Now I do realize that while the company I work for is an interior design firm, some people still view Ethan Allen as a regular furniture store.  This absolutely drives me up the wall.....imagine someone scraping their fingers across a chalkboard!

Now 90% of the time, we are like any normal hairdresser or lawyer, which means we work by APPOINTMENT!  And to be perfectly honest, today is one of those days that if you do not have an appointment to work with me, I really don't want to be bothered - not by passer-by onlookers, not by ill prepared co-workers, not be the constant ringing of the telephone.

Instead of losing my head over the wonderful antics of the public, I'm desperately trying to find humor in their wit or lack there of! Ha ha!

Here are some of my favorite/not-so-favorite questions and comments from the "looky-loos" as we call them:

1)  Country Man - "Y'all sale recliners?" Me: "We certainly do, but since we our a design firm, ours are geared to look more like occasional or accent chairs, so why don't I point them out for you."  When really I want to say, "Well Jim Bob, if you would get the toothpick from out of your front tooth, your twang might not be so severe.....and to be perfectly honest I'm not going to have anything comfortable enough for you to lounge back in with your six pack of PBR, greasy fried food, and 2.5 barefoot children in your mobile home!"

2)  Yankee Doodle Woman - "I'm just looking....wanting to see what you have."  Me: "Certainly make yourself at home.  I will be glad to set-up an appointment to work on your design project if you see anything you are interested in today."  Again, I'd prefer to say, "Well just what in the Hell is it you are looking for?!? Natalie Holloway?!?  I might could direct you in the right way.....like back of North!"

3)  INSERT THE NONSTOP TELEPHONE RINGING - Disgruntled and Confused Elderly Client of Another Designer's - "So and So said my order would be in by now, and I want to know when it is coming?" Me: "Mam, your designer is not in today, but I will be glad to transfer you to his voicemail, where he can check on that and get back to you."  Client: "Well can't you do it?"  Me: "Certainly, just one moment please." INSERT THERAPY SCREAM AHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH!

Now this is the point where I would like to crawl through the phone.  If you're not my client, I could care less if your order is headed on a slow boat to China or off somewhere doing 40 going North.

Now I know this sounds like a lot of complaining, but honestly I do love my job.   I just enjoy working alone and only with my own clients.  And I do take care of my clients well.  I let them know when we offer sales and promotions.  I caudal them through their design, noting every process and carefully monitoring every move of each and every piece of fabric, trim accessories, and furniture.  I also tweak and place every item in their home with what they refer to as "the touch!"

Interior design is somewhat like any other job I suppose.  I love my career, love my clients, and my daily routines.  The keyword in all of this being "MY!"

With this Ring

The forecast for 2011 is that it is truly the year of the weddings!  So many friends and acquaintances are getting married, especially this spring.  My schedule has been so wild since the New Year. Aside from being a full-time interior designer for Ethan Allen,  I'm well into my 11th month of planning and coordinating for a wedding in April. 

On April 9th, 2011 my good friends Brian Payne and Christina Cook will wed.  I have had the pleasure of being their wedding planner for almost a year now, and I have really enjoyed becoming so close with them.

http://www.projectwedding.com/ourwedding/cookpayne/

Brian and Christina, better know to me as Briance & Tink, have been a true gem to work with this past year.  People hear horror stories of Bridezillas that have the "my way or highway" syndrome, or even worse are those brides that cannot even manage to muster a simple yes/no answer, much less a simple declarative sentence; however, Christina has been so on top of things....some days even more than me. 

I hosted Christina an engagement party back in December 2010.  Even the party was a treat to work with her on because she's so organized, knows exactly what she likes and does not like, and follows the propriety down to the letter.  The guest list was great - the invitations were as cute as ever - the food was delicious -the gifts were beautiful, but most of all everyone enjoyed the company of friends and family!

Now we're coming into the last stretch of the final touches of preparations.  This weekend both Brian and Christina have their bachelor/bachelorette parties, so tonight we're meeting to finalize on the centerpiece vases.

The excitement I have for this wedding would make an observer perceive it as my own, but I believe in doing designs and planning this way.   If I'm going to put my name on it, then it is going to be perfect!



Cheers to Briance & Tink!