Looks like I've got some 'splainin' to do

One of the most memorable quotes from "I Love Lucy" is Ricky Ricardo's line: "Lucy, you've got some 'splainin' to do." Since I haven't written in months, it looks like I've got some 'splainin' to do, too.

The last weeks of 2006 and the first few of 2007 were an uneasy time for me personally. I wasn't depressed, but I wasn't happy, either.

• First I was worn out from laboring on the Kernersville house, getting it ready to go on the market. At the beginning of December, Jerry and I signed the paperwork to list the house. It's still on the market, but has had lots of showings. Yes, I'm anxious about selling the house, but feeling hopeful since spring is here, and March through June are when the greatest number of prospective homebuyers are in the market.
• Second I suffered a big disappointment: I didn't receive the job offer I was expecting from Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools. Frankly, it wasn't my ideal job, so it's probably all for the best, but all the same, it was disappointing at the time.
• Suddenly I needed to start a new job search, and the timing stunk. For one thing, my mother had just come for a two-week visit, and I didn't want to shortchange our time together. She stayed until after Thanksgiving. After she left, I knew from personal experience the challenges I faced, looking for a job during the holidays. I felt pessimistic about my chances. So I set a goal for myself to submit 2-3 job applications every day, Monday through Friday. Doing this kept me focused and gave me a sense of accomplishment every day. I only applied for jobs that really interested me, but there were no lack of interesting positions available.
• As the end of January approached, I was getting low on funds and had to tap an IRA. I hadn't gotten a single interview resulting from the job applications I had submitted. Although I had gotten a couple of calls from contract firms, none of those jobs appealed. And I needed a job right then.

That's when I decided to start my own business, cleaning houses. Starting a house cleaning business doesn't take much money up front. My only real concern when I got started was that I have never really enjoyed housework; it always seemed like drudgery. Right away, though, I discovered that cleaning is not drudgery when you are being paid well to do it. Also, cleaning is a form of therapy, and leaving behind neat, clean rooms is very satisfying. Best of all, I am my own boss. I set my own hours and I get at least one check every day. As for job security, there seem to be no limits on the opportunities out there, and one thing's for SURE: they can't outsource housecleaning jobs overseas!

I've been in business for about 6 weeks, and I am enjoying the work. Surprisingly (to me), most of my clients are home when I'm there. Since I'm a people person, that's a definite PLUS for me. I like getting "face time" with my clients. It's my chance to build and strengthen relationships, and at heart, that's what business is all about.

The only "negative" so far is that I'm learning as I go; that is, I did some minimal research before getting started, but not to the nth degree as I usually do. So in addition to building a new business, I'm having to research legal and tax requirements a little here, a little there, as time permits. It's been keeping me busy nights and weekends, but I'm not overwhelmed, never fear. Overall, I feel happy and fulfilled... and so expect to hear more from me, very soon!