Building Something Bigger
Long hours, great friends, and the first steps toward a new chapter.
After returning from Arizona and jumping straight into month-end, this past week felt like a sprint from start to finish.
The hours at my 9-to-5 were long. The inbox never seemed to slow down. Every time I thought I was getting caught up, another task found its way onto the list.
But underneath all of that was something different.
For the first time in a while, I’m genuinely excited about a project that sits outside my normal day-to-day work. It isn’t a weekend project. It isn’t something that will be finished next week. It’s the type of project that requires patience, consistency, and a willingness to build over time.
The funny thing is, I don’t see it as something that takes away from my career. I actually think it helps me become better at it.
I’ve realized that when all of my professional energy is tied to a single job, it’s easy to lose perspective. Having something creative, challenging, and completely my own gives me a place to learn, experiment, and grow. And if I’m being honest, I think it will help me be more present both at work and at home.
Jasper helps with that.
My partner helps with that.
But I also need something that challenges me professionally and keeps me excited about what’s next.
I think this project might be the beginning of that.
What exactly is it?
You’ll have to stick around a little longer to find out.
Outside of work, Saturday ended up becoming one of those unexpectedly memorable days.
We hosted dinner for some of our closest friends. It wasn’t planned as a Pride Month gathering, but by coincidence every guest happened to be part of the LGBTQIA+ community. What could have been just another dinner turned into an evening filled with laughter, stories, great conversations, and the kind of connection that reminds you why friendships matter.
My partner absolutely crushed it in the kitchen.
The food was incredible.
The company was even better.
And Jasper? He was living his best life.
One of our friends absolutely adores kids, and before long Jasper had someone new to chase around the house. The amount of running, laughing, and playing that happened was enough to wear out almost everyone involved.
Almost.
Somehow toddlers always seem to have another gear.
By Sunday, things finally slowed down.
After our last guest headed home, my partner and I found ourselves doing something we haven’t done much of lately: relaxing.
Not because there wasn’t work to do.
Not because there weren’t projects waiting.
But because sometimes you need a moment to appreciate where you are before worrying about where you’re going.
And with a big week ahead at both work and with this new project, it felt like exactly what we needed.
The Arizona trip gave me perspective.
This weekend gave me momentum.
And if I’m right about where this project is headed, this may be the beginning of something much bigger than I originally imagined.
Stay tuned. 🚀
The best adventures don’t always start with a plane ticket. Sometimes they start with an idea you simply refuse to let go.