Get Ready

The last twelve months have been extremely difficult for a lot of people, I am no exception. The flipping business has come to a temporary halt. I miss doing what I love, but I know it is only temporary. In the meantime, I had to restructure the way I do business. I began working for clients full time and it has been a big adjustment. I have been my own boss for the last nine years, and I now realize what most people go through in the challenges associated working for other people. It’s not all fun, but I realize I must make concessions and adjustments in this time and I will continue to do what I need to in order to provide for myself and my employees. I continue to stay positive even when I want to feel sorry for myself. When I get depressed, I try to be grateful for what I have even though others have more. I find that most of the time a positive attitude helps, but that sometimes alcohol and emotionally eating work better. I have gained 10 pounds and I don’t plan to lose it until the recession is over. I dream of the good old days when I had more money than I could spend and I could tell anyone I wanted to f… off. I long for the days when I can again tell people where to go without the fear of losing their business and having my car repossessed.

Jenni and I are coming up on our 8th year anniversary together. I wonder what she is going to get me and I do hope it’s not something that will restrict my oxygen intake, cause me extreme nausea, or lose consciousness all together. I admit I probably overreacted when Jenni invited our new contractor to enter my briefcase and retrieve a phone number. I was however, shocked and angry at her poor judgment. Maybe I am acting defensively, but I am still reeling from what happened just last year. Chris, my trusted employee of 7 years, violated all personal boundaries and because of that I have become extremely overprotective. I am sure I will lighten up eventually, but right now I still feel violated after leaving my computer, files, and finances completely vulnerable to prying eyes. Unfortunately, I now have to take precautions and I expect Jenni to do the same. Jenni is my most trusted employee and she now understands in an economy where people are really hurting we have to protect my business. The “free for all” in Jeff’s briefcase can’t happen again.

I am very excited that Jeff Lewis Design is growing and it created a need for additional help. I brought on Trace, our new intern, and he is a perfect fit for our quirky family/office. He is very talented and I hope to someday hire him on as a permanent employee. Rachel, our new administrative assistant, has not adapted so easily but I trust that she will. I know that she ponders on how such an unprofessional group can be so productive. I sometimes ask myself that very same question.

Next week, Jenni & I meet with prospective clients Seana and Brad Sherwood. Apparently, eccentricity attracts eccentricity because these two are a trip. (In a good way)