JAN’S IDEAS

I got a Canon PowerShot A630 a few days ago. My new camera is replacing a Canon PowerShot A70. I am a big Canon fan, so I got another one.

Here are some of the great features:

• 8.0 Megapixel resolution
• 4x Optical Zoom
• Large 2.5 inch Vari-Angle LCD monitor with wide viewing angle
• 21 shooting modes
• 9-point AiAF ISO 800 and High ISO Auto to reduce image blur and expand low-light shooting capability
• Movie Mode recording with sound at 30 fps VGA (640×480)

I resisted the urge to get a laptop with my income tax return. Instead, I stayed focus on paying bills and adding to a savings account. I did go to plan B, though and I am so happy with my new camera! It actually goes with the planned launch of my group home blog. I am experienced photographing disabled for the company I work for. I had casually expanded my armature photography to portrait taking.

How my new camera will pay for itself

• Amateur portraits specializing in special need clients-I can do portrait photos for those who usually can’t afford to have pictures taken. Even when they do, the photographers are often impatient. Portrait studios often cannot accommodate wheelchairs comfortably; let alone a couple of chairs when a group home wants photos of all of its residents who live together. I have worked with the disabled since 1998 so I understand the patience it takes to get a good photo.
• Training videos-I want to have some group home related training videos and my camera will be able to do that for me, also! Many group home support staff have English as a second language and will benefit from visual training.

Now I just need to be focused and keep moving forward. I’d love to see this camera help me earn the money needed for a laptop

I have been staying on track with my writing jobs and my 47 Days till I Turn 47 goals.

Yesterday I weighed in at 135 lbs. I lost 1.5 lbs this past week! I have been writing for Jan’s Group Home Help regularly in preparation for the launch.

I have been turning in articles on time! The jobs have been coming in at a steady pace again

Getting started is the hard part when I’m not really motivated to write. The following has helped me to stay on task and finish article commitments on time:
I put up a blank page with the title of the article and save it. I find 2-3 sources for research and put them up in one window on different tabs. I glance through the information. I write the intro and a few key points I want to include and save it.

I then do something around the house, with the kids, or online that I enjoy for a specific amount of time. I return and find it easier to continue. For some reason I’m often unmotivated to do the last 100 words or so and repeat the above break, usually for a shorter time.