First of all, raise your hand if you feel like you have a BAzillion things going on at one time & you just want scream, or hide, or just laugh endlessly because you have no earthly idea on how it is all going to be completed (in-time....what does that mean....on-time?) Meek....meeee.....meeee....pick me!
Just a thought, maybe I should take out stock in Post-It. I might come out even once I finish all my to-do, should have done, forgotten, lists!
In less than one month, one of the biggest events of my career will be taking place in NYC. Drum roll please.......My very first hospitality expo (furniture show), with my very first ORIGINAL designs will be shown, my very first layout will be displayed....YEP, that is a ton of firsts! And to top it all off, our new president of Flexsteel will be attending, whom is a lady (another first for our company)! Can I get a "girl power?" If you did a study of the ratio of men vs. women employed at Flexsteel it would probably be a 1:50 ratio...no joke. So another female in the mix makes for a lot of celebrating on this end of the spectrum! Girls Rule & Boys Drool!!! When I found out our new prez was a female, I rejoiced to say the least. I mean, don't get me wrong I love most of the men I work with but there is only so much "man" you can handle at one time.
Anyways, yes, I will be displaying several of my designs at one of the largest Hospitality shows in the FF&E industry! A little history about Flexsteel..... a very reputable, classic, OLD company, Flexsteel has been around for over 100 years. We are praised for quality & durable integrity. Although we have some great designs, we are very, how can I say this kindly? ....stuck. Stuck in old ways on so many levels it should be illegal. My challenge by this company (& to myself)? Turn chunky & clunky into slim & sexy....true statement (sounds like Extreme Makeover or some over done diet campaign) doesn't it? Yes, you read it clearly. Flexsteel wants to change its course & evolve into a more young, fresh,
top-market company.
With all that being said, a huge risk that I am taking for this show is in my backdrop design. In pushing Flexsteel in a more modern direction I have deemed my show concept "Rockstar."
Explanation: A classic rock artist is always trying to push the envelope. He is more than likely breaking the rules & never the less, full of overflowing energy & excitement. So, as a new spin on furniture for Flexsteel this is me saying goodbye old, hello new. As my backdrop, we are installing a 20' wide x 8' wide black & white, high impact, electric image of a classic rock artist in concert. Seriously, I want sweat, hair slinging, loud sound....everything exciting you would experience at your first concert or 100th concert. Confused? Since we are so set in our old-school rhythms, this idea is really pushing it. Pushing it so much that Nathan has already questioned me about the insanity of my decision.
Exact conversation -
Nathan: Do you really want to do this on your first show?
Me: I mean, either go big or go home (literally, I might get fired over this & be sent to the hiz-ouse.)
So, my mind is racing to say the least. I have a to-do list that is Hwy 45 long & things are being added continuously. Everyone please cross your fingers & say a giant prayer for this designer. I'm seriously going to need it to make it until D-Day (November 9).
On top of all the show drama, my wedding (I act like I am the only one getting married ...haha... OUR wedding) is less than 6 months away....yes you heard it right! Just to be exact that is 5 months, 3 weeks & 5 days away - that is a total of 177 days! So surreal to say the least. I can remember like it was yesterday. My thoughts to myself were "O, you have 14 months away until the big day... O, you have a year away.... O, you have 8 months to go." No ma'am, not anymore. I am feeerrrreaaking out. As a designer & a complete control, OCD freak, my biggest fear as perfectionist is that I am going to walk into that reception & say "What....whose reception is this because it is definitely not mine." It is sooo hard to let go of control & let others take over. I mean don't get me wrong, I know this is the exact reason why we brides hire "professionals" but come on brides, & wifies & soon to be brides, it's our big day, we all want it to be perfect. In my mind, it is our first debut as the Chaneys. I have to keep in mind, in the midst of all the wedding planning, the main & most important focus of this whole event is to marry my best friend that God has truly blessed me with :) Stay focused, stay focused, keep your mind & eye on the target..... it's so hard.
Along with wedding planning, there is this little detail that Nathan & I have been trying to nail down. The honeymoon. Yea, everyone dreams of this romantic$, secluded$$, luxurious$$$, worry free$$$$ getaway where you can just melt away in the sunshine & bask in your new accomplished life as a married couple. Yea buddy. Do you know what that all adds up to be $$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$? I did not realize how much all these wedding things including the honeymoon costs ...a kidney is what it all adds up to be haha. Seriously, I asked Nathan last night if he would be interested in selling one of his kidney's on the black market .... I don't even think he responded, in fact he gave me that look of "you have seriously lost it" & changed the TV back to
Although, Nathan & I have both wrestled with the concept of to spend or not to spend (that is the question). We are treating our wedding as an opportunity to show our appreciation for all of the love & support our family & friends have shown us over these wonderful few years that we have spent together. A large, family & friend celebration is what we want our day to be all about! The honeymoon on the other hand, can you say relax & chillax??? ahhhhhhh....sighhh.... Hurry up April 13th!
Mr. & Mrs. Nathan Chaney has never sounded sweeter.
Besides the NY show & the wedding coming up, less than a month after my wedding is Flexsteel's largest show of the year. Here we go again....is it ever going to end? With a hopeful spirit & a semi-sound mind, I am in high hopes that once I get this first show under my belt things will fall in to place a little more gracefully for the next show. In high hope meantime holding my breath. Exhale, phewww....
In the midst of all these events, Nathan & I continue in this buying/building/looking for a needle in a haystack home search. Buying our first home = scary. As we are extremely happy & content in our ever so improving, cozy apartment, we both feel that buying versus renting is a better choice for us. As the search continues please keep us in your prayers. Pray for open minds & patient hearts :)
With all of that being said, I will continue to blog & drive everyone crazy while I free my spinning mind. As Nathan says "I can just see the wheels-a-turning." :) Bless him :)
Thank you Lord for this overflowing cup you have provided for me. Thank you for my job & the stability that it provides. Thank you for a man that encourages me, loves me & prays with me. Thank you for friends that I can laugh with & that inspire me to be my best & to inspire others. Thank you for the support of my family & this great nation that has provided me with freedom. May I be an example of your glory & grace no matter how busy life gets, may I always keep walking in your light.
LOVE,
Anna
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