I had quite a financial windfall this week, well..all $77.50..heh, and I started the week pretty moody because in my head, I kept thinking how to make more sales to make up for the $50 I had to take out from my online shop profits in my pouch. It was quite a good motivational boost and I absolutely loved the boost. Even though a few times this week, I had to sleep and wake up late at night to do the works, I didn't mind it. I'm all for it. Of course, other days when I'm not producing the goods, I get my sleep..haha.
I do want to take this online venture to a point where I'm making money every week, pretty much like this week. It will be a great thing. Even if it is a mere $5.00..whatever it takes to put up something on the facebook page and then other people see it, 'like' it and then some other people see it and may even buy it. I am exploring other ways that I can do to add value to my online shop.
But all this things..I thought might have been directly due to the fact I chose to spend money on people that I care about. Remember in my previous post, I was talking about having to buy pizza for my family to celebrate Mother's Day because my mum complained I always don't do anything for her. Since it was pay day the day before, I thought I could just buy the family pizza for dinner. Of course it was a bit daunting for me because I'm trying to save money and then spending on expensive dinner isn't my idea of celebration but then you know, I see other families prior to that in the mall, queuing up and about to spend money in restaurants in celebration of this very day. Then, I thought that I won't be spending as much money as them. Of course, the best is to have home cooked for me but I think it's a bit far fetched to uhm, make my mum cook on this day huh?
Prior to that, I gave $10 to my friend's daughter when we met up with her because my mum told her. I decided I have to not because my mum want to (erm...okay, maybe that too) but her mum has been pretty generous giving me stuffs that she doesn't want to and she thinks I might want it. Of course I do want it because we're talking about MAC paint pot Rubenesque. I have neve owned a MAC paint pot! That $10.00 doesn't mean much to her generosity. Although she didn't want to take it at first and I may happily want to take it back, I didn't and after much persuasion, she took the money for the benefit of her daughter. I reaped the reward when that night itself, I got two orders via my online shop. Happiness.
Oh yes, why I'm talking about the Mother's Day dinner and how the next day I felt awful because I used some part of my profits on it, I actually read this facebook update about my colleague spending money on her relatives as part of her birthday celebration. Then what she said struck me, if you spend on others, you will reap the rewards later.
Of course you must do it with sincerity and not do it because you want to reap the rewards. You do it because you want to show your appreciation of others (like me towards my mother) and then if you get duly rewarded, then good for you but don't make it the main priority. It's just how kindness begets kindness.
So now while I can't totally shed my calculative nature, I felt that I shouldn't be too calculative when it comes to my family. Totally shouldn't. Just like how one philanthropist donated millions to one of the universities here because she and her late husband believed in its education system and how it incorporates social values.
But is she just merely giving away her millions just like that and then, getting her value lower and lower? No, while she gives away her millions, it forces her to think about how to earn the millions back like for example, selling one of her properties.
I pretty much want to be like that. Money makes the world go round. In order to save money, you need to spend money but of course you need to spend it wisely. I should concentrate on spending money on my loved ones and doesn't matter if I don't get to have racks of shoes or clothes, as long as they're happy, I'm happy. I hope my online business flourishes one day but until that day comes, I shouldn't be so uptight about spending on my family.
They are the only ones I've got.
Visit my online store http://www.facebook.com/mylittlecardshop
Living Each Single Day
Sunday, May 19, 2013
Saturday, May 18, 2013
Watching Your Mouth
I watched this Malay drama recently and that it has this moral story going on about watching your mouth such as watching what you say. While I think that it is, well, true...it is pretty gross seeing the character with the bad mouth practically had her mouth all cramped including her hand like she got stroke. Then the next scene when she was at home and sleeping, she woke up vomitting and the surrounding of her mouth had really bad red ulcers.
All because she hasn't said the nice things to her siblings. Even after being reprimanded by her mother, she continued her badmouthing of others to the point of throwing money at her cash strapped brother whom she kept jabbering non stop prior to the sudden stroke calling him useless and why have a kid if he couldn't afford it..blah blah. She just wasn't happy that even though she sent her mother money, her mother used the money instead to help her other children who weren't in a good financial state unlike her who was living a rich life and who just scored a major project gig that would earn her $10 million.
But her mother was fair. While yeah there are some mothers who may love one child more than another, like how I used to think about my mum treating my brother compared to me, this mother is absolutely fair. Whatever it is, which mother in general like to see her children suffer? If they can help, they will help even if it means giving away some of their life savings, in this case, the money she has saved up to go on a holy pilgrimage which require a few thousand dollars.
God is fair too. He sees both our good deeds and our bad deeds and He obviously sees her bad deed when she got the sudden stroke and a rotten mouth, literally, because she once cursed her sister to have a rotten mouth, who was being sarcastic to her in a bid to make her realize what a nasty person she is.
While I think the story was a bit far fetched, I wouldn't rule out the possibility plus it got me thinking.
You know, there are all kinds of people in this world. Many of them are generally nice, really..it's true in case you think I'm delusional, but there are others who of course choose to say nasty things or say things to hurt you. That or being ungrateful when here you are trying to help them but when they're unsatisfied with your help or simply refuse to listen because they think they're right, and they turn nasty.
Of course we can all wish that people will be more kind and humble in general but don't bet on it. We're human beings with flaws and if some people choose to be nasty, take the chill pill instead of fighting fire with fire because at the end of it, we end up being just as nasty as them. We're not them. We're just doing our job and in this line where we have to give our best customer service, if they're not satisfied because they don't get what they want and they say nasty things on purpose, then let them. Like I said, we're just doing our job and we must continue to do a good job.
It's true that we have to be nice and kind to other people but not everybody can be like that because they choose to be in that state. We can only wish all the best to them because seriously, if we can't afford to be nice and kind, there's no way good things will come our way.
I can rant all day long about my own nasty encounter, including one earlier phone call, of whom one caller asked a ridiculous question and how she refuses to listen because she just want to get that one answer which I don't think I can comment on. She's obviously not doing the right thing but does she want to know about it? No. Here I am trying to explain but she's not getting any of it. I just had to refer her to call the Ministry because I'm not going to get myself into trouble with my unsupported comments but she ended up being all sarcastic when she tried to end the call.
Of course, I tried to keep my cool, read: tried, and yah I did get rather flustered, but I tell myself calmly, I am not letting her be the boss of me. I believe I am right in trying to educate her by giving her the right answers but she CHOSE not to listen and she CHOSE to believe in hear say from people who obviously are giving her a false impression. Do I beat myself up over it? No. It made me angry, yes, but I tried to help and if she doesn't appreciate it, too bad.
I understand some people should have a taste of their own medicine but I think the situation should be handled more tactfully rather than trying to make it worse. I believe the situation can have a some sort of an amicable end by simply apologizing, thanking them for the feedback and say a polite goodbye..in my bid to just end the stupid conversation because I certainly don't want to drag the all ready unpleasant situation.
I've got this colleague who can be all helpful and calm when answering questions but when she gets encounters from nasty people, unfortunately, she turns nasty too and she will say things that honestly make us cringe and make the already nasty people, even more nasty in their words. My other colleague tried to help but I guess she was in a bad mood that she didn't want to accept our help or suggestion and she prefers doing things on her own terms.
Sometimes I get rather flustered with her but instead of choosing to say nasty things, which I believe I am capable of but I manage to get it under control. I just mince my words and say why don't you ask my manager because I've offered my suggestions already or simply ignore her and don't let her attitude get me.
At the end of it, we must remember that if we can change the situation, we change it. Otherwise, we just try not to make it any more worse. Then we must learn to change our attitude because seriously, what do we hope to get from being nasty. Sure we can get our way easily but sooner or later, we will get played out and we taste our own bitter medicine because remember, the world is round.
Visit my online store http://www.facebook.com/mylittlecardshop
All because she hasn't said the nice things to her siblings. Even after being reprimanded by her mother, she continued her badmouthing of others to the point of throwing money at her cash strapped brother whom she kept jabbering non stop prior to the sudden stroke calling him useless and why have a kid if he couldn't afford it..blah blah. She just wasn't happy that even though she sent her mother money, her mother used the money instead to help her other children who weren't in a good financial state unlike her who was living a rich life and who just scored a major project gig that would earn her $10 million.
But her mother was fair. While yeah there are some mothers who may love one child more than another, like how I used to think about my mum treating my brother compared to me, this mother is absolutely fair. Whatever it is, which mother in general like to see her children suffer? If they can help, they will help even if it means giving away some of their life savings, in this case, the money she has saved up to go on a holy pilgrimage which require a few thousand dollars.
God is fair too. He sees both our good deeds and our bad deeds and He obviously sees her bad deed when she got the sudden stroke and a rotten mouth, literally, because she once cursed her sister to have a rotten mouth, who was being sarcastic to her in a bid to make her realize what a nasty person she is.
While I think the story was a bit far fetched, I wouldn't rule out the possibility plus it got me thinking.
You know, there are all kinds of people in this world. Many of them are generally nice, really..it's true in case you think I'm delusional, but there are others who of course choose to say nasty things or say things to hurt you. That or being ungrateful when here you are trying to help them but when they're unsatisfied with your help or simply refuse to listen because they think they're right, and they turn nasty.
Of course we can all wish that people will be more kind and humble in general but don't bet on it. We're human beings with flaws and if some people choose to be nasty, take the chill pill instead of fighting fire with fire because at the end of it, we end up being just as nasty as them. We're not them. We're just doing our job and in this line where we have to give our best customer service, if they're not satisfied because they don't get what they want and they say nasty things on purpose, then let them. Like I said, we're just doing our job and we must continue to do a good job.
It's true that we have to be nice and kind to other people but not everybody can be like that because they choose to be in that state. We can only wish all the best to them because seriously, if we can't afford to be nice and kind, there's no way good things will come our way.
I can rant all day long about my own nasty encounter, including one earlier phone call, of whom one caller asked a ridiculous question and how she refuses to listen because she just want to get that one answer which I don't think I can comment on. She's obviously not doing the right thing but does she want to know about it? No. Here I am trying to explain but she's not getting any of it. I just had to refer her to call the Ministry because I'm not going to get myself into trouble with my unsupported comments but she ended up being all sarcastic when she tried to end the call.
Of course, I tried to keep my cool, read: tried, and yah I did get rather flustered, but I tell myself calmly, I am not letting her be the boss of me. I believe I am right in trying to educate her by giving her the right answers but she CHOSE not to listen and she CHOSE to believe in hear say from people who obviously are giving her a false impression. Do I beat myself up over it? No. It made me angry, yes, but I tried to help and if she doesn't appreciate it, too bad.
I understand some people should have a taste of their own medicine but I think the situation should be handled more tactfully rather than trying to make it worse. I believe the situation can have a some sort of an amicable end by simply apologizing, thanking them for the feedback and say a polite goodbye..in my bid to just end the stupid conversation because I certainly don't want to drag the all ready unpleasant situation.
I've got this colleague who can be all helpful and calm when answering questions but when she gets encounters from nasty people, unfortunately, she turns nasty too and she will say things that honestly make us cringe and make the already nasty people, even more nasty in their words. My other colleague tried to help but I guess she was in a bad mood that she didn't want to accept our help or suggestion and she prefers doing things on her own terms.
Sometimes I get rather flustered with her but instead of choosing to say nasty things, which I believe I am capable of but I manage to get it under control. I just mince my words and say why don't you ask my manager because I've offered my suggestions already or simply ignore her and don't let her attitude get me.
At the end of it, we must remember that if we can change the situation, we change it. Otherwise, we just try not to make it any more worse. Then we must learn to change our attitude because seriously, what do we hope to get from being nasty. Sure we can get our way easily but sooner or later, we will get played out and we taste our own bitter medicine because remember, the world is round.
Visit my online store http://www.facebook.com/mylittlecardshop
Sunday, May 12, 2013
Tying the String Purse into A Bow
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| Empty Purse (photo credit: daily mail.co.uk) |
Oh yes, where was I . Yes, Rahayu Popz is 'broke' and the quotes mean that yes, technically I still have money and I have some orders which means coming in as well. But there are stuffs that I have to pay and I've delayed the payments and before I suffer from the backlash, I would rather pay. Hence, the reason why I have to tie the string purse.
Plus, this month we are celebrating Mother's Day because two days ago, my mother complained I never did anything on this day like I treat it as though it's some other ordinary day. Oops, my bad. It's not that I don't like celebrating it but my mum is so fussy like everything doesn't seem right and plus, I don't earn that much to be able to buy her dinner like in some fancy restaurant. Yes, I know that it doesn't have to be a fancy restaurant but still, haiyah blame it on me then. I can be rather calculating with my money, which I know is a bad habit, but because I don't want to be as broke as the last time when I had to look for loose coins around the house or trying to patch up two pieces of a broken $2.00 note. Although even now I have my broke moments, I have not been that broke before and it scares me to bits and pieces.
This time, I've got no excuse. With some money that I have made from my online shop sales and an increase in pay, this year I decided to do something special though yes I still do feel that 'pang' in my heart when I saw the final price..haha. I tried my best to get the best value of price without resorting to eating only the bare minimum from Pizza Hut.
But I can't deny that being a mum, she isn't this calculative with us even though she's not working and she only have me as the main breadwinner as my brother is still schooling. So for this special occasion, I shall just close one eye..haha.
Oh, plus I thought that since for the last two months, I have been spending a wee bit more on my hobby, though today's purchases are not counted because I got my pay today..haha. In other words, I am keeping my promise to buy ONLY during pay day and if I have to buy on other days, it has to be cheaper than cheap..er..I don't know if that sounds logical to you..if I can't get it at a regular scrapbooking supplies store and if it's on my wish list.
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| photo credit: http://www.sgcny.com/holidaywishlist/ |
I need to start using existing supplies more because it's er, the pile is getting scarier so much so I need to put a stop to it. I have also minimized my make up buys precisely for this reason too, unless it's one of those 'I gotta have this..no thanks to the you tube beauty gurus'..haha.
Oh yes, did I mention this month is also my brother's birthday? I started buying for him cakes, I think like two years ago only...after stopping for quite awhile. Even then it's either my mother forced me or she said she would pay half. Reason being, my budget which is so tight already, didn't permit me to do so. So this month, I have to work extra hard to find new ideas for my online shop so that I get people interested in my products and hopefully it will translate to more sales.
That's part of my wish list too.
I believe things will get better for me. Generally, in life you can't always get what you want. So the way to lead your life is to make the best of each and every situation, constantly try to improve the undesirable situation to get your well deserved happiness. However, if you can't change it, at least know you have tried your best and there are other better options too.
Just don't give up because you will be duly rewarded after that :)
Visit my online store http://www.facebook.com/mylittlecardshop
Sunday, May 05, 2013
Things Are Looking Up...So Up!!
I've decided to follow what I preach and boy, don't I ever look back! I've decided to take on a new strategy to tackle on my shop. I believe that if you want something badly, like getting orders to share my love of paper crafting while at the same time, provide an additional source of income for me and my family. It's not a matter of getting a high sales figure or to gain popularity. That will be great but it's not my main motivation.
I will continue to walk this path, despite the setbacks I encountered earlier, which made me want to almost give up. I am not beaten down. If they are really not keen on paying, despite my reminder, I will just sell their order online because I am sure other parties would be keen. I don't want to lose money just like that. I will give them another week's grace before I sell next Saturday. If they want, they will have to pay first BEFORE I make the goods.
Somehow, I seem to get ideas when I step into the shower, haha. Do you get that too? Then most of the time, I will act on them. So now, my new strategy is to sell items in the shop rather than just waiting for people to make custom orders with me. I will also give discounts, without of course losing money, to entice them to buy more from me. I have been doing that but now, I would want to sell other items besides cards like notebooks, bookmarks and mini cards like the ones below. They're fun to make. If people don't buy them, I'll just give them away at the end of the month or have a clearance sales *LOL*
Without the advice of my friends, I would have just totally take my online shop offline as I couldn't deal with being stagnant anymore. I guess I have been a little impatient with my progress. But no more of that crap! Like what my friend said, Rome wasn't built in one day. The popular social enterprise whose owner started off selling handmade cards took 4 years before she got her big break and here I am whining when my online shop is barely 1 year.
So lesson of the day?
Be patient, continue to work hard and be innovative, don't let setbacks ruin your moments and you will reap the rewards. Like how I am going to get an order of 1 birthday card, 3 mothers' day cards and 3 fathers' day cards.
ABSOLUTE JOY!
So if those buggers don't want to pay up, it's ok. Other people want my business. Okay, better get moving and make more products for my shop! *excited*
Visit my online store http://www.facebook.com/mylittlecardshop
I will continue to walk this path, despite the setbacks I encountered earlier, which made me want to almost give up. I am not beaten down. If they are really not keen on paying, despite my reminder, I will just sell their order online because I am sure other parties would be keen. I don't want to lose money just like that. I will give them another week's grace before I sell next Saturday. If they want, they will have to pay first BEFORE I make the goods.
Somehow, I seem to get ideas when I step into the shower, haha. Do you get that too? Then most of the time, I will act on them. So now, my new strategy is to sell items in the shop rather than just waiting for people to make custom orders with me. I will also give discounts, without of course losing money, to entice them to buy more from me. I have been doing that but now, I would want to sell other items besides cards like notebooks, bookmarks and mini cards like the ones below. They're fun to make. If people don't buy them, I'll just give them away at the end of the month or have a clearance sales *LOL*
Without the advice of my friends, I would have just totally take my online shop offline as I couldn't deal with being stagnant anymore. I guess I have been a little impatient with my progress. But no more of that crap! Like what my friend said, Rome wasn't built in one day. The popular social enterprise whose owner started off selling handmade cards took 4 years before she got her big break and here I am whining when my online shop is barely 1 year.
So lesson of the day?
Be patient, continue to work hard and be innovative, don't let setbacks ruin your moments and you will reap the rewards. Like how I am going to get an order of 1 birthday card, 3 mothers' day cards and 3 fathers' day cards.
ABSOLUTE JOY!
So if those buggers don't want to pay up, it's ok. Other people want my business. Okay, better get moving and make more products for my shop! *excited*
Visit my online store http://www.facebook.com/mylittlecardshop
Saturday, May 04, 2013
When Everything Seems to Go Against You
I know that around the world in recent times, there were things far more serious and devastating than my own life where I am just feeling rather down and out thinking why does everything seems to go against me. Like I have wished for certain things to happen and somehow they don't, although there's a reason for everything. Yes, really.
I don't want to turn this into a complete whiny post because just early this week, I received a very surprising gift, and I would love to share with you in my next few posts. Clue: Digital. I did not expect it at all especially when it's not even my birthday. But I would say that it is a very good jump start.
I had a little prep talk with my friend who is also going through a rough patch and I'm glad she doesn't do the comparison like oh, your problem is not as big as mine, like how another friend used to do. I think everybody has unique problems and it's not a matter of whether theirs suck more or what. It's about how you cope and deal with them. Seriously, it's no point pushing the blame on others, blaming yourself but just simply deal with how to make the BEST of the situation.
So what's a GIRL like me to do?
Make that a soya milk ice cream because I'm still trying to lose weight. But of course, there are times I don't really care....but someone has to share it with me.
Moving on..
Aah yes. Those times where life seems pretty sucky and the old me would probably just eat and eat.
*looks guiltily at the Kinder Bueno chocolate bar. I ate just two small parts and not two bars..haha. Upset still have to watch what I eat.
But if you're like me, struggling, there is one solution. Just move ahead. Pick up what is best from the situation and just MOVE AHEAD.
Not having the best situation, but seeing the best in your situation in the key to happiness. – @MarieForleo
Visit my online store http://www.facebook.com/mylittlecardshop
I don't want to turn this into a complete whiny post because just early this week, I received a very surprising gift, and I would love to share with you in my next few posts. Clue: Digital. I did not expect it at all especially when it's not even my birthday. But I would say that it is a very good jump start.
I had a little prep talk with my friend who is also going through a rough patch and I'm glad she doesn't do the comparison like oh, your problem is not as big as mine, like how another friend used to do. I think everybody has unique problems and it's not a matter of whether theirs suck more or what. It's about how you cope and deal with them. Seriously, it's no point pushing the blame on others, blaming yourself but just simply deal with how to make the BEST of the situation.
So what's a GIRL like me to do?
 | ||
| Eat ice cream! |
Make that a soya milk ice cream because I'm still trying to lose weight. But of course, there are times I don't really care....but someone has to share it with me.
Moving on..
Aah yes. Those times where life seems pretty sucky and the old me would probably just eat and eat.
*looks guiltily at the Kinder Bueno chocolate bar. I ate just two small parts and not two bars..haha. Upset still have to watch what I eat.
But if you're like me, struggling, there is one solution. Just move ahead. Pick up what is best from the situation and just MOVE AHEAD.
Not having the best situation, but seeing the best in your situation in the key to happiness. – @MarieForleo
Visit my online store http://www.facebook.com/mylittlecardshop
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