No need for background info yet - we can let that trickle in as need be. All you need to know for now is that I am a 50-ish woman with an education; a small business owner for 20+ years, currently suffering through year 5 of this 3-year recession, and I've learned a few things along the way:
- We really don't need both Bed, Bath & Beyond and Linens and Things. Life was much sweeter when we could go to both, and I'm sorry, L&T, but I remember when we didn't have either of them; let's be reasonable.
- Even though I'm really tired, I'm not allowed to give up or give in.
- Most of my inspiration comes when I'm not working or even thinking - when I'm walking the dog, folding laundry, or vacuuming. Vacuuming is amazing - so many straight lines and patterns.
- If I don't feel like doing it today, I usually feel like doing it tomorrow. I've learned to give myself breaks.
- Even though most of the things I've tried in order to stimulate business have been unsuccessful, each one has taught me something - look, I even know how to set up a blog!
- If it weren't for my family and friends, I would probably drive off a bridge. That being said, I try to keep my complaining to a minimum, only speaking (briefly) of my woes when asked. Everyone cares, just not that much.
- Home is my Club Med. Even though I sometimes bring work home, I never bring the office home with me.
- This will end. When it's over, I'll probably have less stuff but that's okay.
- The worst thing I could do is make myself sick over all of this. Then I'd have a real problem.
