somewhat sore, but ready to go

My appointment last night went better than expected. Unfortunately, though, I'm only half done. Not because Kara ran out of time. Not because I couldn't handle the full sitting. But because she's so into my tattoo for whatever reason that she wants to keep going with it. She wanted to make a second appointment right away to finish it, but I didn't want to make immediate plans until I find out what the deal is with my shop lease (more on that later). The best part about last night? I didn't pay a cent for the sitting. My sister had something sneaky up her sleeve and covered it for me. Nice, right? Anyway, I'll post pictures when I'm not so, uh, puffy and greasy.

So yeah, about the lease...

I still don't have one and I'm starting to worry a bit. See, the building I'll be renting space in is in the process of being sold. The transaction is supposed to be smooth and easy, but it's taking for-freaking-ever! I can't sign the lease until the sale goes through (February 1st, or so I'm told). Then the landlord has to get into the space and get the work done (new floor going in and walls repaired) which will take a week or two. Now, keep in mind that my goal for an opening was for February's Troy Night Out, which falls on the 29th this year. I don't think two weeks will be enough time to get in there and paint, hang wallpaper, get the electrical work done, get the carpentry done, put up shelving and display, and then get the inventory in. I also need things like a phone, electricity, alarm system and a working credit card system, and after spending nine years working for a major utility company, I know how long they can and will make you wait for installation. Get my point here? I really don't want to put my opening off another month, but it's looking like that's where I'm headed. I feel gross. I've told so many people that my opening is in February and I really don't want to tell everyone that it's changed...again. I'm trying to stay positive like my mom and Ben keep telling me to be. I'm not out any money, it'll be that much warmer and people will be out shopping in March/April, it's another step away from the Christmas season and people will have money to spend. These things make sense and I'm trying to think about it that way, but I still feel so.....disappointed.

Anyway, I'm done with the rant. I'll be sitting in front of Eric Bachmann in about 10 hours and I'm so excited I could scream. Just writing that down made my heart flutter a little.

::UPDATE::

Someone must be listening because a few hours after I originally posted this, I received word that my lease is ready to be signed and I have an appointment for Monday morning. Hooray!!! The ball is rollin' again!