I keep hearing that phrase over and over again as I am on this journey. It's purported as necessary to being a successful entrepreneur. Apparently they didn't have me in mind. I'm not anxious, but it's a daily talk with myself to take each event or input in stride and not try to place it in the context of some eventual "known" goal or scenario. I am such a planner - I even plan for alternate scenarios in case plan or scenario "A" doesn't happen. But this journey, it's not so plan-able. Far too many variables and it's just not appropriate to try to solve for all of them. So I'm ok with that...until I'm not, and then I talk to myself or to others, or I read something motivational, and then I'm ok again.
Did I mention I am enjoying this? It's really great to be growing in this way, because the ultimate vision of who I want to be and what I want my and Hasan's future to be like is so very much what I want. And of course life's not guaranteed. Perhaps what comforts me so often is that I know I am good at rolling with the punches in life...I seem to always figure things out in the end.
Over the past few weeks, some neat things have happened. We had our niece Janae over for a night...talk about a ball of energy. She conned me into getting a 6 pack of cinnamon rolls and a slice of pizza at Ikea (on top of the pizza for dinner she had already gotten me to agree to on behalf of Hasan). Hm... We finished our business proposal (if I haven't mentioned it, we're working on growing our real estate development business to rehab blighted properties in Philadelphia using sustainable building techniques to create affordable housing for low- to middle-income families). Thanks Erwin Sr for all the help! We're now working on expanding that business proposal into a proper business plan - we have a goal of completing that by Christmas and are both taking classes at Temple and Wharton to help us do so.We decided to get married next July here in Philadelphia. We're keeping it very small and simple - I don't like big celebrations, particularly when they are for me. Thankfully Hasan has agreed to keeping it simple, although I know he loves big affairs. We've also decided to make our first trip to India together! We're going in December...very exciting.
I'm working on teaching a seminar on using the internet, particular social media, for art marketing and creation while I'm in India. This is the start of what I'm aiming to be many more teaching opportunities. I also got a response today about doing some consulting work for internet product management - the first "bite" on the fishing line I've only had out for a week or two...crossing fingers that pans out.
And...lastly a large company here in Philadelphia has reached out to me about a new division they are creating. I had a phone interview that went well and next week we're talking about "next steps". This is what I mean...who knows if I'm supposed to be working for somebody else or myself. But, this company is an 8 block walk from my house (how cool is that?) and they are well known for being a great place to work. And the division sounds very exciting.
But....I've just got to go with the flow. And the flow is pretty nice, I must say...Hasan and I are doing very well - I'm happy. We just celebrated our 4 year anniversary with a day trip into NYC where we had a yummy YUMMY meal at Sylvia's. I love fried chicken.
And Roxie is growing up - although she's as much a kitten as ever. Yesterday she was on punishment for a while - which equates to not being allowed in either bedroom.
Can't wait to go to San Francisco in a couple of weeks - lots and lots of time to play with Tallulah (or, Lulabear as Hasan likes to say) and spend with friends I miss a lot.
Here are a few pics of the month - Roxie is in a lot of them...I think we'll end up being "those" parents who have far too many pictures of their child. That's mainly Hasan's fault though. :)
