Can You Hear Me Now?

This has, so far, been a week full of happy things. I’m also getting lots of work done, which makes me feel good and I don’t get all stressed out when someone says “I have a new client for you”.

On Monday, my brother came over so I could do his taxes. His was super easy and it was filed in a few minutes, with a nice refund on its way to him, so he’s happy. He also wanted to take me for lunch and buy me a DVD or something for my birthday. So, I hopped on my scooter and we headed down to the Chinese restaurant up the street. It was closed! I forgot, most of those little places don’t open until 4 or 5:00. The only other sit-down-and-be-served type restaurant really close is Smitty’s in the mall, so we decided to head there.

Sometimes I forget how bad the service is at that location, but after waiting forever to be seated and another forever for water and another forever for menus, we actually ended up with an excellent server. I had a Baja quesadilla and it was pretty good. Darren had the veal and mashed potatoes because he’s obviously not against EATING BABIES.

Smitty’s is known for their pies. They have a big glass case at the front of the restaurant full of them, and they sell for only $3.99 ($1 for a big a slice!) Darren decided to get me a “birthday pie”, and we were told they only had Hawaiian Strawberry, Peanut Butter Crunch or Almond Crunch left. Both our eyes lit up at the words “peanut butter” (we do share a mother and father, after all) so that was settled. We took the pie to go, and headed down the mall to find me a DVD. I chose Arrested Development - Season Two because I’ve been renting Season One from DVDflix. I LOVE that show.

We came back to my place to slice up that pie in all its whipped cream fluffy goodness. We each took a bite and got strange looks on our faces. Another bite… what is that? It’s like… a tangy taste? Another bite… it’s like… they tried to mix lemon meringue with peanut butter and Ivory soap? We actually sat there and finished our pieces of pie (it’s that blood relation thing, again) while complaining about how disgusting it was. Then we couldn’t throw the rest away fast enough.

The next morning, Pam came by to file her tax return. She stopped at Tim Horton’s on the way and got me a coffee, AND she brought me homemade cookies. What a sweetie. The cookies are delicious… oatmeal raisin. No chocolate. Therefore, health food, right? No guilt!

The rest of Monday and Tuesday were spent finishing up other work. I’m also expecting a call from another possible new client, a coffee shop, that a current client is referring me too. I told him to go ahead and pass on my number as long as the guy can wait a month or so, because me and a coffee shop would be a good thing. My clients need to fit in with my life now, that’s just how I want it, and I’m lucky I can pick and choose that way. I turn down investment and development companies and accept musicians, recording studios, pubs, and coffee shops. Hee! Love it.

I am still doing work for one real estate guy/geologist, a dentist, a life performance coach, an upholstery company, and businesses like that, because I have been doing their books for years and I’m not about to get rid of clients that have been with me since I first started up my company. They’ve all become friends and have seen me through a lot of ups and downs, and were there when I needed them the most! (Plus I really like them).

Oh yeah!!! On Tuesday I also helped get the amazingly brilliant Rob Szabo booked into the Pub. I told Kevin I would personally make sure that room is packed. So… whatcha all doing, Saturday, June 3rd??? That is going to be one hell of a show.

Anyway, today I worked at the upholstery company (my first real client, since Troy started and worked solo out of his basement in 1999!), the place I go two days a month where the coffee and bagel magically appears on my desk when I arrive. Mel and I always go for lunch, usually Hooters, because it seems I’ve been working there on Wednesdays a lot. Hooters offers a 20% discount to women on Wednesdays. Plus it’s always quiet, and we never have to wait for a table in what is beginning to feel like our own little private non-smoking room.

Now I am waiting for a couple clients to drop off the work that will keep me chained to my desk for the next two days, except for a brief trip downtown tomorrow afternoon to get my transit pass. As long as I can stay out of the Bay and away from the MAC counter and “Free Gift with Purchase” offers, I don’t expect it to be a costly outing.

Oh, yes, and the most exciting thing to happen so far this week??? My Stepdad found me kittens and I am getting them on Saturday. Yes, them. More on that when they are actually in my hands and I know they are real!!

Oh yeah… and GO FLAMES GO!!!!