What People Don't Understand about Freelancing

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Working at home, on your own time, without the hassle of having to be with other annoying people are some of the top perks of freelancing. Of course, there's also the fact that you don't have to bother about battling the traffic and the great compensation which makes it really great.

Sadly, there are also tons of disadvantages about working freelance. For one, a lot of people have no idea how it works. Some think that you're just sitting in front of the computer the whole day and doing nothing, when in fact that is already the very thing that's feeding you. What's worse is when these clueless people think that you can use your skills and computer knowledge for favors for them without a fee. But as the Joker says:

This is one thing that people should totally understand about freelancing. Freelancers earn from their skills - from the things they are good at. So, asking a favor to make you a website about your dog for free just because you guys are friends is not cool.

Some might be thinking, "but were friends!" or "we're relatives!" All the more reasons to not do it, douche bag. It's just like asking your friend who owns a restaurant to give you free meals every time you visit their establishment. A freebie or two or even a discount is just okay, but free meals, especially if you're asking for a fucking buffet is something only the biggest asshole would do. Someone shameless may also abuse the supposed one time offer and go there for every meal.

Again, some may argue, but it's just a favor. Friends do favors for each other all the time. Well, in a way, yes, but largely, no. Especially if you will be taking his time and resources that he could use to make more money and have him do something for you with him getting nothing in return. It's not a wise business move, and freelancing is basically a business venture. Being self-employed means one has to rely on your own shit to make it through the day. One's skills and knowledge are his capital and "products" in what he's offering to the market. Doing shit for free is not something a freelancer should do, because that's just plain bullshit.

Of course, there are some exceptions, though. The very first thing that comes to mind is when it's for a cause that the freelancer believes in. Everyone has one, and doing something great for the cause is already a big contribution. Aside from this, I really don't see other exceptions. Unless it's for your mom. You always do free stuff for your mom.

Why I don't think I'll be Buying a Kindle Anytime Soon

30 Rock on Kindle! LOL

The best hoe posted a link on my Facebook wall about Kindle Fire yesterday. Being former literature majors, we are big on books. This is why a Kindle with the features of a tablet is a very interesting product. She wants one, and I must admit, when I first learned about it like a week ago, I did, too. Who wouldn't? It's just $199!

The thing is that I never really thought about buying Kindle in the past because it doesn't have backlight. The Goof and I are lazy fuckers so we usually end up reading in bed. Most of the time we already shut the lights off when doing this (I know, it's bad for the eyes) so we don't have to stand up and turn them off when we're already sleepy. This is why we've always needed readers with backlight. Personally, I've been reading ebooks off my cellphones since 2007 or 2008, when I got that Motorola phone with a pretty big screen. I first did that with the Goof's old Palm Pilot in 2005, and all of those gadgets have backlight. This is why I can never get a classic Kindle, because it won't work for me.

Kindle Fire promises an entirely different thing, though. Again, it has the features of a regular tablet, which is a good thing. However, it also has a good amount of disadvantages, and one of which is its small memory capacity. I'm not big in understanding technical shit, but from what I understood when the Goof explained that we can't get one, it is that it requires owners to use the cloud technology something, which (from what I hear), puts your stuff on the Amazon server so every time you need to access it, you'll need a decent internet connection.

Being in the third world, our internet is shit. So if I ever get Kindle Fire, I will need to be patient, which I am not, in any way. I'm also kind of worried that the servers will detect that my ebooks are not from legal places because I'm a cheapskate.


It's kind of sad, really, not being able to get Kindle Fire. It's easily available and cheap, making it quite a great purchase if not for the cons I've pointed out above. So, what am I to do? Opt for other alternatives like cheaper tablet PCs. We're eyeing Lenovo Ideapads, because they're also pretty affordable and we can just install ebook readers in them. That way we can get more bang for our buck.

Why am I always so nostalgic?

Back when people listened to the radio, you kept a tape handy in your boombox at all times so you could capture the hot new hits of the week. The intro would always get cut off, and the DJ would chatter over the end. You also ended up with static, commercials, and jingles, but all that noise just added to the field-recording verisimilitude. The radio tape puts you right back in the original time and place when you first heard the songs. You are there, my friend.   

 from Love is a Mix Tape by Rob Sheffield

I may not be that old, but I get to remember the time when I did this. I may not be that much of an expert in music, but I will always remember a specific point in time when I did this. The memory I have is always associated with my cousin. It was one afternoon when I was like 11 or 12. We were chatting and then this song played and I just had to press record in the cassette player my cousins had in their room.

I try not to be as sentimental as I possibly could, but from that moment on, for some weird reason, I've always felt that this was our song, my cousin and I. Yes, there's the Coyote Ugly soundtrack, too, but this was my song to her. We were young (she was a couple of years older, but still young), and we had our whole lives in front of us. I've always known that we will be together for as long as we possibly can, despite having disagreements and shit thrown in our way.

Now, my cousin is getting married and I am taken back to the time when we were young and we were still neighbors, seeing each other everyday. I really miss how she would fuss about boys while I also do the same, although I now refuse to remember who the boys I fussed about back then. She would also tell me about how some bitches from church (we have to admit there are tons of those in every congregation) are trying to ruin her life (an exaggeration, but we were teenagers - okay I was a tween - so it's just a normal description of things). It's a fucking cliche, but things were really simple back then. And now she's getting married.

As expected (and demanded, mostly, by me), I'll be her maid of honor. I don't want to get all mushy and shit, but I do kind of miss her already. I've seen it before, once you get married, you're all to your new family. And since she'll most likely move to Singapore after the wedding, I won't be able to demand shit from her as easily as I can before and now.

Of course, I'm happy for her. There's no doubt about that. I could even dare to say that next to her, I am the happiest about this turn of events. She has been looking for the right guy since she was, what, fifteen? She has been out there dating for as long as I can remember, so I am exceptionally happy about her finding a great guy. But I also can't help to be sad, thinking that things will change for good after her big day on December.


So, I guess I just have to make the most of it. I will have to plan a night in and maybe watch Coyote Ugly with her one last time before the wedding.

On Cheesy Shit

I am writing this as the Goof is still pouting in his sleep and trying to tangle his legs to mine. A few days ago, I googled this new Facebook thing about girls posting "x weeks in and craving for xfood". I stumbled upon this other fruit status thing where you put a specific kind of fruit as your status to tell folks what you are like or whatever. I was telling him about it and he looked over the list with me. He then asked which of the fruits are we, and I said Cherry because that corresponds with "in a relationship". He said ok, but he wouldn't stop looking at the list, so I asked him what he thinks we are and he said Star fruit. I haven't seen that when I skimmed the list over so I looked for it again. Lo and behold, it means "found my soul mate". 
Now, I must say, no matter how cheesy I am, I never thought about soul mates. I'm not really sure why, but I am pretty sure that I never daydreamed about having one. Not that I'm not happy that he said that, though. I am even actually pretty kilig about it. I just feel kinda guilty that I didn't think of it that way. The Goof's not particularly cheesy about shit as well, so him saying things like that is really very sweet. I think he means it, because he's not really big with words. He'd rather hug or kiss me all the time than tell me stuff. This is why I get overwhelmed when he does say something.
In any case, maybe he is really my soul mate.

Just a little bit nostalgic

I started re-watching Witch Hunter Robin last night before the Goof and I headed out to meet with friends. It was so nostalgic, watching the anime, I mean, since I remember seeing it in high school. I'm pretty certain I even started wearing long black skirts just because of it (channeling Robin's style in a tropical country can be very difficult you see).

Apparently, that was just the beginning of my nostalgic weekend. A lot of things came up during the night in the middle of bowling balls and beer bottles. It was kind of nice, really. We finally got around discussing stuff that has always been undisclosed for some stupid reason, but was mainly because we hardly talk about relationship dramas for we all know that everyone can get too meddling.

Aside from this one thing, which was quite a breather, there's another something that I particularly found interesting. Turns out thing will really work out in the end, even if I don't play the bitch part and wreck some havoc. The universe always provides, and I should always remember that. Wow, there's a lesson here pala! haha

This week will prove challenging, but I am so sure that it'll pay off well in the end. By Saturday, I'll get to see friends from the big city and get drunk with, of course, alcohol and happiness in celebration of Mt. Cloud Bookstore's first anniversary. Everyone's invited, btw. :)

New Post after Forever

I mostly blame Tumblr and my laziness for not posting here for awhile. I think I will be reviving this blog today, though, just because I want to. I just want to write my thoughts down somewhere.

Well, before the main reason I started this new entry is because I thought I have something to say, and then I forgot about it as I was starting to type the first paragraph. What a dork! Anyways, I'll just share how I love the weather nowadays.

Since I live in a city up in the mountains where it rains most of the year and is generally cold on the other months, I really enjoy being out on non-rainy days, when you can see the stars and see the sky during sunsets. It gets beautiful during the afternoons, when it's not raining, which makes this small city even more charming. Lately, though, it rains around 3-5 pm and then clears up rather quickly on most days. It's sunny during the mornings, but there's always afternoon showers everyday and dry, foggy, and chilly evenings. It's really lovely and I like it a lot.

I know, I know, a boring post about the weather. WTF right? No one reads this shit anyway so why should I bother about praising myself and shit? I'm just going to be honest around here, I figured.

ramdomsssssss

dress oxfords combo by teepat featuring a straw hat

blu moon Summer Lovin' Cami Dress in Vintage Peach Floral, $154
Floral Chiffon Dress, $50
Cutie pink floral dress, 26 GBP
Joanna classic oxford, $375
Handmade Oxfords, $308
REPORT 'Linn' Flat, $35
Anthony Peto Straw boater hat for Vogues Fashions Night Out, 65 GBP

Outfit 2

accessories2 by teepat featuring ankle sandals

Enigma W, $50
Flower of the Hour Wedge, $115
Jeffrey Campbell MIRACLE, $115
Jeffrey Campbell OBISPO, $120
Women's Ash Marrakech Stud Gladiator Sandal, 83 GBP
Bess Stevie studded leather sandals, $300
Pink Gena Espadrille Wedge
Sam Edelman Damian Ring Detail Gladiator Flat Sandal, $159
Yves Saint Laurent - US - Belts, $295
Sort solbrille med all-over lynlås detal, 2.000 DKK
Illesteva / Frieda Sunglasses, $185
Yves Saint Laurent - US - Belts, $395
MAISON MARTIN MARGIELA - EXTRA LONG KNOTTED BELT, 143 EUR

shirts by teepat featuring a button down blouse

Checked woven-silk shirt, $114
Drake Button Down in Whisper Blue, $82
Wiley Silk Button Down Top, $40
Shelther Island, $20
AE Women's Plaid Boyfriend Shirt (Blue Combo), $30
Elizabeth and James Cheyenne plaid cotton-blend shirt, $245
Old Navy Womens Plaid Roll-Up Tunics, $18
Slub Rib Button Down Shirt, $29

Random Shizz

hippie tops by teepat featuring a short sleeve tunic

Chiffon Embellished Tunic - Women's Clothing and Apparel - Chic..., $59
Laila Lace Tunic Top, 58 GBP
Vero Moda Lace Chiffon Tunic Top, 40 GBP
L/S Stud Tunic, $149
Squaw beaded kaftan, $132
Cream Peacock Print Tunic, $160
Aerie Pretty Pintuck Tunic - aerie, $35
Minty cotton-blend kaftan, $154
Kasey Tunic Tunic Mint, 35 GBP
Melissa Odabash Liz cotton-blend kaftan, $515
Black Rose Border Crush Tunic - Tunics - Tops - Clothing - Womens...
Lolita Tunic, 75 GBP
Belted Tunic, $99
Tall teal stripe smock tunic, 28 GBP

retro bottoms by teepat featuring pinstripe shorts

Current/Elliott The Boyfriend low-rise denim shorts, $165
Simon Affluent Deconstructed Denim Short, $120
AE Women's Rip & Repair Denim Shorties (Vintage Destroyed Wash), $30
Simon Boycott Pinstripe Denim Shorts, $90
Lovestory Jeans, $178
Gap Peace embroidered boot cut jeans, $30
Gap Petite Vintage Flare Jeans (Saturated Dark Wash), $70
Willow High Waist Organic Jeans, 80 GBP
Citizens of Humanity Hutton high-waist flared jeans, $190
Mid-rise wide-leg jeans, $96

shoes by teepat featuring ballet shoes

Jeffrey Campbell Charlie Floral, $95
daniblack Women's Rexa Ballet Flat: Shoes: Reviews, Prices & more, $150
daniblack Women's Rexa Ballet Flat: Shoes: Reviews, Prices & more, $150
Steve Madden 'Carnee' Slingback Clog, $65
ASOS HOWDY Leather Wooden Platform Clogs, $55
Miu Miu Bow-embellished patent-leather flats, $495
daniblack Women's Rexa Ballet Flat: Shoes: Reviews, Prices & more, $150
daniblack Women's Rexa Ballet Flat: Shoes: Reviews, Prices & more, $150

accessories by teepat featuring a glass bead necklace

Lia Fringe Chain Tote, $248
Kobler rosette beaded fringe leather handbag, $120
Minnetonka Fringe Handbag, $50
Lanvin Punk lizard and python cuff, $960
Tiffany Beads necklace, 785 EUR
Zula trade beads, $595
Alexander McQueen Long bead and chain necklace, 515 GBP
Lanvin Chain and Ribbon Necklace with Beads, 410 GBP
Kenneth Jay Lane - Tribal Earrings- Turquoise Wood Beads (Turquoise) -..., $184
KATERINA PSOMA - GLASS BEADS RESIN ROSE NECKLACE, 149 EUR
ASOS Bora Bora Chunky Rope and Bead Pack, $14
Mixed bead and bangle multirow pack, 13 GBP
Facetted Beaded Floral Earring, $5.80
Faceted Beaded and Rhinestone Elastic Ring, $4.80
Billabong Scarlet Hat, $26
Womens One Size Floppy Straw Sun Hat - Brown, $24
Lacey Head Band, $23
PLAITED HEADBAND - PLAITED HEADBAND WITH ELASTIC (EACH SOLD..., 3 AUD

Jenni, Juno (2005)

Last year, I got hit by the Asian film craze. Sadly, this film was one of the hardest to find online. I can't find hits in Torrent search engines, so I resorted to Rapidshare instead. Luckily, I found a good source.
Download the whole movie here.

Night Market!

I went thrifting again tonight, and got myself some kind of loot. Will post some pics of them tomorrow. :D

BOOTS

I know it's still summer everywhere else in the world, but for me here in my little city up the mountains, it's already the rainy season. And what better way to celebrate it than by wearing lovely boots, right?
Well, for a good couple of months now, I am totally obsessing with this Zara boots.
(via)
Aren't they lovely? Eversince I saw Betty wearing it on Lookbook, I just can't stop thinking about it! So, I kind of got obsessed with lace up boots I even found, although didn't buy, these knock offs online.

But since I got myself a good two pairs of lace up boots in the past month, I've started thinking more about getting buckle/motorcycle/pirate boots. I'm just totally smitten with them! Here are some of my top favorites:
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via both from Zara

Lockerz.com

So, one of the things I'm really crazy about right now is Lockerz.com. Why? Because it promises of tons of freebies! For this month's general redemption, Apple products (iMacs,Macbooks, iPods, and iPads) are up for grabs.
So, if there's anyone interested in getting in, leave me a comment here and I can invite you. :)

Shoes, shoes, and more shoes

So lately I've been getting more and more addicted to shoes, specifically Oxfords and laceup ankle boots. The thing is, I cannot get enough of them, even though I have like five pairs already.
Sadly, Etsy and Polyvore is making things worse for me and making my resolve even weaker. Well, I really shouldn't be thinking of buying new shoes again, especially since I just bought a pair of rain boots last week. I mean, buying a new pair is really out of the question right now because I really need to save up to get a washing machine. haha But how can you say no to these?





(All photos from Etsy)

Plurk Extra Emoticons!

Imma try this one out, hopefully I get them to work. haha

Something

Nothing, really

The Goof and I have always been big on hot drinks. He loves a really nice cup of coffee (main reason why he hates Starbucks, aside from the fact that it is way overpriced), and I love a nice cup of tea. We also like having warm choco every time there's a chance. This is why we are on the prowl for a french press for the longest time. I know the photo I have is not exactly of a french press, but this little baby here from Bodum is really quite a gem!
Hopefully, I get to find a nice french press around here soon. I found some on eBay, but I'm really scared that if I get one there, the shipping might break the product and all of our hopes as well. haha

Tumblr did it

Sadly, due to my not-so-new found love with Tumblr, the site has eaten most of my time and prevented me from posting here. Hopefully, since the Goof also wants me to blog more here again, I get to post a lot more, like I used to.

:)

Geek Guys

I am really a big fan of cute geeky guys. But Michael Cera is already losing his grip on me. This is why I am head over heels with these two at the moment: Kevin McHale and Jim Parsons. ♥♥♥!



Seriously, just look at them. Aren't they utterly adorable?

Glee!

Okay, I know this is totally gay of me, but, really, a gay series addict like me can never say no to a musical TV series, especially if cute (gay) boys are on it.

This is why I am head over heels with Glee. Aside from the meaning of the adjective, I am referring to Fox's new teen series. I just love love love the concept! It is so pop culture with real talent.

You see, it is a teen drama - which is what pop culture is like already. Then, the cast is mostly comprised by real talented Broadway people. Real Broadway! If that's not talent for you, then I don't know what else is.

And NO. It is not High School Musical. Not even a rip off. Not even close to being a ripoff. So, stop saying that. It is just likened to HSM because the Gleeks are also in high school.

Glee is different because these Gleeks are the underdogs. They belong in "some basement" in the high school hierarchy while the Jocks and the Cheerleaders are at the Penthouse. RPG kids are even more popular than them. So, NO. They are in not really like High School Musical.

Oh, and P.S. I call dibs on Chris Colfer. I love him already. In fact, I love him sooooo much now, Imma die from his cuteness.

Okay, I'm off to bed now. :)