Life is Like a Spinning Toddler

This post doesn't have much to do with business, more life itself. I am currently sitting in my IKEA poang rocking chair, next to a Christmas tree, watching my 14 month old spin in circles and giggle with utter amusement. He spins and he spins until he crashes to the floor. His laughter captures a sense of pride in his dance. He has been working hard to master this skill. When he becomes too dizzy to continue he sits up and wobbles a bit. As his focus comes back, his eyes meet mine and he wears a huge grin and tries to get his steadiness back.

I suppose there are some similarities there- my son's semi-wild spinning for his own entertainment and the day-to-day operations of our Massage Therapy Center. Both are all-consuming, requiring much focus and energy. Sometimes chaotic, the Center like the spinning toddler, can be overwhelming at times. There are marketing deadlines to meet, therapist schedules to fill, goals to reach. Mid-way through a turn, or change in direction, we may feel lost or disoriented but only for a moment before we regain control. We are both encouraged by positive reactions to our work (yes, I believe Corbin is a professional twirler at this point). But at the end of day, we don't do it for the praise. We spin because it makes us happy.

And nothing makes me happier than a smiling baby following in mama's footsteps. Literally, big shoes.

Remodel Stage: Complete

Our remodel is complete! Yesterday, all three of our therapists were working at the same time! For two months we have been sharing one treatment room, but yesterday for the very first time, we were able to work in our own private treatment rooms.

The best part is the rooms are pretty soundproof! We put plenty of insulation in the new walls, but I was still concerned about the preexisting shared wall. But all is well! The front room needs some weatherproofing around the door to plug up the space under the door which let's in some sound. I don't want anything distracting my clients from their relaxation.

Video tour coming soon! I must get a haircut before my camera debut.

Holiday Gift Card Pouches

Here is my tutorial for the gift card pouches I am making!

First, find cute wrapping paper.

Check.

Second, find a template. I am using the brown paper gift card envelopes we normally use. I got these off eBay.

Third, open up the template.

Next, trace the template on the back of the wrapping paper.

Then, cut it out and use your template to fold.

Tape the flaps together and call it done!

I think I will get some tiny little bows today to add a little sparkle. Much thanks to the Pinterest pinner who posted something similar this week. I forgot to repin it and I can't find the link now. But credit where credit is due. This is not an original idea. Just passing it along.

The Perks of Flexible Scheduling

Being self-employed is risky business. Whether you win big, lose big, or just make ends meet is entirely up to you. Some people become their own boss because the idea of setting your own schedule is pretty enticing. I have to admit that perk has come in handy a lot this week.

My handy-dandy man....dy is also self employed. Two days ago our son's daycare called and said he was running a fever, which is not unusual for a 14 month old. He puts EVERYTHING in his mouth. He's going to get sick.

Yesterday, it worked out that I could take care of him in the morning and my boyfriend could do the afternoon shift. We each got to work when we needed to and we each played Clean Up, Aisle 7 at home. Same goes for today. I am working this morning and he is working whenever it stops raining. Our little one is staying home again. He isn't really contagious/sick but he's a bit too gross to subject his teacher to his mucus waterfalls. (TMI?)

Now I know it won't always work out this way. But I am very thankful that it has this week. When I was his age both my Mom and Dad were active-duty Army. It is only now, after having my own munchkin, that I fully realize their sacrifices and the sacrifices of all military families. They would have loved to draw a line through their calendar and say "Nope. Sorry. Kid has a runny nose. Think I'll sit this training exercise out." It just doesn't work that way with other careers.

Having been self-employed since I was 16 and selling Avon to friends and family, I have a hard time relating to other people's work life. I know what I do and how I go about doing it is different, very different. And I know I shouldn't take one minute of it for granted. I hope you won't either.

Renovation Continues

Progress continues as we are now mudding the screws and seams of the drywall so that the finished walls are smooth. A few more coats of mud, some light sanding and then we can prime and paint!

We are watching Design Seeds very closely in our hunt for color inspiration. If you haven't checked out their website yet pop on over, but only when you have lots of free time!