Before I plunge into what I’m going to say, does anybody realize that it’s been a while since I last wrote a paid post? In fact, my last paid post was written on 11 May, on Zookoda, the email marketing application (you may read about it here).
Now, if there’s ONE thing that I am thankful for PayPerPost is that it has allowed me the flexibility to do things that I never thought was possible 6 months ago. It has allowed me more freedom to spend my money without breaking my heart, or bank account for that matter. It has given me the opportunity to meet a lot of nice and not-so-nice local and foreign bloggers. It has opened my eyes to a lot of money-minded and money-faced people that I otherwise thought were nice. But most important of all, it has opened up my mind, and it has taught me to appreciate the present.
So, what have I done with the money I earned from PayPerPost?
- I bought somebody a Flickr PRO account. Frankly speaking, I’m not close to “that somebody”. In fact, she was my sister’s classmate, who also happened to be my junior in university though we’ve never talked for more than 2 hours (cumulative) throughout the 2 years since she enrolled in the university. I don’t follow her blog, but I happened to read that particular post about how she wanted a Flickr PRO account, and after discussing with my cutie pie sister, I bought it for her. I didn’t expect anything in return for getting her the Flickr PRO account because I knew how it feels like when one is given a surprise gift. It is a great feeling, trust me
I wanted somebody to feel the same way too, so when the chance came, I didn’t think twice. 
I donated some money to Heather George after reading this post at Jenn’s. What happened was, Heather had “just” been diagnosed with a brain tumor, and she’s a young mother to three children, one of whom has chronic health problems. Her doctors said that the tumor has been there for at least 10 years. Ten-freaking-years! Jenn puts up a “For Heather” badge on the post, which I followed and eventually donated. I do hope she’s getting better after the surgery.- I transferred my domain and my sister’s to GoDaddy because my “wonderful” host removed my blog without informing me when my domain expired, and they were thereafter uncontactable. I thought perhaps it was time to move..
- I donated a couple of Starbucks to help Chris and his wife, Jenn, who will be volunteering for a month at Swaziland. Read about Chris’ plea here. I would have tagged along if not for the commitment that I have right now. And it feels GREAT to know that there are people who actually care enough for the people of Swaziland to actually “go down and get dirty” to help them *takes hat off*
- I bought a Silver membership for a Mr. Linky (remember the nifty application where you dropped your name and URL into?), which costs only USD 5. And Mr. Linky said that should I have any problems, I can just send him an email, which will then turn off the alarms in his house
- I also donated some money to Brian Gardner, a theme designer whose theme I’m using on Giving Hands. He will be walking for Breast Cancer but he’s required to raise a minimum of $2,200 to participate in the event. Read his touching post here, and mine here.
And finally, I’ve got myself a copy of Lorelle’s Blogging Tips book. I can help you pay for the book first if you don’t have a PayPal account or a credit card. Order before June 1st, and Lorelle will autograph your copy! And if you’d like a copy of the book but do not have the means to pay for it, let me know. I’m sure we can work something out
So yeah, what have YOU done with the money you earned from PayPerPost?
If you think this post might benefit other bloggers:
I feel so ashamed of myself.
Nice to see you’ve done some really great things with the cash you’ve made. I’m putting it away towards my MBA, but you seem to be doing so much more than me !
i haven’t spent any yet, just let them accumulate!
Jason: Please don’t feel ashamed of yourself. I’m sure you’re saving up those money for something important!
Owen: WOW, I’m impressed that you can save up for an MBA by writing paid posts! But yeah, save lots of money for it, you will need it, I know
wuching: I know you’re going to buy more Star Wars merchandise with the money, hhahaha!
Wow! Very noble of you! I’m saving up my ppp for something big. Well not big big but its big enough but I’ll write about it when I get it
I’m not saving anything (yet) but spending it as it comes. I’m actually helping the family settle monthly debts of MYR2300. All from PPP which I am very thankful for.
I am only able to give out to charity a little here, a little there. The latest being Colleen’s fund raising, also for the Breast Cancer walk. Only US$20, though.
Oh yeah, I also spent MYR800 for my monkey’s bladder stone surgery, MYR1500 to treat his tick parasite illness and MYR150 dental scaling. Not inclusive of his special diet.
All from PPP too.
My monkey is soon going to be PPP’s mascot.
ParisB: Yeah, do let us know what that *big* thing is!
Anonymous Journalist: You sure sound like you’re earning buckets via PPP! Good for you
And yeah, perhaps PPP would use a monkey mascot, who knows 
You have a very BIG heart. We need more people like you.
Can you let me say this? I LOVE YOU!
Grace: Aww… That’s so nice of you