What a Rolly-Coaster

It is hard to know what to think about this bail-out - sorry "economic rescue package". it seems so unfair that we have to pay for others greed - but perhaps it comes down to the consumers' greed in the long run - if there were not a demand or market for the loans...or if the loans were not conceived of and offered - I give up - it is a chicken and the egg proposition here. I guess it all falls to a huge and spiraling ethical and moral decline...

Mind over Matter

Well - I had a very interesting weekend - I worked at a Greek Festival in Modesto, for the weekend - selling oil paintings - which I have not done in years.

The drive from LA to Modesto was uneventful. And the "lovely" Motel 6 was very close by the Church were the festival was held. After a good nights sleep I drove over there to set up. Low and behold - there was ANOTHER vendor selling the same as me - the oil paintings. Out of only 9 vendors- 2 were selling the oils! What a faux pas! Erik was not pleased!

The weekend was very busy for the festival - but not so for the vendors and certainly not for me - about half of what was done at the same festival last year! But I guess not bad as I had competition and my prices were definitely more than Silvio's! And the country is a bit shaky with the dim economic news last week. But the "mind over matter" part - I was able to stay uptone and to really create a good show and managed to make some good sales. It was a "mind over matter" matter driving home and overcoming the immense tiredness! Long days! But a few bucks in my pocket and Erik's (and the Church's)

Frankly, it was very uncomfortable being caught in the middle of the Church and Erik - yikes. Not very great communication. But Erik does know how to run a great business!

My neighbors were so special - the gals selling the olive wood (hand-carved) and the fellow selling the Byzantine stuff from Santa Barbara - what terrific folk. So helpful and encouraging! I look forward to staying in touch with Maha and Tamara. I hope to stay in touch with George as well.

The food was expensive and very mediocre - but how easy is it to prepare 10,000 chicken dinners!?

The drive home was pretty tortuous - but after a while I got my second (third or fourth) wind and here I sit with a few more dollars in my pocket than I had on Friday.

I Can't Believe I'm Doing This!

Well this is indeed a new endeavor - I have so many friends who do this - I might as well. Do I have a voice?

I am in a new position here at work and enjoying it - back in the sales department. I just love working with our CEO.

I am a bit off kilter with this whole broken tooth and swollen gum disaster. After the doctor did the impression last Saturday, my gum started to swell and effected my whole face and caused a headache and has effected my ear! Not fun as I have a big weekend - working at the festival. My ear and tooth just need to calm down!

I'm going to work at a Greek Festival this week end in Modesto! Should be great fun and I am looking forward to the loukomades!