There are many days I wonder why I'm always running behind and why I don't feel like I get anything accomplished. I'm going to log one day in the life of a stay-at-home dad and Internet guy and show you how difficult it can be working from home. (Both of my daughters are at home because it is summer)

Monday, June 30, 2008
8 a.m. - 9 a.m.
Phone rings. My Mom Granny, my assistant webmaster called. She says the emails she is sending are getting rejected by my server. My youngest daughter wants me to tie a bow in her ribbon. I try to send myself an email and it does not work. I spend 10 minutes filling out tickets to find out why that email is not working.

Start reading the emails that are coming through. Bandwidth is running out on one of my sites. Go up bandwidth limit. Oldest daughter wants me to move step stairs so she can play with doll house. Another email says one clients inbox is full. I go online to up his limit so he can get his email. Both daughters ask me to get batteries for Cinderella Barbie Pumpkin Carriage.

Finish reading emails. Freelance client needs to get paid. Go to PayPal and pay client. One hour gone - money making work accomplished = 0.

9 a.m. - 10 a.m.
Finally got to work on a sketch. Finished it and emailed proof to client. Started next sketch. Updated a few blogs real quick. Youngest daughter hungry, wants a snack. Work accomplished = .75 hours!!

10 a.m. - 11 a.m.
Got the girls a snack. I ate a few peanuts. Answered a few emails. Worked on another sketch. Email now fixed. Sent another proof. Talked to girls about getting ready. Searched for character ideas online. Work accomplished = .75 hours!!

11 a.m. - 12 p.m.
Worked on logos. Searched for ideas online. Answered an email. Ignored a phone call, no message. Had the girls brush hair and finish getting ready. Work accomplished = .75 hours!

12 p.m. - 1 p.m.
Left the house. The girls and I ran to the post office. Checked PO Box. Deposited checks at the bank. Stopped for lunch. Groovy Mom joined us for lunch.

1 p.m. - 2 p.m.
Back to the home office about 1:15. My Mom Granny dropped off some stuff for a blog. Girls fought over the computer and got kicked out of the studio. Worked on late designs. My Mom Granny called with a question on blog labels. Work accomplished = .75 hours.

2 p.m. - 3 p.m.
Worked on a few assorted logos. Girls popped in and out to ask questions. Actually got 1 hour of work done.

3 p.m. - 4 p.m.
Got the girls a snack. Answered a few more emails. Sent another proof. Checked some stats online. Money making work accomplished = .5 hours.

4 p.m. - 5 p.m.
Changed clothes. Had the girls change. Answered a few quotes. Had to wake youngest daughter up. Took girls for swimming lessons at 4:30. Hit tennis balls while waiting. No work accomplished.

5 p.m. - 9 p.m.
Out of the studio.

9 p.m. - 12 p.m.
Surfed the web for information and material. Answered emails. Watched TV while surfing. Put the girls to bed. Inked a logo. Left comments on a few blogs. Checked stats. Headed for bed after midnight. Money making work accomplished = 2.5 hours.

Labels: Curtis Tucker, Work at Home