What I’m Doing – As A Small Business Owner

Covid19 has provided me with many new life experiences. Most I hope to never repeat. One of those experiences has been as a small business owner I have applied for unemployment. The government has decided to offer those who are self-employed the opportunity to apply and receive help for business expenses, in my case studio rent, utilities, insurance etc.

So I did, and it is a slow and frustrating and full of moments of seriously and are you kidding me!?? Thanks to my husband’s patience and after several hours I was finally set up. (Step 1 apply for regular unemployment which you will be denied and then apply for self-employed…) It’s just mind boggling how challenging the process is.  However, after signing up rather quickly I was accepted and I had my first deposit in the bank. I was a bit shocked it happened so quickly and grateful that my business expenses were now covered after having to cancel all of my bookings. 

So that was last week. One of the requirements is that you have to submit each week a claim. So as I signed on to do that for this next week I was met with a notification saying I had been disqualified without any explanation so now I’m:

Non essential and Disqualified

Further more, I had to return money to them. Naturally that was frustrating but the truly astonishing part was they were demanding repayment of more than they had given me.  So naturally I burst into tears. 

There is nothing like receiving good news during a time like this only to have it ripped out from under you for no reason. I was given absolutely no explanation as to why I had been disqualified. So a query was sent. Shockingly I had a response this morning. The letter informed me that I had applied as self-employed and they had determined that in fact I am not self-employed. It’s super confusing but it seems that while I am signed up by my legal name of Michelle (and they are writing the letter to Michelle) they have sent a letter to Michelle because apparently she (me) has claimed I (Michelle) am an employee of her (Michelle).  OMG

So I have appealed.  And now I’m waiting….

If you missed last weeks blog about my feelings of being labeled non-essential you can read it here https://shellyfryphotography.com/my-everyday/nonessential-shelly-fry-photography 

What I am Reading

A Thousand Splendid Suns by Khaled Hosseini

I mentioned last week that I was into this book. It is a good read. But, if you are looking for a happy feel good story this is not the book for you. If you are looking for a story that will open your eyes to another world, another culture… this is a good book for that. Overall, it is a sad story of two women who come from very different circumstances and different generations and yet find themselves living the same disappointing and nightmarish life. This is a story of heartbreak and hope set in Afghanistan. Beginning with the invasion of the Russians to the fall of the Taliban, it ultimately is a story of survival.  A story where you are reminded of just how good you’ve got it. 5 stars

The Yellow Bird Sings by Jennifer Rosner

This was a quick read and another sad story. 1939+ Poland+Jews = A recipe for a tragic story. It broke my heart. A story of survival a story of impossible choices and consequences. 5 stars. 

Where the Forest Meets the Stars by Glendy Vanderah

This is the book club choice for this month and it took forever to arrive! It’s here and I have just begun reading it. 

I am reading more than usual lately. I’ve never been more thankful for my “to read” shelf. I love escaping all this mess into a book. However, lately I’ve chosen some sad stories to escape into! I need to change direction!

My Favorite Thing

 

When I was small we lived in Portland. When I began driving I lived less than a mile from where I do now in Meadow Glade. Battle Ground was a tiny town and we would venture off to Hazel Dell for exciting outings like Taco Bell and miniature golfing. But for the real excitement we headed to PDX. I have always loved Portland. I love the various neighborhoods and parks. Yes, it has its not so nice features but I believe the benefits far outweigh any negatives… especially if you know where to go. 

This past weekend Jeff and I went on two adventures to NE Portland. Saturday we walked over 4 miles following a guide book to explore the Alameda neighborhood. A neighborhood with hidden stairways and gorgeous architecture. In my opinion this is the best time to go because Spring is happening in a very dramatic way. Wisteria, dogwood, lilacs, camellias, etc. are all in full bloom and putting on a very fancy show!

Since we enjoyed Saturday’s adventure so much we decided to load the bikes up and head back on Sunday. For our next adventure we began in the Laurelhurst neighborhood which is also putting on a spectacular show this Spring. From there we rode back over to the Alameda district. It was just so fun to explore all of the neighborhoods and see everything in full bloom! 

We did notice that unlike our neighborhoods, the vast majority of people walking, jogging and biking were wearing masks and absolutely no one would stay on the same side of the street when approaching someone else. It was exciting to see so many people out and about but also sad to see how everyone is so scared of each other. 

 

 

Holding My Breath

I’m certain I’m not the only one that is anxious about what is next. Of course I’m not only anxious as a small business owner but just a regular person as well.  As we approach our stay at home deadline my heart longs to hear the “all-clear”. Washington has given the green light for a very few things at this point. Here’s hoping we can start moving towards “normal” very soon. 

Covid Fatigue is a very real thing. As more and more of us question if this is the right approach it will be more challenging to be on the same page. Ultimately I just want to do the right thing. The challenge is deciding who to believe…

SFP Newsletter

I am putting the final touches on next months newsletter. Normally my spring newsletter would be about Spring and Graduation Sessions as well as Mother’s Day specials. 

I really miss photography. Photography gives me the opportunity to meet and interact with so many people. There is nothing I love more than giving people pictures of themselves and their families that they absolutely fall in love with.  

The newsletter will be filled with other things this month. As I strive to write interesting content and share what’s going on with this Small Business Owner I hope you will want to follow along. You can join the newsletter list by clicking here. http://madmimi.com/signups/f92831e48f4c4758a38ad3779e2d9f9b/join

I hope you are staying positive during this time. It can be a real challenge. Remember to be kind to yourself. This is a difficult time for all of us.

Hugs,

Shelly