Early on, I knew what I wanted. It was crystal clear: It seemed simple enough: I wanted to make a living with words.

However, I found myself where many new grads do: stuck in a cubicle. Sure, I got to write for a marketing firm, but the office environment stifled my creativity. Working under fluorescent lighting all day began to test my sanity.

About a year ago, I was offered an opportunity to begin working from home as a freelance writer. Finally! I had always imagined freelancing from home and setting my own schedule, so I leapt at the opportunity. Little did I know how challenging it would be.

Read the whole thing on Inspiration Feed.

Mind your P’s and Q’s.

It’s easy to forget this in our daily interactions with people.

“I’d like a grande hazelnut mocha.”
“Can you get that image for me today?”
“Oh, you know, the special sounds really good today. I’ll have that.”

Three missed opportunities to say a simple word.

“Please.”

Remember to say PLEASE, please. It’s basic social behavior and it’s nice, too. When you are feeling worn down and like the world is taking advantage of you, the simple word “please” makes a world of difference.

“I’d like a grande hazelnut mocha, please.”
“Can you please get that image for me today?”
“Oh, you know, the special sounds really good today. I’ll have that, please.”

Every day we ask people to perform little favors for us. Saying please shows that you respect the fact that they can provide something you want. I want a mocha. I want that image today. I want to eat the special. Please, please, please.

On the receiving end of that little favor is “thank you.” It might be the barista’s job to make that mocha for you, the graphic designer’s job to provide the image, or the server’s job to bring you food, but that doesn’t mean you are off the hook. Continue to appreciate the fact they did these things for you with a simple “thank you.”

A little joy in the form of your P’s and Q’s goes a long way.

Thanks for reading.

16 Pixels For Body Copy. Anything Less Is A Costly Mistake.

I know what you’re thinking. “Did he just say 16 pixels? For body copy? Obnoxiously big! 12 pixels is ideal for most websites.”

I’d like to persuade you otherwise.

Read the whole Smashing article here.

Enable the Google Toolbar (if you don’t have it enabled already).

In the toolbar, there is a SideWiki dropdown.

Click “disable notification bar.”

Disable the Google Toolbar or go on with your life.

There you go! Hope this helps!

Over the next couple weeks or so, I’ll be fleshing out this blog not only in terms of content, but making it lovely and beautiful, too.  Seeing as we’re learning it in class, I will learn it better if I have some sort of reason for studying WordPress.  I already have a lovely theme in mind to build and I’m looking forward to making it a reality.

I’m looking forward to working on this blog and sharing the things I see and think with you.