Oh my God, I am up to my ears in shit to catch up with, and unfortunately for me, I haven't started ANYTHING yet.  I still need to start Christmas shopping for my son, then eventually for the rest of my family and friends.  I vowed not to over do it this year, due to the fact that I'm going back to Los Angeles in February, then to Paris at the end of March.  Actually 2008 is going to be a really busy year for me with the traveling.  I'm still debating on whether or not to take my son on the Disney cruise in July, or take an educational trip to Egypt in August?  The plan is to get the traveling out of the way before I start saving to get a second house.  That's right; I'm planning on getting another house.  Basically, a small house for business purposes, because the rent and bills here are becoming astronomical.

The bills that I accumulate with this apartment are becoming sort of a burden on my personal life, and I don't wan to raise my rates, but at the same time, I don't want to feel burdened by my profession.  I've thought about just doing sessions at my personal house, but I really do need a space that's separate from this profession.

My low rates have started to become an issue with me financially because I feel like I'm giving So much of myself at such bargain basement rates, and sometimes I feel unappreciated.  I don't feel that my clients take advantage of me per se, but they certainly take advantage of my service, by demanding so much and giving so little.  I take full responsibility for that one though, because I get so caught up in the moment, which the client will usually get more than what he initially planned on getting.  So when he eventually comes back for another session, he's expecting the same FULL service at my MASSAGE ONLY rates.  My FAULT, My BAD!

I guess I can't help it thought, because when you LOVE what you do, and pleasing the client is everything, the money aspect kind of diminishes, and I become wrapped up in being pleased myself. 

It's good for my body, but is certainly bad for my bottom line, financially!

Erika