Buckle up, fine folks. This is one lengthy post, only because I realized that I liked talking too much about the freelance side of life. 😆 (Do let me know in the comments if freelancing is something you’re interested in talking about and reading, too!)
But wait! This isn’t all about freelancing. Today, we also have the recipe I stumbled upon for… *drumroll, please!* Lemon Pepper Pasta with Browned Butter. YUM! As a pasta enthusiast, I was drooling while reading Alison Roman’s recipe for it.
Now, all my fellow mechanical keyboard lovers out there, raise your hands! I just saw the World’s Quietest Keyboard and I am now sobbing on my very own keyboard because I know I’d never own one because it is on the pricey side of life. Still, a girl can dream. Or live vicariously through that video.
Whew! That was a lot in one paragraph! Now let’s get started. 🙂
Freelancing and its bitter side
I’ve been freelancing on and off since 2007. I started with some writing side gigs and then eventually tried a hand at web design. I’ve been doing both since then.
The pay I received back in 2007 was not exactly what you’d call lucrative, but I was just starting and I thought it was better to earn something than nothing on the side. For 100 articles (500 words with different keywords each), I was paid roughly around 65 USD.
I kept writing and started building both experience and portfolio. Nowadays, whenever a writing project comes my way, my lowest rate is usually around $12-$15 per 500 words. A far cry from the rate I just started, and I am always humbled by my beginning every time I remember that. 😆
I got clients both through referrals and job ads. The referrals paid well, in the sense that they were always on time. It’s the ones that I get through job ads that I had to chase. A few times, when I was just starting, some clients didn’t even pay. Reading this interesting article called “When I first started freelancing, my financial situation was pretty frightful.” reminded me of those times.
The article is a Q&A with Amanda B. Hinton, the writer behind “The Editing Spectrum.” She covers the topics of writing and writers’ lives. In this Q&A, she talks about her freelancing life – how she began and why, what it was like for her, and more. What she says when asked about a hard lesson she learned resonated with me:
The lesson I learned here jolted me again: Always get payment and working terms in writing, even if it’s with someone you trust.
Amanda B. Hinton
I’ve had clients not pay me for the work I’ve done and it was both disappointing and frustrating. I know the value of money, so I put in hard and honest work. To not get paid for my time and efforts was truly a hard lesson. So yes, I second Amanda’s advice, especially on getting the working terms in writing. Everything has to be clear for both parties right from the get-go.
This is one pasta recipe that I’ve been drooling over and dreaming about
While “lemon” and “pepper” are the two primary flavors here, this pasta really does taste enough like cacio e pepe to hit many of the same pleasure receptors as excellent boxed macaroni and cheese.
Alison roman
Doesn’t that make you dream up of a scrumptious pasta? I swear this is what love at first sight feels like: Just one look at that photo and BOOM! Butterflies in my stomach. Hearts in my eyes.
Get the recipe and cooking directions here, straight from Alison Roman herself. If you’d rather watch a video than read, then watch her make it below. Enjoy!
The world’s quietest keyboard (no modding required!)
When it comes to keyboards, I like them thocky; not clacky. However, quiet is the next best thing to thocky. Watching Hipyo Tech unveil, smell, test, and – um – also sort of break the Varmilo Minilo 75% Bluebell with the Kailh Prestige Silent switches, I have never wanted a keyboard so badly as I did right then and there. Also, the colors! (I love the Eucalyptus one.)
Here’s a general overview of the Varmilo Minilo 75% keyboard:
- It comes in different pretty muted colors: Bluebell, Eucalyptus, Mendozae, Retro, and Latte
- Uses custom Double Shot Keycaps, Chery profile
- The VXT model is the one that’s hot-swappable
- Two-stage kickstands
- Has a physical switch mode
For maximum enjoyment about this keyboard, please watch Hipyo Tech. Dude’s sense of humor is superb. 😁
And that’s it for me, folks! I hope you had a fun time reading this. I know, I know. WHERE IS THE KDRAMA PART HERE? Slow your roll, kdrama comrades. I’ll be back to my regular programming in the next post. What are you currently watching, by the way? I’m watching a throwback one and then just about to get started on something involving aliens. 👾
Until next time, check if your friends and family are really who they are and don’t forget to sleep with one eye open tonight!
This week in photo:
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