Day 49 in the mall

My parents are leaving this morning and Brownie and I will be at the mall today. I let Brownie sleep in and I went to the mall to start the day off. Bad mistake...

Morning:
I have 20 orders to do, and no help. I'm calling Big O to have him drop off Brownie.

Afternoon:
Brownie is here and she is frustrated because of all the people and orders that are coming in. I tell her to breath, shake, and let it go. I think she has a new appreciation for what I do.

It's 6:30 and Shelly is now here. I'm so glad, we have tons of orders to do and we are still getting orders. This has been the second largest sales day since I've been here. It's funny how I can tell approximately how much I make by how my body feels.

I'm doing it Ya'll!
Boss Momma

Day 48 in the mall

No time for kisses or goodbyes, I'm out the door ready for my day at the mall.

Morning:
I've overwhelmed by the sales I'm getting. It's a Tuesday and I'm doing sales like it's a Saturday. Wow, I'm in shock every time the cash register dings.

Afternoon:
Another great day of sales.

Tired and ready for bed.
Boss Momma

Day 47 in the mall

I've gotten some rest from the weekend and I'm ready to start another day. Shelly is working her other job this morning so I will be starting the day off by myself.

Morning:
The day has started off like a Saturday, I'm busy and can't wait until my mom gets here. I've already run out of product that I received on Wednesday and Thursday of last week. I will be placing my last bag order of the season today just so that I can have product for the last few days before Christmas.

Afternoon:
Sales are still going really well. My body is exhausted, but to stop or quit is not an option.

I will Survive!
Boss Momma

Day 46 in the mall

I still haven't recouped from yesterday, but off to the mall we go. The mall now has extended hours so I get home around 11:00 last night and have to be here at 10:00 this morning. This is the life that I've been longing to live. This is what I've been praying for. Kiss the kiddos goodbye and I head out the door with lightening speed.

Morning:

Shelly is already at the mall taking orders when I get there. She is awesome. She has everything lined up and in order by who paid. We get started on another day of pumping out orders.

Up until this time we've not had a return or a request for a return. Everybody loves their product. We had a lady who couldn't decide what she wanted on her tote. Shelly wrote down both things, but didn't tell me which one to do. I just put the name on the bag that was the largest on the paper. When the customer returned she said that's not what she wanted. My mom was not happy. I told her to let Shelly handle it, she's good and she will knows what she's doing. Sure enough Shelly handled it, and my mom was impressed! Shelly has finely made my mom a believer.

Afternoon:
Sales have still been going strong...

The mall closed today at 8:00 so we go home and have some family time together.

It's starting to look a lot like Christmas...
Boss Momma

Day 45 in the mall

Today, I will prepare for the best and the worst of working in retail. This morning is the calm before the storm. I'm looking forward to the eye of the storm which should be hitting around 3:00 ish.

Morning:
This morning I'm so happy to have my parents here and Shelly. We kinda got a routine going last night so today we come in ready. My mom is still trying to fill out Shelly and Shelly knows it. My mom is double checking everything with me and starting to correct her mid sentence. What my mom doesn't know is Shelly is smart and quick on her feet. She is great when it comes to customer service and handling issues. She's detailed and understands the consumer mind set. I leave Shelly alone and let her work her strength. I didn't think I would ever feel comfortable enough with someone to let them just handle something without me. I'm glad I've found that it her, and I'm sure my mom will also see that too.

We have been working for hours without out food or bathroom break. My dad is here so he's has been our runner. I really wish he could pee for us. I mention to him my back was hurting so he ran to Wal*Mart and purchased me a hydrolic chair and a back brace. Awe, don't you just wanna daddy like mine. :)

Afternoon:
We've done so many shirts and bags far, I can't even began to estimate todays sales. It just occured to me that when you pray for something you better be sure you can handle it. We are over flooded with orders and our best seller are the Nana's Angels shirt with the kids on them. The bags are a huge hit as well. I just got an order in yesterday of the bags and another order in the day before yesterday of bags and I'm already needing to put in another order just so I can have product to sell next week.

The mall is closed and all I can do is hobble out to the car. My fingers ache, my back is sooo outta whack, and my feet they just burn. But through all of this you know what I'm thinking...Thank you Lord for anwering our prayers. The times I've wanted to quit and give up I'm so glad I didn't. It has truly been on the prayers of my family and friends that I've walked.

My dad is so cool, he stays at the mall with us all day. He's caught a few movies, visited almost all the stores in the mall but he refuses to go home. Even thought Kelly bought me the van a few days ago, my dad says I shouldn't have to drive back and forth. I love him he is so thoughtful.

My kids are home waiting on me and as soon as I get home are running down the stairs with questions like how much did we make today and how many customers did we have. I tell them how much are total sales were for the day and they just start screaming. My kids are just as excited as we are. With that I go to bed to prepare myself for another long day.

Ain't no stopping us now...
Boss Momma

Day 44 in the mall

I'm up and all I can think about is needing help this morning. I leave out the house before the kids are up. I peek in to make sure all is well and I make my way to the mall.

Morning:
Help!!!!!!! I need help, please!!!!! I call my mom and she said she won't be here until 2:00 or 3:00. Momma are you kidding me. Oh my, what am I gonna do.

Afternoon:
My mom finally gets here, by the time she walks in, I'm backed up with orders, and still waiting on people. I'm so happy to see her. I quickly tell her the cost of everything and start making the orders I had taken earlier.

Shelly has finally made it in and OMG we needed her. We are so busy that I think we really need four people, but we are making due with what we have. We all seem to find our space to work. Shelly is great with sells, so I let her do all the selling. My mom helped with cutting out letters, and I did all the pressing.

It's the end of the night and I can barely walk. This is what I've been asking God for, and what you my friends, have been praying for. As tired, and achy as I feel right now I'm happy and extremely thankful. Another night of hi's and goodnights with the kids.

Living out my dream!
Boss Momma

Day 43 in the mall

Today, is when the madness is supposed to began. Yesterday, was pretty good, so I'm looking forward to today.

Morning:
I've been rockin' ever since the mall opened today. I will call Big O shortly because I need some help. Shelly won't be here until after 6:00 again today and I'm not sure if I can hang on that long by myself.

Afternoon:
I'm overwhelmed...in a good way of course. Shelly is finally here to help. I've so many orders, I just can't keep up.

I was really excited to see Kelly today. She came to drop off more bags and the van again. Yay! It's so funny that I've been getting up at 6:30 getting to the mall at 7:30 ish and now that I have the van I have to be at the mall at 7:30 anyway because the mall will open at 8:00 in the morning for the holiday season.

My kids called not to long ago telling me Diamond our dog is in labor. Doesn't that dog know I don't have time for this. I'm a bit stressed about this, but my kids assured me they will be there watching her making sure she and her babies are okay.

By the way does anybody want a dog?

I'm at home now trying to rest my aching back. My parents will be here tomorrow, and I'm happy. I have no idea how I will make it working by myself in the morning. The kids go another night with only a hi and a kiss goodnight. Oh Lia Pooh did bring me the dogs to look at. She also told me two of the dogs didn't make it. I was so sad about that as were they. Awe man, off to bed I go.

Oh my aching back...
Boss Momma

Day 42 in the mall

All I have time to do today is shower and get off to the mall.

Morning:
It's been hectic all morning. I've done so many orders my back now aches. I'm very careful about what I say because this after all is what I've been praying for.

Afternoon:
It's been busy and my help won't be here until after 6:00. If I can handle this I can handle anything...I think.

At home and to bed I must go.

Making it happen...
Boss Momma

Day 41 in the mall

I know this week will be a good week. I'm have my workers lined up and I know we are going to kick butt.

Morning:
It's been busy already this morning. It's not the weekend busy, so I think I can handle this crowd alone.

Afternoon:
I've been steady all day with sales. I try to eat and drink very little so that I won't have to go to the restroom. I don't wanna leave my kiosk for long periods of time. I can tell my body isn't liking this very well, but I've got to keep going.

This has been the best Tuesday so far. I'm so glad I hung in there. It seems to be really paying off.

The kids are up and waiting for me. Lia Pooh is really missing me. She says she doesn't ever get to see mommy anymore. I feel badly and can't wait until January. I think this much harder on the kids than I expected it to be.

Striving to succeed!
Boss Momma

Day 40 in the mall

I get to sleep in this morning. Yay! I get to relax my aching body and spend a little time with the kids. I haven't been to church in so long, I feel like a heathen. Unlike me Bud will find a way to church. Walk, run, or hitch a ride nothing is getting in his way of going to church. The girls well, they wanna be with me.


Morning:
I didn't know how sales would be today so I ask my helper to come in when she got out of church. Well, she ended up not going to church and was able to come in a little earlier than expected. I was happy about that, because when I got to the mall around 11:30 it was packed. The food court had tons of people in it and there were already lines of people. I'm thinking, oh my the mall hasn't even opened yet. I get set up quickly and just as I expected at 12:00 we were slammed.


Afternoon:
I'm pumped and still going strong. We are backed up with orders again and we are working as fast as our hands and bodies will allow. I'm thinking in my head, that I'm so thankful for each customer that has choosen me to purchase from. I pray for each item as I make it, and ask God to bless each person that receives it as a gift. I really do hope they love it, and that it blesses whom ever gets it.

At home now and it's been a really great day! The kids are excited and we get to spend a little more time together. Hooray!

Selling right along...

Boss Momma

Day 39 in the mall

I did some finishing touches to the decorating we did last night and off to the mall I go.

Morning:
The mall is packed and as I'm setting up I'm getting orders. My helper will not be here until 1:30 or so, but I need help NOW. I should have made Brownie come today, but I just can't answer all her questions, she wants to do too much right now and I think we'd both end of mad at each other. Dag, I should have made her come and told her to be quiet and work... I need help!!!!!!!

Afternoon:
My helper gets here around 2:15 and without anytime to waste she gets right to work taking orders. There is about a 4 hour wait on personalizing. I'm tired, but have to keep going. This is what I and so many of my precious friends and family members have prayed for so I take careful consideration not to complain. I will just keep going until I'm done.

A customer came and told me someone is selling bags like mine at their kiosk, she wants me to personalize it and I say, "sure." I'm now making money off of what I sell and what other people are selling, how cool is that! I smile and tell myself what God has for me is for me!

It's 9:00 and I'm have finally completed all my orders. Today has been a record sales day. I've never in my life made this much money in 1 day. Wow, is all I can say. I almost triple the sales I had for Black Friday.

I get home and my feet are burning. I realize that I haven't eaten and Big O gets me some much needed food. I have to order more product tonight! As tired as I am I crawl up the steps to order more product. All the kids had a friend over so there are kids running every where. I'm tired and want to complain, but I just smile and go with the flow. I finally eat and then I hit the sack.

Booming Business!
Boss Momma

Day 38 in the mall

I think today is gonna be a great day! I wake up tired. I couldn't sleep last night, so I get to the mall and take a nap at my kiosk. I sleep for about an hour or so and then my mom calls. I talk to my mom for a while then grab some food and coffee.

Morning:
There are people at the mall and the mall is not even opened yet.

The mall is now open and I have been busy all morning. I don't have time to eat, be tired, pee, or think. I didn't think to call my help in today.

Afternoon:
I finally ran to the bathroom, but still haven't had time to eat. I call Big O and tell him I've been swamped all day and to bring Brownie to the mall when she gets home.

Brownie gets to the mall around 4:30 or so. She tells me she wants to go to a dance at school. I don't have time to process that kind of information. She also tells me that she wants to go to her "friends" game tomorrow. Are you kidding me, I can not work with Brownie, she is drilling off questions of things I just can't answer right now. She has got to know I can only think with one part of my brain at a time. I'm in business mode not momma mode. She finally tells me she'd like to go purchase Christmas gifts so I gladly send her to search the mall for gifts.

I get home and I'm whooped. I pull out the rest of the stuff to setup the Christmas tree and decorate the house. I tell the kids tonight is the night.

I run up stairs to place an order for more bags and it took longer than I expected. Mz. Chocolate was so upset, she looked as if she was crying or about to cry. I jumped off the computer with only a partial order of products ordered. Finally almost 2 weeks after I first promised, the Christmas tree is now up. The kids are smiling and jumping around in pure glee.

Happy Kids = Happy Momma,
Boss Momma

Day 37 in the mall

I'm up again at the crack of dawn...I have packages to ship out for Homeschool Boutique, so I get those off and start getting ready for my day. The mall said last week that I could double my space since they let the other rhinestone lady in so close to me. My dear friend that picks the kids up for bowling every week bought a table over to me, so that's what I will be using.

Morning:
I get there and add my table and try and decorate it as best as I can. I have a ton of new bags to display on it, but just don't know how it will look. Oh well, off I go...

Sales have been great today. People are making up for that missed day of shopping yesterday.

Afternoon:
The set up looks great...at least I think it does. I will post a picture later of my updated setup.

Sales have been coming steadily all day. A lady worker from the other rhinestone kiosk has come over to see what I have. She compliments me on my designs and we talk a bit. She tells me another rhinestone person has popped up in the mall downstairs. I just smile and think to myself, so what. The owner of the rhinestone kiosk that's close to me was upset because it was her friend that decided to open up a kiosk downstairs doing the same thing she's doing. Karma is something ain't it.

I'm thinking that this information should bother me, but it doesn't. What God has for me is for me and no other rhinestone kiosk will get what's for me! God does not get confused with his children he knows them and knows where they are. So, I don't care if 5 more rhinestone kiosk pop up, what God has for me is for me!

This day ended up being a great day for me. I'm tired and I just wanna hit the sack. I get home and talk to the kids a little. I feel horrible that we haven't done any school work in weeks. Lord, please help me to be able to get caught up and back on track after this adventure.

The tree is still not setup...
Boss Momma

Picture of expanded setup

Day 36 in the mall

Up early again today. It's raining and I'm praying that this does not effect sales. Lia Pooh has been sleeping with us every single night and I don't sleep well with her in the bed. I just feel so bad telling her to go sleep in her own room. I will deal with this issue in January.

Morning:
No morning sales as of yet. I have packages being shipped to the house and with no car I need to find some way to get them. The kids have bowling today so they won't be there to sign for the packages. Hum, how am I gonna do this?

Afternoon:
I had to call ups to see if I could meet the driver. The driver calls back a half an hour later telling me to meet him in Corky's parking lot. I tell him okay. As soon as I hang up I remember I don't have a car. I call a friend and ask her if she can come pick me up from the mall so that I can meet the ups driver. After getting the packages back to the mall, I start displaying my new product.

Sales are really slow today, but I so believe that God will work things out for us, I just know he will. I can really see HIS hand in this adventure and I'm learning how to walk by faith and not by site.

Home and no we still haven't set up that stinking Christmas tree. I already know that right now I'm a bootleg momma. I see I'm gonna have to put this off on Big O.

Bootleg momma of 4,
Boss Momma

Day 35 in the mall

My body now automatically gets up at 6:30 and I can't stand it. I'm usually dragging, but today I popped right up. The kids are still sleep so I go in check on them and get ready for my day.

Morning:
This morning has been pretty good. There are more people in the mall than I expected.

Afternoon:
Sales weren't as good as yesterday, but at least I received payment for working...I remember a few weeks ago I would work all day without a single sale.

I'm home and the kids are excited to see me. We still haven't set the tree up so that's the first thing they want to do. I still don't feel like decorating and setting up that stinking tree. UGH...that tree. I think I may tell the kids setting up trees in your home is a pagan ritual and we need to not do it any more.

Running on a prayer.
Boss Momma

Day 34 in the mall

Up and at 'em at 7:30. I'm still in this constant state of tiredness. I let the kids down last night because I told them I was too tired to set the Christmas tree up. I felt horrible and should have just sat there and let them decorate the tree. Ugh, I'm mad at myself for that one. A few more orders trickle in on the Homeschool Boutique website. I fulfil those orders and off to the mall I go.

Morning:
I get some product cut and put away, now ready to open. Can't believe it's 9:30 and there's people in the mall, more people then normal. I start selling right at 10:00 which is good and lets me believe I'm gonna have a great day today.

Afternoon:
Another steady day with sales. I'm happy with it, sales are climbing as the weeks progress and that means I'm right on track...at least I hope.

It's closing time and I'm ready to jet outta here. I shut down and head home.

When I get home the little girls are in the tub, Brownie is sleep, and Bud is in the kitchen. He had a basketball game that I missed. I've missed all of his games this season working in the mall. :( He tells me he scored 35 points this game, but they still loose. Great job Bud! I look over at Big O and his face is just a gleeming with pride.

I get the girls off to bed and then Big O and I hit the sack. As I'm laying down I remembered the Christmas tree. We still haven't put it up. Yikes...

Christmas Tree O Christmas Tree put thine self up this year!
Boss Momma

Day 33 in the mall

Thank God for Sundays. This really should be a day of rest. Don't have to be at the mall until 12:.00 today...so thank the Lawd on today. I'm still getting use to this southern talk. Being from the midwest we don't use terms like, "on today" can't figure out why people sit the word on on today. That seems outta whack...

I had Big O bring the Christmas tress down for the storage room. We usually set up the day after Thanksgiving, but since I was working all day on Black Friday and they didn't wanna set up without me we decided to do it today. I tell them to prepare everything and when I get home we can set it up then.

Afternoon:
Sales have been steady all day, not fast paced but steady. I'm so happy that at least I'm bringing home money on a daily basis, it makes me feel like I'm working and have something to show for it. People seem to really like the custom shirts, I'm starting to get word of mouth business. Hummm, pretty good I must say.

Closing time and I've had a great day! I'm tired and ready to lay it down. Shoot, I forgot that I told the kids we would set up the tree. Im pooped and don't feel like it. I feel like a horrible, horrible, horrible, momma...but I'm sooo exhausted.

Bah Humbug,
Boss Momma

Day 32 in the mall

It's Saturday and I can't wait until today takes off. I'm a little nervous that my expectations are too high. I have set in my mind that I will not worry about the other kiosk again today. That is really hard for me, but I have to trust God.

Morning:
Are you kidding me? I've been swamped! I've been here since 9:45 and I've been busy since I got here. I'm excited and need my help to come on. I'm starting to panic...

Afternoon:
It's now 7:00 and I have eaten, used the restroom, or sat down. My body is literally aching all over. I don't care, I just wanna work. I've done better today than I did on Black Friday.

It's closing time and I'm doing the running man. If you don't know what the running man is jump over to youtube and look up the running man dance. That's the happy dance. Whew who! I am on cloud nine. Oh, I forgot to mention...our rhinestone "friend" ran out of size large shirts and sent some of her customers over here to purchase plain shirts. Well, we ended up selling them the shirt with the design on them. I was stunned at first, could not believe she told them to come buy plain shirts from me cause I carry the same ones she does and she would discount the design. Well, other rhinestone lady thanks for the customers.

I go to close down my kiosk at 9:00 and I have a line of people now wanting shirts. I don't leave the mall until 10:00, I'm tired my back hurts, but I'm so excited I can hardly stand myself.

I get home and I stay up to talk to the kids. They are really excited...and so is Big O. I call my mom who has been praying for me all day and I share with her my great news. I'm pooped and I engerized about the next few weeks.

Only the beginning...
Boss Momma

Day 31 in the mall

It's Friday baby, and I'm pumped. I had a long week and I'm just ready to see what's gonna happen this weekend. I'm up and at the mall again at 7:00, I'm cool with that cause I have a lot of stuff to do to get ready for a busy weekend. I've made up in my mind that I'm not going to even worry about that other rhinestone kiosk. I'm gonna do, what I'm gonna do!

Morning:
I'm busy, I should've had someone here with me. I can't believe it's this busy on a Friday...don't have a lot of time to type, but I'm excited.

Evening:
It has slowed down a little, I'm still getting orders and they seem to come in waves. Inside I'm feeling a great since of relief...I'm no longer bleeding money. I pray this wave continues, it's a ride I'm excited to take.

The mall has now closed and I'm packing up. I've done better today than I did on any other Friday...except for Black Friday. I'm really excited I can't wait to get home and tell Big O and the kids. It's amazing how I when I am constantly working even though it's tiring I get energized when I get home.

I'm home and I tell the kids and Big O about the day I've had, the kids are cheering and letting me know that I've done a good job. I go to bed feeling excited and even more energized.

Energized and ready to sale!
Boss Momma

Day 30 in the mall

This morning I'm refusing to get up early to be at the mall at 7:00. I told Big O to come and get me later on during the day. I think he was a little upset, but he knew I was serious. I was able to get the rest of my Homeschool Boutique shipping done, and spend some time with the kids.

Morning:
Big O came to get me about 10:10 and I got to the mall around 10:20. I was late but I didn't care. Morning sales have been slow, but steady. I'm so grateful for each one and know that it is a blessing when someone chooses to spend their money with you.

Afternoon:
Sales have picked up this afternoon and Im happy about that. It's ben a long day, but it's paid off. I finally get the rest of my rhinestone shipment in and have one more to go. I have a few shipments of bags that I should be getting in next week.

I decided to stay in the mall, with Big O's blessing. I can't imagine what's going on in his head. He is about the bottom line and as of yet we have not made a profit, we have been just breaking even. Kelly said it wouldn't be until the second or third week of December that we would began to see a profit and Im so looking forward to that.

Today is over we did okay for a Thursday. Better than any other Thursday before, so that's a good sign. The lady in the kiosk across from me takes me home everynight so I wait for her to shut down and off we go.

the kids are up waiting and although I'm tired I spend some time with them. They are wanting to come to the mall with me to spend the day tomorrow, but I don't think that will not be able to happen. It's a long day for me, for them I know it will be even longer.

Here to stay!
Boss Momma

Day 29 in the mall

I'm tired and although my mind is screaming go back to sleep my body is up. Lord, please don't let me start getting use to being up at 6:30 in the morning. I have a few more orders to get shipped out for Homeschool Boutique so I work on those and catch a bit of CNN. I love CNN I can watch world news all day long. Mz. Chocolate gets is up and we talk for a little bit. I'm learning more and more to treasure these little moments. They seem like the only ones I get these days.

Morning:
Morning sales are slow, but it's giving me time to pray and prepare my heart and mind. I think I will go in again and talk to the mall manager. I don't know what to expect this time. I do want to tell him how not right it was to allow someone doing the same thing as I am to come in so close to me.

Afternoon:
A few more sales has trickled in and I've had a chance to talk to the mall manager again. He says there can't be a reduction in rent, but did offer me one of two choices. The first one is allow him to rent the space out to someone else. The second is he would allow me to get an addition spot basically doubling my space. He says he does really fee bad, and that he could get double the rent that I paid for this spot but he suggested that I never quit. He told me to think about it and let him know.

After an okay day with sales I head home. I kiss and hug the kids talk to them a little. I send them to bed and Big O and I have a chance to talk. We disagree on how things should go, and I'm not sure if I should continue or quit. After a lively discussion I'm drained and I hit the sack praying all the way to sleep.

Confused...
Boss Momma

Day 28 in the mall

It's Tuesday and I took a sleeping pill last night. I feel well rested and a little better about my present situation. I'm up at 6:30 again and have to ship out more orders from Homeschool Boutique. It's really getting hard keeping up with both. I went in to kiss and check on the kids before I left even though they were still sleep. Lia Pooh now sleeps in our bed every night. She says that's the only way she can spend time with me. :( My heart just melted.

Morning:
I've done a lot better today with sales. Yesterday I had none, so far I've been doing quite well for a Tuesday. I prayed last night until the sleeping pills took over. I feel like God is wanting to teach me total dependence on Him, and how to know that I'm more than a conqueror. You know when you read the Bible some things seem easy to understand and get. But when forced to live it out those principles isn't at all as easy at at it seems, matter of fact it doesn't seem all that doable. The only thing that's keeping me, is that fact that I have a lot of history with God and he has been more than a Savior to me he has been my friend, my strong tower, my shelter from the storms, my source of joy, and a great provider! In the comfortable times of life I forget about how much I NEED God.

Afternoon:
Sales have picked up. I still need to make my rent payment, rhinestone lady payment, and purchase more product. I've been able to do two of those three things. I have more days this week and pray that all will be taken care of by week's end. It's closing time and I'm tired. I am now looking forward to the next few weeks when sales should be picking up consistanly.

At home with the kids and we spend a little time talking, after hugs and kisses I put them to bed and then I head off to dream about my dream.

In God I trust!
Boss Momma



As promised here is a pictures of my updated setup.