Cupid's Workshop: A Broken Woman Reports

Read All About IT!!! Hottie Florist Found Alive. . .tattered, but alive. I snapped this photo (below) on my way into work this morning. The mangled piece of greenery (straight from my store) lying on the pedestrian walkway seemed the perfect illustration of how I felt as I faced a full day of work after a long holiday. . .poor little thing (the foliage. . .not me). I actually feel pretty good--all things considered.Let's face it--the last few days have been a mix of emotion, tension, and sheer chaos. I suppose each of us has something in our lives that no one else can truly understand. We have worries, indulgences, and struggles that are our own. For this little person that runs a flower shop, the season of love is often (always) a time of stress and a test of my patience, management, and endurance. I am well aware that most would consider my life stresses to be insignificant and silly. Perhaps they are right. But to me, they are real and always self-revealing.

This year's revelation came last night after working for nearly 18 hours under extreme conditions. I walked to my car. It was dark and cold--much like it was when I arrived. I had survived the battle. . .literally. After months of preparation, days of hard work, and hours of craziness, it is finished. I cried in my car for 15 minutes before I made the drive home and I'm not traditionally an emotional person. No tears of pain (though I did have a very serious run-in with a knife on Monday night). . .only tears of complete gratitude. You know the kind I'm talking about. For some reason, being on the verge of your emotional limit helps you recognize that everyone needs to be surrounded by good people. . .they are what make you who you are. I just started to think about the kindness of those around me. Catherine brought me a banana, someone decorated our door, Sis. Roberts made me soup and bread, Kirsti came to help in the store and offer moral support, my mom sent me a card and her fellow-florist sympathy, the Jenkins gave me a Veggie Tales Balentine, Melissa made us a candybar poster, Lori answered phones and offered some much needed validation and support, Kimmy gave me a pedicure certificate, Poncho bought me a flower, friends from afar sent sweet text messages, Megan made us rolls. . .I could go on and on. I thought about my employees and how good they are to me. They are kind, always willing, and really work hard. I love them. . .even after working from 4:30am-9:30pm. I am so grateful for people who didn't call me yesterday. . .but prayed instead. I'm grateful for those in my life who understand that this holiday makes me less than cordial. . .no room or time for origami in the office this week. So, in retrospect, I suppose what I often label "the worst day of the year" was actually one of my best. I am loved. I love.

Some interesting Valentine tidbits from this year's madness:

1. I didn't visit the restroom at all yesterday. . .yep, a Virtue bladder of steel record at 16.5 hours. . .I've been drinking like a refueling camel all day.

2. My radio interview played three times yesterday. I sound like a complete idiot.3. CCF was featured in the Daily Herald. This picture of Kristine was on the cover of the Life & Style section. Check it out. You might notice the complete mess on the floor. Needless to say, this isn't one of our tidiest days.

4. We broke our delivery record. Holy Craparoni.

5. Amazing sales. . .amazing miracles.

So, in short--I survived. Everyone is surprised that I go to work the day after Valentine's Day. To tell you the truth, my aching body wanted to just stay in bed this morning. . .but someone has to deal with the unavoidable post-holiday problems. Gosh--I hate it when the buck stops here. Can't I have it detoured? In my opinion, cupid should take a hit or two on my behalf. Afterall, I am his "go to girl."

Here's to 2007. . .which can now officially begin.