The demise of old things

I lament the demise of old technology, and some other things from the past. Recently, my printer told me the (very old) machine they had which could do a specific type of embossing for printing had spoiled. Being an old machine, there was little chance to get it repaired. I was distraught as a client had ordered her invitations to be done with the embossing. Being very nice printers, they asked around friends and peers, but nobody was doing this printing method anymore. I was dismayed. Partly because I knew my client would be too, but also because I could not offer this service to future clients... and it really is a pretty effect.

I also heard that the wet market near my home was slated for a month-long renovation. Mother in law was distraught. Hubby said we could just get groceries from NTUC, no big deal. But wet markets are different. There you can get large sized eggs at $1.90, which at NTUC would probably be $3.00. And garlic comes supersized too -- more fragrant and juicy and nice to cook with. Vegetables are also plumper and fresher.

I hope wet markets never cease to exist in Singapore. It would be a time to mourn indeed.

Google Generation

If there was a "Google Generation", I would be in there. I google everything. If there's a word I don't quite understand, a language I want to learn, an old friend I want to find, or a shop's telephone number, I'd go straight to Google. Whilst it may not always be accurate, Google is the fastest and easiest way to get free information. My reliance on Google has gotten so bad that when my father expressed to me his fear that we will be clueless about funeral arrangements should he suddenly go one day, I told him "there's always Google so no worries."

In today's digital age when I can find anything and everything I want online, it sometimes surprises me when I am unable to find relevant and useful information. Maybe it's due to many businesses actually not utilising the online medium to their needs. For me, I am actively trying to increase my online presence by learning every trick in the book (!)...if I can, that is. After years of using Flash to make my website so pretty, I have discovered that it is completely useless in generating traffic on Google. As such, I've been adding html, and using Facebook, Twitter and Blogs to generate interest and garner more "followers". I've also started a free giveaway, because everyone loves a good deal (or do they?).

So if you're interested, do surf by http://card-blanche.blogspot.com/2010/06/win-set-of-couture-notesheets-envelopes.html to take part and win!

Ad: Seeking the prodigal client

You can always count on me (or us) to give you quality design with great service. However, clients have been rather tight-fisted and unappreciative of late. Not only are my costs too high, I have also been inadequate and insufficient in meeting job briefs. Clients will never see that they never did give a proper brief in the first place. Gone are the days when they actually had to send a written brief, which account servicing will type out nicely into fields like "Target Audience" and "Tone and Manner". Nowadays, many clients pick up the phone and rattle out a list of items they want to do. They also think it's exceptionally easy to think of ideas for marketing/design/advertising materials. There's also the concept that a single quarter page ad is equivalent to a double page spread...after all, it's just a matter of how big it is, it won't take more work would it?

If there are anymore clients out there who appreciate experienced advice and good design work, please do give me a call. I want to do your work!

http://www.morpheuscreative.com/design
http://www.card-blanche.com

All things happen for a reason...?

Being Christian, I believe in God and acknowledge that He knows and sees all things, and that He makes all things for a reason. In my work and life, I have always felt assured that in the grand scheme of things, He will always work it out for me and provide for me. For example, in my years of running my own business, there have been opportunities, and I have thanked Him for success and providence.

However, in the last year or so, business has been slow and opportunities less. I also question my difficulty in starting a family. Is this all for some reason too? Sure, there are trials and tribulations, but how do I overcome these?

Recently, I have been introduced to some really good products from direct marketing companies. One is the No Work Shower Cleaner by Melaleuca, another is the Renew Moisturiser (also by Melaleuca), and there's the Anion Sanitary Pad which is truly innovative. I've never been an active follower nor a fan of direct marketing companies, but these products, I feel, could serve a greater good, so to speak. Were these all happening to me for a reason as well? Perhaps it was to show me an avenue to earn my keep, as well as help the people I care about.

I have also had the opportunity to get to know a new friend from another country. She chanced upon my blog and I have had the honour to chat with her over email. I'm sure this happened for a reason as well. Maybe in time, we can become good friends?

In the grand scheme of things, I guess only He up there will know why things happen. I can only pray for His shower of blessings and opportunities, because like the weather lately, it has been dry, hot and stifling.

PS - Will review the Renew Moisturiser and Anion Pads when I can.

Last Post of the Year

It's time to bid farewell to 2009 and say welcome to 2010. Although I usually abhor the passing of time - it flies too fast - and I yearn for the clock to turn back, I must say 2009 was a very long and somewhat depressing time. It all seems like a blur now but earlier in the year, when business was slow and rent too high, everything was bleak, gloomy and seemingly hopeless. Stock markets were bad, inflation abound, and yup, the office phone hardly rang. Add to that my list of personal problems and an Armageddon would have been merciful.

And so here I am on the last day of the year, feeling pensive. 2010 marks the start of a new decade! It seemed just yesterday that I was flying home from a holiday in UK and partaking in the Countdown to 2000 festivities along Orchard Road. It has been an eventful and fantastic 10 years. I can't say I'm regretting or anything like that, and I'm not one to look back and lament. I firmly believe in looking forward and as apprehensive or reluctant that I am, I can confidently say 2010 couldn't be any worse than 2009 was.

Here are some things I potentially can look forward to:
1. New office premises (?!)
2. A longer holiday, one that requires a longer than 7 hour flight
3. More business (!?)
4. Unexpected surprises, hopefully pleasant ones
5. More people knowing Cardblanche

And I gave up making resolutions a long time ago, but here are some I think I should try to attain:
1. Regular workout and gym sessions (at least 3 times a week)
2. More adventures and experiments in the kitchen
3. Improve my dessert skills
4. Meet and know more people
5. Increase awareness of Cardblanche

Happy New Year! And may all your dreams be fulfilled in the coming months!

I want to know more people

Do you ever feel like, you wished you knew more people? I've been having those thoughts lately, and it's only because of my shyness I've never been able to talk to or know more people. I'm not the type to talk to strangers on the street, although I try to keep myself in a friendly frame of mind. I'm also not very sociable with neighbours but when I moved house I resolved to be more talkative when I can. Then, I realized my neighbours aren't very comfortable with random chit chat as well. Sure we'd all smile or greet each other, but some of the neighbours try to ignore me when I walk by and say good morning. I guess they're even more anti-social than me, or just socially inept!

At this juncture in my life I feel this need to get to know more people, but I don't like clubbing and I don't want to pay for networking, so it seems I'm left with social networking sites like facebook, which really is very useful. Of course we'd never really personally know the people we know on facebook, since everyone is hidden behind a monitor. I guess The only way I can achieve this is to
go out and do what I have to do, and talk. If you want to know more people too, or know me, feel free to drop me an email. A response within 24hr is guaranteed. :)

Happy to see the bags

It’s such joy to actually see a mass of bags at my office door. This month, I’ve had more orders completed than in the past few months combined, so it has been heartening. Funnily enough, the revenue and balance sheets turned out the same as previous months. I’ve had to cut my salary but pay more to the suppliers, ending up with the same low figures as before. Oh well, hope it gets better soon!