[Just_G]

What a great thread!

I am 4th generation in my family's oriental rug business. We sell hand knotted rugs made in India, Armenia, Pakistan, China, and Belgium. (no, there is no child labor involved like most people think.) Our product is more a luxury type thing, and not a necessity; therefore, our buisness has been scraping by the last year. I always thought I would some day inherit the business, but the way things are right now, we will be in to big of a hole to dig out of. I hope and pray that things start to turn around soon, but Pops is thinking about selling the business....which breaks my heart, but I understand. I think we are about the only family business left here in Kansas City...we are the oldest rug dealer in this town.

I also do a lot of remodel work on the side for cash. My favorite thing to do is build decks, but this time of year it is not a hot item..lol Laying tile and laminant flooring this last year has been the only thing that kept me afloat financially. However, it is my poor body that suffers...manual labor like this is a bitch, but it is all I really know. I have applied for a part time job at Lowe's, but they are not super busy this time of year.

I have cut out the gym membership (and oh boy can I tell!), and reduced a lot of things so that my bills are lower. I do keep my cable and internet because that seems to be what keeps me busy since my r/t social life has really taken a hit financially. Things are getting better slowly...which is better than not at all.