Ramblings of an e-trader

Guitar Store in Nashville

2017-07-02T12:30:00.003+08:00

My sister was asking around where she could go and have a feel of the latest range of guitars in her home city or even as far as Nashville. No one could give her a good answer. Well, I just went to the internet and searched for guitar store center in her city and found an answer.

My sister used to play the guitar during her school days. And then she had the chance to relocate to the US and to raise funds, had to sell everything that was of value, including her guitar.

What a pity. But now that things are better for her, she can spare some cash to procure another guitar and indulge in her old pastime again. That would be wonderful.

I Got Myself a New Camera

2017-07-02T12:20:00.002+08:00

Got out and bought a new camera last night, after going without one for two plus weeks. While I like to say that it is my "new toy", it is actually a work tool. Something that I cannot do my work without.

Ironically, I have to pay for it from my own pocket. Oh well, to some people, it is not very expensive but for me, it is money that I earned through sweat, tears and even blood. Plus a lot of brain juice and sleepless hours!

Ah well, I wished I could just use that money and invested in a better mobile phone. It reduces the number of gadgets to carry, hence the weight off my shoulder. But what to do, I do need the functions of a camera and so a camera is purchased. LOL Already started using it this morning! Haih.... as I said, it is a work tool and not a toy!

Buying A Music Stand

2017-03-31T15:18:00.002+08:00

My friend is organising an event and she needs to buy a music stand for the launch gimmick. As a non musician myself, I had no idea how to help her but I remember seeing a musicians friend music stand on the internet and know that it would suit her needs AND budget.

Now, if only I can remember where I saw it from. I'll have to browse Musician's Friend upside down and get her the link. I hope she will make a purchase for all my trouble. HAHAHA

Free eCommerce Solution VSTORE.ca Closing

2017-03-31T09:52:00.001+08:00

It was with much regret when I was informed that the free eCommerce solution, Vstore.ca will be closing on 10 April, 2017. I have used Vstore services for a long time already and checking my store, found that it was set up in August 2005. That was almost 12 years ago.

I liked using it and it was pretty easy to set up despite coming with limited features due to the fact that it was free. I had my own store and I managed to get some sales from strangers, too.

Oh well, all good things must come to an end. It was good while it lasted. Thanks Vstore.ca for providing such a good solution for online sellers, for free.

Play A Song For Me

2017-03-29T11:53:00.002+08:00

When I was browsing through the website of https://www.guitarcenter.com to check out the guitars for my cousin who is planning an upgrade, I was reminded of a time when a friend played a birthday song for me on his guitar. That was ten years ago or around that. Not too long after that, we drifted apart. We didn't argue or anything. Life just took over and he had his stuff to pursue and I had mine.

And so, died a beautiful friendship. I wonder if he still remembers me. He's always at the back of my mind, but I have to say, with a busy schedule, I am always occupied with something or other. I just thought about him when I saw these guitars for sale.

Broke My Budget For Online Sales!

2017-03-29T10:37:00.001+08:00

Lazada held a massive three-day sale last weekend in conjunction with their 5th anniversary. And me, the online shopping queen, had a field day, or three days, shopping, shopping and shopping.

And because of that, I hereby declare that I have broke my budget for the next couple of months.

My items have yet to arrive in total but the wait is sweet. I do get another rush as the postman rings my doorbell. Ironic, isn't it, when I was the one who paid for the stuff? But then again, not knowing what's in the post is another excitement.

So, what do I do for the next couple of months? I guess, eat porridge, or bread. At least I have choices. HAHAHA

Time of Togetherness

2017-01-29T13:46:00.002+08:00

Chinese New Year is the time for togetherness. It is this season that I get to meet up with my cousins, or at least most of them, as they make their once-a-year journey home to be with their parents.

Over good food and music, we chat and laugh into the night. One of them said that he's looking for a guitar recently, so I said to check out the guitar center near me. I haven't been there for a while already, so I couldn't tell what they have.

Isn't it a better idea to go together? It's like shopping, but to go and see what they like, rather than what I like, this time.

Happy Year of Rooster

2017-01-29T13:27:00.000+08:00

So, it is the Year of the Rooster now, according to the Lunar calendar. What does this coming year have in store for us? I really have no idea. Whatever it is, I hope that it is better than the Year of the Monkey last year.

It wasn't a bad year but it could be better. And so, that is why I hope that each year brings a little improvement in life, career, business, etc, for all of us.

This Chinese New Year, like in the past few years, I am working through it. Yes, what to do, I need the dough. It's not all bad, I still had a family reunion dinner on the eve of Chinese New Year and visited relatives on the second day of the New Year. It's culture, it's tradition. It's done and dusted.

Tomorrow, I'll be going to a Chinese New Year event and then I'm gonna stay put in front of the computer to continue with my work. And then it is time to travel.

Gong Xi Fa Cai to you who are celebrating it.

Guitar Greats

2016-12-30T12:54:00.002+08:00

I was just reading a piece of entertainment news just now regarding a stage production on the life of the late Marc Bolan. I remember growing up to the music of the punk/glam rock....even though I was not from that era.

I am from the rock era. My parents, however, kept playing that genre of music, so I grew up listening to Marc, chris poland, David Bowie and some others from those times.

I really miss those days when music had character, had a face to a certain type of music. These days, music is not the same anymore. I can't really explain. Things are just not the same. Do you agree?

I think this is why I hardly turn on the radio anymore. My favourite music is still from my collection of CDs. And it has been a looong time since I bought a new CD!

Christmas Gift Exchange

2016-12-30T11:03:00.003+08:00

One of the best things about Christmas is the gift exchanges that are done with family, friends and colleagues. As someone who works from home, naturally, I don't have colleagues to exchange with. Nonetheless, thanks to family and a small number of close friends, I am not left out of the fun.

But that also means that I have to spare time and thought on buying suitable gifts for these people that I exchange with. I tell you, my list may be short but it is not any easier to shop!

Thank god I do a lot of shopping online - it does save time but the amount of stress is not reduced, particularly when I get anxious over delivery times and the quality of the products.

Oh well, Christmas is over, phew....but the New Year is upon us soon. What will 2017 hold for us? I hope things will not go as badly as 2016 was!

Japanese Teen Band

2016-11-19T15:13:00.003+08:00

My dad, since he learned how to use a smartphone, has been forwarding to me lots of photos, videos and jokes. I didn't have the heart to tell him to stop. First of all, I don't have the time to keep abreast with his messages. Secondly, I have already read or watched most of what he has just received and forwarded to me.

One of the videos, which was new to me, was of a Japanese teen bad. I was so impressed with their performance, especially of the young guitarist and his striking charvel so cal electric guitar.

Many people commented that the lead singer is a little cocky but I think that kind of attitude makes him stand out among the crowd of other bands. Now, what is the name of the band? I have forgotten.

Black Friday Sale

2016-11-19T11:37:00.001+08:00

Yahoo! After shopping at Lazada Online Revolution, it is time to look out for Black Friday, followed by Cyber Sunday. I am so stoked, but my budget is not. LOL

Sometimes, I pity my family members who have to keep getting their day disrupted by the honking of the courier man, delivering parcels to my home. But what to do? I am a shopping addict because it is just so convenient to shop.

My friends asked me how I could shop when the Ringgit is so weak, and I said that as I am earning Ringgit, I am shopping from local sites that charge in Ringgit. What's the fuss, right? Problem is, I need to earn more Ringgit! Hahaha

Pickboy Designs

2016-09-11T15:00:00.001+08:00

While out shopping with my cousin the other day, we dropped by at a music store at the mall. While my cousin was busy chatting with his friend who works there, I took the opportunity to browse around. I was quite surprised to learn that there are so many pick boy designs.

I don't play the guitar, you see, but my cousin does but he only has a couple of pick boys. WHY??? Now that I know that they come in so many interesting designs, I am already motivated to collect them. Yes, I am a collector and I have many different collections. these picks are going to be my new poison. Argh!

Malaysia Day Sale

2016-09-11T14:53:00.003+08:00

As an online shopping junkie, don't get me started on a shopping spree. I would have the courier guy calling at my house all hours of the day almost every day!

Hah.... now, Malaysia Day is upon us soon and online stores are already running promotions. I subscribe to the mailing list of many an online stores. You can imagine that my mailbox is being drowned by such mails at this time of the year.

I dare not open for I would then be tempted to use those discount codes and just grab anything to buy! Oh dear. This isn't going to help my budget as on top of these purchases online, I do shop at physical stores as well! Aiks!!!

From Earphones to Headphones

2016-08-12T21:26:00.003+08:00

Having used earphones for some years now, I think it is time to go back to headphones. I find earphones rather inconvenient as they keep falling off from my ears.

These days, earphones are very large. They won't fall off from my ears or head but they are bulky and not easy to carry around, especially when travelling. So, what do you think I should get at the end of the day? A new headphone? If so, what brand and model? Or remain faithful to earphones? Or maybe both?

Pokemon Go

2016-08-12T21:18:00.004+08:00

I have been playing Pokemon Go since the day it was launched in Malaysia. I am not crazy about games but I enjoyed checking out new stuff. I could uninstall it one day soon but I don't know. Maybe I would love to play it more later?

I stopped playing a few days after installing because I couldn't find any pokeballs but then I went around collecting, so it was retained in my phone. I told my friend that if I couldn't find balls for a week, I would uninstall it. LOL

According to my family, a guy even came to our house to catch Pokemon. How funny can it get? I wasn't at home then. If I was, I would have caught it already and not him!

Anyway, will see how long this can keep my interest.

Banjo Music

2016-07-20T10:37:00.002+08:00

I recently got to know an American who plans to live in Ipoh for six months before moving along to another town. Ipoh is such a small city that I wonder how he could spend his time and not get bored.

Visiting him the other day at his new pad, he told me that he has brought a long his banjo. Now, this is not a popular instrument where I live. Neither is it common. Many people here know how to play the piano and guitar but the banjo? Not really. I don't believe many locals handled it before either.

We surfed online to see the different banjos in the market and came to musiciansfriend.com the hub how to choose banjos. What an interesting musical instrument it is! If only I had the talent. I always lament thinking of my disadvantage.

Anyway, I'll spend more time with my new friend and hope he will entertain me with his banjo.

Back To Back Travels - I'm SO Tired

2016-07-20T10:25:00.003+08:00

Was in Penang last week for three days, then Genting two days over the weekend and I am going up north again tomorrow for I don't know how many days! These are work trips, mind you. My schedule is so packed that I don't even have the time for my own leisurely travels. I feel bored even with all the moving about. Can't I just go somewhere and not have anything planned for me to do?

It is not that I am complaining and in fact, having somewhere to go is better than none. So, I'm really thankful for what I have. Being wanted, being invited, being welcomed, being needed is better than not.

The problem is, I don't know how much longer I can run around like this. Not getting any younger la! LOL

Rane Serato Scratch LIVE Vinyl

2016-04-25T21:24:00.002+08:00

I was having a drink with my friend last night and he was raving about the new Rane serato vinyl. I had no idea what he was talking about since I am not in the industry but he took the trouble to show me the difference.

According to him, this new edition is improved from the first version. It's mastered on better equipment, for one, he said. He also showed me the new sleeve, comparing the first and second editions for me, pointing out the differences.

Finally, he invited me to his show this coming weekend. I am excited to go, just to show my support for an old friend.

No Time To Shop, Not Even Online

2016-04-25T21:15:00.003+08:00

I've been needing a new watch but haven't even found the time to shop. I need a 'good' watch, which means, something of brand. My current one, although it still works, looks ugly because the strap is frayed and I don't think I can find a matching strap to replace it.

I thought of buying a watch online, where I can sometimes get a good deal but you won't believe that I am so busy, I don't even have the time to check out the watches that are available at my regular shopping sites.

I hope that I am able to free up some of my time in May and get some shopping done. And I know that once I get started, it will be difficult for me to stop. Better get that credit card ready!

Eric Sardinas' Own Handmade Slide

2016-04-01T10:48:00.002+08:00

I was wondering what gift to buy for a friend when I came across this handmade slide by eric sardinas. I am not a guitar player but have heard of the name Eric Sardinas before. He's known as the maverick bluesman.

As my friend plays the guitar and blues is his favorite genre, I figured this handmade slide would make a great gift for him. Besides, I am stoked to learn that it is not that expensive.

Let me just check a few other handmade slides first before I decide which to get him, ultimately.

One Year With GST

2016-04-01T10:37:00.000+08:00

It's been a year that we have been living with GST. Happy Anniversary! NOT! Although some may say that it's ONLY 6% that we are paying for our GST and that some other countries pay more, it is still an additional 6% that we have to pay.

I don't think I bought that much over the past year although I do see new shoes, clothes and bags in my room. But somehow, when the 6% is already factored in into the price that we have to pay, we tend to forget that it's more than the actual cost.

But life goes on. We buy what we have to and forgo what we can no longer afford. Since the GST is here to stay, let us just hope that it wouldn't go up any time soon! We are still trying to cope with the 6% dammit!

Maintaining a Guitar

2015-12-01T10:33:00.002+08:00

My young cousin, who has been asking for a guitar, has finally gotten one as a birthday present.

Now, the headache is, how much does it cost to attend guitar lessons and to maintain the guitar? I know it is a hardy instrument but still, it requires up-keeping too, right?

Do you know how much do guitar strings cost? I did a quick Google search and luckily, they are inexpensive. Phew!

11.11 Singles Day

2015-12-01T10:11:00.004+08:00

I bought some stuff online on China's Singles Day last month. Although there were plenty of good deals, now I know the problem with buying during such a day. The courier companies just cannot cope with shipping and delivery. Hence, until today, I am still waiting for my package to be delivered.

No doubt, I do have tracking on the package but it is a painful wait and till now, it is still waiting for customs clearance.

What was supposed to be "only" 2 weeks of waiting has turned into three weeks and there is still no guarantee that the package will arrive then.

Haih, as they say, waiting is the worst thing. Be patient...

Welcome Party

2015-08-31T22:36:00.003+08:00

An old friend of mine returned from Australia last week and a few of us decided to have a welcome, and also farewell, party for him. He would, after all, have only time to meet up with us for that one time. A few hours is better than none, we said.

But the catch was that he had to provide his own entertainment, although we would be bringing the food and drinks.

This friend is good with the guitar and in fact, he took the trouble to bring it home with him. Apparently, he wanted to show off his new Epiphone Les Paul p90 electric guitar. Aha.... no wonder!

It didn't matter. We still love him and enjoyed the entertainment that he provided.