Monday, November 17, 2008

Chugging right along

4 days and counting!!!! November 21 is my last official day of business. All the shelving has been sold -- thanks Jenna for your tip about kijiji. It was through kijiji that I sold all my gondola shelving. A family from Edmonton drove down, disassembled all 81 units and took them away! :) :)

Walking into the store after all the shelving was removed was an odd experience. It was strangely reminiscent of the time when I first opened the store. All 8 years and 8 months ago. The store was completely empty and I was scrambling around assembling shelves, pricing and allocating products, and interviewing potential employees. None of which I had ever done before -- especially in the capacity as an employer. What a journey it's been!

These past few weeks have been a time for reflection -- Realizing the lessons I've learned from owning and operating a business as well as letting it sink in that this chapter of my life is coming to an end. I've been asked by a few people (who don't know me that well) if I am even a little sad. NO WAY!!! You know that expression of a huge weight being lifted from your shoulders? Well, it is bang on. I feel invigorated and excited. Energized and ready.

It's been such an experience. I could lie and blather on about all the good things that have come from the business, but I'm no liar -- there's been a mass of stress and discomfort that's come out of it too. 9/11 took a huge bite out of my fledgling business, and the forest fire that evacuated our community in 2003 decimated it. It took me a full 2 years to pay off outstanding bills from that horrible summer of 2003. I feel nauseous just remembering it.

And, dollar stores attract the cheapest scum of the earth. I've had people hem and haw at the counter trying to decide if the 3 for $1.00 seeds (that are $1.99 a packet anywhere else) are a good deal. I've had a restaurant owner ask for a deal on 12 candles that sell for 4 for $1.00!!! A discount on three bucks?? My Mom said I should have asked him if I'd get a discount if I ordered dessert after an entree at his restaurant. LOL!!!

I've bit my lip while hearing so many local people tell their kids to save their money, "because we are going to the city," or my personal favourite, "Because we are going to Wal Mart." (Don't even get me started on Wal Mart.) Then I've had these same people demand (not ask, mind you) donations for their club or team. Fat chance.

Ah well -- like the last bit of pus squeezed from the pimple, I'm just getting it all out. LOL!!!

The day after the shelves were removed, I started doing cartwheels in the middle of the store. I've been feeling quite giddy. And today, I cleaned out my office -- it feels so great to throw things out!! :) :) :)

My Mom and I erupt into giggles at the smallest provocation -- man, it's going to be good to be gone!!!! :) :) :) :)

Shall I even talk about training? Heh-heh-heh! I've eased back into training after my nasty cold and am feeling great. It's so weird, the times I've been nailed with a terrible cold I always come back stronger. I've noticed a substantial improvement in my swimming, biking, and running just this last week. My coach told me that the key is to get enough rest so that my body doesn't have to get sick to get the rest to recover. How come the simplest things always make the most sense? :) :)

Let the next chapter begin!!!!!!!

17 comments:

Charlie Browne said...

Two Words, "You Rock!"

Keith said...

Wow!! I've been sort of waiting for the next post, wondering what sort of adventure you were going to get into. A cartwheel in an empty store?! Whodathunkit?
I'm with you on Walmart. Only been in the store once, but have to drive past one on a regular basis to get to the hardware store. It's filled with mouth-breathers and bottom feeders. That's all I can say in a family blog. Can't wait to hear what happens next! Are you going to have a closing party?

Kelly B. said...

The only constant is...change! Owning a business is no easy task. Shaun (husband) owns/runs a custom metal fabrication shop...it has tested us in so many ways it deserves its own blog!! I call the Dollar Store by our house "The Sixty Dollar Store" because every time I go in there, I spend around 60 bucks...
I can imagine the peeps that came into your store, I on the other hand can't understand how they can sell that stuff for a dollar? I actually feel bad sometimes cause I imagine some poor family in some far off country sending their kids Matthew's age to work every day to make stuff for MY convenience....hopefully I am wrong, but the thought does cross my mind...

Jenna said...

You are free to create the life you are ready for NOW! make it GOOD!! and man... "Ah well -- like the last bit of pus squeezed from the pimple, I'm just getting it all out. LOL!!!" that really sums it up don't it??

runningman said...

nice analogy(pimple) at least I think it was?? Anyways awesome to hear your gettin on to the next chapter, you're gonna rock what ever it is. Your attitude shines and inspires us all. :)

Cath said...

Hey youy - whatever you do, you'll do it with all your heart and soul - and quite frankly, that's all that matters - and that's what makes you successful (well, that's my definition of the word successful, nothing to do with dosh etc)

Good to hear you're back on the mend too - and hey, what a great way fro Sara to put it - oh, so true!

We're in Aus at the moment, visiting my brother - it is sooooo hot! But I have to tell you, the local pool (less than 5 mins from my brother) has a 50m AND a 25m pool - both permanently laned off - and in the beautiful open air - it opens at 5am and closes at 9pm - and cost 4dollars to get in! And it's jsut the bog standard local pool! That's why they win soooo many medals! I had a full lane to myself this morning, and was in heaven! I've already told Neil that I may just move right in with him and never go home! :) Sunshine all year round, never less then 28 degrees......oh, and he bike lanes are so wide, you could rdie 3 a-breast no problem - and the cars stick to it.......it sounds like a dream, but it's really not!

Shannon Wicks said...

To the next chapter!

Jenna said...

come on over to my blo gand read up about a challenge i just KNOW you want to take part in:)

Jenna said...

and for you...There is only one success--to be able to spend your life in your own way.
Christopher Morley

Keith said...

One day to go! You've been vibrating with excitement for a while. By now you should be setting off the earthquake sensors at Turtle Mountain, or whatever it's called.

Oh, and what is next?

Jenna said...

Julie - when are you heading out here???

Julie said...

Hey Jenna! We've been trying to get a hold of my sister and she's currently MIA -- Hahaha! And although Friday is the last day, my Mom and I will be packing up the leftover stock and dismantling what's left...shouldn't take more than a day.

THEN -- I will contact you as soon as I have a plan!! OOH Baby!! I can't wait to finally meet you!!!! :) :) We can do push ups together -- hahahahaha!!!

Jenna said...

lol... yeah ok we can do pushups together but that will likely be it since all i am doing is 20 minute HIIT for cardio and weights (no swimming or biking) however, I could take you down to the river area and point you in the right direction while I have a hot chocolate:) lol - Just let me know and we'll set something fun up. Kelly and Chuck are in toon town too - maybe we can hit a local pub for some carrots and celery sticks....lol

Kelly B. said...

ahem....somebody better call me if Julie is in town...

Cath said...

Have a great last day - savour everything you've worked at over the last few years, and know that right now, there is no plan for tomorrow - yehay, way to go! Today is also my brother's birthday out here in Aus, so we'll be toasting you tonight at his birthday bash (of me, him and Jase!) We'll be thinking of you...

Susi said...

WOOHOOOO!!!! It's all done!!! I'm going to a do a cartwheel in your honour!

I'm so excited for you and your next chapter!!

GO JULIE GO!

xoxo

BreeWee said...

Bring on the next chapter! Way to tackle something and become better for it...

ALL the best with the next adventure :)