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!"