Kilgore Trout

You mean you wouldn't last 2 minutes because you would have fainted from the pain and the suffering?

Now you're old AND a wimp. I like to hear begging and pleading for mercy for at least an hour.

4 minutes too late. You're getting slow in your old age.

I'll keep that in mind. *notes to whip ATS in a nice way and not in the harsh way he likes if I hear "36 years young"* Got it.

As far as your latter question, don't be frightened. I won't do anything that will kill you - at least not right away.

It's not YOU I'm happy to see. It's the fact that I'm happy I get to kick your *** again. Some people around here just don't understand my abuse like you do. :yes:

And happy birthday! How old are you again? I mean in real years, not your mental state, which is closer to 2.

*glompity glomp glomps* Now bend over so you get the proper b-day spankings......

Look at this! It's a first. I have a HUGE smile on my face seeing you back.

*tackles ATS with a glomp-hug-squeeze-kissy-move*

A little busy today, but my business plan is done and ready to be picked apart, and I'd love to hear about your trip. Just don't smother me with your adoration that much. It's creepy.

Hope you're having fun in Vegas. :hug:

I expect a kiss on the cheek the minute you get back. :yes:

Absolutely not. I expect that kind of flattery. Anything less would be uncivilized.

I never pack light. Well, I always mean to, but then I think of something else that I'd like to bring "Just In Case".....you know, like my favorite blue puma or my opulent goddess statue collection.

Are you packed yet for Vegas? Or are you just bringing your deoderant, your toothbrush, and your libido?

Honey, I'm always shaking it. It's just my nature.

Deal with it.

Now you're just being pathetic. But I do like the acknowledgement of how supremely awesome and beautiful my abuse is.

Now go away and stop following me around. You have to get ready for your vacation.

All right, to be serious, if I ever do cross a line, please tell me. I mean that, and I want you to be perfectly clear of all my intentions.

Oh, and I'm not desperate or impatient, so you don't have to worry about me. I can wait forever if necessary. I'm the world's biggest and best tease.

:curtsy:

Thank you. Thank you.

So, when are you leaving again? I wanna mark it on my calendar as the beginning of my own vacation from you.

You're on a roll. I don't have a response to that. :clap

Either that or I just don't care anymore.

Sounds delicious. I LOVED Vegas when I went with my girlfriends back in '04 and want to go back (this time with the husband). It'll be tough with you gone, yes, but I'm sure I'll find somebody else to abuse. :yes:

Hey, that reminds me, think of me not just when you're drunk and getting a wicked-awesome lapdance, but also when your head hurts from your hangover the next morning. That'll just warm my heart knowing you are reminded of me when you're suffering.

Thanks. I appreciate it.

The hard part of this is because the number of studios that are in the area, and because they're small private firms, there's not a lot of market data on them in the records with the Chamber of Commerce, the local libraries, and government agencies. What's getting me stuck right now is just obtaining those damned numbers, because otherwise it's just my word that I'm giving to the investors.

"Yes, I've worked with three out of the four studios in existence, and I can tell you from my memory of their sales figures, the number of students, their P&L statements, blah blah blah...."

That just wouldn't fly. LOL.

I just got off the phone with one of the small business development centers who are trying to help get me some figures. I'm getting impatient. I need to take out my frustration for a bit. *smack*

So yeah, I have been piecing together my ideas for pricing and payment options for the students that are in accordance to what I'm offering. Come to think of it....I may just ask for your opinion on my plan once it's all said and done, and you can tell me what you think will work and what won't. That would help out immensely.

The population has grown exponentially in the last 5 years, with a lot of yuppie-but-hippie-wanna-bes flooding the area with their SUVs and 5-bedroom houses but who spend a good chunk of their money on green products, local farmers markets, and other various small businesses. In other words, they're somewhat progressive in their politics, but not enough to go "full-commune" since they do work in St. Louis making their buckage. Plus, they're also highly supportive of local artists in music, film, and in the graphic/visual arts. That's why I think it's a good location for the kind of studio that I want to open - no-nonsense professional training in dance technique, artistry, character, and performance. It's not the typical "little league" dance studio, but it's not so wildly different from the other studios in the area that are more committed to dance performance than they are to dance competitions, showing off trophies, and generally being extravagant money whores.

The area that I want the studio has some good competition, each of the other studios with a sizeable market share, and all but one with long-standing reputation over ten years in the community. So first things first, there is a market for another dance studio, and one that I think is set apart from them.

This week, I've been piecing together my business plan to present to investors/lenders for my studio. After I got the word out to all my colleagues, I've received a lot of feedback on acquiring materials, sound equipment, flooring (uber-important), mirrors, ballet barres, etc. and a few want to teach and/or choreograph. It's been nice having a lot of excitement for what I want to do, but I still have to waste time here at RF before doing anything productive.

I should have it ready by Friday. Wish me luck.....wait, not yet. Wish me luck right before I take my plan to the investors, sponsors, angel benefactors, etc. Right now I still need to slap you around a bit. That always makes me smile. :hug: