I was super excited to be invited by a group of 6 kayaking friends to head out on the Bay of Fundy on a gorgeous September morning. I have my own sea kayak but had only used it in the calmer waters of the local lakes and rivers at that point. The pit in my stomach grew just thinking about being on the open seas - far from shore (and a bathroom) - in my little boat. The water is cold. The wildlife can be big. Let’s kayak to the whales!
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I found a loophole when I was in high school that allowed me to complete all the credits I needed to graduate early - one semester before my classmates. I know! How did that happen? My school switched from full-year courses to a semester system when I was in grade 11 and, because I hadn't taken any "spares", I found a way to finish up at the end of January (instead of June) in my graduation year. Remember that pivotal day when you KNEW you would start your own business? I remember that day well. I was downsized from a cool start-up company (along with 60 of my colleagues) and I decided to strike out on my own. No more "job" job. I was going to be Kim.Inc, put out my own shingle, and start my own company. I didn't know how much I wanted to ride my bike through Times Square in NYC until I realized it might be impossible! For our two-month stay in Manhattan I was going to rent a bike but when I saw the crazy rental prices at the hole-in-the-wall bike rental shop in Tribeca, I decided to buy one of those cool turquoise city bikes instead. That bike was my favourite way to get around NYC. A few weeks ago, on my quiet residential street, I saw Alexander’s cool, kinda vintage, burgundy car go by my window on the bed of a tow truck. Was this out of the usual? Yep. My typical entertainment through that window consists of commuters (some wave to me, hi!), random deer jaywalking, joggers jogging and dog walkers. Normally, I don't pay much attention to the comings and goings while I’m working. Then Alexander’s car went by. Shoreline Graphics was a small, progressive design agency made up of four young, creative, go-getting guys when they hired me. I was young, keen and had no idea what I was getting into. (I'm saving my stories about being the only girl in an all boy agency for another day.) I think the small office was about 800 square feet total and I shared a small portion of that space with Jimm, one of the co-owners. It happened in a split second. Do you ever have that thought, that sinking feeling, that you want to go back in time, just one or two seconds. If you could just get time to back up a smidge, so you could re-think a decision, or undo a really dumb move. As I stood in total disbelief, with mounds (and mounds) of shattered glass everywhere, I'm pretty sure I said a bad word (the air was blue), then I actually put my head in my hand, and shook it a little. If you've ever taken in a show at the majestic Imperial Theatre in Saint John, New Brunswick, you won't be surprised to know that, according to the Globe & Mail, it's the "most beautifully restored theatre in Canada". (And they should know, right?) It doesn't matter what type of show I see there, whether it's live music, comedy, a musical or a movie, I feel kinda special just sitting in that plush seat, looking up at the chandelier, waiting for the show to begin. It's a very special place and sometimes I think for a second, do I belong here? (Then I realize I bought a ticket and they actually let me in the door). |
The Small Business GuideBlog AuthorKim Houlahan is a marketing consultant who loves helping small business owners improve their marketing. Small Business Guide ~ Archives
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