Are you tired of being overworked and underpaid by your bosses? Are you thinking of striking out on your own and creating a self-run electrical company? Here are just a few tips for escaping the daily grind and hanging up your own shingle.

1. Jump Through Your State's Licensing Hoops

Every state has its own requirements for electricians. You might already be familiar with the basics if you've been employed at an HVAC company, but you should still double-check to make sure you're fully qualified and certified to run a business.

2. Decide What Services You'll Offer

Don't say "everything." You'll stretch yourself too thin, and you'll also alienate customers who are looking for specialists instead of jacks of all trades. Promote yourself as an expert of 5-6 different electrical systems and components so you'll be experienced without being needlessly diverse.

3. Think About Pricing

How will you charge customers for your services? Think about both traditional by-the-hour methods and modern techniques like menu pricing. Whatever you choose, make sure your electrical price book is fair but profitable. It's no use attracting a thousand customers if you never make back your money from them.

4. Encourage Positive Reviews

Once you've satisfied a customer, ask them to write a review or give you a testimonial for your website. In the age of Yelp, it's critically important that there are only good search results when someone decides to Google your brand. Anything less and they'll go to someone who does have strong feedback.

5. Pick An Aesthetic

Will your company be full of casual, friendly repair guys who help customers out of a bind? Or do you prefer something sleeker and more professional for courting industrial clients? Each mindset will require a different method of advertising, so decide on your approach well in advance of your grand opening.

These are just a few things to keep in mind as you wade further into the waters of self-made HVAC companies. It won't be easy, but as long as you plan carefully and fully commit to success, it is possible.

I am actually referring to our first week of school for this school year 2015-2016.

Why rugged?

Before classes ends last school year, we already anticipated for our transfer in our new site beginning this school year. However, considering that the building was not fully done yet, we were informed that the Turn-Over would take place anytime of June or July.

Then came a short notice from the Division Office two days before FIRST DAY OF CLASS that the building will be turned over on the 3rd of June that is why our Principal call for an emergency meeting on a very Sunday so we could planned out everything within just short period of time.

Actually, we are already used to pressures but not as tedious as this. So our dear Principal, who has the burden of this all, delegated to us some of the important roles and mine was the layouting of the programme, the tarpaulin and the conceptualization video (a sort of a history-themed video). I did all those things for two sleepless nights.

Sunday night- I started layouting for the tarps...

Monday. Opening Ceremony in school.We were being introduced to both new and old students. We actually had a very lively morning. After the convocation, I started for the video trying my best to utilize all the resources that were only available-including my strength and patience... Then came some personnel from the Division Office (DO) informing us that we need to transfer immediately (as in on that very day!) to the new site and should conduct our classes there. Can you imagine the pressure of the preparation for the Turn-Over Ceremony ADDED WITH our need to pack all our belongings for the IMMEDIATE TRANSFER? Then as we became wiser in managing our time, trying not to waste any seconds of it, another news broke out that our transfer was put in abeyance because the contractor didn't allow us to occupy the  new building prior to its Inspection- again, can you imagine the adrenaline rush that was suddenly interrupted with another breaking news thus consuming all our energy and draining us slowly? Indeed, it was such a chaotic Monday- so full of surprises!

Tuesday- I helped our Principal for the layouting of the programme which was revised for a couple of times because there were so many data that needs to be added or deleted. While waiting for the corrections from the DO and the Mayor's Office, I started sorting my belongings, trying as much as possible to declutter all those unnecessary ones. Good thing I have the presence of some of my students who helped me in packing my stuff. Added to my pressure during that day was the fact that I cannot transport my stuff to the new site because there's a limited truck used for the transportation and they prioritized all the chairs and tables. I don't have enough resources too to rent a vehicle that could transport mine as what my other colleagues did. Well, I just cannot imagine how I was able to get through the day. During night time, I finalized my video until wee hours of the morning...

Wednesday- the BIG Day. Everybody seems too pressured as shown on their faces (including mine). I was really nervous coz my laptop isn't working properly and I couldn't even decide for myself on where to setup all my things. Basically, I was the operator of the day. My day started with such an ignore-the-way-I-look expression. I even had a heated argument with my hubby who was just trying to be of help during that time. And so my mood became consistent for the whole day. My video wasn't presented anymore because of time constraint and technical issues, plus the screen projector didn't cooperate during that day as if the projector was aware that I was in great pressure. And since we never expected the number of UNEXPECTED GUESTS, we opt not to take our supposedly sumptuous lunch anymore because we run out of budget. Good thing there was a burger being rationed around- that helps a little... I am actually very excited that finally I already have my own classroom for my advisory  with individual toilet- just merely thinking about it did a little magic in lightening up my mood. Later that afternoon, I managed to transport all my stuff with the help of the Barangay-provided vehicle. I didn't call it a day until I unpack my stuff.- Indeed it was a very long day. Oh, I almost forgot... this day also marks my first year in service with the DepEd (so timely!)

Thursday- everything seems becoming normal despite the fact that it was very hot and dusty (which we need to overcome until the rainy day). During that day, I finally meet the majority of my students. We had an election of officers as well as cleaners assignment. I was also able to discuss to them the school rules and regulations. I could only hope for a better class this year, way far better than last year...

Friday, still a period of adjustment but so far, everything is good and in order...

I am looking forward that this school year will end with a blissful experience among my students.

A rugged week indeed!

Barely a week from now, classes will start. I am excited to see my new students for Grade 10. I am also excited because finally I will be handling Technical Drafting for Grade 9 and 10. 

So, what to expect this coming school year?

New faces (since there are many transferees on my advisory class), new strategies and new perspective. As much as possible I want to uphold the DepEd thrust: giving quality education.

All I could wish for is a smooth academic year ahead of me.

For the second time around, I was asked to design a tee shirt for reunion. Then I wonder if I could have this new business venture (apart from tarpaulin designs). Well, just give me your comment if you found this cool and worthy of an investments:

and these:

I feel like giving it a try!

What do you think?

Lavender is amazing with the numerous ways its fabulous buds, stems, full fragrances and deep lavender colors can be used. We think of lavender in candles, soaps, perfumes, sprays, bath products and such, but it is also a culinary delight in the kitchen and can even be used to bathe your dog!

The old-fashioned harvesting of acres of lavender fields in late June and July happens when silver buds fill up with fragrant oil. When ripened into a vibrant lavender color, the buds and stems are removed, preserved in cool water, and placed in cool and dark barns to dry for weeks. After sorted and cleaned, they go to specialty kitchens and workshops, where hand-made unique products and gifts are created. 

Some examples of exquisite lavender products for your own use or as a perfect gift are below.

Lavender Mini Sampler

This beautiful basket of four favorites allows an enjoyable soaking with a tub aroma ball followed by a massage and body oil. A sachet can fill a special drawer with a wonderful fragrance, and a citrus lavender fragrance melt will give your home a heavenly smell. 

Lavender Sugar

A seven-ounce jar of sugar infused with lavender buds adds a sweet and flavorful twist to baked goods, especially Creme Brulee and shortbread cookies. 

Lavender Dryer Bags

This set of three bags filled with aromatic lavender buds adds a long-lasting aroma to your laundry for 30 to 40 dryer cycles each. 

Lavender Neck Wrap

Delivering the right therapeutic temperature, heat this aromatic wrap in the microwave for 30 seconds or chill it in the freezer.

Lavender Dog Bath

Yes, even the dog needs to smell good! The gentle scent also relaxes a dog that is not happy about taking a bath.

This tarp says it all...

Happy birthday Pastor John!