Thursday, June 28, 2012

Decisions and Directions: Things That Make You Go Hmmmm!

This morning I had the opportunity to talk to a marketing company about some awesome tools that are available to big companies, little companies, and start up companies.  Kevin forwarded me an email regarding a free demo.  In a half hour, I learned how another company can use it's resources to connect me to people, other companies, and journalists all around the country and increase my sales.  Nice!  This company is able to do this by using the tools I am already using (plus new tools) but using them more effectively.  You know the saying, "there is an app for that" is kind of true.  I am so not a techie and was very much blown away by the presentation.

I called Kevin up immediately after the meeting and told him I was impressed.  He says, "So how much does it cost?"  Yep, there is the clincher.  $3,000 for the platform I am interested in.  $3,000.  $3,000.  $3,000.  Three times because it is $3,000.  You get it.  It costs a lot of money and 715 Pillows does not have that much money in it's paypal account.  Have you ever seen Ferris Bueller's Day Off?  Well, do you remember the scene when Cameron flips out because of all the miles on the his dad's beloved car?  Here is a reminder: 


In a way I feel a little like Cameron.  I am not flipping out really.  I am not flipping out at all.  But, I am conflicted and sometimes a good AHHHHHHH is a pleasant release.  I like this pillow gig.  It is fun.  I have sold a few pillows to family and friends but most of my pillows have been sold to people I have never met.  My pillows are decorating homes from from sea to shining sea.  Not kidding, the good folks of California are digging 715 Pillows.  So, do I keep doing what I am doing which equates to steady sales and a bit of revenue?  Or, do I take a risk, a gamble, a plunge?  Do I really think that I have it in me to make it as a "real" company?  It is not like I invented Spanx.  I just make throw pillows.  What makes my pillows stand out?  I don't know.  But, if I am going to take this to the next step, I suppose I would have to answer some big questions.

$3,000 is a lot of money.  That it $250 a month.  I don't pay $250 a month on my car payment.  What do I want to do?  I don't know.  Up until I took this call I was thinking I should go back to school to be an ultrasound tech or pursue some other non-invasive medical job in two years when Violet is in school all day.  Things that make you go hmmmm or things that make you go ahhhhhhhhh?  I guess it is a little bit of both since this is a matter of a pipe dream and reality.

Thursday, June 7, 2012

Josie Geller Makes Pillows: My Connection With Drew Barrymore!

They just do't make 'em like they used to.
Movies are kind of like comfort food.  There are some movies out there that just make you feel good - kind of like homemade mac n' cheese.  There are movies that one can relate to, bring back memories, make you cry, make you laugh, or just entertain.  When Kevin is out of town, I like to watch documentaries and period movies, like Merchant Ivory films.  Also, when Kevin is away, I like to watch tearjerkers.  Wow!  Nothing brings on the tears for me like The Way We Were and The Curious Case of Benjamin Button. Have you ever watched the movie, My Dog Skip?  I can't even write about it because I will cry.  Actually, I am not allowed to watch that movie.  Watching Planes, Trains, and Automobiles around Thanksgiving is a must.  Thirteen Going on Thirty came out the year I turned thirty.  The scene where Meg Ryan flies to Paris in the movie French Kiss reminds of my first panic filled flight to Paris. I kind of wish interesting Frenchman had been sitting next to me.  Anyway, not all these movies are great movies, but they do make me happy and that is all that matters.  This weekend, Kevin and I were revisiting a movie that makes us giggle and we discovered something that we hadn't given much attention to in the past.

It is not a great movie.  I don't even remember it being out at the movie theater.  But, whenever Kevin and I can't really decide on a movie, we proudly settle for Never Been Kissed.  It is a silly movie about a intelligent, yet frumpy copy editor who get's her big break as an undercover reporter.  The catch is that she must go back to high school, which was a humiliating time in her life.  Throughout the movie, usually when Josie Geller (Drew Barrymore) is making a strange face or embarrassing herself, Kevin will usually say something like, "Who does that remind you of?"  The last time we watched this movie, we noticed that Josie Geller makes pillows.  Whoa!!!!  I have something in common with Drew Barrymore, besides the fact that we are both incredibly beautiful women!!!!  (I am kidding!!!)  Okay, I am not a moron.  I know it is just a movie.  I know Drew Barrymore is playing a character.  But, that character sews pillows, is really good at embarrassing herself, is kind of a klutz, and is a damn good writer.  Hmmmm....Does this sound a little bit like your's truly? Maybe a little because I am by no means a grammarian.  Expect, I have never been physically gross - I have always washed my hair.  Okay, summer camp and camping are two exceptions for any bouts of poor hygiene that I may have exhibited.
The satisfaction of a job well done!
So, if I were playing Six Degrees of Separation would it count if I said, "Hey Drew Barrymore played Josie Geller, who sews pillows, and I sew pillows so there you go."  Um, maybe not.  Now if Drew Barrymore was looking for some custom made pillows for her gestating baby, I might be able to help her out.  Drew, or anyone else really, let me know if you need a pillow.  I am open for business!

Me, my pillows, my name is sort of in lights at the top of the tank.
Instead of putting all my pillows on my bed, I put them in fish tank!