Start-of-year panic

As the title suggests, this time of year is the worst for any anxious business owner (such as myself!)

There's all these messages of hope and looking ahead and "Wow! You have this amazing blank canvas of 2014!"

As grumpy cat would say ... "No."

For someone who lives and makes their money by a system of profit and loss, there is really no alternative than to begin the year in RED.

Like, really red.

There's estimated taxes that come due on the 15, Etsy bills, holiday bills ...

And your profit starts off (as it has to) with a big fat ZERO.

As my poor husband is aware, this panic happens for me every year.

No matter how well I did mere weeks ago in 2013, this new year is an untested, uncharted new territory.

.......

Side notes:

1.) I considered making it my resolution to start blogging regularly again, but I'm a realist about this and will most likely keep it pretty sporadic.

2.) I finally got AMAZING pink boots that I love. There's a new post right there!

3.) HAPPY NEW YEAR!! :) 

"Under Pressure"

I wear this shirt even when it's dirty, I love it so. ETSY SHIRT.

And really, what other job is there where I would want to wear a shirt about it?

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The actual blog post is below ... I felt the need to have a photo though :)

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Tax Day is looming. I finished my actual TAXES back in January. But now, as a self-employed crafter ... April 15 means ESTIMATED TAXES! Boo.

Did you know I have to pay money on sales I "plan on making" this year! Isn't that crazy. SO... the good progress I though I'd been making isn't really that great once I take this chunk out of my checkbook.

Not that I'm complaining! It's just another one of those "things" that make being your own boss not as all-the-time fun as you'd think it would be.

It's all those annoying money things that I wish I had someone to take care of ... like a boss ... but who didn't tell me what to do. Anyone want to be my free accountant?

Sigh.

Here's a list of some of the negatives of doing Etsy full-time.

--- When people ask what you do, you have to go into a 5-minute explanation including "No, 'Etsy' like 'Betsy.'

--- The end of the work day is only when you go to bed. (not including working on the laptop while under the covers.)

--- Some days I forget to brush my teeth in the morning (don't tell my mom.)

--- I have to pay $250 a month for health insurance.

Okay, well, this list was a lot harder to write than a thought it would be.

I guess the positives FAR outweigh any little annoyances and money woes I am experiencing.

The main thing is to keep FOCUSED. EYES ON THE PRIZE baby. :)

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p.s. Rich and I have started watching the HBO series "Deadwood." Has anyone seen it?? Only seen the first two episodes so far, but it's pretty good!!

The gears are turning ...

Well, I've got my pile of craft store Memorial Day coupons in hand and I'm ready to run the gamut. 

Had another long conversation yesterday evening with Rich about the logistics of doing Etsy full-time. I think the only thing holding me back now is this idea I have of what a person is "supposed" to do. 

Like, you grow up, get a job, and go to it (everday) and get your paycheck with insurance and a 401 (k). 

I feel like I'd be doing something naughty by just crafting full-time. Like the universe would come back and bite me for not doing what the normal people do. I dunno. Maybe I'm just chicken :)

But, anyway, I feel like I need to do some things before I jump in, in any event.

Like, I need to get my own website up and running. This is a major expense (a start-up expense, if you will.) And I've been pussy-footing my way around with a lovely lady who has been extremely patient, but I'm just still tossing the idea around in my head. 

Also, I need a professional photographer. I've been thinking of things I could do, like set up a deal where I ship a few pieces off to someone who shoots them with a better camera/model/setting ... but that would significantly raise my prices. Ugh. 

What's a gal to do!?

Anyway, for now at least, I will worry about my forthcoming beach vacation and concentrate on getting a pedicure and buying travel-sized bottles of mouthwash, lotion and sunscreen :)

P.S. Here's a new HP feature for all you nerdy nerds out there!!

Dear Santa.

I've been telling myself that I need to get started on my Christmas shopping early this year.

Then, they fired about 20 people from my work this week, and now I am panicked. Do I save money "just in case?"

It was already going to be an "Etsy" Christmas this year--but now--It may be a "Baked Goods" Christmas :) 

I don't know. I guess it does no good to worry and plan...I need to live without reservations. 

I think a large purchase of lottery tickets are in order, or, a really nice letter to Santa.