Party and Paper Magazine

Party Line: Pop-Up Showers

By Abby Heugel, Managing Editor

I am the queen of preventative measures, in that I plan for just about any contingency that may arise in a given situation. Umbrellas, flashlights, extra napkins and plastic silverware - you never know when you're going to need them.

The other morning I checked the weather and saw a 10 percent chance of showers, so I grabbed my sunglasses and laced up my shoes to go for my walk. All was well until about a half-mile in when dark clouds rolled across the previously sunny sky. I ignored, as I'm prone to do when impending unpleasantness may occur.

However, it was hard to ignore the sprinkles and then outright downpour that followed a few minutes later. I had no umbrella. I had no towel. I had no ark in which to load pairs of animals and seek shelter.

I kept walking - as I obviously had no other choice - but I was wet and cranky.

But then I started to wonder why. I wasn't dressed up and ready to go to a wedding. I wasn't carrying the Olympic torch with me. Why would I really care if I got a little rained on? In fact, considering that it was rather steamy out the brief shower was actually a slightly pleasant cool down.
I couldn't control it, obviously, and I wasn't prepared. That ticked me off. But as briefly as the showers came, the showers went. I was left with the discomfort of slightly damp clothes, but was dry by the time I got home.

It rained. I survived. The sun came out.

My point is that although you may face unexpected challenges with your business, it's often your perspective that determines whether you make it out of the storm.

Hopefully this issue can give you some tips and tricks about how to be prepared for not only Valentine's Day and Mardi Gras, but also pre-wedding sales and the latest and greatest in products.

Umbrella not included.

Originally posted Monday, Aug. 30, 2010