Old Friends and How Much We Change

I just got off the phone with an old friend, Pete, whom I had not spoken with in a very long time. Pete and I worked together in the mid-Nineties at Framatome selling computers in the lead up to Y2K and the internet boom. At the time, I was still in my 20's and a little bit of a hard-ass. Pete always seemed wiser and calmer.

As a result of my more "offensive and aggressive" personality traits, I moved out of the corporate world. At the same time, Pete flourished in it. Like water, we each seemed to find our own level.

The interesting thing about our talk is just how much I had changed. Pete still seems calm and wise. When I was in my 20's, I had just come off of 6 years in the Marines. That tends to have an impact on one's attitude. However, even the Marines thought I lacked tact. Although, my definition of tact and their's was very different. I thought I was being honest. Whereas, all my military superiors thought I was a wise-ass.

Over the past 14 years, since Pete and I worked together, I realize that I have calmed down a good bit. Politically, I have changed drastically. I read more now than ever. I don't blow my top like I used to.

To find a point in my latest ramble is difficult. I guess we all grow up at different rates. While I am sure I still have a good bit of growing up left to do, I don't think I am as bad as I used to be.

Oh, the other point is it's great to talk to old friends. They are like book marks that show you where you were and how far you have come.

Zeus Update: April 12, 2010

Right now the theater construction is finally moving along. We are about half way through the footer stage, and expect the outside walls to be up by mid-May. I am still shooting for an October 1, 2010 opening night. Much of that will require the contractors to work 6 days a week, but I keep telling them to make hay while the sun shines.

The process thus far has been smooth. That isn't to say that there haven't been surprises, though. Whenever you deal with dirt, there are always surprises. Sometimes you hit rock. Sometimes you hit mush. The only way to be sure is to core drill the entire site, but that gets pretty expensive too. I figure at some point, I am going to buy a core drill machine and just drill holes in my spare time.

The weather has finally turned nice. Once we get through the next two weeks, the weather won't affect us too much.

Zeus Update: April 3, 2010

We are finally under way with the construction. The weather has broken and we have enjoyed a full week of moving dirt to the pad. On Monday, we will begin the footers which will be a very nice thing.

In other news, the theater plans are pretty much complete. Steve will begin working on an employee handbook next week. I will be focused on getting the building up.

On the rest of the project, I have a feeling there are just too many signs. This week, I will be going "dark" on my marketing for the remaining commercial real estate. The signs have been up all through the recession, but I now feel it is time to take them down. If someone wants to buy or lease land from me, they will have to seek me out. I will no longer call these national companies and beg them to consider my property for their next expansion. If they are interested, then they can call me.

As for the rest of the timing, it looks like October 1, 2010 will be our grand opening. Once we get the building under roof, weather won't be a factor any longer. We should be able to work 6 days a week and finish everything on time.

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