**Winner of the February 2009 VAF Blog Challenge** A Day in the Life of a Virtual Assistant

I start out my day, waking with an alarm,
some mornings, that's tough,
as my covers are warm.

Husband has made coffee, pour the cream in my cup.
Wake up my teen. "Hey, you'd better stay up!"

Throw on my sweats, brush my teeth, wash my face,
Feed the cat, feed the teen, "Yes, it's oatmeal for darn sakes."

"Leave the iPod at home, don't even ask.
And please don't forget your books and school lunch pass."
(Help me this day, as I ignore his morning sass!)

We'd better get going;
I've got much on my plate; emails, Twitter,
social networking won't wait.

Already my head is a-spin;
I may be going berserk,
but I can't sit down 'til I finish my mom-work.

A quick drive to school, "Good luck on your test!"
A kiss and a hug, "And, please do your best."

He turns with a grunt then pauses to say,
"I love you too, Mom but please go away.
My friends are all looking, you see,
so please go to work, you're embarrassing me!"

The drive back home, I'm thinking of work;
a new client today, perhaps a contract to sign,
This is a great job, with so many fun perks.

I take off my taxi-cap and up to my door,
smile to the neighbor,
(oh that man's an incredible bore!)
Pick a few weeds, in the box goes the Netflix,
I've arrived right on-time,
oh, this office is a mess!

Phone conference at 10, computer goes on;
I must prepare.
Toss in some laundry, oops, that sweater's mohair.

Heat up the first coffee now cold from before;
only one cup remaining, shall I make some more?

Click on my Inbox, checked only 12-hours-past.
Emails pour in like a flood,
I'd say, 20 mbps is rather fast.

Check boxes for client-rush requests,
check VAF for new posts,
comment LinkedIn, post Twitter
I'm working hard to deliver.

Look at my calendar, I've got real estate work,
new listings are posted with virtual tours to stitch.
I'll have to redo my weekly to-do list.

A client has emailed me she wants something fast…a newsletter copy;
she can't know I'm behind.
I'll open the attachment…what will I find?

Newsletter copy that needs more than a tweak,
bad spelling and formatting,
it does look rather bleak.

I get started on this rush project, in comes new real estate listings.
Get these up on the 'net, the agent is insisting.

Time moves quickly and I've completed all three tasks.
Sent off that newsletter, will the client approve fast?
Now I'm writing a blog post and stitching photos again,
I have to push hard, client conference awaits
and it's already 10.

Break away from my work to make my call,
new client is pleasant and seems rather fine.
Will he sign my contract and do so on-time?

Yes, I can update your ads and post listings to your sites,
write your blogs, articles and newsletters;
and make them look right.
Yes, I can help you for as long as you like, but remember,
your budget is really quite tight.

My day continues, finishing work as it comes in.
The newsletter copy is returned no changes…great, it's a win!

New client sent contracts, we'll get started the next day.
Set up new folders, passwords and names.

(This is a real business and I don't play games.)

I'm learning new programs, have QuickBooks Pro in the wings,
I'll be loading new software and reading manuals and such things.

The blog is nearly finished. I'll post to Active Rain.
What will be the next topic?

(Occasionally, I do think I am going insane.)

I finally step outside for some much-needed fresh air.
The blue Florida sky, the graceful palms and the birds.
How proud that this is my office; my life in my own words.

Time to pick up the teen, "Lord; give me strength if you may."
Surprisingly he asks me, "Mom, how was your day?"

He doesn't like his teacher; he wants to play with the Wii.
"Mom, I'll make you a deal. I'll do my homework for a fee."

I don't change diapers or take care of new babies, you see,
but I remain a VA as my teen still needs me.

Peer pressure, girls, homework and school,
he still needs a mom to listen each day;
albeit I'll agree, I am really 'uncool'.

My VA job allows me to choose,
the work that I like to do,
I contract with quality people
More or less, or perhaps just a few.

The best part of all, is that I can
be a Mom too.


Janine Gregor (aka Jan)
www.YourVirtualWizard.com