Raising the Bar

The Dizzying Day Off

2011-10-01T10:58:00.000-07:00

I don't know if I can begin to describe just how crazy Sept. 30th was for me. But I WILL warn you that most of this blog entry is not for the faint of heart or weak stomachs.

It started with me waking up to take Alex to class. I was still feeling ill, so I went straight to bed when I got home, setting my alarm for around noon.

At roughly 11:30, my body decides it isn't comfortable resting and I wake up. And my dog's puked all over my sheets not far from me. Twice.

It gets worse. As I'm cleaning that up, she...er...has the runs on the floor. While taking care of everything, I start gagging. All that rest I had was for naught; my illness immediately took advantage, and I was dazed and exhausted again with a slight fever.

On my phone was a message: Alex already got out at around 10:45am. So not only did I sleep through my dog barfing, but I also dozed through her text.

I hurriedly get to her after explaining the situation via text. When we get home, Cocoa gets worse: On top of the diarrhea, she suddenly starts dripping blood from her rear. We took her to the vet to find that there were no blockages of any sort and no masses, therefore probably nothing she ate. But it may have been a bacterial infection.

After taking the dog home, Alex and I decide that we need to get out for a little while. When it starts raining. Which immediately makes me feel a little at ease. We run over to Olive Garden to grab a bite, a 10-minute wait time avoided by sitting at the bar area for dinner.

We get the soup course of our meals and start. Just a few bites in, and the Powers-that-Be decided to have one last cosmic gag.

The guy at the table next to us sneezes. With a mouthful of wine.

And the spray is wide. Very, very wide. There's wine all over my left arm and leg, and all over Alex's arm and shoulder. The couple is extremely apologetic, nervously laughing a tad and explaining that the black pepper in the food crept up on him just as he was sipping the wine. I try to assure them that there was no harm done, and that things happen. Alex lets them know that she's been through far worse, then goes to touch up a bit.

We continue our meal. As we're eating and talking about the day's events thus far, the waitress comes to us. With a shocking revelation.

The couple paid our entire bill. The WHOLE THING. And left the waitress a hefty tip, too.

All we could do was stare at each other with a "duh" look for several seconds before thanking them.

We left, still stunned at the turn of events and decide, collectively with Alex's sister Amber, that we need to hit up a record store. I'd never been to Zia before, and I must say that I'm impressed with their selection of stuff. Not just music and anime, but they had a few of the ice trays I wanted, too (like the Jolly Roger ice tray).

Alex and I come back to my place, curling up (without a blanket, since it was now in the dryer) to watch "Paprika". I start dozing off a half-hour into it (don't worry, I've seen it before), a combination of exhaustion from the day's events and my flu bug creeping up on me.

So now, I'm sitting here with Alex asleep, my dog passed out near my pillow (she's looking and feeling much better) and my throat sore, but otherwise feeling decent overall. And I'm hungry. But this just shows how serendipity goes; had none of that happened in the manner it did, we would've never found ourselves with a free meal and a Hell of a story.

Anyhow, no results yet on the writing contest, so I'll end this lengthy blog entry here and let everyone know what's going on with the contest results when I find out.

Paradigm Shift! Sorta...

2011-09-17T19:21:00.000-07:00

I know it's been a bit since my last post, but things have been a bit uneventful. The only thing that's happened lately is a bit of a shift in focus for me.

See, my family went out of town for a week and some. So I've been looking at my writing while I've had the silence and focus to do so, getting myself back into editing duties pro-bono and entering a flash fiction competition last week. Three winners will be selected out of a pool of 19 writers, all of whom showed their faces to compose a 500-word piece of fiction on a theme presented on the spot, with a 90-minute time limit. I turned mine in with 5 minutes to spare, and I'll know if I'm one of the three selected in about a month's time. I'll make sure to keep my readers posted.

If I do win, I get a cash prize, my story gets posted in CityLife and I'll have to read my fiction piece in front of an audience at the Vegas Valley Book Festival in November. So wish me luck, and I hope this leads into other, possibly bigger, things for the Ram!

As far as the Remixology competition, I wasn't selected. But I figure I could use the winnings from the writing contest to help me out in the next one. I haven't given up, just on a mixology competition hiatus.

Anyhow, that's all I have for now. Again, I can use all the luck y'all can muster for me!

ReMixology

2011-07-27T15:25:00.000-07:00

My entry for the Appleton Reserve ReMixology Challenge is away. My cocktail was themed after Metric's "Gimme Sympathy", per the contest's rules (choose a song and create a cocktail based on it). It didn't take me long to put together a themed recipe, and the results were rather delicious! So here's hoping I make it into the regional quarterfinals. Finalists will be announced sometime after tomorrow, so I'll let everyone know how it goes.

That's one contest down, two more (that I know of) to go!

Supersonic. Or, Rather, Ultra.

2011-07-13T14:19:00.000-07:00

Not much changed in the job department. Still no word back from the lounge about the supposed new position, despite several attempts to contact them via email, Facebook and phone, but until he actually gives me any official word, all I can do is bug them. And I will keep pestering them until I get a reply, whether the answer is good or bad.

Those of you who know me best probably know I have the patience to do this for years, if necessary.

I have a few extra hours at the store, at least. That means I have a whole 9 hours of work this week, possibly more if I'm able to pick up a shift on Saturday. It's a start.

This has been a busy week, otherwise. Job fair yesterday (where I ran into one of the administrators over at Crescent and decided to ask about reinstating myself on the job placement list), interview with a staffing agency tomorrow (for office, writing and bar work placement) and had a venal and arterial ultrasound on my leg today to see what could be wrong. They found nothing, of course, so that's partially good news.

With some of the stress off my mind, I've been able to focus on a couple of mixology competitions. I'm looking into two different contests right now. Of course, I'll have to do these using Crescent School as my sponsor since I have no idea what my employment status is at the lounge, but the administrator at Crescent seemed more-than-happy to allow me to use their facilities for the competitions. Thank goodness for being a decent student in the art of the cocktail! I may even be a bit of a show-off and dabble in molecular mixology for these contests.

I'm also finishing up with the prologue to what should turn out to be a 22-chapter high-concept fantasy novel, should each chapter go according to plan. In addition, I'm going to start working out the kinks in a cyberpunk story project I've been researching for years. I thought about making this project a novel also, but I thought it'd be more fun to write several short stories (or, perhaps, a few novellas) based in the same fictional city.

Until the next update, wish me luck!

Do or Die

2011-07-05T02:56:00.000-07:00

Very well, sir. If you're not going to answer me about the new position, then I shall be forced to take on the next two mixology competitions as a bit of a bartending ronin. My hand is forced; I have no acknowledgement that I'm even still working at the lounge, therefore I cannot possibly use the location as my place of employment.

That means I'll be taking on the St. Germain recipe competition and trying for a spot on the Bombay Sapphire contest without lounge support. I'll just have to use Crescent Schools as my sponsor for the competitions.

Drip...Drip...Drip...

2011-06-20T14:38:00.000-07:00

That's not my faucet. That's my bank account getting dripped dry.

No hours at one job. Several attempts made to contact them, and no word back on the new position.

Only one day per week at the other job. Barely enough to cover gas and maybe one bill. I have to fight to regain the hours I lost when I had to sacrifice days on my availability to work at the lounge.

My account's nearly at zero. My car's nearly empty. And the seconds that tick by get more and more painful.

Status Report!

2011-06-14T21:27:00.000-07:00

Well, it's been over two weeks since I last posted, and I think my readers (all 2 of you) deserve a bit of an update.

I finally got a few hours of work at the store. Not much, but it helps to stave off hunger and my car's fuel expenses just a bit longer. I'm also taking coverage hours for a few nearby stores to make up for my lack of scheduled shifts.

At the lounge, I was offered a different position altogether. No, not the porter position. Something else. Possibly better. I'm crossing my fingers that this actually comes into being.

On the better half's side, she stepped away from her job at Wendy's. Just couldn't deal with the management BS any longer. Can't say I blame her. As a bit of a gift from Divine Providence, she got a full-time job at Walgreen's instead.

Lately, I've also been debating either peddling my talents as a document writer/editor for pay once again or getting the mobile Tarot service back in action, something I hadn't done in nearly 5 years. Wonder how rusty I am at reading...

Anyhow, that's the long and short of it. Until there's more news!

Impromptu Vacation

2011-05-31T21:17:00.000-07:00

By way of both jobs rearranging schedules, I'm on a vacation for the week. Or, rather, "until further notice". Here's what happened in a nutshell:

-At the lounge, I was offered a different position. Not a promotion, but rather a related job. So, they're working out the details with my new schedule there, and I'm pretty much off until they know what's going on and notify me. I'd emailed my boss about my availability earlier this week, and have yet to get a response.

-At the store, we have a new manager. Said authority forgot what my availability was, so he left me off the schedule and told me he'd call if there was anything available during the week. I also notified two other stores of my new-found freedom this week, in case they need anyone.

So, there you go. It's been a while since I took any sort of major time off. Years, probably. I'm so used to working two jobs or having one job while going to school that I really don't know what to do with myself and the extra time I have.

I will say this much: My next two checks are going to suck.

Doctor, Doctor...

2011-05-25T01:39:00.000-07:00

Under recommendation from my mother (a former nurse), I visited a new doctor for a routine physical. She was a PA-C, and I usually trust those more than normal doctors. Still, I distrust medical personnel in general despite having two such people in my immediate family, so I remained wary.

Turns out, the doctor was not only really pleasant but remarkably quick. She blew through the tests with remarkable speed and fired both diagnoses and advice at me in a dizzying manner! She linked my chronic headaches to my sinuses (which was probably pretty obvious, but it was still nice to hear it likely wasn't something more serious), gave a preliminary judgment on what my pains were caused by and told me not to Q-tip my ears so friggin' hard. She also let me know that my allergies, which I assumed were never that big of a deal since it never impairs my day-to-day functioning, could be a bigger detriment than I expected.

So, yeah, productive first day with the doc. If more medical professionals were like this, I would probably have less stress about seeing them.

Adding to My Repertoire

2011-05-21T23:26:00.000-07:00

After an odd request from a customer at the bar, I decided it was time to start tracking new things I learn on a daily basis (recipes, skills, etc.) and posting them here.

First off, a couple of customer-requested cocktails that took some research:

Tokyo Tea:
1/2 oz. each of tequila, vodka, gin, rum and triple sec
1 oz. Midori

Shake and strain into a highball glass (or, in the lounge's case, a large rocks glass).

Alternately, I can do this:
3/4 oz. each of tequila, vodka, gin, rum and triple sec
1 1/2 oz. Midori

Shake, strain into a pint glass, fill with Sprite (or other lemon/lime soda).

Alien Secretion:
1 1/2 oz. each of Midori and Malibu rum
2 oz. of pineapple juice

Shake, strain into a large rocks glass.

On top of those recipes, I've also been learning a few basic flair tricks. Nothing fancy, but a couple of things that would be eye-catching at the bar.

That's all for now. More recipe research and flair tricks to go!

Good Friday. Somewhat.

2011-05-21T02:03:00.000-07:00

Good news: Things may be changing for the better in terms of Sam's career opportunities. As to not jinx things, I won't say what, exactly, is happening or when, but it will definitely be excellent should it come to pass.

Better news: I finally got my paycheck from the previous term, as well as my current check. However, this still makes me wonder what happened to the original amount that was to be direct deposited into my old account. Chase has shown nothing transferred into the closed account and my boss has heard nothing from his bank on the matter. Ergo, the original funds are stuck in a sort of financial Purgatory.

Bad news: I didn't get to be a finalist in the mixology competition I'd entered. Bummer. More surprising than that, the theme of my drink for the contest wasn't as rare or original as I'd expected (three of the finalists used my same theme as theirs, but with differing recipes). Oh well. I'd only heard about the contest three days prior to the deadline, so I prepped what I could in a very short window. Live and learn. I'll take what I learned from this one (my first official competition, mind you) and carry it on to the rest of the competitions. Next up: A cocktail contest hosted by St-Germain. I vow to have better results in this one.

Speaking of "live and learn", I'm still here. Either I was skipped in the Holy Draft or Mr. Camping has a lot to answer for. Guess I'll know by tomorrow evening (or today, rather, since I'm writing this at 2am). After all, 200 million people to be taken in this supposed "Rapture" means you should be missing at least one friend, family member or neighbor in the course of events. And California should have been blown up by way of the San Andreas Fault, according to his predictions.

I suppose I should be grateful. Last thing I want is news carried to me from my boss at 5:59pm (GMT, PST or what-have-you) of a terrific nature and be taken away in the middle of celebration. That would imperially suck.

Right, then. Off to bed for me. Those of you not in the 3% of the world's chosen populace...we'll talk again after Sunday.

The Ram's Long Island

2011-05-15T01:47:00.000-07:00

For anyone who wants to enjoy a Long Island Iced Tea Ram-style, here's what I like:

3/4 oz. vodka (mine is Russian Standard)
3/4 oz. rum (I use Bacardi Select)
3/4 oz. gin (New Amsterdam for me)
3/4 oz. tequila (Sauza goes in mine)
1/2 oz. triple sec
1/4 oz. Tuaca liqueur

Throw these into a pint glass full of ice, fill to about the 2/3 mark with sweet & sour mix, shake, then top off with Rockstar Energy Cola (make sure it's the cola and NOT the regular drink!!!) and a wedge of lemon.

What you get is a slightly less sour, bolder Long Island with a caffeine kick. This recipe is not for the faint of heart, but it IS the perfect drink for the all-night gaming gladiator.

And that's the Ram's Long Island. Cheers!

In Transition

2011-05-14T21:58:00.000-07:00

It's been quite some time since I've posted to this blog. No matter. What was once my SEO creative content blog is now my rants and ramblings on being part of Vegas' bar industry.

To give all of my readers (all two of you) up to speed, here's the last three years, abridged:

Became part of a terrible economy, lost the house, couldn't find any other office or writing jobs (despite my resume and rather impressive portfolio), did some pro-bono work for an electronic entertainment website, found a part-time job, took up bar management as a secondary profession, easily earned my certification, got a job as a barback for an arcade/ultralounge in Fremont Street's East District and I'm entering recipe competitions to boost my reputation as a Vegas-area mixologist. And met a very supportive lady during it all.

There. You're up to speed now. Have a Coke and a smile.

I have to admit, being a barback is quite a bit different from what I'm used to. No need for the ability to type 80+WPM with perfect (or, at least, near-perfect) grammar, no use for the ability to throw together a functional spreadsheet, no worries about typing up press releases. Cerebral dexterity is set aside while physical prowess takes over. It's rough work. Rough, but good. I can feel parts of my body getting tougher every day, much like a blacksmith shaping raw metal into a sturdy and functional tool. Although the scale says that I'm losing no weight. Lies.

So, yeah, things are picking up for the Ram. Good job, decent part-time secondary gig, great girl that I've been seeing for several months now and I'm back in the land of blogging. La vita e dolce.

Cake for Brains

2008-10-06T17:03:00.000-07:00

One of those passing moments when you hear random conversation bits and translate it oddly in your own mind.

"If I were a zombie, all brains would have to taste like cheesecake."

I'm not so sure. I'd have to go with tiramisu for this one. XD

So, today was the culmination of that gigantic work of content for the MLM client. I also went back and revamped one of my own content pieces for another MLM business client.

Ah, MLMs. What would the world be without them?

Obviously, there are certain people out there with cake for brains, after all.

Ch-ch-ch-ch-changes!

2008-10-03T17:13:00.000-07:00

And once again, we have to change what we're doing to write content.

But, hopefully, it'll help how we write everything. Hopefully. We'll see when I start majorly implementing the changes next week.

As far as today, I started work on an MLM site. I'll get back to you, dear readers, when that one's done.

For now, though, First Friday calls to me. And the art geek in me must answer.

CAFFEINE!!!

2008-10-01T17:05:00.000-07:00

Whew...it's been a while since my last smoothie from that place across the way. Man, I forgot the type of boost you get from the supplement they add to it! XD

So, there was that content for the client that sold unique jewelry out of Los Angeles. This client's main site was so devoid of information that I had to scrape and scrounge for anything to say. I'll say this much: I can point out a good diamond from a bad one now. :D

The things you learn when you're doing content...

On Gelato and Game

2008-09-30T17:06:00.000-07:00

Of which, I had both last night. XD

Sam hasn't lost his touch at all.

But that's not the point of this blog, is it? Just because I had a good date last night doesn't mean I can sit around bragging about it online, right? Right?

OK, so it does. Especially at my age! :D

Anyhow, today was the day I finished that content for the pool repair and maintenance company in California as well as content for a client that deals with insurance in Seattle.

Not bad. Not bad at all. Let's just see if the trend continues through the week.

Caffeine Headache

2008-09-29T17:13:00.000-07:00

Ever give yourself a caffeine-induced headache?

You know, where you've had so much caffeine in the last 24 hours that you feel like your head's going to explode?

Yeah, I'm so there.

Right...onto other things. Ended up working for a bit on a pool cleaning service in California. Not finished yet, but it's getting there. And I created this spreadsheet so that Those Above can keep track of our progress.

So, productive. Yet so unproductive at the same time.

Hitting the Books

2008-09-26T17:09:00.000-07:00

So, shock of all shocks, I actually worked at the bookstore yesterday. For once. It was a surprise not getting called off. A bigger surprise was knowing that I was permanently on as a closer on Thursdays and Saturdays now.

As far as the SEO side of my work life goes, I managed to finish the content for that cash gifting site. Took me nearly two days to do it.

It's nice to know that I'll actually have spending cash from now on. It sucked having nothing left after bills, mortgage payments and gas. Now, I can probably have a semblance of a life again.

As long as they don't call me off at the bookstore...

Too Many Nerds

2008-09-25T17:03:00.000-07:00

Which is exactly what I consumed.

I have a pretty big box of Nerds on my desk, and I think, in the effort to keep myself awake, I might've eaten too many. Ugh...

Anyhow, still working on this beast of a content piece for a cash gifting site. Do these never end? -.-

Now, to get to the other job. Hopefully, I'll feel better by the end of it.

Sam to the Rescue!

2008-09-24T17:22:00.000-07:00

So, a co-worker of mine had her keys locked in her car. Unfortunately, having the insurance that she has requires that she's driving her own car to be able to receive locksmith service free of charge. Unfortunate, because she was driving a rental.

Fortunately, Sam's roadside assistance is through his mobile phone carrier. They don't care as long as you have your phone on you. So I was able to get out there, sign for the locksmith service and be back in time to get a blog done. :) How's that for quick service?

Anyhow, today's content was for a client that does wedding and prom dresses in Pittsburgh. Something a little different. Once again, something I knew little about, but I actually enjoyed writing it.

Now, back to our regularly-scheduled MLM channel...ugh...

The Finish Line

2008-09-23T17:09:00.000-07:00

It was right there in reach. A little yellow SEO ribbon that was staring me in the face as I sped through the content I was working on.

And then, just as I thought I'd never make it, I checked my word count. And lo, the content for the MLM travel business was done.

I thought it would take another day to finish but, to my surprise, it was done surprisingly quickly. I guess I was faster on the draw than I thought. XD

MLMs, for Great Justice!!!

2008-09-22T17:07:00.000-07:00

Finally got around to finishing that content for the MLM client I'd started back on Wednesday or so. That monster's out of the way. Then I worked on content for a cash gifting site, which wasn't that long. Knocked that one out quick.

I still wonder about some of these people, though. It's either supreme idiocy or an excessive amount of desperation that drives them to these sort of things, I'm sure. I couldn't imagine that anyone would actually sign up for these programs and systems during better times.

The economy being the way it is, currently, I don't blame them for reaching out for any help possible. Not the best means of financial help by far, I'm certain, but they're reaching for something. Anything. Everything.

Is this what we're reduced to? Is it the madness of the crumbling employment world that drives the average American to these systems because they can't find work or is the reasoning closer to the idea that we, as citizens of one of the most free and diverse countries in the world, are just unwilling to work? And what, then, would happen if the rest of the globe follows suit? What if the Japanese mentality reversed upon itself by the collective will of its citizens and they decide that it's no longer the good of the whole that matters, but the good of the self? What about India?

Something to ponder for a while...

Jolt and Cheese

2008-09-18T17:07:00.000-07:00

That was the combination of food that kept me alive for the day. Ugh...my stomach's going to hate me tonight.

So I continued working content for a dastardly (yes, that's right, I used the word "dastardly") MLM. Big honkin' monster of a content piece, too. So, officially, my stomach AND my brain's going to hate me tonight.

Well, at least the family's away for the weekend. And those who came from England left on Tuesday. Which means peace and quiet for me.

For a while...

Coming Soon...the Hoff!

2008-09-17T17:02:00.000-07:00

Yes, that's right. The Hoff's hitting the big screen, apparently. Why? Just...why?

Aside from that, I did manage to finish that content for the home repair and maintenance specialists in San Antonio. Wasn't too bad, but it made me realize what a dork I am at home repair.

On the other hand, I can make a mean tiramisu. I dare any home repair guy to top me on that! HA!!!

I See Stars...

2008-09-15T17:13:00.000-07:00

I am super-tired. And I might be coming down with something.

I love my family, really I do. But I'm worn out from taking them everywhere.

While I was conscious, I did manage to finish content for two different clients. One was a client that sold puppies in California, while the other was an accounting firm in Richmond, Virginia.

Now, to survive a sushi outing. God help me...

Growl

2008-09-12T17:18:00.000-07:00

You would think that the people who put these files together would get more information on the client's business before moving it forward to us. But no...

After finishing content for that client who deals with real estate in Philadelphia, I started writing content for a dog breeder in California. Unfortunately, information in the client's file was scarce, so I had to rely on the client's actual site for more.

When I get there, I see lots of cute pics of puppies. And underneath, the prices are posted.

But nothing else. No information on the company, how long they've been in business, etc. Nothing more than a page full of puppy pictures and several links that are still under construction.

Which means I'll be flying blind on this one.

This sucks. But I guess this is the level of information I have to start expecting when I get files in my hand, huh?

Seriously, I would hope that future clients would be screened a bit more thoroughly, especially if they're still working on their own site. Otherwise, what do they expect us to say about them if we know only so much about what they're selling?

Sam's not a happy camper right now...

I, Juror

2008-09-11T11:15:00.000-07:00

So, today's a short day. Jury duty has summoned me for a second day in a row, so content's been on the light side.

I did, however, manage to finish content for an insurance site in New Jersey. So it was, at least, a productive few hours here.

Hopefully, today will mark the end of my jury service. Hopefully...

The Old Man is Snoring...

2008-09-08T16:57:00.000-07:00

Yes, that's right. It's raining. In Vegas. The desert.

WOOHOO!!!

Except that craves wary walking. Or driving, rather.

But still, we need the rain out here.

In other news, I managed to start and finish a rework for that art gallery in Houston that I'd done a little work for previously. Last time, though, it was just a paragraph. This time, I reworked the whole thing.

Now...I need sleep. This weather's making me...*YAWN!!!*...tired.

It's Friday!!!

2008-09-05T16:59:00.000-07:00

Yay!!!

I get to go home and relax for the weekend.

Well...at least for one day of my weekend. I have family from England coming in on Sunday. But still, it should be fun! :)

Meanwhile, today found me on a joint project with Sean F. for a tow truck parts and equipment company in PA. I also did a bit of content for an Ada, MI real estate agent and finished the content for a Realty company in Victoria, BC.

All in all, not a bad day. But my head's calling for my pillow now...

Ta-Daah!!!

2008-09-04T17:06:00.000-07:00

A blog. But first, a magic trick. Want to see me make content disappear?

For my first trick, a joint effort with Big Sean: Content for a real estate agency in Gig Harbor.

Next, bask in the wonder as I make content for an MLM client disappear before your eyes!

Last, gaze in awe as I saw another lovely MLM client in half!

Yes, Sam the Magnificent will do it all! TA-DAAH!!!

Quothe Big Sean: "AAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAGH!!!"

2008-09-03T17:05:00.001-07:00

...which is exactly how I feel right now, too.

This realty content's killing me. Why couldn't people do the right job the first time around? And I don't mean minor errors that need fixing. Noooo...I'm talking about more of the "good lord, how did this content get published in the first place" types of boo-boos.

So, yeah, that was my day. I'm almost done with it, but this was the polish job from the depths of SEO purgatory.

And we are its salvation.

One would hope...

Healed!

2008-09-02T17:11:00.000-07:00

WOOHOO! I'm back to 100% on the ankle!

Well...not really. Closer to 85%. Still feels a tad stiff from not being used much, and a little imbalanced on it. But I can walk and jog about on it, which is the important part.

So, while I could concentrate a bit more, I popped out content for a client that sells energy drinks. That wasn't so bad. But the real monster is one that I'm working on with Sean F. This one's a beast.

So, I'll be working on that one for the day tomorrow. And hopefully done with it before the day is done.

If I Had a Hammer...

2008-08-29T17:06:00.000-07:00

And I know you're waiting for the rest of those lyrics. Too bad. :)

Anyhow, today had me finishing that dastardly MLM rework. Finally. I think it looks tons better than it did before.

Also, I managed a small amount of content for a real estate project in India. That actually wasn't too bad. The keywords were pretty easy to write for, so that was done quickly.

Clearly, though, if I had a hammer...I'd pound it on every MLM. Honestly...

Braaaaaaaaaaaain Laaaaaaaaaaaaaaag...

2008-08-28T17:08:00.001-07:00

Ugh...I nearly forgot how painful reworking 40 keywords worth of MLM content could be. Especially when said content's 4,000 words short of its quota, and the existing content sucks horribly.

So, I'd finished phase one of the reworking of this one (rebullet everything that's actually in the paragraphs), and phase two started late yesterday and finished this morning (revamp the existing content) before I moved on to phase three: Write original content for the client.

Therein lies the suck part.

So, that's under construction right now. Hopefully, I'll have that part done before noon tomorrow.

For now, though...my brain hurts.

Can it Go Away Now?

2008-08-27T17:08:00.000-07:00

Seriously, I've been disoriented and tired from this foot pain for a few weeks now. This is getting annoying.

Meanwhile, I did finally manage to get that content done for the Realtor in New Orleans. And I started working on a rework for an MLM client.

But I want this pain gone. It's doing nothing for my focus, and I'm wasting my strength just trying to survive it for the day...

Sauerkraut in My Lederhosen

2008-08-26T17:03:00.000-07:00

Bonus points to anyone who knows the movie referenced in the title.

Right, so on to serious business. Today, it was a rush for a client who deals with health insurance in the Texas, Mississippi, Missouri and Tennessee areas. I still have to finish the content for the real estate agent in New Orleans, but first thing's first, you know.

The pain in my foot is subsiding (again), though I should probably knock on wood just for saying that. Last time I said that, it came back with a vengeance. -.-

But at least the gel insoles I purchased last night seem to be helping a little. Let's see how long those last. :D

Worried

2008-08-25T17:01:00.000-07:00

I think the pain, which flared up for a second time, is starting to make me sick, drained and disoriented. I might have to put aside my stubbornness and see a doctor, though I don't know how I'm going to afford the copay amount right now. -.-

I did manage to finish content for a graphic design firm in Newport Beach and added some content for an MLM consultation company in British Columbia.

It scares me to think what the pain could be. It happens once every several months, but it's never hit me twice in the same month...

The Pain Strikes Back...Sorta

2008-08-22T16:56:00.000-07:00

So, I'm feeling re-energized, but now I'm having a slight amount of pain in both feet. This is what I get for cashiering last night, and not really moving around much. Probably didn't help that I was wearing the same shoes last night when I should've changed into more comfy ones.

Sans the pain, I managed to get content done for one MLM client right after I'd finished content for a cash-gifting program that I'd started yesterday. I then helped one of the other guys in the office by writing up content for--yep, you guessed it--yet another MLM!

Yeesh...I asked the question once, and I'll ask it again: Who signs up for this stuff?

Exhaustion...

2008-08-21T17:04:00.000-07:00

I'm completely drained. Even 10 straight hours of sleep didn't help last night, and I hope I'm not getting sick.

Yeah, that would top off the last two weeks. Last week, it was excessive pain. This week, if I've caught something from anyone, I'll be a bit peeved.

Anyhow, I was able to do a lot of content for an MLM client. I'll most likely finish it in the morning tomorrow, because it's not too far from being done.

...what's worse is that I have to work at the bookstore tonight. -.- This should be interesting.

Wiped...

2008-08-20T17:18:00.001-07:00

I can't tell you half of what happened in the afternoon today.

Oddly, I started completely blanking out. And when I was conscious, I was drained.

In the morning, while I felt fine, I was able to get some extra content for a wine and gifts site in California. After I started bottoming out, I did manage to squeeze out extra content for an insurance company in Cincinnati.

I don't know what happened. I haven't been eating anything terribly unusual...

Hmm...

Lost and Confused

2008-08-19T17:18:00.000-07:00

Well...second try at attempting to brainstorm keywords for a client. So far, not too bad. I think...

Anyhow, today saw me doing content for a TV product sales site and a roofing company in Bellevue. Not bad.

Man, my hand is starting to hurt, though. Maybe I'll soak it when I get home.

Or not...

Monstrous Day

2008-08-18T17:22:00.000-07:00

Wow! What a Monday! Aside from my ankle/instep feeling much better, I managed to finish a joint effort work for one MLM client, added some content for a roofing company in New London County, Connecticut and additional content for another MLM client.

Not that there was much work involved for the latter two (except thinking up keywords for the second MLM client), but still...Sam was a productive little monkey today. XD

Relief...

2008-08-15T17:15:00.000-07:00

I CAN WALK SEMI-NORMALLY AGAIN!!!

Ahem...anyhow, I was able to finish content for two clients. One's for a cash-gifting system and the other one's a realtor in Toronto. And I get the weekend to recover from the damage my ankle and instep have been through.

Thank goodness...I don't know how much more Motrin I could stomach.

The Revenge of Pain

2008-08-14T17:06:00.000-07:00

Just when I thought the pain was subsiding, it transitioned from my ankle to my instep, then back to my ankle again over the past week. Ugh...

Despite my lack of concentration (again, due to the pain and a lack of sleep because of it), I managed to finish content for both a realtor in Lake Chelan and an MLM client. I started content for another client, but the pain started again and I'm trying to hold out for at least another 20 minutes from the time of this post to take more Motrin.

Sometimes, I wonder if I'm overdoing it to myself. 13 days of work one time, one day off followed by two shifts in one day after that, then actually coming to work and taking pain pills instead of resting this week.

Curse my workaholic tendencies...they're going to be the death of me. Not literally.

Pain, the Epilogue(?)

2008-08-13T17:04:00.001-07:00

After a near-restless night of not being able to find a comfortable position to sleep in because of the instep/ankle problem, I managed to make it to work with the help of a compression wrap, comfortable shoes (seeing as my foot was too swollen in areas to fit in my normal work shoes) and lots of Motrin. This same combination also got me through content for both a cruises and tours company and a real estate company in Spokane, WA.

Barely. I was nearly about to throw in the towel halfway through the shift, since the pain was both aggravating and disorienting. I felt dazed a few times during the shift, but I managed.

Whew...to be home again...

Pain 2, the Sequel

2008-08-12T17:07:00.000-07:00

Ugh...still under a considerable amount of pain, still hard to concentrate. But at least it's not as bad as yesterday, so I was able to finish content for a rental account we have as well as content for a heating and air conditioning company in Orange County.

And no sooner, too. The pain is starting to make me a little dizzy... -.-

Motrin FTW. Or, at least, I hope it'll hold me off for another day.

Lots of Pain

2008-08-11T17:08:00.001-07:00

As I'm writing this, I'm shifting my ankle around to find a comfortable position where it won't flare up on me. This is not working very well. Meanwhile, I was working on content for a rental site of ours, but I just couldn't concentrate on finishing it through the pain (Motrin works very slowly in my system). -.-

I'll be fine tomorrow. The pain's not half as bad as it was yesterday, but it was enough to keep me from being able to get a good night's sleep and to keep me from being able to think straight today.

Fighting to Survive!

2008-08-08T17:06:00.000-07:00

Man...there are just those weeks when you don't think you're going to make it. Then again, I came off a weekend where I only had one day off only to work both jobs the very next day, so it probably took me some time to recuperate from that.

What that means is that I was able to get content done for both a real estate agency in the Dallas-Ft. Worth area and a flooring company in Victoria, BC. Just when I thought I was going to be struggling all through the week.

I say this, though: I'm never, EVER doing a 13-day stretch of work again with only one day off at the end...

But at least I should be getting one heck of a check today from the other job! XD

Groggy...

2008-08-06T17:10:00.001-07:00

This was one of those dizzying sort of days. I'd finished content for an outdoor teak furniture dealer in the Bay area, then thought I'd return to the content I was working on previously.

Just as I was starting to maintain a rhythm, Sean and I were given a couple of trouble accounts that needed fixing. And, I tell you, mine definitely needed work. So I got rid of the original content that was there and started working on fresh, new content for this client.

All the while, I was having a crash. This is what I get for not eating solid food, save chips, for two days. -.-

GNATS!!!

2008-08-05T17:06:00.000-07:00

I swear to everything, there were gnats attacking me outside! BLAH!!!

Coming off an all-day shift yesterday (straight through from 8:30am-11pm, both jobs), I managed to squeeze out enough brain power to finish content for a realty company in Victoria, BC. I then finished about a third way through content for a flooring company, also in Victoria, BC.

I also read through a great article on content writing, thanks to DC (the man, not the comic book company). It's excellent and informative.

Now...to face the gnat onslaught...

Eww...

2008-08-04T16:58:00.000-07:00

I wasn't feeling well today. Probably a combination of the coming rain and something that didn't agree with my stomach last night, but I was feeling miserable.

In any case, I was able to stamp out content for a cash gifting program. Seriously, who signs up for this stuff? Honestly...

So I go to pull a short shift at the bookstore. Wish me luck. I might need it...

Ready, Steady, GO!

2008-08-01T16:57:00.000-07:00

Man, it's a wonder what happens when you mix one Hindustani, a can of Jolt, a smoothie, half a can of FRS (newly-discovered energy drink), a can of Pringles and TONS of sleep.

I managed to finish two pieces of content today. One was for an MLM while the other was for a franchise consulting firm. Then I started another client, and I'm about 1,000 words in on that one.

Yes...must remember this formula for success. I'm sure there was a chai mixed in there somewhere, too. I think...

SEO en Espanol

2008-07-31T17:06:00.000-07:00

Pues, hoy quisiera escribir mi blog en espanol. Porque? Porque quisiera, estas bien contigo?

Hoy, yo he escrito contento para un cliente que tienes un MLM. Estoy trabajando con eso ahora, y me voy a completarlo manana.

...right, so if you didn't understand that...tough. But hey, life's not fair, is it? XD

OK, seriously, I finished some content for an MLM client. That's pretty much the gist of this whole thing. The rest is dirty.

Or is it? O.O

State of Confusion

2008-07-30T17:04:00.000-07:00

As I thought I would, the content I was working on for the insurance company in Wisconsin was done before noon. Then, I was hit with a new one: A husband and wife team, both separate clients with the same business doing two different things.

At first, I wasn't sure what to make of it. Are they both MLMs? Why two different client numbers? What in the world?

So, I started looking at both client numbers. Apparently, one was clearly an MLM, but the other? A franchise consulting company. I wasn't quite sure what that meant, specifically (a company that deals with ALL franchises, or just networking franchises?), so I had to ask around.

Which, of course, caused confusion elsewhere. Until someone said, "No, it's a regular business, but his wife does the MLM under the same umbrella."

Once that was cleared up, I got started. Then I got hit with something else instead: A file that got lost in the shuffle some time ago, apparently. Not sure of the details, but it needs to be done.

Thankfully, I'd barely gotten the information I needed about the previous client and had only gotten 2 pages in before starting this one.

Oy...what a mind-bending day...

Draft Dodger? I Think Not...

2008-07-29T16:49:00.000-07:00

So, today I submitted the first draft to a project that my boss needed. Hopefully, it's what he's looking for. If not, at least there's something in his hands until I make the changes that are needed.

Meanwhile, I'm also working content for an insurance company in Milwaukee. That's coming along nicely. :)

This coming off a 25-hour work spree (with a full night's sleep in-between each day). Right in the middle of a 13-day work marathon. So today will be the first time I've seen my house in daylight since Sunday evening.

Oy...never again.

Tempus Fugit

2008-07-28T17:12:00.000-07:00

...and boy did it today.

I started and finished content for an insurance business here in Vegas before moving on to another insurance site. Then I was asked to lend a hand on a script project. More on that as it develops.

And before I knew it, it was already 5pm.

Wow...where did the time go? Maybe it's because I did stuff that was interesting today. Or maybe it was all the Jolt I drank.

Hmm...

Oh, and as a side note: The content I did for the silver Labby lady placed exceptionally. *Cue squee*

Odds and Ends

2008-07-25T17:20:00.000-07:00

Between doing content for a funeral home in New York City and one for guard dog services in Los Angeles, this made for a fairly odd day.

I mean, I did content designed for those who want to protect their lives on the West Coast and one designed for someone that helps for when one's life ends on the East Coast.

All in all, I'd say this is a day of extremes, yes?

After Careful Consideration...

2008-07-24T17:07:00.001-07:00

...I may have discovered my secret to good rankings. I'm not sure yet, but I'm treating my recently finished content for an MLM client as a bit of an experiment.

I'll see how it ranks after a week or two and decide if this is working, but basically I'm focusing each of my paragraphs around one or two keywords instead of a whole string of keywords. This keeps my density intact while keeping each paragraph coherent.

Let's see what happens...

Screeching Halt

2008-07-23T17:20:00.000-07:00

This made for an interesting day. Between pictures of gigantic rabbits, finishing content for a window coverings company in Arizona and the truck that rammed into the wall near my housing area, this was definitely an interesting day.

I just hope the poor schmuck is OK...

Blahness...

2008-07-22T17:00:00.000-07:00

You know, it's always the research that takes the longest on a new site.

After finishing up content for an MLM site, I started work for a window blinds and shutters site in Arizona. I was dying on that one until I started looking up more stuff on different types of blinds and shutters.

Man, I never thought window dressing could be so complex...

Down the Drain

2008-07-21T17:05:00.000-07:00

So, I finally got around to starting that content for the plumbing company in La Mesa (who also has a site being built by us). It's nice to finally get back to something new after the deluge of hot content I've had for the last few weeks.

I then finished up some content for a cash gifting site. Wasn't so bad. It was a little over the mark it needed to be at, but I think it'll still do pretty well. A review of some of my past work has shown me the damage I'm capable of. :)

Anyhow, homeward I go and, later, to a pool party.

Peace, love and Armageddon, y'all.

End of the World...or Week

2008-07-18T17:03:00.000-07:00

Well, coming off 12 hours worth of work, I managed to finish off content for an MLM. Another train-wreck fixed by yours truly.

But, man, I am beat! Still looking forward to watching "The Dark Knight" this weekend, but on mental beat-down mode right now.

So, it's going to be lots of sleep today, Batman goodness tomorrow.

Train of Thought, Derailed

2008-07-17T16:50:00.000-07:00

Ever lose your complete train of thought?

That's what happened with me today. While I was working on content for a client that runs a plumbing company (who also doesn't have a website yet), I was given something else to work on: A complete train-wreck of content for an MLM site. I worked on that for the whole day, and have another one tomorrow. But I nearly forgot what my next project was going to be!

Oy...my brain is getting old, I swear...

How Much is that Doggie in the Window?

2008-07-16T17:06:00.000-07:00

This was a pretty productive day.

After a collaborative effort on a site for silver Labradors in Citra, Florida and flying solo on a rework for a site that sells discount event and sports tickets, I felt pretty accomplished. Lots of heartburn and this unknown need to buy a Labby, but accomplished nonetheless.

Though nothing could replace my love for huskies and malamutes. Big...fluffy...dogs of DOOM!!!

Ahem...anyhow, that was my day. See what happens when Sam doesn't have excessive heat beating him down?

On Boba and Brain-Death (A Blog in Haiku)

2008-07-15T17:02:00.000-07:00

And now...SEO haikus.

Content was finished
for an auto dealership
between boba sips.

Writing content for
an insurance company
kills many brain cells.

*Takes a bow*

Thank you, thank you...please, no autographs.

Writer Extraordinaire!

2008-07-14T17:13:00.000-07:00

Must've been the weather change. Or the new vitamins. Whatever it was, I was able to get another 2,000 words done for the car dealership in Alabama. Before I could finish the final stretch of 1,000 words, though, I was asked if I could do some quick content for an MLM with a 3up system.

Thinking it would take me forever, I was actually able to take it, throw out nearly all of the old content and write it nearly from scratch in a day!

I must be doing something right. Or someone up there loves me. Maybe it was the ghost of John Steinbeck. He shares my birthday, after all...

Mind Meltdown

2008-07-11T17:06:00.000-07:00

I'm telling you, I don't know how I actually end up getting some of this stuff done.

After finishing content for a Hawaiian tour company, I alternated back-and-forth between content for a car dealership in Alabama and a Southwestern insurance company. But I had nothing. I mean, I was able to add content to both, but I kept switching between them to just get something down. Anything. Argh...

Then again, one was short on content by nearly 4,000 words when I got it. The other one had every single keyword changed but, since it ranked so well originally, I have to try to keep as much of the original content intact as humanly possible. With all of the original keywords practically gone, that's not an easy task.

*sigh* I am Sam's brain, going into a meltdown...

A Horse with No Name

2008-07-09T17:00:00.000-07:00

That should be what I have next to me: A horse with no name. Because I'm already in the desert. And the heat is a battering reminder of that fact.

Anyhow, today it was heavy drilling work on two pieces of content. One was an MLM and the other was a Las Vegas wedding photographer. Both were missing tons of content and keywords, so I worked the old magic on them and made them both spiffy and beautiful.

Now, to get home and out of this heat! Ugh...

Right...at least the heat's good for something. Maybe I'll lose a little weight walking in this sun.

Hope I can remember my name...

The MLM of Death

2008-07-08T16:51:00.000-07:00

I really hate trying to get MLM content done.

Especially when it hits over 50 keywords worth. That's always more than a day's work. The one piece of content I finished today for an MLM client took nearly two full days, in fact.

I finally got it done, but that was killer. It's always so tough to find things to say about these businesses, especially when you're typing so much on it. It's hard to come up with new stuff for their sites.

Man...I never want to see one again...

Ugh...

2008-07-07T17:11:00.000-07:00

What a day...

It started off with me having a lack of sleep. I went to bed intending on a full night's sleep, but somehow only managed about three hours worth! Which meant I spent a good 4-5 hours still awake and trying to get myself asleep. -.-

Then, I get to work and realize there was a piece of content I'd forgotten about in the mad dash to get a ton of hot rushed content out (a little over a dozen pieces in less than two weeks), so I'd forgotten what the deal with it was. After finding out that it was just a new client with an MLM business that needed content done, I started cracking away, but I could feel the effects of 3 hours worth of sleep (and a stomach cramp from the deepest bowels--no pun intended--of purgatory) whittling my strength down.

Needless to say, this was not my day. I felt like garbage, and should've probably called in sick. But those who know me best know I hardly do so. It has to be a dire emergency before I decided to call in. Essentially, any condition that prevents me from moving. Otherwise, I'll down NyQuil or break out a cane to get into work.

I'm just too stubborn for my own good...

The End of the Red Hot...er...Hots

2008-07-03T16:47:00.000-07:00

Whew...with the completion of content for a cash gifting program, I've finished the last of my list of hot reworks. Wow.

Which left me time to actually work on a new one...also a cash gifting program.

Two in a row. Heh...well, at least writing one gave me ideas for the other, so it wasn't too hard.

Meanwhile, I get two split off days. Fourth of July tomorrow, then I work at my other job from 2-10pm, then Sunday off again. This should be fun...oy...

SUCCESS!!!

2008-07-02T17:21:00.000-07:00

Finally! I'm done with the content for that health and wellness site! I also managed to rework some content for the bathtub refinishing company I'd done a while back and a quick word boost on a real estate agent in Fairfax County, Virginia.

I never thought I'd get that beauty products one done. But, with every ounce of willpower (and a lot of studying what the heck a body souffle is), I inched it right over the mark it needed to be at.

Oy...what a day. At least that one's out of the way...

Shameless plug: I have the prelude to a short story I'm working on up on Deviant Art. It's called the Tale of the Skybloom. For a first draft (and for something that's just setting up the backstory to my main work), I don't think it turned out too bad.

I hope I don't get in any trouble for posting this on a work blog, but I am a writer.

And I'm sure they'll tell me if it's an issue. *shrug*

Make-Up Work

2008-07-01T17:25:00.000-07:00

I'll tell you what, dear reader. I know a lot about art, mythology and generally obscure stuff. But you ask me about eyeliner...and I'm lost.

Thus was the case with some content I was reworking for a health and wellness MLM. After careful consideration, I realized that I'd need to research this stuff more and then stamp out the content.

What I was able to finish, at least, was content for two other clients. One was a realtor in Palos Verdes and the other dealt with aviation art. Which, I might add, the latter of those two put me in geek heaven. Not so much for the subject of his paintings, but because I'm a massive geek for art in general (female artists are at the top of my most beloved list).

So, all in all, not a bad day.

HOT!!!

2008-06-30T17:13:00.000-07:00

And I'm not just talking about the heat here in Vegas...

Today, I had content for two MLMs. One was a short MLM piece and the other MLM content needed a lot of work.

Both needed to be done immediately. And in the Vegas heat, it was tough to concentrate on them.

And I somehow managed to get them done. How? I have no idea...

Backward

2008-06-27T17:02:00.000-07:00

How did this happen?

I had a rework for a Florida home-based entrepreneur type of thing, which I expected to take forever (because of the amount of work it needed). It didn't.

Then, I had a hot rework needed for a Maui tour company. I thought I'd make short work of it. I didn't.

How did that work? I actually killed off an MLM quickly and struggled with a tour company! Huh?!?

Man, I must be getting too used to these home-based businesses...

Heat

2008-06-26T17:14:00.001-07:00

As I'm sitting in the heat of the room, I'm contemplating the two pieces I just finished.

One was for an MLM. The other was an insurance agent in Seattle.

And, as the day wore on, so did the heat. And with the heat went my brain.

Man, talk about drained...

But at least I got those done. Ugh...

East/West Rivalry...or Not

2008-06-25T16:52:00.000-07:00

Interesting combination of clients for the day.

First, there was a certain bathtub refinishing company with one name.

Then, new content for a health insurance company in Denver, CO with another name.

If you click on the links and look at both names, you can see why I found my day slightly amusing. And the title of this blog should be your first clue to it all.

Yeah...I'm a geek. I admit it. XD

Brain Dead...

2008-06-24T17:00:00.000-07:00

Blah...I'm so brain dead right now...

But at least I managed to get content done for an MLM of some sort. It was 45KW worth, and there was only about half of the required content in the original stuff.

I then started (and got about halfway through) content for another MLM of 45KW. It's all new content, so at over 6,000 words, it would need a full day.

But that one will be finished another time. Content for a bathtub refinishing company is taking priority.

In the immortal words of Lando Calrissian, "Here goes nothing."

Whammy!

2008-06-23T17:20:00.000-07:00

No, I'm not talking about "Press Your Luck".

I mean the amount of content I was able to drive out today.

First off, there was the crystal and beaded jewelry company. That was the one with the ninja 5 keywords.

Then, a rework for a Matthews, North Carolina insurance agent. That wasn't so bad. Sean F. had worked on it before, so there was little to no work necessary on the content itself.

This was followed by another insurance company in Danvers, Massachusetts. Scarily, it had some similar content, but a little clean-up did the trick.

Finally, a franchise assistance company. I wasn't sure where to go with this one, but I think I did a pretty good job on it, all things considered.

I also found out that the content I did for a plumbing company in Brooklyn Park (Jeff, by the way, did the site) placed exceptionally. Go me!

Whew...what a day...

Urge to Kill, Rising...

2008-06-20T17:09:00.000-07:00

Man...and I was on a roll, too.

After I finished reworking content for a Realtor in Southeastern Louisiana and working new content for another Realtor in Red Deer, Alberta, I started working on a rework for a jewelry company. There were 5 additional keywords, so I thought, "Hey, I'll knock out about 2 or 3 paragraphs and I should be safe."

Two paragraphs later, I was well over the word count I needed, so I was going back on to the client's site to check on any notes that may have come in.

Sure enough, there were suddenly 5 more keywords on top of the 5 I worked on.

So...one piece of content suddenly shot down for the day... -.-

But at least that's two paragraphs worth of it I don't have to deal with the next time I work on it.

The String of Pearls

2008-06-19T17:07:00.000-07:00

Today was eventful. And hilarious.

After finishing a site for a fuel-economic MLM and one for another MLM that said a lot, yet nothing at all, there was the money shot.

The mother of all jewelry sites.

And why, do you ask, would I call it that?

Because this one dealt with giving their customers nothing but great pearl necklaces.

They actually do have great pearl jewelry pieces. I mean, some of these pieces were well-crafted, including a multi-strand, $10,000 pearl necklace.

And you can get these pearl necklaces delivered out of Hawaii. What could be better than that? It's coming out of paradise!

Right, so more tomorrow. For now...get your loved one a pearl necklace.

Because, like I wrote in my content, nothing says "I love you" like a pearl necklace.

Ouch!

2008-06-18T17:06:00.000-07:00

Word of advice for aspiring writers out there.

Wear comfy clothing. The last thing you want is a backache and to whine like a drama queen that your shoes are too tight while stamping out content.

Which is what was going on while I finished content for both a Denver-area tile and flooring company and a Chicago-area insurance agent. Man, I can't stand dress shoes...

But at least I looked good. That's right, Sam's a sexy beast of a man. If I were a smoker, I'd probably need a cigarette from how good I looked in the office today.

Yes, that's right. Sam's a hot writer. Please, no stalkers.

And Now...

2008-06-17T17:02:00.000-07:00

...this momentary ATTACK OF PANDAS!!!

Right, so while this scene of pandas is pacifying you, there was a site for construction insurance I worked content for. It wasn't bad. Just not a lot on the client's actual site, so it took me a while to run about the internet and actually find information on construction insurance.

Now, I'm working on content for a stone and tile company in Denver. Not bad, either. I'm about halfway through, but this one's more my fault. LOL I know little to nothing about the actual tiling process! And I have tile in my house! How did that work?!?

Anyhow, I'll keep you posted. For now...enjoy the pandas.

***Panda bloggers, GO!***

Dustin: http://designcolloquium.blogspot.com
Sean L: http://rantsofslanier.blogspot.com
Darrell: http://saishuhane.blogspot.com
Ryan: http://nayr702.blogspot.com
Scott: http://thegingerback.blogspot.com
Daniel: http://buildingwithpixels.blogspot.com
Jem: http://emojem.blogspot.com
Sean F: http://sanatoriumemporium.blogspot.com
God: http://devsteve.blogspot.com
Phil: http://developerphil.blogspot.com
Jeff: http://jeffstimes.blogspot.com
John: http://johnknoten.blogspot.com
Chris: http://loushou.blogspot.com
Kimberly: http://kimbna.blogspot.com

Mmm...Boba

2008-06-16T17:00:00.000-07:00

All I want right now is a cup of passion fruit boba.

It would definitely keep me awake. Especially while working on an MLM rework. Boba's an addiction, I swear.

For those not up on boba, it's basically a frozen drink or tea with really large tapioca beads in it. Great stuff. Combination drink and dessert. Great to have in a pinch.

So, while I was working on the content for the site, all I could think about was that. And how much I could've used one right about then.

***Check out the other bloggers from the office!***

Dustin: http://designcolloquium.blogspot.com
Sean L: http://rantsofslanier.blogspot.com
Darrell: http://saishuhane.blogspot.com
Ryan: http://nayr702.blogspot.com
Scott: http://thegingerback.blogspot.com
Daniel: http://buildingwithpixels.blogspot.com
Jem: http://emojem.blogspot.com
Sean F: http://sanatoriumemporium.blogspot.com
God: http://devsteve.blogspot.com
Phil: http://developerphil.blogspot.com
Jeff: http://jeffstimes.blogspot.com
John: http://johnknoten.blogspot.com
Chris: http://loushou.blogspot.com
Kimberly: http://kimbna.blogspot.com

Realty and Really Bad Smoothies

2008-06-13T16:26:00.000-07:00

While sipping on a really bad smoothie (next time, bananas) and working on content for a New Brunswick real estate company, I realized something.

What are we doing to the world?

I mean, yes, there's the whole "survival of the fittest" thing. Preservation of a species is an instinct. But it feels like we, as humans, are doing the world an injustice through overcrowding and overusing our resources.

Yeah, I know, "old argument". But I tend to not think about it until I come across sites like that. Granted, Miramichi sounds like a beautiful place. But how many so-called "idyllic settings" become over-run with humanity and lose their luster and tranquility?

Food for thought.

***Check out the other bloggers from the office!***

Dustin: http://designcolloquium.blogspot.com
Sean L: http://rantsofslanier.blogspot.com
Darrell: http://saishuhane.blogspot.com
Ryan: http://nayr702.blogspot.com
Scott: http://thegingerback.blogspot.com
Daniel: http://buildingwithpixels.blogspot.com
Jem: http://emojem.blogspot.com
Sean F: http://sanatoriumemporium.blogspot.com
God: http://devsteve.blogspot.com
Phil: http://developerphil.blogspot.com
Jeff: http://jeffstimes.blogspot.com
John: http://johnknoten.blogspot.com
Chris: http://loushou.blogspot.com
Kimberly: http://kimbna.blogspot.com

The Revamp.

2008-06-12T17:05:00.000-07:00

So, Mr. Scott dropped a few client numbers on me that needed work. One, an MLM for healthy water, didn't look too bad. Considering that I was the one that originally worked on it, all it needed was extra keywords. The other site, meanwhile, needed serious work.

So, what was supposed to be additional content turned into, more or less, a rework. Who wrote this stuff?!? Makes me wonder sometimes...

Anyhow, the SEO site looks a lot better. Hopefully, it stays that way.

Toilet Humor

2008-06-11T17:18:00.000-07:00

Two more pieces of content for the road. One was an MLM and the other was a plumbing company with very little on their main page. And I still managed to squeeze out 20KW worth of content. How's that for content writing? Yeah! W00t!

OK, I'm done inflating my own ego.

Oh...wait...

WOOHOO!!!

OK, NOW I'm done.

Heh...plumbing. An industry where going down the drain is actually a good thing. (Cue obligatory "bad joke" wah-wah noise)

***This momentary lapse of insanity was brought to you by the following sponsors!***

Dustin: http://designcolloquium.blogspot.com
Sean L: http://rantsofslanier.blogspot.com
Darrell: http://saishuhane.blogspot.com
Ryan: http://nayr702.blogspot.com
Scott: http://thegingerback.blogspot.com
Daniel: http://buildingwithpixels.blogspot.com
Jem: http://emojem.blogspot.com
Sean F: http://sanatoriumemporium.blogspot.com
God: http://devsteve.blogspot.com
Phil: http://developerphil.blogspot.com
Jeff: http://jeffstimes.blogspot.com
John: http://johnknoten.blogspot.com
Chris: http://loushou.blogspot.com
Kimberly: http://kimbna.blogspot.com

Against the Grain...of Curry!

2008-06-10T17:26:00.000-07:00

Seeing as a colleague of mine has titled his blog with 'curry', I send this titular retort. Of course, it's only a retort in title, but it's something. So there! Take that, Sean L.!

Anyhow, finished tons of content for a few clients. I'll post the links on tomorrow's addition to this blog, but for now...

I say adieu, so long and thanks for all the fish.

Commendations to those who get that line. Really. Literacy is often such a lost art...

Under Pressure

2008-06-09T17:23:00.000-07:00

Last week, I could barely do 20KW worth of work per day just from starting a no-red-meat diet.

Today, I was able to finish 50KW worth while my stomach felt like it wanted to explode.

How does this happen?

Weird...

Well, in any case, that's one file down. On to the next project.

Tomorrow, of course...

First, home and Pepto. Cursed pasta...

WOO!!!

2008-06-06T16:54:00.000-07:00

OMG!!!

I actually finished that one MLM site! A 75KW rework monster that ended at exactly 11,000 words total.

Wow...I wonder if I could pull that one off again. That was pretty amazing! LOL

Now, onward to a 50KW Saskatchewan farm realtor's site. This should be interesting.

But first...a weekend. Much fun and chaos. Or, at least fun. Perhaps chaos will follow. I'm not quite sure yet...

Definitely Working

2008-06-05T17:17:00.000-07:00

Yep...that was exactly the problem I had.

I noticed that, while working on the trike site from yesterday and another site today, I was much more alert. The supplements are definitely offsetting my lack of iron from cutting out red meat for a bit. And I think cutting out heavy high-fructose corn syrup drinks are also having an effect on my crashing.

It was a shock for the first few days, but I'm readjusting quite well now.

Thank goodness, too. This site's a 75KW killer I've been tweaking on-and-off for a bit now...

***Check out the other bloggers from the office!***

Dustin: http://designcolloquium.blogspot.com
Sean L: http://rantsofslanier.blogspot.com
Darrell: http://saishuhane.blogspot.com
Ryan: http://nayr702.blogspot.com
Scott: http://thegingerback.blogspot.com
Daniel: http://buildingwithpixels.blogspot.com
Jem: http://emojem.blogspot.com
Sean F: http://sanatoriumemporium.blogspot.com
God: http://devsteve.blogspot.com
Phil: http://developerphil.blogspot.com
Jeff: http://jeffstimes.blogspot.com
John: http://johnknoten.blogspot.com
Chris: http://loushou.blogspot.com

Tips and Trikes

2008-06-04T16:40:00.000-07:00

I really have to remember to not leave the house without popping an iron supplement into my system. That way, I don't bottom out as quickly as I have the last couple of days.

So, today, I was working on a site for custom trikes. I didn't bottom out nearly as bad as I had the last couple of days. Except, of course, when the heat was unbearable. Otherwise, I was pretty alive. :)

Anyhow, that just means I have to stay on iron supplements for a while.

***Check out the other bloggers from the office!***

Dustin
http://designcolloquium.blogspot.com

Sean L
http://rantsofslanier.blogspot.com

Darrell
http://saishuhane.blogspot.com

Ryan
http://nayr702.blogspot.com

Scott
http://thegingerback.blogspot.com

Daniel
http://buildingwithpixels.blogspot.com

Jem
http://emojem.blogspot.com

Sean F
http://sanatoriumemporium.blogspot.com

Sam
http://rahvinn.blogspot.com

God
http://devsteve.blogspot.com

Phil
http://developerphil.blogspot.com

Jeff
http://jeffstimes.blogspot.com

John
http://johnknoten.blogspot.com

Chris
http://loushou.blogspot.com

SEO on a Diet

2008-06-03T16:55:00.000-07:00

While working on a site for an appraisal company, I felt myself mentally crash. Not just dazed, mind you. I mean completely losing seconds of time. I had to think about why this was. I had a full night worth of sleep, and I'm eating healthier. What gives?

It dawned on me: I did start my red meat diet yesterday. The drastic change in my eating habits is probably what's getting me. My body is still readjusting, and my brain's suffering for it.

I might have to bring tons of snacks to compensate. Oy vey...

Deja-Vu

2008-06-02T16:59:00.000-07:00

In the "hey, that looks familiar" department...

One of the sites I worked on came back for a rework, and guess who inherited it in a pile of reworks? Yep, you guessed it. Apparently, there were a lot of keyword changes (namely, localizations) and the content was too keyword-heavy in the first place. So, after working on it for a full day, I got it optimized perfectly, I believe.

Let's hope it doesn't come back again. This one was killer. I had to revamp practically every existing paragraph for the new localizations and add about 2,000 more words to it.

Whew...

Second Wind

2008-05-29T17:24:00.000-07:00

I was dying today.

No, not literally. I mean my brain just puttered out. There was this short second wind, but I just couldn't stay conscious. With a full night's sleep, no less!

So, I had to write content for this real estate company out of Colorado. I barely managed to get it done from start to finish in one sitting, but my mind was running on empty.

I hope I'm not coming down with something...

Not an MLM!

2008-05-28T17:15:00.000-07:00

Finally! Something that's not an MLM! Man, and I was getting brain-drained on too many of those in a row.

Of course, it doesn't help that I'm right back on the MLM train again...

Oh well. You win some, you lose some. But at least it was a short reprieve. ^_^ It was something different for a moment, especially after those two 50+ keyword MLM accounts last week.

Man, now THAT was killer!

Mad Genius

2008-05-27T17:13:00.001-07:00

It wasn't long after the last blog post that I finished the very same content I was griping about that I had finished it.

I ended up staying only a few minutes later than normal. There weren't many words left to write (I was only short by roughly 100 words or so), and decided to stay behind to just get it done. It'd irritated me to be so close and not done.

And, lo, 'twas done. And I managed to finish a couple of other content works, at that!

Another day, another battle one. ^_^

Pain and Pineball

2008-05-23T17:04:00.000-07:00

And now...Pineball Haiku.

When someone's hurt in
Pineball, the offender scores
Major bonus points.

Right...to learn more about Pineball, tough. We haven't quite ironed out the rules ourselves. Be warned, though. This could go global.

Anyhow, that being said, here's the "pain" part of aforementioned title: I'm still working on the content for this 50KW MLM account. Jeez...I never thought one piece of content would take me so long. But, per my last blog post, it's just that there's not a lot there (in fact, nearly nothing) about what the business does, so I've just been struggling on what to say in the content without making each paragraph sound like the last. A losing battle, I'm sure, since that's pretty much what's happened to it now.

Ugh...how? Why? When's the next Pineball session?

Making Something from Nothing

2008-05-22T17:08:00.000-07:00

How do I do it?

The question came up once today about content I wrote for a client's site that had next-to-nothing on it. I'm asking myself the same thing for another site that I'm writing content for.

Both sites have nearly nothing on the actual site in terms of information about their respective businesses. Both clients asked for 50+KW worth. Both run an MLM or similar business.

How I'm able to even extract content for both of these sites is beyond me, but somehow I've been managing. Problem is, with the lack of information, it takes me forever to get these done because I have nothing to go on. So, it's basically a couple of hours of scrounging for information on the client's site and from outside sites, then trying to put enough coherent info together to make content they'd be happy with.

Ugh...it's like trying to scoop water with a slotted spoon. It feels a tad futile, and I end up feeling like I'm the one building their site instead of just pushing people their way.