Monkeys, Meetings, Major Projects

"Step out into the Sunshine, Sally!" ~ Ellie Mixter-Keller

I know, I left you hanging -- RUDENESS! So my meeting went pretty well. The health inspector was very kind to me, informative, suggestive -- positive even. I have to do a few things that I was hoping I wouldn't have to (like put in a 3 compartment commercial sink and buy a commercial frig) but nothing that can't be simplistically overcome and should be items I can find used. What I appreciated most about my meeting was the fact the entire time he was telling me what I would need to do, he understood and aligned himself with MY goal -- "the bare minimum in cost to bring up to commerical use". After all, we're making cookies and cakes, not serving seventeen course dinners! Thankfully I had been a professional baker for so many years prior to this and have worked in all types of kitchens -- from the Hyatt Regency Hotel to a little gourmet restaurant that seated about 60 people -- so I was clear what was really needed to do some great baking. And it's not a lot! Thankfully Vladimir (health inspector) also knew and appreciated this fact. Good meeting.

Then I went across the street to see what the Town of Genesee needed to get this going. OK, so it's a lot, but not compared to many other municipalities, I'm sure, and it will take a bit to get all of the approvals, but again, not anything that couldn't be overcome. Seems like my suns are aligning (I'd say stars, but, well, suns seem more appropriate coming from me doesn't it?).

On Friday, I had the first date. You know, with that lady that I thought dropped me like a bad first date? Oh stop thinking what you are thinking! It took me four months to get this meeting and there was NO way I was going to cancel now (and besides, I scheduled it a full week before my decision to open the Sweet Shoppe). Now, I must admit, the night before I strongly considered cancelling. I was afraid that it would confuse me, derail me, throw me off my new course. But it didn't. I was so pleased to meet her (such a lovely woman!!), honored that she made time for "little ol' me", moved by what I learned, and touched by having known her. She taught me what I was doing wrong in my job hunt (it is SUCH a different world out there now in this economy) and I was happy to have some answers to my burning questions. She also sent me such a lovely email after the meeting, that I feel I must share it with you as I simply adore people who show up like this in life!

I so enjoyed meeting you Tracey. This is a huge leap of faith. You have so very much to offer. It is NOT you but the conditions we are in. It requires you learn some new skills, and I know you will get there. There are wonderful people in this town who could really use someone like you. Your church, chamber of commerce, old school chums are already predisposed to like you and want to help you. Figure out what you want, what you need to take you to the next step on the path and ask them-they won't disappoint. After all, I bet you have been helping them for many years! Feel free to rattle my cage for further help as needed. Happy to Link you up with others who can help. Get away from the computer and step out into the Sunshine Sally! Not so bleak out here in the light! ... you just need to give yourself permission to be open to the NEW and get over the fact that the old way is done. Change is for the good, jump on the wave.

Step out into the Sunshine Sally! I just love that! That is going to have to be my new life motto!! And I'm not confused. I may have a little of my ego back from this meeting (something that has slowly been torn down for the last several months), but it's coming back I tell you! I thought about all the conversations I have had lately about the bakery and about the business world. And while I want to do both, the corporate world isn't calling me but a batch of my homemade Snicker Bars is! (and yes, I DO make them and yes they are unbelievable!!)

Had this cute cake to make for my cousin this weekend. I know, right?! Her son turns one this month and she had my big ol' Italian family over for his special day. In our family, the party goers get one cake and the one-year old gets his/her own to "enjoy". For the record, "enjoy" also rhymes with "destroy", but either way, it's all good! :o)










Also this weekend, we headed into the home stretch of Caroline's Bronze Award Project. Thought I would send some pictures of just SOME of the books we've collected so far. It really is amazing though isn't it? I love when people come together to make a difference. Simply love it. We wrap it up in about two weeks and she still has her school to collect from (about 300 kids), her neighborhood collection at her Waterford house (about 5 times more houses than we have here in Muktown), the bins at our local libraries and at her Daddy's and Uncle's work place(s).


Did I mention I love when people come together to make a difference?

And lastly -- Our Women's project (blog and final report) are complete and I have posted our final paper as our last blog if you are interested in seeing how we wrapped it all up. I feel pretty good about it and am happy to have two weeks off to read what I want to read before my next class starts! Wendy Mass, here I come! ;o) Happy Monday!!