Holy Choices, Batman

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So far this week, we have been working on the business plan, visiting potential spaces to lease, networking, getting quotes on equipment and materials (with Bob Midtlyng from Kitchenomics), and doing A LOT of brainstorming. As of last week, we had narrowed down our location search and were taking our angel investors to see the property that we had chosen. How exciting! ...except... well... It can get quite balmy in Georgia, which you wouldn't think would be an issue in April, however, it was JUST warm enough for... the smell. 

Jenn: "What is that?!"
Sam: "Did you step in poop?"
Jenn: "Did you poop your pants?"
Sam: "Just a little bit." (uproarious laughter ensued)

Turns out, the grease trap from a nearby Chinese restaurant was the culprit. According to other tenants it gets REALLY bad when temps get to 90 and above...which is like 7 months of the year! Which meant that it was back to the drawing board. Over lunch at The Redneck Gourmet in downtown Newnan (which spawned the title of this blog and the theme for this week... I mean seriously? How are you supposed to choose?!) we decided to keep looking and explore more options. So, here we are on Thursday and we're sending a proposal for intent to lease a space. We are also meeting with Mrs. Kristi Westlake of Westlake Design Studio (www.westlakedesignstudio.com/) to start working on how to go green while filling the space and work within our budget. Exciting things happening! Unfortunately, I think the issue of having too many choices has only just begun.

Health tip: Take a deep breath, but not by a Chinese restaurant. Bwahahaha. Seriously though, this week's tip is really about flexibility and learning to roll with the punches.  Even when you think you have it all figured out and all of your ducks are in a row be willing to make the necessary changes when needed and just keep going forward!  Every step you take does not have to be a BIG step... it just has to be a step in the right direction.

Strawberry Shortcake

It's amazing how quickly a plan progresses in just a few days. We went from having nowhere to start, to spending 9 hours with a realtor (the AMAZING Jackie Campbell www.bestgeorgiahomesearch.com) visiting potential office space, choosing a location, and beginning to put together a business plan. I couldn't be more excited to start this journey and I feel like every day were are continuing to take steps in the right direction.

It seems like every single conversation I have, God guides me to new ideas, business concepts, and wonderful people who are excited to become potential new practice members. Just tonight, Sam and I were at the Business Women's Golf League (http://www.facebook.com/pages/Business-Womens-Golf-League/354245416086) networking and meeting the leading business women and entrepreneurs in Coweta and Fayette Counties. The list of occupations ranged from CEOs and VPs to Girl Scout Leaders and Stay-at-Home moms. It truly is an amazing and diverse group of women and each one has something that we can learn from. Even though my golf swing is not the best and we're nowhere close to par on the golf course (see, I do know a LITTLE golf lingo... a birdie is good, right?) being around successful and confident women is inspiring to say the least. AND... we totally learned Lana Jo Mobley's trick for taking care of hiccups! (no pictures as promised)

I find myself watching more golf on t.v. and I can't wait to get back on the golf course with my lady friends again very soon!

Health tip: Remember in life (and in swinging the golf club) take time to relax, focus, visualize, and know where you want to be. If you're visualizing where you want your ball to be in the next 5 seconds slow your swing down by saying s-t-r-a-w-b-e-r-r-y shortcake (golf tip from Carole Alagna). If you're visualizing where you want your life to be 5 years down the road, have some strawberries minus the shortcake and take the time to dream big and just enjoy the moment.

...and so it began

Here we are! Two gals out on the town on a Friday night- having fun, living life, feeling.... well, a little heartbroken that night, actually. On this particular evening, a cloud of doom and gloom followed us everywhere we went. Dr. Jenn's career and relationship hung in the balance and I was there for support. Dr. Jenn was let go from her job that Monday and I left my position at the same office the following day.

But, this is not a sad story! Out of strife always comes growth and this experience will prove it! Scared, nervous, excited, and a little nuts, we decided that we would brave the world of women in business alone. Well, not alone exactly. After all we had each other, our friends, and our families that were ready and willing to stand behind us 100% along the way. This is where our story begins...

Health tip: Count your blessings and count to 10. Take a few deep breaths and know that everything will work out just fine!

~Samantha Brooks
www.BrightEyesNutrition.com