La Rentree

For me the Fall season is all about la rentree, the reentry into worklife. Fittingly I have just formed an LLC with an appraiser I respect and enjoy spending time with.





Laying the foundation for a business model, we have followed the conventional rules and have a business plan. Real estate appraisal is anything but glamourous so I am keeping my mind focused on making this business chic enough to speak to me while making a nice living from it.





First was partnering with B., for the above mentioned qualities plus the motivational factor of mirroring a hard working professional. We can support one another as appraisers and spend quality time doing so as friends as well. The fact that we met as appraisers (not as friends first) seems important.





Our client packet was fun to assemble, including cover letter, resumes and sample appraisals along with new business cards. I wrote/designed the cover letter and business card, both are simple and classic. Following my 'hit list' of local prospects I hand delivered one of our packets with a simple bouquet and 2 bunches of concord grapes (both just picked from my potager) to an aquaintance we're hoping to do business with.





I'm looking forward to the simple touches we can add to our sales presentation and client relationships to elevate the interactions.





I see working from home as a huge bonus to the daily chic factor as I have control over lighting, music, meals, taking breaks to stretch and do a quick household task, sometimes watching an inspirational video in another window on my computer screen.





No snacking is a worthy habit when you are 15 feet from the kitchen and developing a dinner plan as you work thru the day. Makes the yummy petit and grand dejeuner imperative!



The downside is the temptaion to loll about in pjs...which happens I suppose. My 'secret' weapon is dressing the part and lately when I've worn my uniform of pencil skirt, slim tank/athletic top, cute jacket with either pointy toed kitten heel pumps or Clarks slip on sandals I've been and felt "good to go" all day long in all my daily situations. I may have to break out the boots/keds when appraising some properties .....but those can go in a box in the car that holds my appraisal gear.





Second 'secret' weapon is music. I am listening to Big Star and Elvis Costello - my own soundtrack in other words - or french radio streaming live on the net.





Both clothing and music have been very effective in motivating me this rentree and I think it's a good thing.



Le regime fric:

Been serious about this for at least a year now. Very limited/controlled spending, very limited income.

Applying for part time work. Would be hard, but will make the winter go faster and smoother. Will necessitate participation in the housework from children.

Will focus me on income production for right now. Another year or two of this, plus Jake's prep for his career change and in over a year or so...we should be doing well. In the spring I think we should think about selling this house and perhaps renting or downsizing in some way, especially if we haven't sold the condo. Homes are selling in RR.

I hope to be able to keep up with occasional posts - they help me to focus on what is really important/necessary to my life - but realistically I will be busier than ever, so this blog will be last on the "to do" list, as it has been lately. I also love reading the blogs of others - inspirational and comforting at the same time as so many of us deal with the recession and living a full, chic life: so if you have the time keep on posting!