Please Send Jojo (or Chip)

Well, things are trucking right along at the old/new store. However, we have had our struggles. It's hard to believe that only one year ago, Vivian Rose Boutique was just having the 2nd (ever) pop-up event. Now, we are ready to open in our store in less than a month. What a difference a year can make!

In an attempt to keep you updated as to what is happening with the progress, I will regale you all with a list of things that I have learned:

1. Rolling paint is an epic workout for the arms. (Also, I have been coined an "aggressive painter". I have broken two rollers. Is that normal? Please discuss.)

(The trim work I did. Plus, this is my trusty drop cloth-which my paint droplets often miss.)

2. Dried paint comes out of hair and eyebrows quite easily.

3. Same with laminate.

4. I am the MESSIEST painter you will ever meet. (See #2 and #3.)

5. Mr. Rose's spirit can best be described like this: Why use 1 tool when 5 big tools could also do the job?

(Mr. Rose surveying all of his handiwork.)

6. My mother is much more patient now than when I was a kid.

(This is Mother Rose painting high ceilings while using a ladder on a sloped floor- like a BOSS. Meanwhile, I am sassing her...)

7. My step-dad is the biggest perfectionist. Also, he is the sole member and chief officier of the Vivian Rose Boutique Safety Committee.

(Captain of the Safety Committee fixing my errors. Sorry for the dark photo!)

8. I am no longer allowed to do the following jobs: Spackle, trim, and/or tape.

9. When my step-dad and mom inspect my work, I can tell when I have screwed up because they say things like, "interesting" and "I guess I wouldn't have done it that way"...

10. We can work sick, tired, injured, and thirsty. However, our breaking point is hungry.

11. Brother Rose is MUCH more keen on anything destruction related than construction related.

12. You can feel the train coming before you can see or hear it. Plus, it's still fun to watch it go by!

13. Having a wet, racking cough, laryngitis (as well as being covered in paint) is NOT a great way to make a first impression on the new neighbors. (Sorry! I swear that I don't always look and sound like this!)

14. Getting everything ready is a pain, but it's so exciting to think of all of the amazing things that have brought us to this point. Plus, it's fun to think of where we will go from here.

15. Finally, I couldn't do this without the help of our family and friends. They believe in my passion and dedication, and it's a great feeling to know that so many people are standing behind you. Mr. Rose and I are grateful beyond words!

Love,

S

P.S. Here is a real update:

The flooring is nearly complete. We just have the hall and dressing room left. Trim is started, and we are already working on redoing furniture! More furniture (and clothes) will be moved in over the course of the next two weeks!