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!! :) 

Excitement feels a lot like panic.

Yep, you know what that means ... I got engaged!!!

So, this blog is turning into a bit of a wedding journal since I need to vent some ideas and get some feedback!

Here's the background:

I've been dating my boyfriend for about 4 years. We are late 20/early 30s.

We went up to Gettysburg for a mini-trip and to stay at a B&B.

Our room had a little balcony ... and though it was sprinkling a bit outside and sort of wet, he insisted we go outside to get "some fresh air."

...

All goes blank ... he's on one knee opening the ring box.

What?

What?

Squeel!!!!!

...

We had a lovely dinner to celebrate and a chance for me to turn my ring in the candlelight from side to side and say "oooo" and "ahhh".

That night I basically didn't sleep AT ALL. I would keep grinning and then kick my feet a bit in the sheets. 

Total excitement ... like, every night before Christmas put into ONE.

...

Finally, it's been about 3 days, and the excitement is waning .. but now slowly turning into a feeling of panic.

My whole life is surrounded by weddings. I talk to brides just about everyday (and they are usually stressed out.) I just thought they were putting too much pressure on the event ... letting the whole thing get out of control.

But now, I see that there is no way not to.

...

Of course, we could do the courtroom thing. 

But that feels like giving up.

I know it will be awesome to see my little niece Ella with her flower girl dress ... and my dad waiting to walk me down the aisle. 

But where to start?

...

I've never planned a party for 75-100 people before .. how am I supposed to organize it and be the host if I'm busy getting married?

And above all else, how are we supposed to pay for it all?????

...

Words-only post.

First of all, apologies for the larger-than-average lapse in my posting! Things have gotten CUH-RAY-ZEE in my life as of late and I just haven't had the time.

So tonight, I was laying away in bed, listing to the request show on the soft rock/romance radio station, and I felt this NEED to blog!! I guess it's taken the place of an actual journal or diary. And it's better, in a way, because instead of hiding away my thoughts in a locked book, they are out on the Interwebs for all to see! It's cathartic in a way I suppose.

Anyway, back to the craziness.

If you've been reading this blog since its inception, you'll have followed me along three moves!!! It's always in the blistering months of summer, and it's always up a couple flights of stairs.

This time (we all hope) will be the last time!! (for a while at least...)

I'm really excited to be moving in with Rich. I know It'll be a big change, but I really can't think of any negatives ... EXCEPT ...

Rich and I decided to undertake this whole house renovation of painting walls and new carpets, wood floor, etc. at the same time that I'm moving in box by box. Everything looks GREAT so far, but it seems we'll be living in a construction zone for the first 2 or 3 weeks of our co-habitation.

Nothing like a little added stress! :)

But I think I'm OK with it ... and willing to deal ... This whole Etsy full-time thing has really changed my thinking about life and what is really needed to be happy. I'm slowing starting to learn that the bed can be left un-made for a day or two and nothing bad will happen :) The key is to concentrate on loving the ones that love you back.

P.S. HAPPY FATHER'S DAY DADDY! :)

Sun & Fun

Thanks so much to every who commented on my last post! My eyes welled up a bit reading them all --*sniff* *sniff*

The plan (for now) is to not think about anything ... ANYTHING until I get back from vacation. Sounds impossible, but that is the task I am setting forth for myself.

I've got a really short work week next week, then a couple days to buy travel-sized hairspray and toothpaste and such. Also, I've got to drop Caesar off at my parent's house for bird-sitting :)

So, here is the big plan:

Day one: Colonial Williamburg

Day two: Busch Gardens

Day three---?: Virginia Beach

My shop is going to be temporarily down for this time (June 5-14th) So, I think I'm still able to get convos through Etsy. But if not, feel free to e-mail me at EmilyZych@yahoo.com.

Rich says one room has free high-speed Internet, so I may smuggle my laptop along for the journey :) :) :)

Pray for no rain, no sunburns and no stress!

Something pretty for the stressed

Isn't this nice? It's my favorite chipped (shabby chic) bowl that is full of crown supplies :)

Sometimes, like right now, I get really stressed out. I've got about 15-20 special orders I'm working on. And these aren't just assembly line products. I take care (maybe TOO much care) because most of them are for weddings.

I always think that what if this was MY wedding and some girl I never met was in charge of my hair accessorizing? I would want that girl to be on top of things! So, I try to be.

But dang, full-time job and etsy do not mix. I can't even imagine how women that have tots running around the house manage to keep a shop up and running.

So, tonight, after I get home from work (round about 11 p.m.) I will kick off my shoes, plug my iPod into my Harry Potter audiobooks, and set to work on my second job.... not that I'm complaining!! But wouldn't it be SO SWEET if I could JUST do this???

Ah...someday.... :)

*Note to self: Next year, plan for wedding season better!