A decision is made

I have made the decision to close my store at the end of the lease in August. Business has been very bad since Sept. and now with the country is heading into what I predict will be a long and deep recession, the wisest business decision is to close. I am hoping to break even at the end.

Several other small business owners in our village have been making statements that they will need to close if business does not improve in the next few months. Some of the small retailers have seen a marked decrease in sales for a few years and hoped to hang in there until the economy turns around. Good luck with that.

I think it is not only the economy but the mindset of the consumer that has caused a decline in small retailer's sales. They, our community friends, neighbors, and leaders do not shop locally. They prefer the easy shopping of the mall, huge grocery store, and the big box retailers. Most everyone is embracing "going green" but not "shop local". Which, if people did shop locally, many gallons of gas would be un-used, and all the stuff that goes along with less emissions etc. would help the "going green" part of their lives. But that sensibility has not occurred to the masses yet.

Our village and town leaders do not help promote the shopping district either.They hinder our advertising abilities with edicts of how the village must retain it's historic look and not allow signs, awnings, flags, sidewalk sales, that retailers could use to help identify a store.

I knew all of this when I opened, but was optimistic. Oh well,this experience has been fun, I met many new people, enjoyed the company of the kids that felt comfortable to come in my store to chat, and talked with a few "characters", (only one was scary thankfully). The business end of this was informative and I can use the knowledge to help with what every my next project will be.

G Man and I are at odds over my future. He would like me to earn money. I would like to go back to school. We want to travel some and enjoy the cottage. Going back to work in the outside world will be difficult. I am semi-skilled and lacking a college degree. Severely lacking a college degree, like only attending one semester 30 years ago lacking. The kind of lacking that would make me scoff at a potential candidate for a job.

AND....if working is the decision made, what type of job do I want? HHHHmmmmm.... books, genealogy, research, drinking coffee, photography, 2 minute relationships with most people is all I can take, animal lover. These are my interests and hurdles, ok one hurdle the 2 minute relationship thing. (Most people drive me crazy after 2 minutes).

After looking at the list of interests perhaps I could be a tour guide at a museum, work in a book store or a coffee shop. Maybe I could be a security guard at the museum. Telling people what they can and can not do will allow me to use the skills developed as a mom and wife, plus I watch all the CSI, cop and forensic shows. So I have TV knowledge on how to catch bad guys. And I am a tattle tale since kindergarten, very skilled at telling on people.

Time is on my side now. I have enough of it to think and decide. Suggestions from my blogger friends are welcome.

What time is it

I am up at 3:18 am waiting for my dog Belvedere to come back in. He is having a rough night again. Panting, not able to setttle down. Looks like another trip to the Vet for poor Belly. I think his fat disease or his heart is really bothering him. Hopefully the vet will be able to give him medication this time, or at least give me some advice to follow so Belly will be more comfortable.

If it's not kids, it's dogs. If it's not dogs it's parents.

A birthday gift

G Man gave me BOSE earbuds to use with my IPOD, for my birthday. I really like them, The sound quality is fabulous. Hooowwwwweevvvvvveerrrr, he bought a friend of ours, who (whom?) also is a business associate of G Man's, a very expensive David Yurman bracelet for this friend's 40th birthday. We are going to NYC this weekend for a surprise party her husband is throwing.

The thing is, this bracelet gift is eating at me. So I asked G Man to explain to me WHY our friend is recieving this EXPENSIVE gift. He replied because they work together and he makes alot of money selling the products her company manufactures. AND "you know how she is and what she expects." There was more to our conversation, which got loud and heated. G Man could not believe that I was upset and said he would love the BOSE earbuds, that is why he got them for me. Exactly!!!!! you moron you gave me what you like!!!!!

I do not need more jewlery, but David Yurman is my FAVORITE designer. I have a few pieces of his jewlery, which G Man has given me over the years. SO why in Gods name would he give jewlery from MY favorite designer to another woman!!!!!!! you stupid stupid stupid man!!!!!!!!!! Why give her something that I savor, wait for, and do not get often. In 25 years of marriage I have recieved 3 pieces of David Yurman jewlery from G Man. Yurman is MY designer, special to me from G Man. Or so I thought.

Is this petty? AM I being ridiculous as G Man has told me? WTF!!!



PS: my spell check is not working, not sure why, so I most likely have spelling erros. Especially with the I before E words. Sorry