I have found that things tend to work out for the best if I let them. I was worried this week, because I woke up with a sore throat on Monday morning. It is a dilemma between possibly passing on an illness to a client or canceling an appointment on short notice. Neither choice is something I want to do.
As I was trying to make this decision I received a text from my Monday evening client stating that she was having difficulties and had made an appointment with her doctor for this week. She didn't feel up to coming for her massage. No problem, I agreed that it would be best to consult with her doctor before seeing me again. I had not confirmed the second client booked for Monday evening. She did not come for her appointment, because she was in the ER with a debilitating migraine. I would not wish that on anyone, but it worked out to my favor.
Tuesday morning brought on an earache to go with my sore throat. I did not have any clients scheduled, but my LH (loving husband) and I work BINGO at our local VFW on Tuesday and Thursday evenings. Since I do the inventory on Tuesday night and have limited contact with people; I determined that it was OK for me to attend. I made it through the evening without any problems.
Wednesday morning I was feeling very poorly. I slept most of the morning hoping that I would feel better before having to get ready for my 2:30 client. Upon checking my phone messages, however, I discovered that she wouldn't be coming. Her Granddaughter was born in the early morning hours. She was out of the state. I was off the worry hook.
 I will leave out the details, but Wednesday night my condition was worse. I do not have any other clients scheduled for this week and will not be making any.  I am resting, drinking hot tea, and counting my blessings.

How do you handle situations when there isn't a 'good' choice? Do you hope for the best and let things work themselves out? or do you make a decision and take action?

I know that I should have called my Wednesday client on Tuesday and rescheduled. When you are a care giver, whether it be a mom, a doctor, or somewhere in between; it is difficult to remember that in order to take care of anyone; you first have to take care of yourself.

Stairs

I realize that it is time for an update on the business. The client list is growing. That has helped me increase from an average of one to two clients per week to an average of three to four clients per week. I have also had several clients increase their time from an hour to ninety minutes.  Things are progressing in the right direction.

I am do to renew my insurance at the end of next month.  Being a member of abmp is a great benefit. The monthly magazine helps keep me current in the massage industry. I can get discounts on products and services. They offer continuing education and marketing information. It is a good source for any questions I may have.

There are a lot more stair steps from the sidewalk to my massage room than I had realized. I traverse them daily and barely notice it. For someone who may be injured or who has arthritis the steps may cause a great difficulty getting to and from the treatment room. The step from the walkway to the porch does not have a handrail either. This may be our first project this coming Spring. Does anyone else have issues with where you get your massage?

Speaking of the stairs...I have always wanted to live in a home on one level. More and more I am given reasons to continue this desire. Recently my husband slipped on our stairs and bruised his Talus (heal). He required crutches or a cane for a week, because he was unable to bear weight on his heal without severe pain. He is doing much better now. Not to be outdone; I missed the last step as I was bringing the laundry downstairs a few days ago. I landed on my knee rather than my foot, bending all of my toes back in the process. I spent the day with an ice pack on my elevated knee and foot. The following day it was sore, but I had no trouble bearing weight. The proper treatment can prevent lasting discomfort. We have no intention of ever moving, but I still have the dream of living without stairs.