Here's the Reader's Digest version of what's been happening at Bubbles over the last couple of months:
~ We've expanded by about 1,000 sq/ft and anxiously await the arrival of our new industrial iron (they said it will be here Thursday ... just no one knows which Thursday, a common problem in a 'developing' nation).
~ Delivery van and driver - both harder to find than anticipated. Translation = we spent many date nights dropping off towels and linens to hotels we contract with, and have a thorough knowledge of Lviv's alley streets.
~ 19 current full-time employees - Seven months ago we had one employee, so we've grown, and felt growing pains (at times acutely), as we've interviewed, hired, trained, and let go of a few.
~ Increased our contract work requiring 24/7 machine operating. This is a good thing, since the more wash-cycles the better for business. But it's also a challenge particularly as we coordinate everything from the lengthy specialized paperwork each client requires, to the employees' schedules, pick-up, drop-off and delivery routes as well as particulars of how to fold specifics sheets and towel. And yes, we lived to tell about the embarrassment and hassle of mixed up orders. Geesh!
~ Bush thief drama - more of a saga, actually. A middle-aged woman was coming around 4 am several mornings a week dressed as a street sweeper and stole our bushes. After several unsuccessful attempts of trying to catch her (and watching the security videos the morning after), we finally got her. What we learned was that trying to work with the police is more of a hassle than actually dealing with the Bush Lady. Long story short, recently the police asked us what her punishment should be - we said 100 hours of community service. The police were floored - no one has ever suggested such a punishment to benefit the community.
There's more of course ... lots lots more ... so stay tuned to our laundry list of stories and drama of Ukraine's first laundromat.
