what a difference a typo makes...

A few posts ago, I mentioned the fact that my spleen was stupidly enlarged and that it appeared that it had got much much bigger during the last 18 months. I went back to hospital not long ago for a check up and raised this issue with the consultant. Sypmathising with the situation, he had a look at the results and compared the most recent ultrasound scan with one done 18 months ago and also with an MRI scan that was done at the same time. Judging by the MRI, it appears that there was a typing error in the ultrasound that was done at the same time. The result given was that my spleen was 16cm back in Feb 2010 and 24 cm in July 2011. Looking at the MRI however, showed that my spleen extends right down to the pelvis and was certainly much bigger than the 16cm given by the ultra sound scan indicating that it had, in fact, been 26cm in Feb 2010! Whilst looking at the MRI images was quite scary- I could see exactly where my spleen stopped being protected by the rib cage and how the surface of the liver was bobbly, scarred and slightly shrivelled looking- it was quite reassuring to know that there has not been that much of a dramatic change in the size of the spleen. The concern was that had there been a dramatic increase in size, it would mean that the spleen was being worked much harder than it should have been and could have meant that a liver transplant may be needed sooner than expected. Since everything seems to be pretty stable at the moment though, it is still very much in the future. For now.

Jen x

Shop til you drop

I was going to write a coherently argued piece about the rioting that took place in cities across the country 2 weeks ago but have found that there was just far too much for me to get my head around!

So I will just continue as I have been...

The weekend of the riots coincided with a trade fair in London that I went to with Mum to look mainly at stock for Spring/ Summer next year. Last time mother and I attempted trade fair shopping together, it ended in complete disaster! There was a lot of shouting and a lot of tears and I ended up doing it all on my own. This time, we weere both a little more prepared for how the show works and I also had more of an idea about how much I could spend and what I wanted to spend it on. I am more confident in talking to the sales people and in getting better deals for myself and making sure that I get what I want. Not only that, but I am learning the art of saying 'no'. Something that is very new to me, especially when it comes to pretty clothes. Mum has calmed down too and is beginning to accept that the business is not a play thing for her but is my way of life, my job and my source of income and so has learned that there are times when her decisions have to be overruled. This didn't stop her looking at stands that had one pretty item and asking if we could have it despite the company having a minimum order of £1000... or something along those lines!

3 days of solid shopping later, we went home empty handed (except for the new shoes I had to buy because my feet were hurting so much), but with some fantastic new suppliers for the shop... New designers and new collections the likes of which have never been seen south of London!! Very exciting times for the shop. All that's left to do is sell the lovely new pretties! :)

Jen x

That's Entertainment

As a small, independent retailer, I am often targeted by publications that want me to advertise with them. Last week, I had a phonecall from someone representing a publication for the local cinema. I seem to remember being very brusque during the first phone call as I had a shop full of customers and better things to do than to have someone trying to sell me advertising space. After asking if they could call back another time I hung up and presumed that they wouldn't bother again. At the end of the day, I was relieved not to have heard any more. The following day though, I was called again and this time they said they should come in and show me the publication and the deals they could do.

Later that afternoon as I was flitting around the shop barefoot wearing short shorts, a youngish man comes in. He says what a lovely shop this is and how his daughter (who is 2) would be swinging from the chandeliers. We sit down and chat about the advertising options and make polite conversation. He asks how I got into the job and if I enjoy it etc. all very polite, standard conversation. He asks if I work many hours (yes!) and comments that my boyfriend must find that a pain. No boyfriend, I tell him- men are too much time and effort. A customer has walked in by now so I check that she is ok and help her find a few things whilst mr sorts out the paperwork side of things. Once done, he gets up and shakes my hand to say thanks for the advertising. After trying on a few things, my customer is now back to browsing the rails and I'm standing behind the counter with this bloke in front of the counter. Hands have been shaken, papers signed, and I have a customer who needs some attention- that's his cue to leave. Instead, he asks what I'm up to that evening. A bit taken aback, I may haave told him that that was a bit forward but in my shocked state I couldn't think of anything I might be doing. Then he asked for my mobile numer... my customer is still lurking behind the rails trying not to interrupt the situation... I politely told him that, no he couldn't have my number and he left. At which point I started laughing and my customer came our of hiding and said that she didn't think I looked that desperate!!

That was certainly a first, and a very entertaining one at that! Although he wasn't mr smooth or mr hot, it was still flattering and maybe it won't be the only time I'm asked out by someone trying to sell me something. Lets just hope that if there is a next time, he's hotter!

Jen xx