gone for now

Robert left yesterday afternoon. It was great having him here. We had a good visit. I am not good at goodbye, but usually I get through it. Our goodbyes are quick. In March he dropped me off at the curb at the airport, we hugged, said goodbye and I walked away. I need to do it quick.
This time I mulled about it for days and got very emotional. I knew that when he pulled into the parking lot on Wednesday it would be to say goodbye. Even as I write this, tears spring to my eyes. I had written him a letter Tuesday night and put it in a card, so when I walked him to the truck, I put the card in the pocket in the door. He asked what it was and I told him it was for him to read later.
How can you thank someone who has made your dreams come true? He is proud of me and the store and believes in me.
So now it's back to focusing on the grand opening in 2 weeks and the camera crew that is coming next week to tape a spot on the public television station.
I will see him in October, so it's not goodbye...it's see you in a little while.

almost freaked out

Yesterday afternoon the modem went out, which meant no phone for the store and I couldn't accept credit cards. I called the cable company to let them know and they ask if it is unplugged. Don't you think I checked that before I called? They said they would try to send someone today. That about set me off. I told them as calmly as I could, that I can't take a credit card, don't have any phone services so no one can call into the store and that I can't set my alarm tonight. Luckily I had my cell phone. They did tell me that commercial accounts take precedence. Well big whoop!! I could have lots lots of sale over this!
So the guy gets here right at closing time and asks if I got his message. Ummmm, does he remember why he is here....to fix the phone?! He said the modem was fried and hooked up a new one.
I hate that part of running a business; relying on someone else to provide a service to you. Take for example ordering from vendors. Most of the time I do not get a complete order; something is always on back order.
But I do love being here. It is so peaceful.
Robert and I met Tina out Thursday night at a bar. When we walked in she was with people from work that I don't care for. I didn't like the feeling I got, so we left and went and had dinner elsewhere. I still get the willies when I think of my old job; which is not very often. It amazes me that I worked there for 16 years and forget that I did and never think about the place until someone from there calls. One girl I am friends with and when she calls me, she usually says something about the place or a case she has. I don't want to hear it. When I tell her how peaceful I am, she says she doesn't want to hear it, so I think I will need to tell her that.

they made it here

breezy days

Robert got here last night. We unloaded the sewing machine and pew from his truck. It was so hot yesterday. Today, the breeze is blowing and I have the windows open in the store. That breeze feels like heaven.
Terry and Michele came today to hang up the holders inside the store. I hung up 2 quilts. It looks very nice, but a little dark with the quilts on the wall. I'm really going to have to do something about the lighting especially when the winter comes and it's dark and dreary outside.
Robert dropped me off lunch and will be back later to put the sewing machine together. I better go rock in the chairs while it's quiet; I haven't done that yet today. Man that breeze feels great.

visitor

Robert will be here in the next day or two. I can't wait to see him. I did just see him in March, and will again in October. Tina and I will be going to Market in October in Houston so Robert will drive up to spend a few days up in Houston, then we will go to his house for a few days and fly home.
I will go get more things I need for the store while he is here since he has a truck.
I need to go rock in my chairs; I haven't done that yet today, but Tina will be stopping down so I will wait for her.

looks like Heaven to me

vacation

Some quilting pals bought me rocking chairs for the front porch of my store. They dropped them off yesterday. They are wonderful. I just sat in them with my mom. She left and I sat for a little longer and I thought to myself even if I go belly up in 6 months, this will be the best vacation I ever had.
If you are in the neighborhood come rock with me!

so far so good

I established a number I need to hit each day in sales to cover my expenses. I have averaged it by this week's end. A few days were slow, but the others made up for it. It's hard not to worry, but I got the advertising settled this week. I know it will take time. I go to the store early, usually by 7-7:30 and I don't open till 9. Lots to do. But I leave on time. I am a morning person. I open at noon today and it's 7:30 and I fell like I should be there...but there is so much to do at home as well. I'll get there.

first day

It's the first day the shop is open. Exciting and scary.

not real

I am sitting here in my new store and it is quiet and the sun is setting. I look around and see everything and yet it doesn't feel real. I have to go back to 'old' job on Monday for my final day. They are having a party. I will go to personnel and hand in my badge and I hear they send you to a few other departments like security to sign papers. I have a few things to finish up there. I'd rather skip the entire day all together. I feel like I have been on vacation all week. I have had the help of some friends but mostly Tina. She took off yesterday and today and was here last Thurs. and Fri. night with me, through the move Saturday till Monday. How do you thank someone like that. We have been best friends for 20 years and I couldn't have come this far without her. She is good at the financial end; she went to school for accounting. Sometimes I think she knows more about my business than me.