The Imagined Life

November was my first real full month as a freelance writer, and it's gone by so quickly and has been quite the adventure! I've had a few disappointments such as rejections or some writing jobs not working out or being what I hoped, but they're nothing in comparison to what lovely success I've had! At this point, I'm defining success in making enough money to support myself with my writing work! I work for two main websites: Skyscanner Singapore and Free Homeschool Deals, but I am also the lucky recipient of two recent jobs: one with a cat blog, and one with a women's dating online magazine! I have been very blessed to be able to get these chances. I'm learning a lot about how to deal with people (virtually--real life is too scary! ;)), and I'm learning a lot about myself and my style. Well, when your "business" is a population of one, you get a lot of 'me' time--no complaints there. Fun facts I've gleaned working as a freelance

It's true everyone! All you doubters out there. Jet lag is a very real and horrible thing. It feels like your skull has doubled in size, and is trying to push its way out through your eyeballs. And, your eyelids suddenly weigh 100 pounds each and your pupils have no choice but to cross and leave you incapacitated for many days. It has now finally passed, but boy was it a bit rough there in the beginning. Going ahead in time by 12 hours AND arriving in the morning (so you can't go to sleep yet) is the worst. This was probably my least favorite bout of jet laggishness yet. And, a couple days after I landed, we flew off to Vietnam for the weekend since it was a school holiday for James. So, I feel as though I deserve the Jet Lag struggle and victory award of the year! Back in Taipei. It feels good to be back. I was loving my vacation, don't get me wrong, but there's something about being in your own house and doing your own tasks that's just so restorative. I feel

Hello all! Almost exactly one year later, I am back in the business of writing this blog. Aren't you all excited? Get ready to enjoy sometimes dull yet sometimes slightly humorous blog posts that will just keep everyone informed of the goings on over here in Taiwan with no more teaching! It's my way of connecting to you from afar :) But, as of right now, I'm out at the beach with Mom and Dad. And Katie and her new boyfriend Billy are in the area, so we've gotten to hang out with them sometimes. It's been a wonderful time of speed reading books (me and Mom), riding bikes, jogging on the boardwalk, birdwatching (Dad, NOT me), swimming, and having dinner by the water (all of us!). It's been amazing weather, and each day has been lovely to relax and enjoy our time together. But, today we got swarmed by flies, and as others are sitting casually on the sand in their beach chairs, mom and I are being feasted upon hungrily by angry flies who appear to look just like