Anyway, it’s a new year and many of us are back with lofty goals.

My goals for this year aren’t too lofty. I want to increase my income without increasing my workload. I want a sustainable writing schedule and most of all; I want to continue enjoying what I do.

Looking Back

2011 was a good year. I had been smacked around a bit by the Panda but I believe I landed on my feet. I ended the year by achieving another milestone. I managed to reach the $3,000 residual income mark.

I even managed to become a temporary ticket holder to the Double O Club. I had a nice ride for the first 25 days of December. I was a full-fledged card-carrying member of the DOC right up until Christmas day. The day after I had to hand relinquish my membership card because my daily average dropped below $100 a day. While $96, $97, $98 and $99 a day aint bad, it doesn’t cover the daily cost of the Double O Club ticket.

Oh well, there’s always 2012.

Article Count and Earnings

In 2010 I wrote 753 articles in order to earn a total of $26,736.59. In 2011, I wrote 390 articles to earn $29,279.77 *(that’s not a final number since earnings are still trickling in).

I reduced my writing by nearly 50% and increased my earnings by about 10%. Not too bad considering the Panda beating most of us endured in 2011.

BTW, 99% of my 2011 earnings were from residual sources. Going forward, my goal is to make 2012 a 100% residual year. The only way I’ll accept up-front writing assignments is if the offer is just too good to refuse (and I mean it really has to be a good offer).

Secret to Residual Earnings

What’s my residual income secret? Well, the secret is to stick with it. I’m no better a writer than any of you guys. As a matter of fact, I’ve read some of your work and you guys are good. Just stick with it, keep learning and the money will follow.

It’s a brand spanking New Year…let’s make the best of it!

I just had to do this.  I was knee-deep in converting my Tidbits and Stuff site to its new format when I got side tracked by playing a few of the games.   The Kids Korner section has been neglected for many years (so many years that part of it is still on the old hand-coded site).

Since  I’m not so sure I’ll be finished converting my Tidbits site before Christmas I wanted to copy and paste this puzzle here for your enjoyment.

Just click on a square and start solving the puzzle.  Enjoy!!!

Questions

Across

• 1. Hung by the chimney
• 2. Dreaded edible Christmas gift
• 3. Jesus' birthplace
• 4. Red-nosed reindeer that pulls Santa's sleigh
• 5. His favorite words are, Bah Humbugh
• 6. Snowman that came to life
• 7. Got run over by a reindeer (watch out Linda)
• 8. Kissing branch

Down

• 9. The reason for the season
• 10. The green guy who stole Christmas
• 11. __________ days of Christmas
• 12. A favorite Christmas beverage
• 13. Santa's helpers
• 14. __________ roasting on an open fire
• 15. You know Dasher and Dancer and _______ and Vixen...

Top Times

1. Time: 0:01:27 by Rebecca on 2011-12-21
2. Time: 0:02:21 by Jen on 2011-12-20
3. Time: 0:03:10 by Crystal on 2011-12-18
4. Time: 0:04:58 by Grandma on 2011-12-18
5. Time: 0:05:01 by Sher on 2011-12-22

BTW, I wrote an article on Eclipse Crossword software quite some time ago.  You should download it and give it a try.  It’s free and it’s fun.