Pet Rock

Pet Rock

What was the greatest thing a guy could have in this life. Money?

The idea of how popular Pet Rocks were has haunted me by how the simplest idea made someone rich. I know that ideas have power. After all, it if were not for ideas, i would be naked, living in the trees and spending my days looking for something to eat. Now that's a scary idea.

Ideas are like seeds. And they grow my experiences, then there is no one to blame for my experiences in life but me. I don't like this much. It's easier to blame experiences and other people for my life than blaming myself. Maybe the Pet Rock phenomenon is a reminder that even the simplest and seemingly inane ideas can harbor great possibilities. It gives me hope, which i still think is the greatest thing that can happen for a person. It mean that someday i may no longer be who i am now.

okey. Back to the topic, Pet Rock. Here's some information about it for those who do not know what is it.

The Beginning

In 1975, Gary Dahl working as an advertising executive at the time, launched the sale of the pet rock which quickly transformed him into a multi-millionaire. This enormous profit is much more impressive considering it only took him six months to achieve his multi-millionaire status and the extremely low cost of the product.

The pet rock sold for $3.95 and estimates state Dahl sold over 5 million of his pet rocks in a six month period. Even more, each pet rock was purchased for a few pennies and Dahl estimated that the packaging and accompanying manual cost him under 30 cents per rock in bulk to produce. Therefore, assuming incidentals and delivery cost Dahl another 65 cents per rock, then Dahl was profiting 3 dollars per rock. With these totals Dahl earned over 15 million dollars during a six month period in 1975 which would be estimated at $56,166,419.02 today.

Gary Dahl, Pet Rock Inventor

Dahl’s somewhat innovative marketing involved commonplace gray pebbles, purchased from a construction supplier, which were then sold to the public as live pets. The idea Dahl stated, was inspired by the hassle, mess, and money that pets such as dogs, cats and fish require.

The Marketing

Dahl began by creating the company called "Rock Bottom Productions." He imported the rocks from Rosarito Beach in Baja, California, Mexico. Packaging for the rock included a "Pet Training Manual" and a card board box, designed like a pet carrier. The pet training manual contained instructions on how to properly care for one's pet, including how to house train a pet rock by placing it on a piece of newspaper and other commands including sit, stay, roll over, play dead, and come.

Teaching Pet Rock To Attack

The Consumers

Part of Dahl's marketing strategy was to state that pet rocks give us more pleasure than we know. He convinced the consumer that these pet rocks support this argument through their very existence, and clearly display that it is not an actual item that brings joy to the child in the human mind, but merely the idea of the item. The pet sits in a niche in the mind, created by the power of the owners’ imaginations. It is in the actual exercise of the mind that such pleasure is found.

It is quite a valid point that finding such productive and effective uses of recreation time can be more preventative and beneficial to the health of our minds than even the most advanced psychological treatments. People who purchased these unusual "pets" often gave them names, talked to them, petted them, and attempted to teach them to perform simple "tricks".

Pet Rocks Live On

Unlike most fads, the pet rock continues to live on and has seen a resurgence on the internet. There are memorial pages, spin-offs, and one can still purchase such a pet, though new manufacturers have given their rocks new features and looks. For instance, not many plain gray pebbles are sold any more. One can buy rocks that are inscribed, painted, and decorated in many a manner, lending the rock much more personality than afforded Dahl’s creation. One can purchase a rock with an agenda, or one can buy a rock that is individually painted in memory of any dearly loved pet, or one can still purchase that rock that is completely void of previous perception, and let its idea grow in the mind.

Largest Collection of Pet Rocks

Pet Rock Breeds

Lesley O'Doherty currently has the worlds largest pet rock collection. She began her collection at the age of 6 when she received her first pet rock as a birthday gift from her mother. "I remember the exact day when I first got it. I had just unwrapped all of my presents and I thought there was no more to open. Then all of a sudden, mother handed me a small box and when I opened it, there was my first pet rock." Lesley said in an interview with Rock Collection Magazine in 2005. "I named him Pickles."

Lesley keeps her collection of rocks locked in a safe because she is said to believe the pet rock business is going to boom soon and she has several "special editions" which she hopes will be of value.

The Multi-Millionaire Idea

Dahl's idea was simple, effective and highly successful similar to other fads such as the Hula Hoop and Cabbage Patch Kids. With the pet rocks resurgence comes inspiration to create the next multi-million dollar opportunity. As indicated by Dahl all that is needed is a good idea, a thorough plan, hard work, and good marketing.

Photoshooting @ D Garden

A million thanks to donovan Tan & gonzalas wong. Thanks =)

Under the Bridge @ Ipoh by Donovan Tan

Photographer : Donovan Tan

Model : of course it's ME!!

Location : Under the Bridge - Ipoh

Thank you so muchhh !! =)

Under the Bridge @ Ipoh by Gonzalas Wong

Photographer : Gonzalas Wong

Model : of course it's ME!!

Location : Under the Bridge - Ipoh

A very nice photoshooting session with Gonzalas Wong and Donovan Tan. A very secret place which is under the bridge where cars are moving on top. At first i thought this place will only exist in foreign country, definitely not Malaysia, but now i found out there's this place available here, in Ipoh. Moreover, there really beggars sleeping under the bridge. It's their home. Though they might look 'dangerous', but actually i felt they are quite pity. I mean, where is their home? Where are their relatives? How do they survive? Well, another new experience.

More photos coming for this 'under the bridge' photoshooting from Donovan Tan and also another photoshooting at park area. Stay tune peeps. =)

Cheers.

I will never know it, if...

I told myself this lately

" If i gave up earlier when we meet difficulties or some shit happens,

I won't ever know how caring and lovable you are now."

thank you for everything my love.

Relationships have stages?

I've found this short passage. Decided to share to everyone. 

RELATiONSHiPS HAVE STAGES ♥


STAGE 1 (1-3 Months): The Honeymoon Stage

Everything seems perfect, both are happy and feeling “in love.” You share moments, dates and just having fun with each other, sharing laughs and giggles. It’s like nothing could stop you. Your feelings are infinite, and for once you’re thinking, “This may work out….” and it seems like nothing could go wrong. You spend hours getting ready before going out with this person.

*If your relationship ended in this stage — Most likely, both rushed into the relationship too quickly. Being together was all too sudden and just for the moment. When one starts noticing the flaws, one gets a choice to move foward, or back away. Being friends has a high percentage of working out, but nothing to stress over. Both may just need the time to get to know one another better.

--
STAGE 2 (4-6 months): The Bumpy Road
Things are going okay now. The relationship is calm and settled; both are still mostly happy. Had a couple arguments and disagreements here and there, nothing huge. Start to notice some of each other’s flaws and aspects of their personalities not seen before, but still truly care for one another.

*If your relationship ended in this stage — You truly cared about this person. You had the energy to fight for this person, yet you feel as if something was lacking, something was missing. It doesn’t feel right, one isn’t happy. When one isn’t happy, one tends to walk away to seek their new happiness. Being friends is still a possibility.

--
STAGE 3 (7-12 months): The Rocky Mountain
You start to realize who your partner really is. A few more arguments may occur. Problems with jealously, overprotectiveness may arise. Other people may come in the picture. The “in love” moments start to decrease, but you feel as if you’ve “fallen in love.” You tend to have this energy inside to strive and “make it work,” and you feel more comfortable being around this person, feeling more of yourself.

*If your relationship ends in this stage — You feel as if you’re hurt, depending on the circumstances. You were so sure that that person was “The One.” You were so SURE that he/she was different. But like a cancer, a problem that may have happened, a small issue, grew into something larger that took over what was made between two people. You still miss this person from time to time. You still remember the memories. Being friends may be difficult right away, but over time, you slowly mature up, and learn the reality of it.

--
STAGE 4 (1 year or more): The Long Road
1, 2, 3, 4, 5 years, huh? This person truly means something to you. You are “in love” with this person. He/she made a difference in your life. No one else knows you more than this person. You guys have been through the good, the bad, and the ugly, and still strive to make it last.

*If your relationship ends in this stage — You feel heartbroken; it’s tough. You can’t sleep, can’t eat, you miss him/her, you try to move on, you try meeting new people, but seems like nothing works. For whatever reason the split occured, it must’ve been something important, or something must have been so wrong that it took over. Being “just friends” is impossible, because if you tried to be friends, you wouldn’t be able to think of them in any other way besides the one you once “loved.”

Personally i did agree with the stages part in relationship. But with stating the specified time period (months) on it may seem a bit too unrealistic. I can only say " It depends". Your honeymoon stage doesn't really have to be just 1-3 months, it can be 6 months or even a year, still, it depends. Things may vary each couples. What i wanted to say is that eventually we all have to go through all these stages no matter what. It doesn't matter if you have failed halfway and restart all over again. Sooner or later, at the end of the day you will found 'the one' that you've been searching for long. Appreciate what we having now and enjoy our life. 

Cheers =)

Port Dickson

Port Dickson

Not bad. Tho water is not as clear as Perhentian, tho is not as crowded as Pangkor, yet i left a memorable trip here. I've learned a lot and i've finally realized a lot. Tho it's not compatible with other better seaside, yet it has left me a unforgettable memory, literally!

I was such a brave woman back then. Run here run there, climb here climb there, injured but i still continue my journey- the amazing race. I admitted this trip did make me exceed what is me. I've done a lot of things that a normal me wont. I climbed on to friends' shoulder in the middle of the sea and jump into it. Bear in mind that i dont know how to swim at all, and yet i volunteered this, without hesitation. I kept on running at the running man event, i know i have to tho i was physically tired. I know i have to keep on moving tho the sun is hot and i was sun-burning there. I know i just cant stop at all.

This applies exactly into our life, every single elements in our life. We have our 'gold', our aim our vision our dream to chase. No matter what obstacles infront us, we just cannot surrender to it and give up, because we know that we have our 'gold' to chase. I believe everyone's will is strong, when we wanted something we will make sure we get it no matter how. It's depends on how much you wanted to achieve it. Dont afraid of obstacles, eventually we will have our ways to overcome it.

Pulau Perhentian, My Valentine

The endless road to Terengganu.

Went Terengganu - Pulau Perhentian for our Valentine's day and 'Chap Goh Meh' as well. A great memory with my love one. The best Valentine's gift i've ever had. Thanks for it so much. Appreciated it so much too.

The journey took 5 - 6 or 7 hours. We depart from Ipoh, Cameron road then straight head towards Gua Musang, Kuala Krai, Machang, Jerteh and Kuala Besut - the jetty to Pulau Perhentian. Pity my Him drove for long hours and yet he wont allowed me to drive ! wee. 

famous Zul Ikan Bakar @ Terengganu

Tho waited for hour, but worth it ! It's a MUST try food. Especially the squid. HUGE! =)

Crystal clear water @ Pulau Perhentian Jetty

famous Amelia cafe @ Pulau Perhentian

A very nice environment at night, we had our dinner with friends from Spain and Chile. Back-packers as well. Salute for their courage on travelling alone. and i really do mean ALONE. But they are two very nice persons. Real nice.Maybe next year when my Him fulfilled his dream to bring me to Pulau Kapas we will meet this Spain lady again. =) 

By the way, recommended to have the BBQ set dinner at Amelia's. I've fell in love with their designated sauce - Amelia sauce, and also the coconut sauce where my Him super-duper in love with. There's a lot choices of seafood - Lobster, King fish, Stingray, squid, Barracuda and much more 'rare items' which i dont know what is it. lol

Sunset @ Coral Bay

Another beautiful scenery at Pulau Perhentian, the sunset. Sunset will be spotted at Coral Bay, where as sunrise will be at Long Beach. In order to get to the Long beach, we need to hike for 10 minutes from Coral Bay.

(Photo borrowed)

Owh, yes. SEA TURTLES ! You wont going to regret taking a snorkeling trip there. we get to see sea turtles. I still cant believe that i actually jump in the sea, yes, middle of the SEA, the South China Sea. Tho i couldnt get to snap a photo of the sea turtles. They are CUTE! We went snorkeling at Coral Garden, Shark point, Turtle point and light-house. Owh, and dont forget the beautiful Romantic Beach we went. That was the prettiest beach i've ever seen. Best for lovers ! wee.

(Photo borrowed)

Romantic Beach @ Pulau Perhentian

A photo of Romantic Beach, the last stop on our snorkeling trip. And the name is perfect, as there wasnt another coul in sight, we were treated to a long stretch of perfect white sand, and crystal clear waters full of fish, coral, sharks, and stingrays. Good stuff. Said Koppers.

Well, there are a lot of great stuffs and all captured in my phone. Hope i didnt missed any one of it. I've uploaded quite a numbers of photos on my - Facebook -. By the way, the only thing that i cant adapt was the electricity problem. Some chalets even cut the electricity from 7am to 7pm. And guess what, we gotta sleep on the beach under the coconut tree ! =) Tho not so convenient without current, yet it's a great experience napping on the beach. =)

'Cam-whoring'. Making fun. =)

Anyhow, it's a great tourism spot. Nice scenery, people are friendly, and i bet you wont regret on going there. I've enjoyed mine, this 4 days 3 nights stay at Terengganu, how about yours? This is way much clearer and cleaner beach compared to Pulau Pangkor or Penang Island. And i love it so much. =) Thanks for bringing me there and thanks for the memory. Love~

Personally, i like this photo. My Him is soooo- photogenic ! wee.

Cheers readers. =)

Life is like riding a bicycle

Life is like riding a bicycle, to keep your balance you must keep moving.

(Albert Einstein)

You're so right mr Einstein. Life is such an amazing ride, and when we get off track, we cant stop, just figure  out another way and continue on our journey. Here are 10 ways that life is like riding a bicycle.

1. You need balance. If you lean too far to one side, you'll fall off. Regarding character traits, Maimonides writes " that a person should follow the golden 'path of the middle' and not leantowards one extreme or the other." It's important to always pay attention to where you're leaning !

     2.  Get back up again ! It's not falling down that determines your worth ; it's whether or not you get back up.

     3.  In the beginning you stumble, but with more experience you can really get far! Life is a series of learning from your mistakes. That's how you learned to walk and talk. And it's how you grow in life.

     4.  If you look at the ground instead of looking up ahead, you'll lose your balance and crash. In life, it's easy to live in your own little bubble, consumed with yourself. You not only disconnect from the world, you ultimately disconnect from yourself. Look up and outside yourself. Connect to the world outside of you. Only then can you flourish.

    5.  When the road throws you a curve, go with it ! When a turn is coming up, you lean with the curve. You dont fight it and go other way. Life sometimes throws you curves too, and in order to remain on top, you need to go with the flow. If a tragedy happens, accept its pain and go with God's larger plan which is for the ultimate goal !

    6.  A bike helps you get to where you need to go. Some people ride bikes just for the thrill of it. And some people believe that life just for the thrills. They dont realize they have places to get to. A bike is a tool - it's not the end goal. You're supposed to get to someplace with your life. Be clear on your destination and if you use it well, you can really get far !

    7.  A bike doesnt move on its own. Life and bicycles need people to operate them. Without a person behind the handlebar, guiding and making choices, it just wont go anywhere !

    8.  When you get really good, you can do wheelies! After you've been riding a bike for so long, you can start doing the special stuff. Life is like that also. Once you get the hang of who you are and where you're going, you can pop some big miracles too!

    9.  Bicycling gives you muscles. Life toughens you up, especially if you ride up hills. Riding down a hill may be fun and exciting, but only riding up the hill strengthens your muscles.

    10.  You cant do it forever. Some people wish they could live forever. Some people believe it. But just like riding a bike, your body eventually wears out, and you need to go home. The important thing is that you enjoy the ride, and you get to where you need to go! And remember along the way to be grateful for every big or little thing that comes your way too!        

So cycle readers !! Keep on moving ! =)

     

Love is like flying a kite

Love is like flying a kite

Randomly i've over-recall this proverb or saying. Love is like flying a kite. And i also realized that i've blog-ed about this in my previous wretch blog years back then. Well, yet until today i still agree with this tho i wish that things could get easier. 

Love is like flying a kite. There are times when you need to learn how to release the string and pull back with the right pressure. Sometimes it seems the more you try to hold on to someone the more you will be losing them. There are times when you have to learn to let go the string and pull it back with the right memento. At times when you pull too hard, the string will be too taut. BUT when you pull too soft, the kite will falls.

Understandable that the kite-flyer pulls too hard because of they want it to be his. They dont want the kite to fly away far from him. But it aint work that way. The harder he pull, the more taut it will be and the more chances of the string will snap and he kite will fly away.

When you have this emotional crisis, often you feel so tiny and feel like being unwanted by your partner. What you really need to do is applying the concept of flying a kite by pulling the string at the right memento at the right time. How to know when is the right memento and when is not? This one i really got no idea. lol

Anyhow, advisable that everybody should try flying a kite, literally.lol. I've tried once in my entire life,lol, thanks to my Him. The feeling when you're holding the string, you really really afraid that any moment the string will just 'boop' and snap, and you will never get your kite back. Then, you will have to worry as well will the string attached or twine to other kite's string. And last but not least, 'the right memento'. This is the most important aspect in flying a kite.

When you're in that position holding the string, you need to concern a lot of things. This is how i look at flying a kite. It's not physically tight, but mentally tight. =)

Learn how to fly a kite properly readers. Cheers. =)