Guess what? I’m going to Florida!!!! After my post the other day in which I mentioned the APHE (Association of Professional Humane Educators) conference in Orlando, a good friend of mine who shall remain anonymous offered to buy my plane ticket with airline miles he couldn’t use and that were set to expire soon. So I’m going!!
I choose to take this offer as a sign of good karma and accepted his help. It’s hard for me to accept help, but I know this conference can help me help others — the furry ones who can’t talk in the same language we all use. I had already asked off for the time at work, just in case I could figure out a way to afford all of it. So I’m going!! (And yes, I know that is like the third time I’ve said that so far, LOL.)
I am hoping to meet a lot of people at the conference and also check out some of the sanctuaries and shelters, of which there are many. I have some friends in Sarasota I am going to reach out to and see if we can finally meet in person after having been online friends for over 7 years. (Seriously, it’s amazing the friends you can meet via blogging or twitter, etc.) And if time permits, maybe check out some locations where I might consider moving to if things work out.
Transcribing:
I have been busy doing some transcribing for my friend Elaine, and finished up testing with one company called Transcribe for Everyone, based out of Israel. They seem pretty well-organized, even send out a newsletter to their contractors on a weekly basis. I now need to go through their online training and then I can start getting some paid work. I will be part of their legal team.
I might have mentioned I paid for a course on freelance writing with Kristin Wong. Well, she asked me to do some transcribing for her last week, which I gladly accepted. Also, I’m in the assessment process with two other companies, so will be working on that this weekend, along with some schoolwork. So hopefully soon, my money situation will really improve.
By the way, transcribing is about more than just being able to type fast. You have to have the right tools, and you need to be able to concentrate very well, and follow guidelines for consistency and to please the client. You have to be willing to look up terms you’ve never heard before. Finally, it’s a great way to learn about new topics to which you might not otherwise be introduced.
Engaging in self-care
After my last post, a lot of folks mentioned self-care to me, both here on the blog and on facebook. So I made sure to go to the gym the past two days, where I have been riding the exercise bike, doing about 12-13 miles on high resistance. Takes me about 45-46 minutes and I am a sweaty mess afterward, but it feels good. I am also reading The Year of Less by Cait Flanders, which just came out (I pre-ordered it.) She is one of my favorite bloggers and podcasters, and now authors!!
Pushing myself, but why?
A friend of mine who wanted me to come over and hang out last night (which I couldn’t because I was exhausted) commented that I want to have a minimalistic life but I seem to hustle a lot. At first, I thought he was criticizing me. My response was that “Well, I’m not happy with my life, and I don’t want to be one of those people who moans and groans about it, but doesn’t change any habits, and expects things to change.”
I realize I am fortunate enough to be able to make changes to my life when I feel the need. Yes, a lot of people do complain about their lives. A lot of them have families to worry about. I don’t. But I feel like, if you’re unhappy, to the extent you can make changes, you should.
“Nothing in your life is going to change just by wishing it to be so.”
And in case you’re wondering, no, I don’t like working all the time. I mean, really, does anyone?? But I don’t see this as happening forever. Transcribing work can be up and down, so when you get it, and have the time, you take it. Developing my writing will be a lifelong pursuit. Educating myself about humane education issues will be too.
“Once you open your eyes to a lot of what is happening around you, be it with environmental issues, or animal welfare issues, it’s impossible to shut them again.”
I would like to thank everyone, especially my friend who generously donated his airline miles to me, for caring about me and writing me words of encouragement over the past few days. Some of your notes and comments brought tears to my eyes when I read them. Thoughts like those keep me going on the days when I really question myself, when the doubts creep in. In fact, the title of this post came from a good friend who commented that it seemed like I was in a dark tunnel, but I would soon find my way out. It’s kind of like when you are having a crappy run that you keep pushing yourself through, because you know a good one is soon to come.
And now, I’m getting ready to head to the gym for a bit this am. As always, thank you for reading, and please share this post if you think someone can benefit from reading it.
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Chasing Simple Dreams 
Congratulations! I’m glad you are able to attend without breaking the bank. Sounds like things are looking up. 🙂
I think so, at least I’m taking this as a sign that they are!!
Hi, Terri. Your remarks about accepting help from others resonated with me as I also struggle with being on the receiving end of someone’s kindness…mostly due to pride. But, I’m learning that when I let go of my pride, it makes room for other qualities I want to develop, such as humility and gratitude. So, as much as I still strive to be self-sufficient, there are times when asking for, and accepting help is the greatest form of self-care. Oh, and I’m so happy you can make the trip out to Florida!
I also try to remind myself that it can be kind to accept help from someone. This particular person had offered to help me in other ways, but I had said no. I felt like this was something that I could accept and i know why he wants to help. We both work with animals, but in different ways. You’re right – when you accept help, you do develop other qualities which are important.