Laurel Myler's Blog

“Even if you find

someone new,

to talk to every night,

to hang out with every day,

to share the giggles and

laughter at some

secret jokes,

to walk with and tell

wonderful stories,

I am still here,

waiting for you

to knock at my door

and sit beside me,

like we never missed

each other,

I am still here,

even if you’re not asking.

I am still here,

even if you weren’t

going to be there

for me anymore.”

- ma.c.a // A Promise (via vomitingwords)

You wish to learn more about online shopping so that you can better function in that environment. The more you know, the more you are able to take advantage of the many benefits available. Consider the following helpful advice so that you can find out how to have fun with your online shopping.

When considering an online store, pay close attention to the terms of service and the privacy policy. This includes how they use your information, how they protect it and what your responsibilities are as a shopper. If you disagree with these policies, talk to the merchant first. Don’t purchase things from places that you don’t agree with.

Never try to shop directly from a link someone sent you in an email, unless it’s a widely known and respected site, like Amazon.com. Too many consumers get tricked into scams via hyperlinks in questionable emails. Visit the URL of the site mentioned in the mail, instead of clicking the link itself.

Before buying from a new online retailer, do some research on them. Check online reviews from other customers to see how it handles items like customer service, shipping, and its overall buying experience. You can also check the BBB to see if it has any disputes and whether those disputes were resolved professionally. Try contacting the company via email and phone number, if it’s posted to ask questions about its business before you buy anything.

Look for the right times to shop online. Often the stores that you frequent will have online sales that follow a time pattern. Many, for instance, schedule sales for the beginning of the month or at the end. If you see there’s a pattern, hold off on buying anything until the upcoming sales period begins.

Now that you’ve read more about online shopping, you probably feel much better about getting more involved. It’s a new environment that is always changing, but you can keep up with the changes. The more information you find out, the better situation you’re going to be in as you navigate your way online and select “purchase.”

Took a drawing class 1,000,000 years ago, finally finished my “capstone” charcoal of Japanese kokeshi dolls

When I come home from work I put on fuzzy pants and slippers

The place I live is pretty sometimes I guess

comic: you like that circus lady

I feel like yesterday’s Married to the Sea comic was written just for me.

I’m honestly not certain how I feel about this endeavor. I haven’t ever participated before, so I feel like I have to pay my dues, but I’m also hesitant. Is this a good thing? Bad thing? Penny for your thoughts?

Regardless, if you’re all up in that national novel writing this November, let’s be buddies. My username is the same as my Twitter handle: victorylaurels. (Here’s to hoping some of that Roman good karma rubs off on me.)