and YouTube.  However, I use Stylish for SEO work.  After installing Stylish, I have installed the NoDoFollow addon.

OnlyWire- this great addon allows me to submit content to over 30 social networking sites with one button click. Great with article marketing and bookmarking purposes.

There are so many online applications available to make collaboration easier. There are literally thousands of great Firefox addons to date.

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Me at Suvarnabhumi Airport

True to my promise, I did not use Cebu Pacific when I went to Bangkok for a client meeting and took Philippine Airlines.  The flight went well anyway, although I was pretty curious about the new airport, I decided to take the more reliable airline- Philippine Airlines.

The bought the ticket online a month early so I got a better deal.  The price difference with Cebu Pacific– the airline that suck, was only P900.  Since this is a client paid trip, my itinerary was short and this was also my first trip without any of my children.  It was pretty weird waiting in the departure lounge alone.    It sucked and I resisted calling my kids since I know this transition is necessary for all of us.

So how did my trip go?  It was good.

This was my first trip after 2 years.  My first trip out to anywhere without my children.  With quick planning and ardent budgeting, I made it to Bangkok with hefty shopping money and in one piece.

I booked myself at a small family run hotel, Bangkok Loft Inn.  The location of the hotel was great and convenient as it was on the Thaksin Ave, and close to the Bangkok Skytrain.  To check out how I found the Bangkok Loft Inn, click here. I used my internet savviness to find a budget hotel.  What made Bangkok Loft Inn ideal is its size.  Their Superior Room is ideal for a lone traveler, as well as a couple.  The bedding is great and true to their ad, the room boasted with a Samsung Flat Screen Television, free and robust wifi connection and good bathroom features. Its not crowded, and the location great.  The Inn was only a Skytrain ride away from Siam! Fantastic!

My room at the Bangkok Loft Inn

The hotel’s car picked me up from Savurnabhumni Airport and the ride to the hotel was 45 minutes.  The hotel staff were all accommodating.

FIRST DAY.  My cousin Elvir came and we headed to Siam Paragon for dinner.  I took him to a Japanese Restaurant and had ebi tempura, salad, makis and some beef dish.  It was great and service was perfect.  The Siam Paragon was a HUGE upscale mall in Bangkok.  Ferragamo, Louis Vuitton, you name it is in this mall.  It was crawling with expats and backpackers.  I bought myself a Havaianas flipflops and headed out to check out their children’s section and found everything expensive.    Until I reached Central World and found it a haven for budget shoppers.  They have alot of items on sale and the children section was great!  I eyed the Barbie, Sanrio and Disney clothing for my scheduled shopping day.

SECOND DAY.  I met my client and his girlfriend today.  They were on their way to check out since they were off to some island off Bangkok.  Our one hour meeting went great. It was fast but full of details.  As a long time odesk provider, this was the first time to personally see and meet a client.  I have been working for his company for almost a year now… After our meeting, I headed back to the hotel.  One thing about Bangkok, compared to Manila, public transport is inexpensive. I have read so much about how expensive the taxi rides in Bangkok can be, and I was dreading my meeting with my client because of this.  My 45 minute ride from my client’s hotel to Bangkok Loft Inn was only  70 Baht.  Not bad.  I think it has something to do with the fact that I insisted on using the meter. Most taxi cab drivers when seeing a foreign traveler would normally insist on not negotiating and non use of the meter. So, when in Bangkok and you have no idea how to get from point a to b, get the hotel reception to talk to the driver. They can make sure the driver knows where exactly you are headed. No confusion. This will definitely save you more time and money.

THIRD DAY.  Today is shopping day.  I headed for Central World and bought clothes and shoes for my children.  I wanted good quality clothing and was happy to see that the items that I managed to snag did not really cost a fortune.  I had lunch at The Loft in Central World and had a blast eating Thai and Chinese dishes.

Although I am not weary about trying out new dishes, street food is absolutely something I am not too kin on trying. After living in Laos for sometime and seeing how food handling is poor in both countries, I decided that I am not missing much. I will just eat thai food from a restaurant and not from a street vendor. Absolutely NOT worth it.

At night, my cousin and I headed to SuanLum Night Market.  The trip to Sathorn was great.  We used the subway and was again pleasantly surprised that is was safe and darn clean.  Everything is so organized in Bangkok.  So Fín great!

Shopping in SuanLum went great.  Everything was cheap.  Souvenir shirts as low as 90 baht.  I bought some trinkets for myself and my friends.  I also bought those sinfully spicy and sweet tamarinds.  I got a bargain wrap around skirt for 200 baht.  It was gorgeous!

The place was crawling with farangs.  After exhausting and spending all my baht, we headed to find a place to have a drink and dinner.  We found a restaurant (I totally forgot the name now) with a view.  It was on rooftop and the view was awesome.  Cousin Vir and I ordered Tiger beer and several thai dishes that scorched our throats.  It was heavenly!

FOURTH DAY. Today I am heading back to Manila.  I am psyched, because my luggage is so full.  I would hate to pay for excess baggage, but I cannot wait to see my children.  I know they will love all the chocolates and the clothes.

So was it worth going to Bangkok?  For more ways than one, I knew deep in my heart I needed to spend some time all by myself.  Did the trip rejuvenate me?  It definitely made me more determined to succeed this year.

So far, the year 2010 was a great year for all of us.  Let all the blessing come rolling!!!

The Bangkok Loft Inn

Great food at the Loft

Eating Japanese in Bangkok

Fantastic, Tasty Morning Glory Salad with Seafood

Spicy Chicken Curry

My Cousin Elvir at SuanLum

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My requirements for a good place to hang are:

1.  Has internet connection (wifi or cable)

2. Has a Swimming Pool

3. Good and affordable food

We found them all at Cha-Li Beach Resort.

The last time I was at Cha-Li was almost 20 years ago.  Then, it was just a small place with thatch huts for day time swimmers.  They did not have a pool yet.  Once I have checked the amenities of Cha-Li using my mobile connected through GPRS, I called them to ask about the internet connection and their rates.

Ivy, the amiable receptionist confirmed that their internet is up and running at that their service provider is PLDT, I booked and we packed and left for the city.  When I got to the resort, Ivy took me around while we find the cabana with the strongest wifi connection.

We settled in at Cabana Naranja.  The cabin has 2 queen sized bed, full tub and bath, plush pillows, aircondition, cable television, and yes, my very important wifi connection at the veranda.

The children loved Cha-Li.  It has a good pool, although I would have preferred a kiddie pool, but since they only have one adult pool, the kids have to make do and wade on the shallow end.  While they are in the pool, I am at their restaurant which is close to the pool and has yes, my wifi connection!

Although I had to shell out almost $150 for the weekend, it was no biggie since I managed to stay in contact with my work and my kids had a break from the usual house related activities and they all spent their time on the pool and the beach!  A win-win situation!

To book and for more info:

Cha-Li Beach Resort and Conference Center
Zone 3, Cugman, Cagayan de Oro City
Philippines, 9000
Phones: (+63) 88-855-5941
info@chalibeach.com

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1. What you would do with your Apple Gift Card if you won?

If I would win, I would definitely get myself a subscription of MobileMe or a Mac Box Set if I have extra money to cover the balance.

It’d be nice to get an upgrade from my older OSX!

2. Who do you find most inspiring and why?

I find Matt Mullenweg because of his achievements as well as his influence in the development of WordPress and other web applications. He is inspiring especially to the youth and to web users because of his dedication and obvious talent as well as intelligence and his hardwork in harnessing his craft.

3. Your Twitter username so others can follow you if they please. (Not required.)

Anyone interested on SAHM tips as well as VA tips can follow my progress via Twitter @lifediscourse.

(Via Ryan Barr)

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This was perhaps the worst day of my life as a webworker.  I panicked and turn off the dying Macbook and rushed to my daughter’s PC and when I go there, I realized that all my important data were in the Macbook…  In short, I did my work in the PC and proceeded with the search for answer.  I dreaded that something worse must have happened to my Macbook.  Dang, how much would a new battery cost?  A quick check at the Philippines Apple Store gave me the figure of P6,990 for the battery…

What???  I almost cried…

I checked philmug.ph for help and I got immediate response and the advise that I got was that the problem was probably the adapter or the battery.  Since my children and I were scheduled to head for town the next day, I used their PC for my webwork and I was simply lost.  The bookmarks in the other PC was not updated, not to mention that my passwords were all in my Macbook.

I was lost… and to make it worse, my children kept hounding me if I was done with work because my daughters wanted to use the computer and play online games at y8.com.  Ayay!!!  My head started to beat and I felt like dying, so I decided to…

sleep.

Yes, I went to sleep and I slept for a l-o-n-g time.  My body just went off and I slept like a log with Ia, my one  year old beside me.

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Time Zone Difference.  My work hours start at 6pm.  I needed to report to my clients and receive instructions either via Skype or email.  At first I managed to wing it.  Sleeping a couple of hours during the day and taking short naps at night whenever I can.  When I am expected to report or speak with my clients, I set my cellphone and alarm and it worked for awhile until I started to feel the effects of sleepless nights.

For one, whenever I am awake, my children especially the small ones wakes up too.  It seem like they have a mommy is awake detector…  I started missing sleeps and these affected my work as most of my tasks are time bound.  Not only that, whenever the babies are up, they both wanted to be cuddled.  Just imagine me hunched infront of the computer trying to finish article, or trying to create a powerpoint presentation or monitoring website activities while cuddling one and even two children on my lap.  It is a wonder I still managed to finish, beat deadlines and receive good feedbacks on my work.  To me, this is one of the indications that I am good at this, and I can be better.

Financially, I am beginning to enjoy the fruits of my hardwork and late nights.  I have already opened accounts on several local banks and have been saving more.  The feeling of independence is definitely great… and yes, I can now buy all the books that I want without blinking and hesitating.

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I am currently very busy with my freelance work and I am currently adjusting to my work load.  My children are also adjusting with my work as I am up late at night since I work during EST and GMTimes.  It was pretty confusing and my body clock went haywire for awhile.

I have also installed several widgets in my Macbook so I can track time and my to-do list.  At any rate, I am happy that I am earning some cash myself and I did not have to worry about our finances now.  I have been praying hard for this and I am happy that I am able to earn additional income for my children and myself and I didn’t even have to leave the house!

I am just in cloud nine!

Thank you to Emily again and to my friends Karen and Cherryl who are with me all the way.  I love you guys!

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Nifty and convenient way to fix your broadband connection

Earlier today my daughter suddenly screamed that the internet was no longer working.  I asked her to make sure that the Airport Switch in the Macbook is “ON.”  She said the “rainbow” was missing.  After her loud scream, Freida who was using the other PC in the other room screamed and she said there was something wrong with her PC too.  I looked at the PC and saw that there indeed was no connection.  I reseted the modem and unplugged the cable from the wireless router and directed the cable into the main router and reloaded the browser.  Nothing.

Good thing I still have the Bayantel Wireless Dial-up and I connected to Globelines stylish and rad website and downloaded Click Fix. Click Fix is an easy to use tool that subscribers can use to troubleshoot their connections without having to call for assistance.  Using my Bayantel connection, I downloaded and run the program and in minutes I was asked to unplug and replug the cables, turned off the Windows firewall, etc.  A small pop-up window conveniently instructs me what to do.  I followed the instructions explicitly and after 5 or so minutes we were all back online!

Thanks to the convenient program from Globelines.  If you are a Globe Broadband subscribers, I strongly suggest you use the program while your connection is STILL working.  In case you lose your connection, there is a more economical and convenient alternative other than calling technical support… who liked being put on hold, anyway?

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