February 26, 2004

Just in case you thought that I died or something...

Im here... Lots to tell you and I hope that my temporary dial up connection lasts long enough to post something.

First we are moved in and the fianl touches..(ahem!...yea all the stuff that you have to do when you move somewhere...) are being done. I had everything going at a good clip last week, but this week has been an up hill battle. Its really hard to get people to understand that I have a business that I need to run and that I need to get open so I can pay them! Others like my land lord think..."Well just open like you are...this is Hilo and no one cares if things look unfinished." Hello! this is my Image we are talking about, and after all of this sweat debt and mayhem, why be half baked? Do things right....

I love the new location. Its spacious and full of light. Now, I will have to have the doors shut during business hours but right now I have the front and the back door open. There is evening traffic noise as Waianuenue is a busy street, but its not bad. The Bayfront is a short distance away and the breeze is blowing in. Id say that its 5 degrees cooler her than on Haili street where I was.

I have gone to an Asian theme and have moved antique replica pieces from my home into the store. They get a lot of attention sitting here, and I have had several offers to buy them. The "WOW" factor is in full swing... All the built ins are here and in and the lighting is being installed today and tomarrow should fininsh up. I want to be open on Tuesday, March 2

There is a major storm moving into the islands tonight. This is worrisome as my roof leaks. Not inside the shop thank you Lord, but the awnings are holding water and the gutters have not been cleaned out since the building was built (about 1965 or so). They are filled with leaves, so the water is comming in through the wall and all over the front window where my showcases are and it ruined the carpets and the paint on the woodwork. A strong wind is blowing through here. All ready, I had to take my sign down as it was swinging wildly and broke loose. Very minor damage to it, and I am grateful to my neighbor that has a cel phone shop, He and the electrician ran out to rescue me and my front window from the wayward sign.

Its been an eventfull two weeks. Valentines Day was a bit of a ho hum-mmer, sales wise... top it off by getting rear ended while trying to go to the post office. Minor damage to Johns car and to me, a little sore in the neck, but all in all im ok. I think that the very young lady that hit me was more shaken up than I was.

John is still working at Hilo Self Storage, on his temporary job. Nothing has come of his job hunting. There was a report that more people are working in Hawaii than ever before....Amazing. I know that he is trying, but its really hard to watch him flounder around and not seem to get anywhere