Sunday, February 20, 2011

Setbacks.

Just last week, I was so exhausted from working two jobs, I was in tears. I felt downright defective because I couldn't handle the stress, and I debated quitting one of my jobs. I couldn't decide which one, as they both have their ups and downs, and honestly, the extra money from working both of them made the stress worthwhile. I gave myself a goal to work towards to pay off some bills, and I knew I could get through the next couple months with that goal in mind.

My dear husband and I had a long conversation. He shocked me and thrilled me to pieces by telling me we could put half my check from the clinic every two weeks into my business account. He said because it's time taken away from my business, it seemed only fair to put some of the money back into the business. I was shocked because I didn't think my husband had that attitude towards my business, especially regarding the money aspect. I was thrilled because there were supplies and other items I've been needing for awhile now. With those thoughts in mind, I knew I could definitely get through the stress of the next few months.

This week, I lost one of my jobs.

I suspected that the clinic wasn't doing very well financially. That was confirmed when he took me into the office and told me it was financially impossible for him to keep me on. I was very strong; I managed not to burst into tears until I was in my car. It doesn't matter that he told me it was nothing I did, it still feels like my fault. If I felt defective before, it's nothing like how defective I feel now. I guess one of the things that bothers me is the fact that the choice was taken away from me. Something happened that was completely out of my control. I should have been able to make the choice to quit one of my jobs, and choose which one. Honestly, I would have kept the clinic job and quit the retail one.

Part of me is somewhat relieved. I'll have more time to spend with my husband, on my business, on myself. But of course, the other part looks at the financial issues. I was looking forward to paying off some bills and getting out of debt. With my husband's promise in mind, I've already bought several supplies and other items on credit, and now I need to figure out how to pay that off. I guess the upside to this is that the supplies are already on their way, and I'll have more time to turn those supplies into amazing and fun new pieces. In the end, I can't help what happened; all I can do is move on and try to make the best of it. I'll probably try to apply at a few other places, but until something works out, I'll throw myself completely into the business and see where it takes me.

If you, my awesome friends, family, and fans, want to help me out in any way, you know what to do - support the business by making a purchase or spreading my store and/or fanpage to those who might like it. Every sale I make goes right back into the business and gives me a much-needed boost of confidence. Sorry to shamelessly self-promote, but I think you can understand it right now. Just remember that Mardi Gras is coming up, and I'm sure you have a party to go to or bar plans or something fun you might need a mask or accessory for! You know how much I love to do custom orders too! :)

In other news, to help myself feel a little better, I went out and got my tongue pierced. I needed to do something a little crazy. I'm just now starting to eat solid food again; how exciting is that? Lol.

Listening to: Zeromancer (Chrome Bitch is a really good angry-mood song; it's been on repeat since Thursday.)
Pics: My tongue piercing, and a few Mardi Gras masks to get you in the mood :)






Thursday, February 3, 2011

Yay!

I finally took some pictures and got to listing more items for my shop. As of one minute ago, I now have 100 items in my shop. Each item is something unique and different, and each one is something I'm proud of. I still have many more not yet listed, but I think I'll take a break.

I'd love to get my listings back down to a more manageable amount... so I can turn around and list more, of course. You know how to help me do that - buy buy buy, lol, or at least spread the word to those who might like to buy!

Aaah, it's actually quite relaxing to spend some time adjusting photo sizes, writing up descriptions, getting things all set up. Almost as relaxing as the crafting itself. It helps renew my sense of purpose. It's been a long work week, full of stress and drama and snow and general ickiness. I have another long week coming after only one day off. I plan to thoroughly enjoy that day off, and spend it crafting and relaxing, so I can try once again to avoid the ever-closer burnout lurking around the corner.

That's it for today. Back to relaxing... and maybe even some more listing. Who says 100 is enough??

Listening to: The Cruxshadows
Pics: New stuff, of course!