Driving for Uber

I've been driving for Uber for about a month and I love it. It's not a perfect job but it does check certain boxes for a freelance writer. For one thing its very flexible for when/how much you want to work. For another thing, it's not writing. I love writing, but when you write/edit/publish both your own fiction and paid gigs for other folks, you can spend ten to twelve hours a day on a keyboard and it can get a bit overwhelming.

Driving provides an outlet. A way to make some extra cash where I'm using a very different skill set than I do writing. Yes I'm collecting some stories that may one day be a scene in a book, but mainly I'm looking farther away than my laptop screen.

If you want to drive for Uber they are still paying a bonus for folks who start up this month. Follow the link here and use my code when signing up. 31nxwue

Anyway, the one thing that I feel is missing is a community for drivers to share and support each other. So I've created a facebook page to provide that for drivers in my town, and I'm very soon creating a blog. Look for updates soon.

It's here, the big announcement (Paradisi Chronicles)

I've joined a crazy crew of Indie writers how are all going to release books on the same day in the same open source universe. It's an idea originally blogged about by Hugh Howey and it caught some of our imaginations so we worked to make it happen.

What sets this apart is that once we've launched our initial round of stories, anyone who wants to can write in this universe. The only rule is that you read through the cannon of information so that you don't change the rules of the universe, that you ask permission of any author before using one of there characters, and that you work to cross promote the other authors writing in this universe.

What I'm most astounded by is the level of interweaving that's been accomplished by a group of authors who didn't all know each other, don't write in the same genre, and don't actually live all in the same city. I mean we've got stories coming out where characters in different novels are in the same elevator at the same time. Two scenes in two different books in the exact same setting.

Well I've been too busy writing to build excitement for the release of the books which will be this September, but we've officially gone public with the project, launched our website and even received a nod from Hugh. So I wanted to get some information out and links to what other authors have done to announce the launch. More information will follow across this month and next. Look forward to updates via every social media outlet at my disposal. LOL.

Blogs about the project from other authors

Cheri Lasota (as Tristan James)

M. Lousa Locke 

Sarah Woodbury

Roslyn McFarland

My new author website

My facebook author page
Pictures I used to inspire me while writing Saber and Science

Update and potential big announcement

Okay fan's and friends, its been awhile since I've updated. Crazy times around the Bunch household. My wife and I moved in with family in order to save up for a down payment on a house, along with way too many other things to get into right now.

I started driving for Uber and I love it. It's the perfect job for an Indie Author/Freelance writer because you can work as little or as much as you want without any prior arrangements. It's especially good when you have a 15 month old little girl. Pictured left. If you want to give it a try please use my referral code so we both get more money. 31nxwue

My wife and I have spent a little time traveling, which is nice. But the writing front is where the big announcement is and for that you'll have to check out the next post.

from: Andy Bunch

Hi Fun


http://andrewandkelleyswedding.com/angle.php?test=xpmht7q5cmpaw78



sir_bunch@hotmail.com

Sent from my iPhone

Vacation! and other updates...

Life has been busy lately. Very exciting developments. As always thesedays, I'm contractually bound not to talk about half of it. In general, the primary client for my freelance business is talking about expanding and formalizing my role with them. Even as I morn the loss of independence that comes with freelancing I welcome the oportunity to narrow my focus at the day job.

My writing life secret oportunity is moving along. I have to really make up some ground if I'm going to get my revision done by the next deadline (Mid March).

My wife and I are contemplating a move. The area we're living in is getting crowded and we found a nice oportinity to save dough without losing too much square footage. But moves are traumatic with a baby.

Actually a 1 year old. I can't beleive my daughter is a whole year old. My wife and I are celebrating her birthday at my in-laws and taking a mini-working-vacation. Next Saturday we'll have the big birthday party for her.

Since I haven't posted in a while here's a link to some of the most awesome yet practical advice I've run into in a long time.

http://vertexfoods.com/top-7-healthy-snacks-to-eat-at-your-desk/

The ideal office snacks are “well constructed mini-meals” – that means food combos that contains protein, fat and fiber, while also being low in calories. It’s tough to find all those elements in a single snack, but try these 7 options to satisfy your hunger while at work, while boosting your METABOLISM + ENERGY levels!

1. CELERY + HUMMUS: Hummus, made with sesame seeds, contains lots of nutrients and beneficial fibers called lignans that improve blood profiles, normalize blood pressure and enhance vitamin E absorption.
2. STRING CHEESE: High in protein, it offers a bit of fat and has only 80 calories.
3. HARD BOILED EGGS: One egg has around 70 calories and is packed with five to six grams of protein.
4. APPLE WITH PEANUT BUTTER: This snack has the magic combination of fiber, protein and fat.
5. ALMONDS: 1 serving has only 184 calories. Almonds contain omega-9 fatty acid, the fat also found in olive oil that’s associated with good heart health.
6. 1/2 AN AVOCADO: In addition to having a surprisingly high fiber content, this healthy fat will help keep your hunger at bay and energy levels high!
7. TOMATO SLICES WITH LOW FAT CHEESE + OLIVE OIL: This combination contains fat and protein, and tomatoes are packed with antioxidants. In all, it’s a tasty + filling snack that’s also low in calories.

https://www.bloglovin.com/blogs/chalkboard-3876804/5-stress-busting-herbs-that-will-change-your-4290571602/

• ASHWAGANDA
  The easer of anxiety, depression and sleep issues. Ashwaganda has immuno-modulating effects that boost and regulate the immune system and lower cortisol levels. You can take Ashwaganda is supplement form, I recommend Organic India Ashwaganda.
• ASTRALAGUS
  Increases the amount of anti-stress compounds our bodies use to prevent and repair stress-related damage. By reducing the ability of stress hormones like cortisol to bind to receptors, astralagus boosts immunity and shields the body from the effects of stress. I recommend adding 20-30 drops of Astralagus Root Extract to your morning juices or smoothies.
• CORDYCEP MUSHROOM
  Funguses with antioxidant properties include Reishi, Shiitake, and Maitake mushrooms. Each have adaptogenic, anti-tumor, and immune enhancing properties.  You can easily add a scoop of Cordycep powder to smoothies. I like Mushroom Matrix Organic Cordyceps.
• HOLY BASIL (TULSI)
  Referred to as the “elixir of anti-aging,” holy basil helps fight fatigue and stress, boosts the immune system, and regulates blood sugar, blood pressure, and hormone levels. My favorite way to enjoy Holy Basil is in a warm cup of Tulsi Tea by Organic India.
• RHODIOLA (GOLDEN ROOT)
  Contains the phytochemical salisdroside which helps resist anxiety and aging. Other benefits include suppression of the production of cortisol, increased levels of stress-resistant proteins, restoration of normal patterns of eating and sleeping after stress, resistance to mental and physical fatigue, and protection against oxidative stress, heat stress, radiation and toxic chemicals. Additional research has shown this adaptogen can protect the heart and liver, increase use of oxygen, improve memory and longevity, as well as aid in weight loss.  One of the easiest ways to take is in supplement form – I suggest Gaia HerbsRhodiola.

Hack to Eat Better

From MyFitnessPal.com

Keep it simple. Instead of following some fad diet with lots of rules, keep your healthy eating routine simple. Eat real food that’s mostly plants with lots of color and variety. Balance every meal with high-quality proteins like lean meat, fish, tofu or beans and complex carbs like brown rice, potatoes, quinoa, and healthy fats like avocado, nuts, seeds and olive oil. Make half of your plate fruits and vegetables to meet your daily fiber needs while keeping calories in check.

Don’t bring junk into the house. If you’re easily swayed to nosh on chips, cookies and ice cream, keep the processed snacks out of the house. This simple trick makes healthy eating easy. Out of sight, out of mind.

Eat more fat. Yes, you read that right. People who snack on healthy fats like a handful of almonds eat fewer calories over the course of the day because they feel more satisfied. So don’t skimp on fat; it keeps you fuller for longer so you will, in turn, eat less. Try these 6 high-fat foods that are good for you.

Make lunch the night before. Stop telling yourself you’ll have time to pack a lunch on your way out the door in the morning. While you’re cleaning up from dinner, put together your lunch for the next day. Whether it be leftovers from dinner or a mason jar salad, planning ahead makes it easy to walk out the door with a healthy lunch.

Use Pinterest with a purpose. Make a board of “Must-Make Meals” filled with weeknight go-tos so that when you’re planning and prepping your meals you know right where to turn (or scroll to). Take it a step further and organize recipes by category like “chicken,” “fish,” “vegetarian,” to get more variety in your diet.

Carry a water bottle. Because hydration is a vital part of being healthy, make it a priority to carry a water bottle around with you and refill it throughout the day. The Institute of Medicine recommends men that drink 120 ounces and women 90 ounces of fluid per day. If you’re active, you will need to replace what you lost through sweat as well. Here are some more great tips to stay hydrated!

Eat on a schedule. A person who eats 2,000 calories throughout the day will often have more energy and tend to lose more weight than the person who eats the same amount of calories all at one meal. By skipping meals or ignoring our hunger cues, we force our bodies to run off of fumes. Listen to your body when it says it’s hungry and you will find that it’s easier to resist the temptation of overeating later at night.

Make breakfast in 90 seconds. Breakfast doesn’t need to be a large production; keep it simple for mornings when you have to be out of the house fast. Homemade breakfast burritos are a fast, simple way to grab a meal in the morning using only a microwave. Place one 6-inch tortilla in a cereal bowl and crack an egg onto the tortilla. Add toppings like green chilies, a sprinkle of cheese, onions and leftover roasted veggies from the night before. Microwave for 90 seconds or until the egg is cooked. Top with salsa and voila: breakfast in 90 seconds.

Catch some ZZZs. Getting enough shut eye at night goes a long way to protecting your body. Because hormones are regulated while you sleep, people who get quality sleep on a daily basis tend to make better food choices and have slimmer waistlines.

Update #??

Okay so it's been a while since I updated. Argh. Life went sideways for a bit. I think its important to be candid about life's setbacks as well as the goals and successes, but I don't want to devote too much time/attention to the mistakes. So let me recap here.

My big/awesome whale contract ended and it took three weeks to replace it. That's always a busy time for me. I am back to work but at half time and that's cramping my style a bit.

My wife and I spent some tax return on a beach trip but our ten month old sucked any sort of relaxation out of the experience leaving us stressed from trying to prep for the week and recover from the trip.

We immediately started car shopping to replace my wife's tiny yet loved car with one that fits our baby's car seat. That turned into a mess, but ultimately we triumphed, so it ends well.

I managed to get my scifi secret project drafted off to the editors about a day early so that I could try to relax at the beach. Best laid plans, right? Anyway that's another win. Not sounding too bad, right?

Well I haven't updated my project hopper in about two months and that leaves me a bit stressed. You see I try to go through quarterly with a big review which keeps me on track and my end of year/new year review is vital to my peace of mind. More than just the annoyance of working budget files and plans that say 2014 not doing a review is an indication that I haven't taken the "me" time defrag my brain. It's hard to explain but if you read "Getting Things Done" by David Allen there's a good explanation of my situation under the term Open Loops. (In short: things we unconsciously feel obligated to do that we don't have any plan to accomplish.)

So I started asking myself, "am I doing an other avoiding behaviors?" Yes, I was being intolerant of other humans when they did very human things. Then I asked myself, "what am I avoiding?"

The truth, after much reflection, is that I'm waiting on a few big projects, and job opportunities that are long over due and I'm feeling like God is holding out on me. I let that unconsciously keep me from moving closer to God in my spiritual life. Items in my project hopper would have made plain that I was neglecting some of the important things in my life.

I read a brief article by Mike Pink that talked about spending deliberate time honoring God. My prayer life hadn't gone down hill all this time, but I wasn't setting aside time to meditate on how big and how generous God is. Even though I accepted that it was true, when I tried out Pink's suggestion I could feel myself realign from inside out. It's embarrassing because one of my works in process is a book on living from inside out. Yet here I was taking my self worth from my circumstances instead of being who I am uniquely in those circumstances.

When we take our identity from our relationship with God, when we remember we're built in His image and restored to perfection by his work, that's when stress goes down and we start impacting the environment around us, instead of being transformed by our environment.

For more on this topic, read my book "On Becoming a Man."