Day 18

Not bad. Last night, was the first time since I stopped smoking that I slept soundly through the night. I think the physical part is over and now the psychological cravings kick in. The physical withdrawal, as annoying as it is - has always been the easiest part since it is just being able to endure a lot of pain, which I can do. The more difficult part is when you've forgotten about all the pain you went through - and something emotional sets you off - and you feel like - oh what the hell - I just need one. One cigarette will help me so much.

Now that craving has a time and life of it's own. Usually it last for a few minutes - though if you don't look at your watch you think it's longer than that. But those cravings can go on for days and days and that's when it gets tough.

I haven't run into them yet - but I know that I will. They are always around the corner. Talk to just about any ex-smoker and ask if there aren't times - decades later when some situation makes them think about reaching for a cigarette. That's when it gets real dangerous.

Be that all as it is. I got a lot done this month. Finally got my matting supplies and storage organized by buying a bureau and getting pre-cut mats. My packaging system costs a little bit more, but is much quicker for me. I got out four orders yesterday morning which is a new land speed record for me.

New p.c. and backup system is working well. I even upgraded from Quickbooks 2002 to the current version and did a bunch of things to make entering sales quicker. Compared sales year-to-date this year with year-to-date last year and they've been three times as much.

In other words, I've turned my apartment into a production line. And even bought a new rug and curtains. Anyway - very productive month. My charge card is getting up near its limit - but I have the stuff I need to run the business for another year and my theory is that every year I stay in business brings me one step closer to financial solvency - or is it bankruptcy? I get the two confused sometimes.

More Secrets

Continuing with my Victoria's Secret campaign tips, I made this replica of what they've got on their site and plastered it on my home page. This is not a new offer. It's just more pronounced. Think about it. Why should anyone charge shipping if the orders are large enough? Hey - no shipping charges on orders over $10,000. I guess it depends on what you're shipping and how.

Speaking of shipping - two packages brought to post office for overseas shipping and once again, I managed to fill out the wrong custom form. Remember, you have your two choices, the little green one and the larger white one. Last time I was told that for a package of a certain size and weight (same as today, same as today!) I should fill out the larger white one. But of course when I got to the window I was told to use the smaller green one. Reason? You should use the smaller green one for packages that are under 4 pounds. Really? I never heard that one before. Yep, that's the rule she says: 4 pounds or under. I tell her that every time I fill out a custom slip I get told something different... Oh ---