Boracay Diaries: Finding Balance Between Work and Play

Hi Baboo,

My first week in paradise has gone by so fast. I know I cried the minute you left but in five minutes or so I was back on my feet again and looking forward to the afternoon when I can go to the beach, lie on the sand and soak in the sun. It was a lifestyle I’ve always dreamed of. It’s just too bad you can only be with me for about 10 days out of the 33 days of solitude I choose to have.

Virtual Assistants Featured on ABS-CBN's Bandila

I'm still waiting for the original copy of the segment Bandila did on me and other VAs last Monday night. But then one of my bosses was able to find a copy on youtube and I'd like to share it with you here, especially for those who missed it and who are thinking of pursuing some freelance work online.

Bandila didn't anymore include the part where you can look for these kinds of freelance work so I'll just post it here.

• Register and post your resume at http://va4u.com and wait for interested clients to get in touch with you.
• To browse available freelance jobs online, go to http://getafreelancer.com and http://craigslist.org.

These are the usual sites I visit whenever I need to look for online work.

If you want to know more how it all happened for me, please visit this link below:
Virtual assistant

I hope this helps. ^_^

Bandila's 2nd Visit & My New Hair

that's me and Mau with ABS-CBN's Bandila Cameraman behind us

I had my Saturday scheduled perfectly. But then Mau, the segment producer of ABS-CBN's Bandila, texted me and asked if they could shoot more videos of me while working. At first, I declined coz I had a lot of work to do, Peter and I had tons of errands to run, the house was looking like a mess, and basically, I was just not in the mood. I was looking like a piece of trash, for crying out loud! I was doing some general cleaning around the house and Peter was doing a mountain of laundry. But since it will just take about 20 minutes, I finally obliged. I just made sure I can have a quick shower first before they even get here. Hehe, nagpakipot pa. ^_^

Below is one of the videos Peter took while Bandila was doing its thing...

ABS CBN's Bandila Came for a Visit

I dunno if some of you read my Wiccan blog. But I mentioned in my daily tarot post there yesterday, how things are great again in my side of the universe. I'm a simple girl and simple things make me happy despite the fact that I do get depressed sometimes (which I believe I have now overcome). Take for instance when Mau (ABS-CBN's Bandila's segment producer) texted me if she could interview me about my freelance VA (virtual assistant) job. That made me happy! Since more and more people are asking me about this thing that I do online, I decided that it's probably time to share what I know based on my own experiences.

this was quick shot Mau took of me with her two cameramen

GMA 7 Imbestigador Interview - VA

After I got my retainers from my orthodontist last Saturday, we dropped by Metrowalk to buy some more DVDs. We of course wanted to get Supernatural Season 4! Unfortunately, the season isn't finished yet. Since we were so excited to find out what happened to Dean Winchester's soul in hell, we bought it nonetheless. Hehehe.  By the time we got home, it was already late. I was in time to watch Peter on TV though. At last, his interview got aired. But even before Peter was able to watch it, he already fell asleep due to fatigue and lack of sleep.  The show was about the pros and cons of the US crisis. There were a lot of depressing matters at first like our fellowmen losing their jobs overseas. It really made me feel a lot more guilty for quitting my job. I felt like I wanted to go back to the workforce right then and there. Good thing they also showed the positive side of the situation. To those who missed it, here's your chance to watch it...

VA interview by Imbestigador, Etc.

TV CREW IN THE HOUSE

Our long weekend started last Friday when GMA7’s IMBESTIGADOR  crew visited us at home to interview Peter regarding his work. Two weeks ago, our friend, Angel Directo, who is the overall head (Associate Producer) of the show called me to ask if they can interview me regarding my job. They’re pitching an  episode regarding the pros and cons of the US crisis and my being a virtual assistant seemed to fit the pro side of the issue. However, a week after she called me, I suddenly resigned from my job. So when they called me again just last week, I have already forgotten about it. Since Peter is in the same line of work (working from home), I referred him to them and the rest is history. The show is tentatively set to air on December 6 at 10:00 p.m.

VA - I got a raise!

Wow!!!! After only three short months of working for an American company right at the comforts of our home, The Big Boss gave me a raise!!! I was so surprised! Since I have access to all his files, I knew that he fired people more  than he gave them raise. And when he did, it’s usually after a year or two. But not me. His hardworking little assistanthere got her big raise only after a short time. And I wasn’t even expecting it! All my diligence, industry and the fact that I no longer blog as often as I did before (I usually post something new almost everyday just to make myself feel good about my stupid little job in that stupid money-making company I worked for before) paid off. This is another testament to The Law of Attraction… the power behind the teachings of The Secret. It really works! Thank you, God. Thank you, universe! There is indeed life after GSIS (which I’ve been hearing to be getting worse and worse each passing day…tsk, tsk.). And I am very glad to have followed my instincts at the start of this year. Now, I am happy and richer more than ever. After all, “I am a millionaire! My life is beautiful, all good things are coming to me and money is easy & comes frequently.” That’s my mantra. Try it! 

:-) 

VA - Am I virtually free?

…For ten minutes or so, at least I was. Two weeks ago, I resigned from my  virtual PA work…yes I did. So courageous of me huh? That’s still Php50+k a month (in cash with no tax cuts whatsoever) down the drain and I didn’t really care. I know I’d always have money. After all, my mantra goes ” “I am a carefree millionaire! All good things are coming to me. Money is easy and comes frequently.”  I just got so burnt out and stressed with work. Thanks to Smart Bro which contributed a lot to my decision.. I mean in order to have a stable and clear VOIP connection, I need to have a cable internet access or DSL internet connection. Unfortunately, these services are not yet available in our area. And becuase I know that having a stable internet connection is important to my boss,  I decided to end his sufferening by terminating myself. 

VA - T.G.I.F.?

While most of you were probably out last night, drinking, smoking and dancing the night away with friends and loved ones, I was at MY OFFICE, right inside the comforts of our own bedroom, in front of my ever reliable laptop, beside my strong caramel flavored caffeine booster from Coffee Bean and Tea leaf and my other foodies to keep my brain cells alive, alert, awake and enthusiastic.Yes, I was busy working, making big bucks! And I don’t even regret it! For once, I have a job that stimulates my intellect and caters to my O.C. (obsessive-compulsive) tendencies. Everything that I’ve always longed for in my previous job is here! Everything is so high-tech,  I have a very smart, understanding and kind boss, my colleagues don’t bother me with mindless chitchat, there’s no politics and I am free to organize my tasks my own way, in my own time, as long as I get the results my boss needs and wants. It’s sooooo perfect! And when I get tired, I’m already on my bed, ready to stretch, lie down, and rest. When I get lonesome, Peter is just a centimeter away from me, ready to be kissed and hugged, or on those times when Peter goes home so late, the TV is just in front of me ready to keep me company. When I need to free my mind for a few seconds, I’m just a few meters away from our balcony for a fantastic view of the star-filled sky. I just looooove this!

VA - I got Hired!

The interview lasted for about 10-15 minutes and I’m in! I didn’t even ask for this nor did I  actually apply. I was busy sending out my ad for hiring part-time writers and it just landed on my lap. Next thing I know, I was being set up for an interview, 20 minutes before the interview, and thanks to skype and Richie’s skype credits, I was able to make that call.

Prior to making that call though, I was really getting cold and nervous. It’s been ages since I got interviewed. Most of the time, I do the interviewing part. But I just took everything in, inhaled deeply and entrusted everything to God. I just showed who I was, what I did, I listened and paid attention. The CEO I talked to knew what he wanted and I honored that. Next thing I know, he was wlecoming me to the company!

Basically, I’ll be working from home, Central Time (Dallas, Texas) and reporting directly to the CEO of the company. I get paid in dollars which is basically equivalent (even more) than my basic pay in my previous job since this one has no tax cuts whatsoever. Wow!

Ok, let me breathe for a while…