by The Happy WAHM
Courage is grace under pressure. – Ernest Hemingway
I’m doing my first courageous act for 2016: Starting a series that I hope (and the operative word is hope) to sustain for 365 days.
For the rest of 2016 (with my fingers crossed), I want to be able to share something inspiring, motivational, stimulating. It can be a quote, or a photo, or a thought. Ramblings that may inspire. Or maybe just a single word. Like today.
My first word for 2016 is courage. I’m going to need a lot of it this year. Courage to go through uncharted territories as far as my virtual assistance career is concerned. I’ve always been very conservative in my career decisions. always erring on the side of caution. I’m not saying that I’ll be throwing caution to the wind this year. I just want to be a teeny-weeny bit more aggressive (and a lot less shy) in putting myself out there. I have not done so in the past because I have always been profitably engaged with clients. But freelancing is volatile. We cannot put all our eggs in one basket. So I need to spread my wings just a little bit more, explore other opportunities outside our comfort zone, and try to live on a single income.
That’s the plan. And that’s a lot of pressure.
I’m not referring to being aggressive.
The pressure is actually on keeping up with the 365 challenge. Ha ha!
And right now I’m doing it with grace.
May the force be with me to see this through.
Do you have questions, comments or feedback about this post?
Please leave me a message, or post them, at my Facebook Page.
by The Happy WAHM
I have not blogged for over a month!
Reason?
I simply can’t find my writing mojo.
I used to be able to just decide that I want to blog, and in 15 minutes, I’d have something live.
But for weeks now, I simply have no desire to write. At all.
Maybe I was disheartened that I was not given an award in the past Bloggys ceremonies.
Ha ha ha!
But seriously, I’ve been opting to crochet than to blog lately. So there…
Anyway, tradition dictates that I at least have something to remember 2015 by, and to welcome 2016 with.
So, here goes…
I’m not going to overthink this one, or I’ll end up not publishing anything at all. I just want to round up my year as another unforgettable one. The outpouring of blessings and all the lessons learned overshadowed the challenges and disappointments. I’m grateful for my family, my friends, business partners and the communities I belong to. I’m grateful for the blessing of work, of skills, of time, of good health. I’m grateful for the opportunities and the eye-openers. And most of all, I’m grateful for meeting (most of) my goals this year. Some were missed, but I’m fine with that. I’m still happy. Everything’s fluid. Nothing’s written on stone. Goals serve as my guide, not a source of stress. 🙂
One major accomplishment this year has been the launch of my craft site, Crafted Crafts. I’m still tinkering with it, but this is how my business card will look like next year.
I miserably failed on my goal to finish three online courses. I did not even finish one! But that does not mean that I have not taken time to learn something new. I’ve taken to listening to audiobooks and loving it! You might want to try it, too! Get 2 free audiobooks for a 30-day free trial. You get to keep the 2 you already downloaded even if you cancel before the trial ends. That’s a good deal, yeah?
I don’t have any other tradition. I don’t have 13 fruits on our table. We have fruits, but I’m not counting. We buy what we plan to eat and that’s it! No coins, no rice, no red shirts, no circles. For 2016 to be awesome, I just need to stay focused on what I want to achieve, work hard, spend time with my family, stay away from stressors, always be grateful, and find the blessing in every hardship.
And with this post, I bid 2015 goodbye and with a happy heart, I say… Hello, 2016!
by The Happy WAHM
I don’t know where that came from, but there it is. I typed the words in without realizing that I did. Blurted it out, just like that.
I don’t normally put in the title until I have finished the whole post. It is the very last thing I put in, every time. Titles come to me according to what I have written, after I have decided on what my focus keyword would be.
But while I was working on something else tonight, I just realized that I have not written a blog post about my upcoming workshop yet, which is just 15 days away. Plus, I have to announce the winner of my Artfully Simple Infinity Scarf raffle, and I will, shortly. After I’ve written what I meant to write.
I became a WAHM out of necessity. I had to stay home even though I didn’t want to. I had to leave my well-paying corporate job even though we desperately needed the money. My husband offered to stay home, so I could continue to pursue my career and keep the salary. But we both knew that it was not going to work out that way. We were between a rock and a hard place. We were up to our eyeballs in debt, and giving up my salary was practically digging our own grave.
That was in 2006.
It’s 2015. And I have so far conducted about 6 workshops on how to become a WAHM, and been invited to speak in freelancing events just about the same number of times. And yes, I realize that I am plucking numbers out of thin air because for the life of me, I really don’t have the exact number, nor have I kept serious tabs of these things. But suffice it to say that I have been quite successful in staging a career from our tiny home in the province that people know me more as my brand, The Happy WAHM, than as Marge. We are debt-free, we are building our retirement fund, we have a daughter in college, we have just had our house extended, we’ve bought our first car, we are co-owners in a Science High School, I can spend on a hobby, and my husband and I are both thriving working from home.
So what gives? How did we do it? How are we doing it?
February of this year, I conducted a workshop called My VA Success Blueprint, where I shared just about everything that paved the way to my success. What worked, what didn’t, high points, low points and everything in between.
It was a good workshop, and I think a number of VA-wannabes left the event with a better understanding of what it takes to be a successful virtual assistant and an entrepreneur. There was even one who left the event with the realization that virtual assistance is not for her. And for that, I was delighted. It meant that I was able to give a balanced presentation.
This workshop is not about giving you the assurance that you can be a successful VA. I won’t stand in front of you and tell you that becoming a virtual assistant is the only thing that will bring you financial rewards from your home desk. I won’t tell you that having a computer and internet connection are enough to launch a successful VA career, like what other “VA coaches” do. This workshop is about helping you do a self-assessment and identify the homebased career that you’ll be comfortable with for the long haul. This workshop is about getting you ready to transition from corporate to freelance, equipped with the right tools and the right mindset. And if, at the end of the day, you find yourself ready to roll up your sleeves and be a VA, I’ll be there to cheer you on.
So why is this run going to be the finale?
Well, earlier today, as I was updating my VA Success workshop materials, I came across my folder containing all the drafts I have written for my dream project. I’ve spent a good part of the afternoon thinking about that dream project, my 2016 goals, and my career direction. I have been evolving and immensely enjoying the transitions. While my VA position will always be our bread and butter, I know that it’s time to embrace that other passion. And to do that, I have to take a step back from VA workshops. This afternoon, I have taken the first step to achieving my other dream. I purchased the software that will help me get more organized. An investment, one that my favorite client helped me with. So far, so good.
I am truly grateful to Freelancer.com for partnering with me on this event. My last hurrah, so to speak. I hope my attendees will find a spot with them. I also want to thank the minor sponsors: Crafted Crafts, Bee Happy Crafts, Brownroots Creatives, and Leafy Lather. Thank you for the support! When we first announced this event, I was not even thinking that this is going to be my last VA workshop, so thanks a million for being my event partners!
Again, I’m inviting you all to my VA Success Blueprint, happening on November 14.
Do you have questions, comments or feedback about this post?
Please leave me a message, or post them, at my Facebook Page.
by The Happy WAHM
Seven years and counting!
Seven years, that’s how long the Aberásturi Home Academy has been in existence. Well, at least for Bea. She’s now on 7th Grade, while Jude is in 5th Grade. Xia, who was homeschooled until the 6th Grade, is now a freshman in college.
Our homeschool journey has been bumpy to say the least. We started with a very structured set up, then tried out interest-led learning, then the fear of difficulty transitioning from homeschool to a traditional school for high school kicked in, so we we went back (sort of) to a structured set-up, then realized that we are defeating our purpose of homeschooling, so we went back to interest-led learning, then took the leap and went independent, and here we are.
This year is our seventh, and our plans of sending Bea off to a traditional school this year just went pffffftt. I’m not sure what happened. June came and she just didn’t want to go, so okay. Roll up sleeves and prepare for Grade 7.
That’s why I’m really excited for this year’s Homeschool Conference. As teacher mommy, I know I need this. I’ve been simply downloading the DepEd curriculum and checking out the required competencies as our learning guide, while we continue to encourage the kids to pursue their respective passions. Bea wants to learn foreign languages, dabbles on art, computer coding and literature. Jude is still focused on astronomy, geography, history and building structures. So while I try to keep up with their interests, I have to equip myself with the knowledge on how I can prepare them for a possible transition to high school, or maybe farther down the road, to college.
International and Local Speakers
This year’s keynote speakers are big names in the global homeschooling movement – Michael Donnelly, the secretary of the Global Home Education Conference 2016 to be held in Brazil and Rachael Carman, bestselling author and publisher of Apologia.
In addition, there will be smaller workshops to choose from, with the following topics:
- Singled Out by Mike Donnelly
- Give Me One Good Reason to Homeschool by Davis Carman (Rachael Carman’s husband)
- Homeschool 101 with Tina Rodriguez
- Getting Homeschoolers Ready for the World through Independent Homeschooling with Ched Arzadon
- Stretching Your P100 (because it’s important to be money-wise to be able to homeschool thriftily but effectively) by Chinkee Tan, and
- Parenting Basics: Getting Your Children To Listen and Learn by Edric and Joy Mendoza
I’m sure you can tell in which workshop I’ll be. 🙂
Arts and Crafts Workshops for Kids (and Kids-At-Heart)
Yes, you can bring your kids, too! Manila Workshops has put together a series of workshops to keep the kids busy. You can choose from any of the workshops and register your kids for a minimal fee of Php500.00, materials included. Only 25 students per class, so better register early!
Check this out!
String Art by DMC
Kids will hammer away to create different colorful figures, abstract or representational, using just wood, nails and various threads. For ages 13 and up.
9:00 to 11:00 a.m.
Mandala by DMC
Learn how to create beautiful hanging ornaments by mixing patterns and colors with just your thread. For ages 13 and up.
9:00 to 11:00 a.m.
Cross Stitch by DMC
Remember the cross-stitch craze? Introduce your child to this absorbing hobby that can produce beautiful home wall decors with clean and precise X’s. For ages 9 and up.
12:30 to 2:30 p.m.
Dream Catcher by DMC
Native Americans believe that dreams can be caught. Kids will love making their own dream catchers with a hoop, threads and eye-catching decors arranged in a web for a good night’s sleep. For ages 13 and up.
12:30 to 2:30 p.m.
Basic Calligraphy by Little Ms Printer Marj Liwag
Let your kids learn to write in beautiful calligraphy in this workshop to be facilitated by Marj Liwag of Little Ms Printer. For ages 6 and up.
Morning: 10:00 – 12:00 a.m.
Afternoon: 2:45 to 4:45 p.m.
Important Details
This year’s Homeschool Conference will be at the Samsung Hall, SM Convention Center SM Aura (Meeting Rooms 4-6), from 8:00AM to 5:00PM. An All Access Pass (pass to go in and out of all three venues, including the exposition venue) is at Php 1,000 per person for the early bird rate (until October 11), and Php 1,200 for the regular rate. So register now to avail of the early bird rate! Please use the code THWHOMESCHCONF2.
To help you better plan your day, you can download the conference program here.
But wait, there’s more!
I’m giving away FREE ALL ACCESS PASS to one lucky winner, AND an adult coloring book from Bee Happy Crafts. Cool, yeah? I’m so excited, I want to join, too! So please, go ahead and join! Will see you at the conference!
a Rafflecopter giveaway
Do you have questions, comments or feedback about this post?
Please leave me a message, or post them, at my Facebook Page.
by The Happy WAHM
Last Saturday, I was a panelist at the WAH Expo 2015. It was my first event attendance after a long time of hibernating at home. A choice that I’m really happy with. Lately, I simply don’t feel like leaving my happy place anymore. My family is here, the work I love doing is here, my hobby corner is here… I’m sure you’ll understand why I don’t want to be away from all these.
But from time to time, I know that I still need to go out. I was pushed to become a WAHM and found my purpose in becoming one, which is to be an inspiration to other moms like me who want to be hands-on parents while earning. And because of that, events like the WAH Expo are not to be missed, as these events are opportunities for me to share my story, that yes, it is possible. It may not be for everybody, but for those who are willing to take the leap, I want to be able to share my realities. This is how I’m living my purpose. By sharing, and by supporting events set up by WAHMs, for WAHMs. So off I went.
Little did I know that I’d receive an extra-ordinary affirmation from a former workshop attendee at the event.
She was an attendee in one of my workshops, and a fellow attendee in another workshop by another WAHM. After the panel sharing, she approached me and gave me this…
And at the back is this message…
Dearest Marge,
Thank you so much for inspiring me to go after my dreams, grab every opportunity that presents itself, and dream more. You are my inspiration in this crazy WAHMhood life I chose, and I could only hope to become a fraction of who you are now.
This simple token is to celebrate YOU, and inspiration to many.
I wanna be like you when I grow up!
Love,
Chachie Pabalan
I almost cried!
And my heart swelled. I’m a firm believer that I only need to be a positive influence to one other person to create a ripple. And that day, I was sure that I am doing just that. Inspiring one person to take those small steps necessary to get to where she wants to be. What an affirmation! Thank you, Chachie! Just keep on moving!
I’ve lost count of the number of people who approached me that day, asking for more information about what I do, and how I do it. I just know that I ran out of calling cards. 🙂 Well, I hope that they will message me on my page, so I can connect with them, too.
Good Food
And while I’m living my purpose by inspiring others, I also get inspiration from people I meet in my journey. One of them is Trina Cancio, the mom entrepreneur behind Mama Empanada. Empanada is a family favorite, and we always buy ours from Red Ribbon. So when I saw her booth at the Expo, I just knew I would not head home without a box of empanada to bring home to my family.
Which I did.
And that’s the only photo I can share with you, folks! Coz as I always say, the reason that I can never be food a blogger is that I forget about taking photos when I see good food. And what’s inside that box were gone in 60 seconds. Maybe even less. No one was paying attention to the time. At all. All five of us got busy the moment the box was opened. It was cold, yes. But the aroma was so inviting that even when my husband offered to reheat them, we violently declined. We could not wait another 10 minutes.
So why is this empanada worthy of a blog post?
Because I’m an emotional writer. My posts are always driven by whatever strong emotion I’m feeling towards something. And I am feeling rather strongly about this. So bear with me.
The first thing I noticed on first bite were the chunks of chicken inside. Then as I bit again, I could feel and taste the egg. It was not the mushy filling that we have gotten used to with the brand we’ve been loving. I could feel the texture and identify the ingredients with each bite, and it added to the enjoyment of the taste. My husband was saying, “This is so good, so good!” after biting into it, even before he started chewing, and that is no exaggeration. Without a doubt, one is never enough, and we intend to have more.
But don’t just take my word for it. You should try these Mama Empanadas, too! Check them out on Facebook and Instagram. Or you can call/text them at 0915 8633156. I promise they do respond! Perfect for your gift-giving this Christmas, and for your family gatherings, too.
Now, if I could only think of a way to propose to Trina to make it available for deliveries, then my world will be good, coz right now, they don’t deliver. That’s sad, but I hope this will be addressed soon. Mama Empanada has ruined it for me. I cannot buy another box of that other brand now. 🙁
Okay, that’s enough sharing for today. I’ve been on bodyguard duties for the past week that I don’t only feel like a zombie. I definitely look like a zombie.
Will be announcing my workshop plans, soon!
Do you have questions, comments or feedback about this post?
Please leave me a message, or post them, at my Facebook Page.
