If I build it, will they come?

One of toughest parts of what I do involves some serious waiting...funny how I don't seem to be gaining any more patience:)


- I wait for ads to be published - to make sure they look exactly as intended (and if they don't, I have a bone to pick)

- I wait for press to pick up my news releases and for media to return my calls so that I can pitch a client's story - or remind them why a client deserves that extra attention:)

- I wait to for my work to, well, work - IF I BUILD IT, WILL THEY COME?

There's always a moment - usually just before an event starts - when I question whether enough was done to fill seats, to give the entertainment I hired an audience, to make a difference in my clients' bottom lines, etc.

I work with many clients on many events - some have big budgets for advertising, some none at all...and I am, as of today at least, pleased to say that I have managed to keep clients happy - their success is my success.

As the economy gets worse and as people try to keep their doors open and their bills paid, my phone is ringing and I am thankful. People want help building it - so that they will come.

The Magic Hour

7 p.m. - the magic hour. At least it is for me.

That's the time when my youngest goes to bed, my oldest slows down a little (unless he's outside playing with a friend in the yard) and I get a little sanity back. 

If I have something to do, (and truly, when do I not) it's the time that I can go do it because my husband usually walks in the door about 6:30 p.m.

It's the time when I am (usually) free to pick up where I left off with work (though I prefer when possible to have my oldest in bed too before I do that), go take a class or rush off to a client's event.

It all sounds great...my treasured 7 p.m. time...doesn't it?  Well...I should mention it's also a frustrating time b/c when I finally have a moment to be "me" and go and do what I want to do - which is usually some form of exercise (seriously - I should be in MUCH better shape than I am considering how much I adore physical activity), there isn't much offered.

It appears the majority rules thing - well, it rules. Most people, as I'm told, prefer to go straight to a class after work, 5:30 p.m., so they have their evenings free. I get it. I think it's great. I think - we live in a small town with a ton of people who ACTUALLY leave work at 5 p.m. That's not an insult, I swear - just an observation.

In Charlotte, where I worked before moving here, there were classes at 7, 8, 9 p.m. Most people had somewhat of a commute or just worked late - every single day, so 5:30 was not the only option. So you can imagine my surprise upon my return to beautiful Beaufort. I can't blame the businesses, they are doing the right thing - simple supply and demand, right?

Sure there are the 24/7 gyms (ok there WAS a 24/7 gym but that was not my bag baby), but I want community, I want fellowship, I want to sweat and laugh and yell and all that with people around me! I'm an extrovert for GOODNESS SAKE:)!

Most suggest getting a sitter that time of night. That MIGHT be doable if I weren't already pouring money out for childcare during work hours #moneydoesn'tgrowontrees.

So I'm left with three options:

1. Go running (great, but not something I want to do 5 x a week, or 4, or 3...more like 2)

2. Take the children with me (SO THEY CAN TOTALLY FREAK OUT everyone in class and my newly walking baby can fall and scream at JUST the right moment) - not a chance.

3. Do what I do now and wish those who can be free at 5:30 well and know that my time is coming soon:)

So you see what I'm sayin. All is well, life is good...but please...if you know someone struggling to break out (haaa) - give em an hour or so of your time (read: watch their children like a loving hawk) to laugh, cry, scream, sweat, eat, drink, whatever makes them a better, well, them.

And that is all from the peanut gallery tonight folks.