MINI Commitment
It would seem that I am now committed to staying in San Diego, or somewhere in the US for at least the next three years. I signed a lease today which tells me I am responsible for paying for a very adorable, very cool, very fun MINI Cooper S. I am ecstatic to have this beautiful machine to drive around San Diego and SoCal, but the occasion also gives me a bit of a heart attack, as it cements my decision to stay put. You would think that starting a business would have the same affect, but actually, it’s the fact that I have to pay for and take care of something. That’s true love, baby.
I have already enjoyed driving my new toy. I put about 100 miles on it, dancing around San Diego’s freeways. It is clear this car is a boy and I am searching for a name which suits his personality, style and color. I’d like to choose an S name to fit the S in Cooper S, but the name Massimo “Little Great One” is standing out to me and the dark gray, brooding little boy seems to better fit this moniker. We’ll see, no decision just yet. I need to drive him more and let his character shine through.
It’s rather enjoyable to have my own vehicle again. It’s been nearly nine years now. How weird is that? I sold my Jetta VR6 in 2002 just before I left for Japan. I loved that car. I was thinking about getting another Jetta or even stepping into a little GTI. When I returned to the US in December, I rented a little Toyota Yarius. I very much enjoyed the compact size and great gas mileage. So I took those points and added a bit of luxury and zippiness and – bingo – I scored a MINI.
The sales agent and I discussed what color and package I wanted on my MINI. And we found him in the inventory list. He had just boarded a boat and was on his way to the US. That was about a month ago. So I knew he was making his way toward San Diego, and I wondered what the adventure on the boat was like for him. I thought it fitting that my new little car came to me after his own world journey. Perfect match!
He arrived in the US on the 18th, as scheduled, and it was just a matter of days to get through customs, travel to the dealer, pass inspection and be turned over to me! : ) So far, all is well in this new relationship and I am falling deeper and deeper in love by the minute. For now, my new found affection for this MINI is masking the my deep seeded “What the hell am I doing?” sentiment and realization that I’m staying put for a while. Gulp.
Here’s some photos for you to enjoy. Or click HERE to view the album I added.
Cheers!
New Adventures
Since my return to San Diego, I’ve spent some time getting readjusted, some time relaxing and getting reacquainted with family and friends. I’ve also been looking to discover what it is I will do professionally. While there is still part of me which wants to buy a one way ticket to Argentina, I’ve decided to stay in San Diego and set up my own business.
Getting settled in San Diego has been its own adventure. This is my hometown, but I have not lived here for about 20 years. All of my memories are from my childhood, so I don’t know the best restaurants, the hidden gems, the adult life in this gorgeous town. So I’m approaching San Diego like it’s a new city I’ve moved to. I’m keeping my eyes and ears open and desire to find all of my favorite places.
Starting a business is a whole different kind of adventure. It’s not the same as the little business, Hosting Helpers, I ran in high school!!! And so this is where most of my focus has gone lately. I’ve also discovered the world of WordPress and am setting up my news business website on this platform. It’s a task, to say the least! In the meantime, I’m meeting with friends who are entrepreneurs and others who have offered me great advice. I’m working on leads and tailoring my efforts to determine the scope of my services. I’ll make more of an announcement when the time is right! (The photo here is the working version of the logo and name.)
I’m looking to move OTBS over to a WordPress theme as well. However I am finding the theme I’m using a bit to stale for my personal blog. There is a lot of content here to consider! : ) And so I’m debating the switch and may just keep things going from the iWeb and MobileMe platform here.
Anyway…I just wanted to check in and let you know that there is a lot going on with me personally and professionally and that my attention will soon return to On The Bright Side. Until then,
Cheers!
My Wednesday
Sometimes it’s good to be unemployed. For example, it allows you to wake up late, go to Venice Beach, watch skateboarders skate around on crazy cement formations and then have a hearty breakfast with coffee and a Bloody Mary. On a Wednesday!
Actually, I had a nice and productive day yesterday, and this is shaping up to be a productive week. Mette left this past Sunday. I believe I left off my daily reports after Hollywood Day. The next day was set aside for shopping and then I surprised her with tickets to Hair at the Pantages. Yes, I know. I’m a pretty cool friend and tour guide. I looked back at all Mette’s done this week and if that were my first time to California, I’d be pretty stoked and ready to move here. It was definitely a full schedule, but I could not see lounging around the hotel or something amidst such beautiful weather and fun activities. For me, though, it cost me a week of productivity. I’ve had to catch up the blog and on all of the emails I should have sent last week. So – yikes!
I’ve been given even more support and helpful advice from my friends and former business contacts here in LA. I feel even more empowered and excited to move forward with my business and get crackin’!!! I have a bit more to do here, but then it’s time for me to head back to San Diego and get it in gear.
Watch out! I’m on a roll!
¡Ay Caramba!
All I will say is this – I missed eating really good and delicious, authentic Mexican food! My mouth waters every time I look at this picture! Yummy!!!
If you lived overseas, what restaurant or food would you miss the most?
Independence
The weather has been so gorgeous this month, I have taken to doing some research from the front yard. With my iPad, iPhone and red notebook, I think this makes for a great office! …
At various stages in our lives, I do believe we all imagine going into business for ourselves. We either don’t like our job or we don’t get enough “me” time, the commute is too much or the finances limiting. Perhaps the vision is to open up a little shop or to start a service, open a restaurant – simply do something you really love and get paid for it.
Two years before I left Japan, I outlined a business that I wanted to start. I wrote down names for it, designed the studio and even determined that I would take the months of May and September off to travel. I can’t tell you what that idea is, in case I do decide to open it, but the dream that I would own and operate such a business was exhilarating.
Before I left Vietnam, I knew I wanted to come home and spend time in San Diego to “re-group.” I knew I needed time to collect myself, regain my energy and positivity and get prepared to charge forward in the New Year. And the idea to start my own business started swirling in my head again.
What I am good at (or at least I think I am) is marketing and creative writing. I also have spent any number of Sundays in Vietnam researching and learning about social media. And you all know how much I love keeping up On The Bright Side. Through thick and thin, this website and my blog and newsletters have been a mainstay in my life for nearly six years.
I’m developing my concept for a marketing consulting firm and want to focus on not only the things which I love, but the things which I know I will do well. I want to help clients who need social media management, website blog/content, and company newsletters. I am also well equipped to train employees to develop their skills in social media. It’s a powerful platform and most companies do not engage their customers well enough.
I feel really good about my decision to branch out on my own, have been given tons of support by other entrepreneurs and am continually inspired by my friends who already have their own business. I grew up with some amazingly talented people who now own retail stores, marketing/pr firms, restaurants, hand-crafted stationery supplies, brokerage firms and even published authors…the impressive list goes on!
Enthusiasm is high and I will keep you posted on the progress. Woo hoo!
Happy New Year!
Happy New Year! It’s 2011! How about that! What did you do this year for the holiday? Where did you celebrate? I enjoyed O’Brien’s with Sarah, much like I did ringing in 2008, but this year I did NOT kiss the bartender at midnight! ;p
I think it’s safe to say that most of us are happy to put 2010 behind us. For many of my friends, it seems, this past year was a struggle. I think we are all welcoming a new year, a breath of fresh air in with open arms and lots of optimism. I am definitely ready to start anew.
As many of you may remember, I’m not one to make a long list of resolutions each year. Sometime while in Japan, I decided to just make a theme for the year. 2010, for example was “Rise to It” which was part of a movie quote “Life is an occasion. Rise to it.” And that was how I was feeling at the beginning of 2010.
My theme for 2011 is – The Reinvention of Shanna B. – I think it’s perfect for what lies ahead of me this year. I’m in new surroundings (sort of), I am leaning towards starting my own business versus getting a job, I need to figure out where I will live (SD or LA) and have the greatest hope that love will be mine. I think that all gets summed up nicely in “Reinvention.”
I’m excited for this year, excited for all that is to come and ready to move forward and toward great things.
What would your theme be this year?
Here’s another shot of Sarah, Jake and I – the terrible threesome for the evening:
Our little princess
Of all the people I missed while I was away, this tiny little one made my heart ache the most. I could occasionally see my niece, LaNiah on skype when she was with my folks, but she couldn’t quite figure out why I was trapped in the computer and often did not want to talk to me via the screen.
I was glad that when she first saw me that she had not forgotten me and that she quickly warmed up to me. She is full of personality, loves to play tag, can’t be without her juice and loves to color, go to the park and watch Wow Wow Wubbzy. We all look forward to her visits, can’t get enough hugs and kisses and simply adore this little one. And how could you not? She’s such a cutie patootie!
About the photo: While she’s not in one of her princess gowns, she is bundled up for unusually cold weather in San Diego. I love her fierce grip on her sippy cup. She’s ready to rumble (aka go to the grocery store with Papa)!
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