Grant Writing: Sit Down and Get Funky

Grant writing has been my supplemental income career of choice. There was a short time when it was a primary career, however I learned quickly that full-time grant writing does not mesh with my personality type.

For those of you who have known me for a while, you know I have a love-hate relationship with writing grants. I absolutely LOVE LOVE LOVE to be a grant writer, but I often find myself looking for any and all distractions when it comes time to actually sit down and write a grant. I set up my computer, notes, and pen then proceed to type two words. I re-read all my emails and notes about the project then type two more words. I think of any and all reasons to call the client and discuss the project. A flurry of activity ensues- fingers flying over the keyboard and blank, white page space fills with program descriptions, budget numbers, stories of clients' lives transformed by the amazing work of the organization!

I read what I write and delete all but two words. Then I call a friend and talk about how hard it is to write grants.

This summer I am taking a different approach. I am incorporating my penchant for distraction and avoidance into my routine. Every morning, I start before the boys are awake. I set up the kitchen table with computer, notes, and pen. Then before I sit down I make a cup of tea and water the plants on the porch. When I finally sit down I check for new emails, then - and here is the magic solution - I turn on Pandora to one of the preselected radio stations that keep me on task. While the music is on I am writing. If I need a break, or have to stop to walk a kid to summer camp, etc. I turn the music off. It has put me in control of my own Pavlovian responses: Pandora station playing = work mode.

I read somewhere that the most effective music to listen to while writing has no lyrics or lyrics in a foreign language. This keeps the language-processing center in your brain focused on writing. Knowing this, I first focused on radio stations in Spanish, etc. I also realized that many times I am more focused while working in coffee shops. What do they have in common? Relaxing music that blends into the background, or songs I have heard so many times that I can tune them out.

Armed with this knowledge, I took advantage of a long Muni ride to try out some playlists that seemed to fit the bill. Here are some of my favorites:

• Early Jazz
• Alt Indie Love Songs
• Coffee House Covers
• 90s Alternative
• Cha Cha Cha, Charanga, Pachanga
• Playa Mix-Ocean Park
• Latin Alternative
• Old Time Music
• Bonfire Folk
• Classic Indie
• Latin Jazz
• Beach Bar Lounge
• Instrumental Folk
• Indie Fold Revival
• Traditional Blues
• Delta Blues
• Motown
• Classical Goes Pop
• Classical Guitar
• Classical Relaxation
• Hipster Cocktail Party
• Hipster BBQ
• Cinco de Mayo
• Bob Schneider
• Smooth Jazz

Now lets hope Pandora keeps these stations!

What keeps you focused while writing, lesson planning, or doing your least favorite activity? Comment below!

Making money in the Summertime

I have found myself, as most educators find themselves from time to time, in need of supplemental income. No teacher chooses education to become wealthy and our summer schedule allows for time to explore ways to earn a few bucks. When perusing available opportunities the criteria I use is the following:

Flexibility: Summers are when I focus on my children and as they age I am needed less and less, but it becomes even more important for me to be there when I am needed. Often, I need to be in the apartment, and in the same room as the boys but do not necessarily need to be focused on them. Maybe they are reading, playing a game, or have a friend over. I am nearby, but have time to work from a computer. In addition, I may have an afternoon free when all three of them happen to have a summer activity at the same time. I need the work to be there when I want it, but never want to have to choose the work over my children.

Interest: If I am going to put my energy towards an activity or give something my attention, it has to interest me. Happily, my interests are broad and there are a few occasional activities that can work because they are so mindless that my attention can be placed somewhere else. For example, crocheting can be mindless at times, but I do it while I am watching a show, talking to a friend, or listening to a podcast. This keeps the activity interesting to me.

Profitable: Not all jobs pay the same, but profit can be an interesting concept. If I enjoy the activity, and were to be doing the activity regardless, the hourly wage can be less than minimum wage yet still be profitable. Crocheting is another great example of this. I love to do it and would be making things to give away to friends and family, so if someone wants to pay me a few bucks for something I made that is pure profit baby! However, for the most part I need to make enough from the job to make it worth doing. It is a delicate balance.

On the Up & Up: No scams, illegal activity, etc. But also, I do have to maintain my integrity. I am no longer interested in jobs that force me to hide my head in shame when discussing. Everyone has their own threshold for humiliating jobs, and while 'dog-walker', 'janitor' or 'babysitter' cause me no shame, 'telemarketer' does.

Using these criteria is not a science and at the end of the day I have to go with my gut. Here are some of the options I am currently working on, as well as some past winners. I will be making a post about each one over the next few days. Keep checking back!

• Grant Writing
• Transcribing audio files
• Babysitting
• Tutoring
• Postmates - Walking

What is your favorite way to make money in the summertime? Or anytime!