same ol' same ol'

Haven't been updating much ... nothing much happening... its the same ol' same ol'.

Had my monthly shot last thursday, and my quarterly blood test. Alls well except for the low calcium level and slightly high uric level. Calcium level has edged up a wee bit from the previous test by 0.01 at 2.09 from 2.08. So gotta down the calcium pills religiously and cut back on my kacang.

We had been pretty busy the past 2 weeks or so, preparing Nic for her year-end exams, which is happening really early, starting on the 25 Sep. From the looks of things, I am the one who is more kancheong than the One taking the exams, who is more concerned about the TV schedule and her pets on Pet Society... sigh...

I am actually pretty glad that her exams are ending early. That leaves us with more time to prepare for the final quarter of the year. Yes, our year end trip has been booked, and we are heading to the USA. Thats something on my bucket list which i can finally scratch off. Though it will be no where close to the Niagara Falls, at least its still the US. Well, maybe another trip if health, time and finances permit :)

Where's My Stuff?

Following the Nasty Customer Saga, first of all, we would like to thank everyone who have commented for your kind words and support. Its very much appreciated. The case has been resolved, though it does leave a little bitter aftertaste, and a nagging urge to do a follow-up post.

So, what happens when packages go missing...

All Little Gems orders are always packed in good order, ready to be shipped within 2 business days after payment is received, unless theres public holidays or unforeseen circumstances. In most cases, all items are received within 1-3 working days upon posting.

We provide customers the choice to have their purchases delivered by regular or registered mail. We always recommend your orders to be send by registered mail for tracking purchases, as well as an insurance coverage of up to S$60.00. Your article can be tracked here, from the time the article is received at the post office, up to the point where the item is received and acknowledged by the receiver.

For mails sent by regular mail, there's no way the article can be traced. In the event it doesn't turn up, do email us. We will call the delivery base to assist with the tracking. Much as we would like a speedier process, Do be patient, as the ball is not in our court. We will only be able to let you know when the Postmaster reverts to us after their investigation, usually within 3 days.

While lost packages are rare, they do happen. The most annoying and common cases are lazy postman who forgot to leave a notification card at your door when they fail to deliver your package.

Do recognize that there's always a risk for online purchases as the physical package would have to go through the entire proccess of collection, sorting and distribtion. We buy online ourselves a lot too. Its almost awful for us to say that as soon as the package leaves our hands at the Post Office, we have no control over it. Its a harsh reality, yet so awfully true. We would however strive to keep you guys happy, as we treat you as we would like to be treated ourselves.

Last but not least, Remember to always be nice. Its much easier that way.

Self-Restraint

This blog entry isn't so much about the NASTY customer that i had. It is in fact more of how my emotions got the better of me, and just simply spiralled out of my control. You could say that I prided myself for being a pretty calm and collected person, who is at a stage in life where little irks does not unfazzle my nerves, and little people affect me no less. But I guess, i was so wrong.

I am guilty of letting a total stranger ruin my mood and my Saturday with my family. Totally undeserving, and thinking of it still makes my blood boils!

I am so tempted to post the exchange, but will refrain from that, but I certainly will be quoting from our exchanges. To cut a long story short, this customer made a purchase and wanted it sent by regular mail. Registration is always recommended, but she wanted to save that $2.30. she didn't receive the mail after 5 days and emailed me on Friday, accusing me of being dishonest, saying that she "will make a police report against me, and report to ACRA and Small Claims Tribunal". Hey, if singpost screw up, you can't blame me.

I called Singpost that Friday to check, but being a regular mail, there is no records and traceability. The supervisor at the delivery base called on Saturday, and did say that he will get back to me after checking. I could visualised her jeering at me when she said that I "have no proof that you send the goods at all". And she goes on to say that I am unhelpful, and went on to file a claim on Paypal, leaving me no chance to respond to Paypal's request. She had me cornered, all for $26.40. She did not even allow Singpost to revert. I smell fraud, you think I should make police report too? She receives the package and claims she didn't, and makes a claim through Paypal?

What really really irked me, and made me fumed was her attitude. Just because you make a purchase from my shop doesn't entitle you to speak to me in a condescending and rude tone.

While I was still fuming, Nic came by and innoccently asked me a question and I snapped at her. It certainly was no fault of hers. She was simply being at the wrong place at the wrong time. She was taken aback, and left the room, like a poor puppy with a tail between her legs. I know I shouldn't have yelled at her, and I should have exercise more self-restraint. Looking at her sleeping right now, I am just simply guilt-ridden. I know she will probably forget about the episode tomorrow, but I just wished I had more restraint on my own emotions. I wanted to kick my own butt now.

While I honestly do enjoy doing what I am doing, working hours do eat into Family time sometimes. While i do try to keep them separate by spending certain number of hours with Nic, work beckons sometimes, and it may not always be possible. And what about emotions? While I try not to let any negativity affect me, I guess I let my guard down this time.

Well the fiasco hasn't ended. I will check with Singpost again on Monday, and will pick it up from there. Anyone interested to know more details about said customer can email me. I shudder to think that she is in a profession in shaping our future generation.

My mantra from now on will be:

I will NOT let Nasty people affect my emotions. They Do not deserve my attention! They can go *bleep* *bleep* !! (Please fill in the bleeps with appropriate words)

Another Little Bump on the Road

Sigh...who would have thought a sumptious dinner of crab meehoon on sunday would have led to this.

It was just one of those weekends that we decided to have Nic's favourite meehoon soup at our tze cha place downstairs. Nic usually have the meehoon and soup without the crab. Being the picky eater that she is, she decided to be a little adventurous this time round and to try the crab meat as well. She loved the taste of the succulent crabmeat, and had a claw and a single portion of the body as well. Who would have thought...

We woke up on Monday and as we prepare her for school, we saw 2 little red spot on her right cheek. Thinking that its probably some insect bite, we applied some cream and sent her off to school. Alarm bells rang, when she came home from school with a large (about 50 cent coin) red patch on her cheek, the same cheek which we thought were bitten by bugs.

The redness subsequently spread to her ear, and more small red spots appeared on her neck, arms and legs. Brought her to the clinic and were given some antibiotics, cream and anti-itchiness medication.

Its been 4 days already since we had the crabs and the redness is still there. We are pretty concern as its on her face. We are watching her closely, and will probably bring her to the hospital if the redness didn't subside. Nic had a previous episode of food allergy as well, when her eyes became puffy after consuming 2 tablespoon of birdnest. That subsided after a day, and we ruled that she will not be able to have anymore birdnest.

Feeling really heartsick. So poor thing :(