Portable Business

I'm currently working a new website -- what I hope will be a good online business for my family. You see, although my husband and I are both physicians, we believe that we should spend a lot of time with our kids, hence we're not really spending ALL our time in our practice. The problem with a medical practice is that no presence = no patients = no income. Hence, we really need an alternative source of income, one that we can operate from home or from wherever we are.

The in-thing right now is having a business online. This is a good thing because with the internet, you can actually work from home. Or even between patients. Or even on vacation. It's practically "portable"! That is, if you have a good website and a good internet service provider so you can provide the online services and support that are needed for your business. You also have to determine what sort of web hosting would be best suited for your needs (is it joomla web hosting, or UNIX?) How familiar are you with web hosting terms?

Since I'm not getting a computer programmer and I'm no computer expert, I'm going with Wordpress because that's what I know best. I'll let you know when our pet project is out. (Keeping fingers crossed!)

I'm On Plurk!

If you notice my website, there is a new widget. It's Plurk, and it's pretty addicting. I post comments, my friends get to see them, and they can respond to my comments. Pretty cool way to get in touch online.

In case you're interested, join us with our tsismisan online. My plurk page is here, just click to join!

Offline!

I was offline the whole day! I didn't know what happened by my computer just wouldn't connect to the internet. Initially I thought there was a problem with the ISP, but my brothers didn't have any problem connecting. Later, we thought that maybe the problem lies with my computer. But if that were the case, I might have to postpone any internet work until next week because I do not have any time the remainder of the week. This week is pretty busy as I have an assignment to complete and submit. The more important thing is that my brother is getting married this Sunday!

My brother asked me if there's anything I installed between last night (when I last accessed the internet) and this morning, and I said "no". I then recalled that my Windows XP had an update which started when I shut down the computer.

I'm no techie so I'm not sure what that's called, but my husband decided to reset the system to an earlier time, which was the day before yesterday. Lo and behold! I was able to access the internet after that. Thank goodness!

Was the security update the culprit? I certainly hope not because I'd be wary of such updates in the future.

Things I do to earn...

I've mentioned that I am a doctor a profession, an ophthalmologist to be exact. I'm still in active practice, although it's a little more laid back than others. I only work 4 half days a week in my clinic, although this does not include operations and laser procedures, which are usually scheduled. I love my medical practice. I also like the fact that I actually spend a lot of time with my toddler.

However, a 4 half-day practice does not translate into as much earnings as I'd like.

So, I set up an online store. I figured that this would be something I could operate from home. So far, business is growing. It's not as fast as I would like, buy,hey, I'm not complaining. I just started last November, and I didn't really invest a big amount. So I'm happy with the fact that it's getting recognized.

I've also started on some online programs which promise earning when you search, when you surf and when you post on forums. So far, I've earned SOME. I'm still in the process of trying to figure out which are the legit programs and which are scams. So far I've just joined those programs which are free to join. As soon as I've more or less made a review, I'll comment on them here.

So far, my earnings and that of my husband are enough for our day to day expenses. I'd like to increase the earnings because in a few year's time, I'd have to pay for my son's education. Here in the Philippines, quality education does not come cheap. But I'd say it will probably the best investment I'm going to make for my son.

Update: I put up other blogs! http://onlineraket.blogspot.com for my online "works" and http://ethansstore.blogspot.com which is where I sell my stuff. (updated 11.20.2007)

A look back....Things to be grateful for in the year 2006

It's the last day of 2006. It's been a good year for us, and for that we are thankful. Milestones that have occurred during this year for our family:

- My son had a full year of NOT being admitted in the hospital. He is currently seizure free even without maintenance medications.
- My son accomplished his milestones at about the time the books said he should. Sometimes even earlier. Yey! Developmentally normal.
- My son had his first out of town trip. It's just Tagaytay, but still....
- My son celebrated his first birthday party. First time for mommy to organize a kiddie party.
- My husband really became the primary breadwinner in our family, as I had to step back a bit and become a little more laid back with my clinical practice. Thankfully, his patient base also grew this year, and at pace faster than normal.
- My mother turned 60. We threw a surprise party for her. First time for us to host a party for her, that was really a surprise for her!
- My brothers went into new avenues for their careers.
- I started our family's online gift shop business this Christmas season. Still on the "sideline" stage though. [It's at ethansstore.multiply.com , in case anybody is interested :) ].
- I went back to school.
- We bought a new laptop computer, via installment. Our old laptop died....but we were able to have it repaired at a low cost, so now we have 2 laptops! Yey!

There is still so much more. I am thankful for all the blessings that have occurred. I am looking forward to the new year and to new milestones.