Depressing Day.
Feel like nothing can ever get accomplished. Feel like I'm in a dark tunnel. Worried about personal finances.
Day 44
Today, I, Anna (Ben's wife) will be blogging, because Ben wanted a break.
The last few days, I've been researching what Time Trails needs to sell securities to investors. Basically, it's like selling stock. I've never done any work in this area before, so I was overwhelmed a bit with trying to find this information. Thankfully, Debbie pointed me to the U.S. Securities and Exchange website (www.sec.gov) where I could find the forms I needed. Reading that stuff is about as exciting as watching your fingernails grow.
So, that leads me to today's activities. I took the links and paperwork I found and studied them more closely. I took some notes and tried to decide what I thought might be relevant to Time Trails. I also did some research on the exponential growth of websites that Time Trails will be modeled after. Recorded some numbers, took more notes, etc. I also printed off a form that we'll need for the IRS.
It's strange that I enjoy doing this, but I love it! Hey, someone has to be the odd ball and gets satisfaction from the boring work.
Other than that, I played with Lily, complained about the hot weather, and wished that Ben didn't want to build my character by refusing to use the air conditioner. I curse hot weather...
Lily is the absolute highlight of my day. While Ben was practicing for a show he has Friday night, Lily screamed in my face. Finally after 30 minutes of this, I found out it was because she was hot. So what do people like to do when it's hot? What else but swim? Since we don't have a pool the next best thing is the bath tub. Or in Lily's case the kitchen sink. It's just her size, and I don't have to worry about her drowning quite so much as I might if she were in the bathtub.
Well, the cool water did the trick. Her screaming stopped as soon as I put her in the water. She splashed in the water for about 10 minutes and laughed and smiled. Oh she just melts my heart!
After that I introduced her to the best toys in the world: a pot and a wooden spoon. I remember using them as a drum set when I was a kid. She couldn't quite figure out how to use the spoon as a drumstick. Actually, she was using as it as a drumstick, but of the chicken variety not the musical instrument kind. However, she did realize that she could beat on the pot with her hand and make a pretty cool rhythm. (As an after thought, I realized that I might regret introducing this to her someday...)
Ben came home, fed Lily her bottle, and she fell asleep in his arms.
Now I'm ready for bed...I really hope it's not too hot tonight.
The last few days, I've been researching what Time Trails needs to sell securities to investors. Basically, it's like selling stock. I've never done any work in this area before, so I was overwhelmed a bit with trying to find this information. Thankfully, Debbie pointed me to the U.S. Securities and Exchange website (www.sec.gov) where I could find the forms I needed. Reading that stuff is about as exciting as watching your fingernails grow.
So, that leads me to today's activities. I took the links and paperwork I found and studied them more closely. I took some notes and tried to decide what I thought might be relevant to Time Trails. I also did some research on the exponential growth of websites that Time Trails will be modeled after. Recorded some numbers, took more notes, etc. I also printed off a form that we'll need for the IRS.
It's strange that I enjoy doing this, but I love it! Hey, someone has to be the odd ball and gets satisfaction from the boring work.
Other than that, I played with Lily, complained about the hot weather, and wished that Ben didn't want to build my character by refusing to use the air conditioner. I curse hot weather...
Lily is the absolute highlight of my day. While Ben was practicing for a show he has Friday night, Lily screamed in my face. Finally after 30 minutes of this, I found out it was because she was hot. So what do people like to do when it's hot? What else but swim? Since we don't have a pool the next best thing is the bath tub. Or in Lily's case the kitchen sink. It's just her size, and I don't have to worry about her drowning quite so much as I might if she were in the bathtub.
Well, the cool water did the trick. Her screaming stopped as soon as I put her in the water. She splashed in the water for about 10 minutes and laughed and smiled. Oh she just melts my heart!
After that I introduced her to the best toys in the world: a pot and a wooden spoon. I remember using them as a drum set when I was a kid. She couldn't quite figure out how to use the spoon as a drumstick. Actually, she was using as it as a drumstick, but of the chicken variety not the musical instrument kind. However, she did realize that she could beat on the pot with her hand and make a pretty cool rhythm. (As an after thought, I realized that I might regret introducing this to her someday...)
Ben came home, fed Lily her bottle, and she fell asleep in his arms.
Now I'm ready for bed...I really hope it's not too hot tonight.
Day 43
I'm going to take a break from my regular blogging (not that it is regular in any way...) and focus on the amazing exploits and adventures of one of my closest friends, Josh Moore.
The reason I am writing about Josh is because he arrived in Africa today. This isn't odd - Josh has spent the last 4 summers traveling across the continent. However, for the first time Josh is participating in a distinguished cross cultural Language program. After beating out thousands of applicants, Josh was selected to stay in Cairo, to be immersed in the Arabic language and culture. This is an amazing accomplishment!!
So, Josh will spend the next 8 weeks in Egypt as he attempts to become fluent in Arabic. He is already conversational, but Im sure when he comes back his fluency will have increased exponentially.
Josh exemplifies what it means to be a true friend. He is 100% percent grounded in Integrity, Character, and Idealism. An all around athlete, Josh was once a Muay Thai champion, BMX biker, and nationally recognized Dancer - however, he has put those amazing talents on the back burner to focus on furthering his intellectual pursuits.
His true passion is experiencing and learning about the beautiful and diverse cultures scattered across the earth, with a special interest in the Near East and Africa. He has an uncanny ability to translate his experiences into poetry and writing - exemplified in his often updated website blog:
My roommate this past spring, Josh is one of the few people I've ever met who share my passion for travel and adventure. In fact - it was several years ago the Josh himself encouraged me to follow my dreams and just "leave" - leading to my first amazing overseas adventure in Ukraine. I've been hooked ever since.
Since then, Josh has continued his escapades across the remote deserts of Africa. I LOVE his mantra when it comes to TRUE ADVENTURE TRAVELING. From Indiana Josh himself:
However, its the Treks and Journeys we've taken together over the past few years that have been the highlight of our friendship - we leave society behind and embark into the remoteness and serenity of nature. Some of our journeys include:
Near the summit of one of the highest peaks in the United States
Dangerous waterfalls in the Ozarks. (If you don't think this waterfall looks intimidating - look at the next picture)
Yeah. It's the same waterfall. Josh and I survived a Flash Flood that ravaged the Canyon we were in.
A Kayak Adventure down the Arkansas River. Winter was coming on - cold conditions.
Stranded in the New Mexico Wilderness
The reason I am writing about Josh is because he arrived in Africa today. This isn't odd - Josh has spent the last 4 summers traveling across the continent. However, for the first time Josh is participating in a distinguished cross cultural Language program. After beating out thousands of applicants, Josh was selected to stay in Cairo, to be immersed in the Arabic language and culture. This is an amazing accomplishment!!
So, Josh will spend the next 8 weeks in Egypt as he attempts to become fluent in Arabic. He is already conversational, but Im sure when he comes back his fluency will have increased exponentially.
Josh exemplifies what it means to be a true friend. He is 100% percent grounded in Integrity, Character, and Idealism. An all around athlete, Josh was once a Muay Thai champion, BMX biker, and nationally recognized Dancer - however, he has put those amazing talents on the back burner to focus on furthering his intellectual pursuits.
His true passion is experiencing and learning about the beautiful and diverse cultures scattered across the earth, with a special interest in the Near East and Africa. He has an uncanny ability to translate his experiences into poetry and writing - exemplified in his often updated website blog:
My roommate this past spring, Josh is one of the few people I've ever met who share my passion for travel and adventure. In fact - it was several years ago the Josh himself encouraged me to follow my dreams and just "leave" - leading to my first amazing overseas adventure in Ukraine. I've been hooked ever since.
Since then, Josh has continued his escapades across the remote deserts of Africa. I LOVE his mantra when it comes to TRUE ADVENTURE TRAVELING. From Indiana Josh himself:
"Forget all the conventional wisdom of traveling; it just doesn't apply here. One-way tickets, a rucksack with only the bare necessities, a sleeping bag, and a sense of adventure are the only things I travel with. I travel rough, I travel dirty. I've explored the world living off of nothing more than a handful of cash and the contents in my backpack. I've climbed mountains in Africa, jumped off waterfalls in Morocco, gotten totally lost and crossed into hostile territories with rebels and civil wars, trekked through the Sahara Desert with Bedouin nomads, and explored the Middle East by foot, camel, donkey, bike, car, bus, train, and plane. I've been through bustling markets and bazaars, jungles and rainforests, deserts larger than the entire United States, medieval imperial cities, ancient ruins, tribal villages, and that's just for starters..."
However, its the Treks and Journeys we've taken together over the past few years that have been the highlight of our friendship - we leave society behind and embark into the remoteness and serenity of nature. Some of our journeys include:
Insane Waterfalls deep in the Mountains of Colorado (Check out the Video for the complete experience!)
Near the summit of one of the highest peaks in the United States
Dangerous waterfalls in the Ozarks. (If you don't think this waterfall looks intimidating - look at the next picture)
Yeah. It's the same waterfall. Josh and I survived a Flash Flood that ravaged the Canyon we were in.
A Kayak Adventure down the Arkansas River. Winter was coming on - cold conditions.
Stranded in the New Mexico WildernessAs you can see, our adventures never end. We have plotted and planned many trips to come in the future. Of course, we have to find a way to squeeze them in between work, school, travel, and taking over the world. But when you live every day with the expectation that that day might be your last - the time suddenly opens up.
Our motto is a quote from one of our favorite authors, Ralph Waldo Emerson:
Our motto is a quote from one of our favorite authors, Ralph Waldo Emerson:
Always Do What You Are Afraid To Do.
I encourage every person who reads this blog to visit Josh's site. You will be instantly hooked to his prose, his pictures, and his unshakable idealism that the world is ours to explore and to become one with. You can donate money to support his travels (He has been known to live on around a dollar a day in his most extreme ruck-sacking) so something small goes a long way. Not to mention, his writing is so captivating I have no doubt that someday it will be published media. (Not that Josh cares about things like that in the least)
We wish him luck in Cairo and hope he comes back safe. Of course, when he does come back it will only be for a short time. To Josh, a new day means more than a different tie to wear to work. A new day means a new mountain to climb, a new river to navigate, a new culture to explore, a new language to learn, and a new road to travel.
From all of us at Time Trails - Carry On.
I will finish the post with a recent poem Josh composed about his love of the Sahara Desert, a poem called "I Followed the Open Desert".
We wish him luck in Cairo and hope he comes back safe. Of course, when he does come back it will only be for a short time. To Josh, a new day means more than a different tie to wear to work. A new day means a new mountain to climb, a new river to navigate, a new culture to explore, a new language to learn, and a new road to travel.
From all of us at Time Trails - Carry On.
I will finish the post with a recent poem Josh composed about his love of the Sahara Desert, a poem called "I Followed the Open Desert".
I followed the open desert to find
the greatest temple hidden in the palms
of my heart; I sat and considered
how honey gold hills, burnt brown
by seering sun, bled alms of thanks
to my shade.
Brown phallic mountains thrust upward
in cobalt sky, giving birth
to conscience-shackled stillborn clouds
storing drought for a rain that will never come--
unleashing deprivation upon desert
and deserting those who walk in faith and color
and light.
I left the suffering desert to find
the greatest pain burned in the ruins
of my heart; hear my hollowing mind--
how weeping clouds give birth to Life.
the greatest temple hidden in the palms
of my heart; I sat and considered
how honey gold hills, burnt brown
by seering sun, bled alms of thanks
to my shade.
Brown phallic mountains thrust upward
in cobalt sky, giving birth
to conscience-shackled stillborn clouds
storing drought for a rain that will never come--
unleashing deprivation upon desert
and deserting those who walk in faith and color
and light.
I left the suffering desert to find
the greatest pain burned in the ruins
of my heart; hear my hollowing mind--
how weeping clouds give birth to Life.
Day 42
Today I worked on some artwork for a Christian Band called One Truth.
Clay called in the afternoon so we talked for a long time. Anna and Melanie went to a church function in the evening, I stayed home and worked on music. Watched the NBA finals.
Has anyone read the book Conversations with God? Very intriguing.
Mostly, this Sunday was steady and calm. Just like I like them.
Clay called in the afternoon so we talked for a long time. Anna and Melanie went to a church function in the evening, I stayed home and worked on music. Watched the NBA finals.
Has anyone read the book Conversations with God? Very intriguing.
Mostly, this Sunday was steady and calm. Just like I like them.
Day 41
Saturday.
I can't speak for Dad. But I can speak for me.
I was very lazy today. Relaxed. Shot some basketball. Watched an episode of Man Vs Wild and Survivorman. Played some Tiger Woods PGA Tour 07. Took a Nap. Played with Lily. Composed some music.
Happy times.
I can't speak for Dad. But I can speak for me.
I was very lazy today. Relaxed. Shot some basketball. Watched an episode of Man Vs Wild and Survivorman. Played some Tiger Woods PGA Tour 07. Took a Nap. Played with Lily. Composed some music.
Happy times.
Day 40
Is it really day 40?
Wow. I think in some cultures thats a milestone. haha. I dont know which one.
Eric and his wife Oggie
Dad and I met at Chipotle for lunch. We were meeting with a former colleague of mine named Eric. Eric is business savvy, young, enthusiastic entrepreneur. After several years in the navy, he is finishing up his business degree at WSU and is interested in joining Time Trails. We met for about 3 hours and discussed the future plans and current logistics of the project. It is good to have Eric working with us, especially as we encounter several intense business issues that he can help with immediately. Remember Dad and I are self taught in business - Eric has a degree in it. So that is good.
Eric actually has several good ideas himself for new inventions. Maybe in the future those can come to reality.
I went back home and worked on some business documents. Worked on a new Piano song friday night. I'm tentatively calling the song "The Alchemist".
Wow. I think in some cultures thats a milestone. haha. I dont know which one.
Eric and his wife Oggie
Dad and I met at Chipotle for lunch. We were meeting with a former colleague of mine named Eric. Eric is business savvy, young, enthusiastic entrepreneur. After several years in the navy, he is finishing up his business degree at WSU and is interested in joining Time Trails. We met for about 3 hours and discussed the future plans and current logistics of the project. It is good to have Eric working with us, especially as we encounter several intense business issues that he can help with immediately. Remember Dad and I are self taught in business - Eric has a degree in it. So that is good.
Eric actually has several good ideas himself for new inventions. Maybe in the future those can come to reality.
I went back home and worked on some business documents. Worked on a new Piano song friday night. I'm tentatively calling the song "The Alchemist".
(Karl adds...)
Afternoon - we engineered a three-way call to Tom Moore, the SCORE advisor I met last week in Denver. He had read our business plan, and had some excellent comments and recommendations. He also has the perception that we must find investors, that there is virtually no prospect of a lending scenario. Tom seemed to like the idea itself - he recommended using much stronger "big deal" wording in the executive summary, partly, it seemed, because whereas we had wanted a buttoned-down banker summary, he wanted an explosive first-impression investor summary. So he made lots of suggestions that basically echoed our best arguments for the business and put them front and center.
Tom also corrected and realigned our financials away from a loan and into a stock-holding investment scenario. This area is still a little hazy - especially how we plan to sell stock to investors, but apparently we are about to learn. All in all, our Denver contact with Tom was an important and productive one, reinforcing our impression that there is an amazing depth and quality of free busines counseling out there, waiting for good people to stumble in the door and avail themselves of it!
Day 39
Thursday.
Day started early with our meeting at the Kansas Small Business Development Center. To get a one on one counseling session with an advisor, we had to jump through several hoops - going to seminars and filling out paperwork and getting placed and then matching with an advisor. A week and a half process....
Anyway, our mentor was a guy named Ken Elliott. Dad and I met with him from 9:00 to 10:30. Overall it was a good meeting. We didnt discuss the business itself, just the necessary financial and business oriented step we needed to be exploring in the coming weeks. Very positive, very helpful.
The funny thing here was that after the meeting, Dad asked Ken if they knew each other. It turns out, Ken and Dad grew up on the SAME street when they were kids. In fact, Ken was very close friends with my mom Virginia. After the meeting I gave mom a call and asked if she remembered this guy - of course she did. What a strange coincidence!!!
Dad and I had a coffee break at starbucks. He then departed back to the farm and I left for Fidelity Bank. Had a good meeting with a wonderful woman named Suzy, she was very cool. Even though she wasn;t the loan officer, just the branch manager, I'm glad we met - perhaps she will be a good contact down the road if we need one.
Then I left for west wichita for a meeting at Commerce. Had some time to spare so I stopped at Marble Slab Creamery. I noticed right away the lady working there had a northern accent, so, as I often do in public places, turned on my own accent - in this case a heavy Wisconsin accent.
I mentioned her accent reminded me of central Wisconsin. Dead on. She was from a town not far from where my bro Clay lives now. So I got to practice my accent on her, she took it hook line and sinker. Funny thing is I never got any icecream, just an empty cone. I dont know why...well I do know. I wasnt that hungry.
Anyway, the meeting at Commerce was long. I will go back to them if needed. Collateral presented itself as a major issue. Again.
mmmm. Anna made a pesto pasta for dinner. Holy smokes it so good. I'm naming it "Pesta."
Day started early with our meeting at the Kansas Small Business Development Center. To get a one on one counseling session with an advisor, we had to jump through several hoops - going to seminars and filling out paperwork and getting placed and then matching with an advisor. A week and a half process....
Anyway, our mentor was a guy named Ken Elliott. Dad and I met with him from 9:00 to 10:30. Overall it was a good meeting. We didnt discuss the business itself, just the necessary financial and business oriented step we needed to be exploring in the coming weeks. Very positive, very helpful.
The funny thing here was that after the meeting, Dad asked Ken if they knew each other. It turns out, Ken and Dad grew up on the SAME street when they were kids. In fact, Ken was very close friends with my mom Virginia. After the meeting I gave mom a call and asked if she remembered this guy - of course she did. What a strange coincidence!!!
Dad and I had a coffee break at starbucks. He then departed back to the farm and I left for Fidelity Bank. Had a good meeting with a wonderful woman named Suzy, she was very cool. Even though she wasn;t the loan officer, just the branch manager, I'm glad we met - perhaps she will be a good contact down the road if we need one.
Then I left for west wichita for a meeting at Commerce. Had some time to spare so I stopped at Marble Slab Creamery. I noticed right away the lady working there had a northern accent, so, as I often do in public places, turned on my own accent - in this case a heavy Wisconsin accent.
I mentioned her accent reminded me of central Wisconsin. Dead on. She was from a town not far from where my bro Clay lives now. So I got to practice my accent on her, she took it hook line and sinker. Funny thing is I never got any icecream, just an empty cone. I dont know why...well I do know. I wasnt that hungry.
Anyway, the meeting at Commerce was long. I will go back to them if needed. Collateral presented itself as a major issue. Again.
mmmm. Anna made a pesto pasta for dinner. Holy smokes it so good. I'm naming it "Pesta."
Day 38
Well today was interesting.
We met with the Kansas Director of the SCORE offices, a man named Roger. He was a very nice guy who had good things to say about our project - mostly re-enforcing that it was an unbankable plan and needed to be financed by Investors - not bankers.
After the meeting Dad and Debby came back to the house to load up furniture from the office to take back to the farm until we secure our next temporary office space - likely OFFICETHIS on Harry St.
After Dad left, I continued on to a few more banks, going to UMB and the Bank of America. I had a bit of a rough experience at Bank of America. I went to lobby, asked to speak to a commercial loan officer. The teller had no clue who to send me to, so she told me to wait until the one other lady in the office was off the phone. I was finally told to go to the next floor up (this is a HUGE complex) where I talked to another receptionist. Finally, I was whisked away into another section of the bank before landing in someone's office. I asked if they in fact did start up loans and she said no. This is interesting because before I came to the bank, to not waste my time, I called them and asked if BOA did small business start up loans. She said they "certainly do! Is there anything else I could help you with today sir?? :)"
She was wrong. Waste of time. Waste of 2 dollars in the parking garage.
However, as I was exiting the bank, I bumped into my old boss Verell. He is now working as the show room manager at Scott Rice office furniture. He invited me to come back to his office where we caught up for a while. It was a good meeting - the funny thing is 3 of his co-workers are from whitewater. Josh Wuthrich, his dad, and a man named Lauren Theissen. In fact, the Wuthrichs once lived in the house just down the road from the Farm (where the Cron's live now). So that was a weird connection.
Anyway, Verell and I had a great meeting. It was good to see him again.
After that, I went to a Credit Union to check on some contacts, made a new one, and got my foot in the door with a manager at Fidelity. So, overall productive day.
We met with the Kansas Director of the SCORE offices, a man named Roger. He was a very nice guy who had good things to say about our project - mostly re-enforcing that it was an unbankable plan and needed to be financed by Investors - not bankers.
After the meeting Dad and Debby came back to the house to load up furniture from the office to take back to the farm until we secure our next temporary office space - likely OFFICETHIS on Harry St.
After Dad left, I continued on to a few more banks, going to UMB and the Bank of America. I had a bit of a rough experience at Bank of America. I went to lobby, asked to speak to a commercial loan officer. The teller had no clue who to send me to, so she told me to wait until the one other lady in the office was off the phone. I was finally told to go to the next floor up (this is a HUGE complex) where I talked to another receptionist. Finally, I was whisked away into another section of the bank before landing in someone's office. I asked if they in fact did start up loans and she said no. This is interesting because before I came to the bank, to not waste my time, I called them and asked if BOA did small business start up loans. She said they "certainly do! Is there anything else I could help you with today sir?? :)"
She was wrong. Waste of time. Waste of 2 dollars in the parking garage.
However, as I was exiting the bank, I bumped into my old boss Verell. He is now working as the show room manager at Scott Rice office furniture. He invited me to come back to his office where we caught up for a while. It was a good meeting - the funny thing is 3 of his co-workers are from whitewater. Josh Wuthrich, his dad, and a man named Lauren Theissen. In fact, the Wuthrichs once lived in the house just down the road from the Farm (where the Cron's live now). So that was a weird connection.
Anyway, Verell and I had a great meeting. It was good to see him again.
After that, I went to a Credit Union to check on some contacts, made a new one, and got my foot in the door with a manager at Fidelity. So, overall productive day.
Day 37
Mid-day Tuesday right now. Have lots of paperwork that needs to be done, mostly loan work and business plan appendices.
My extreme sunburn transitioned into the "severe itch" stage. Around 8 last night the itch started and lasted all night long. I did not go to sleep once - so am trying to work through the dizzying sensation today. I hope it goes away before tomorrow morning because Dad and I have an important meeting with the District Director of SCORE.
My extreme sunburn transitioned into the "severe itch" stage. Around 8 last night the itch started and lasted all night long. I did not go to sleep once - so am trying to work through the dizzying sensation today. I hope it goes away before tomorrow morning because Dad and I have an important meeting with the District Director of SCORE.
Day 36
Ok. Its Monday. A new week of work. We are all very very excited about the Time Trails Project. Anna and I are going to the farm house this afternoon to work on business documents and paperwork grinding. Anna is making the transition to Time Trails Secretary....
Seriously though this sunburn hurts so bad I want to cry. I won't though - people might actually read this blog eventually.
Day 35
Sunday Relaxation.
Anna, Me, Tina, Justin, Abby, Lily, Alexis, and Judah all congregated at Uncle Craig and Aunt Jan's beautiful house for an afternoon of swimming and hamburgers.
Uncle Craig and Aunt Jan - Party Time.
Can it get any better than that?!
For dinner we all met up at Redrock Canyon Grill with Dad and Debby. Thunderstorm raged through the city and we were on the patio - it was awesome.
Anna, Me, Tina, Justin, Abby, Lily, Alexis, and Judah all congregated at Uncle Craig and Aunt Jan's beautiful house for an afternoon of swimming and hamburgers.
Uncle Craig and Aunt Jan - Party Time.
Can it get any better than that?!
For dinner we all met up at Redrock Canyon Grill with Dad and Debby. Thunderstorm raged through the city and we were on the patio - it was awesome.
PS - Tiger Woods is a freak of nature. Did anyone else see his approach on the 18th from 184 yards out? Excuse me while I throw up a little in my mouth.
Day 34
Saturday -
The Week had been long and stressful. Anna quit her job, and I had been running around to banks for several days, so we needed time to get out of the house.
We drove out to Whitewater and slept at the farm friday night, got up at 5 ish and drove out to Fall River near Eureka, KS for a day of fishing and swimming. After struggling to get a working pole, anna and lily took a nap on the shore bank while I swam down the river looking for a good hole. (I prefer swimming, holding my gear above my head because you dont have to navigate tricky banks and you get a good feel of water depth) Note - Where we were camping was not a public camp site. We literally drove through a field and navigated down a steep mud bank miles away from the road.
Anyway, I caught a small Drum Fish and took it back to Anna and Lily to get a picture with Lily and the fish - she was mad I woke her up :(
I saw several deer drinking from the water as I caught several more drum before deciding to go back to the girls. We made a fire and roasted some hotdogs and then went swimming in the calm water for an hour or so. Since Lily can now sit up on her own power, she just got into the water and played with the rocks.
It was such a great day!
The only real negative was that I got roasted by the sun. I hope in a few days i'll be able to put on a shirt again.....
The Week had been long and stressful. Anna quit her job, and I had been running around to banks for several days, so we needed time to get out of the house.
We drove out to Whitewater and slept at the farm friday night, got up at 5 ish and drove out to Fall River near Eureka, KS for a day of fishing and swimming. After struggling to get a working pole, anna and lily took a nap on the shore bank while I swam down the river looking for a good hole. (I prefer swimming, holding my gear above my head because you dont have to navigate tricky banks and you get a good feel of water depth) Note - Where we were camping was not a public camp site. We literally drove through a field and navigated down a steep mud bank miles away from the road.
Anyway, I caught a small Drum Fish and took it back to Anna and Lily to get a picture with Lily and the fish - she was mad I woke her up :(
I saw several deer drinking from the water as I caught several more drum before deciding to go back to the girls. We made a fire and roasted some hotdogs and then went swimming in the calm water for an hour or so. Since Lily can now sit up on her own power, she just got into the water and played with the rocks.
It was such a great day!
The only real negative was that I got roasted by the sun. I hope in a few days i'll be able to put on a shirt again.....
Day 33
From the Rocky Mountains (Karl): So this was an amazing couple days for me. I drove from Alamosa to Santa Fe New Mexico, down through the "closed basin" valley that is the upper Rio Grande - a beautiful scrub desert region cut by the spectacular canyon. I veered over to Taos, just for fun. It seemed a little over-rated, mostly tourists is what I remember seeing, but the scenery is fantastic.
As I approached brother Eric's place, I reflected on the essential travel secrets of penniless entrepreneurs I had learned so far:
- Rest Areas
- YMCA's
- Good Coffee Shops
- Friends
Without these I never would have survived so well. And unhurried travel. Time to reflect and sort things out. While good news kept pouring in from Ben in Wichita on business plan success, I rounded my own corner.
For the next couple days, visiting Eric, Roxann and Hannah (my father's widow), as well as seeing niece Emily and her friend Oliver, was just the best therapy. Their home outside Santa Fe, which Eric has built on as an addition to Hannah's compact adobe house, was familiarly restful, utilitarian, homy, and uniquely theirs in character. We talked a lot, and worked some (moving three yards of gravel by shovelfuls for the drive). We toured the historical museum and ate out with plenty of lively conversation. And in the end, they were, as if the last piece of the jigsaw got jiggled into place, ultimately able to unknot the rope that had so worried and harrassed me, and I drove home the next night freed up considerable.
*****************
(Ben)
Another Day another dollar. Back at the grind of the banks.
Commerce Bank = The officer wasn't there. Spoke to a nice teller manager and got some forms to fill out. Will follow up soon.
Fidelity Bank = Initially felt like I received a cold reaction. The lending floor was the 5th floor, but they didnt even get me up there. I spoke to someone who gave me lots of forms to fill out thinking that would keep away for a while. Wasn't too impressed, but will return with the paperwork to show them I'm not a pushover.
Emprise Bank = Wonderful meeting. Met with a top business banker, and was in the office for over an hour I believe. A very detailed, positive meeting. She is going to review the plan in great detail before contacting me next week for a possible follow up appointment. Arguably my most positive bank thus far.
Southwest National Bank = I new this conservative bank likely wouldnt lend to a tech startup, but wanted to go in anyway. The lender was very nice, politely told me his bank didn't do tech lending, but gave me the card of a technology based business advisor he thought I should meet with.
Well, it was nearly 4 oclock, but on whim called up this new contact and he was free for the afternoon so I drove to his office, was warmly welcomed by his receptionist (who doubled as a business colleague I believe) and went to a nice conference room. The man came in and we talked for nearly an hour about the project. Since I was thinking this guy was an advisor I wasn't in full "pitch" mode, but it was a professional environment and I think everything went well. He then asked me if I knew what he did, I said yeah - you're a business advisor for tech companies.
Haha. He told me he was in fact an Angel Investor.
???? What????
Yeah, an Angel Investor for tech companies exactly like myself. He seemed quite enthusiastic about the plan, and steered me onto the next stage of funding, which is form submission etc.
How exciting is that? An Angel Investor, unlike a bank, doesnt require you to pay them back for their initial investment, but in return expect to own a significant part of the stock and have a multi million dollar per year return.
I will continue paddling down this particular river while continuing my spree of bank visits. A trip to Kansas City is on the horizon, a trip to Denver is on the horizon - strictly business of course. Wichita doesnt have as many banks as those other places!
So an entirely positive day, I am super pumped up, and don't get in my way....I'm on a mission. To save the world, of course. Maybe from myself.
Day 32
They and their wives were very hospitable, and it was good to catch up with old friends. We had some deep conversations, like connective tissue, ranging from global events to food and child-rearing, from economic hardships to spiritual matters, and both gave me valuable input on the project and its presentation.
I have to describe Matt's "chow ranch" - a 40-acre patch of chico grass and loamy sand with a nice white house a few miles outside Alamosa, within sight of the Sangre de Christo mountains and the Great Sand Dunes. Matt keeps four large black Chows - dogs that have been genetically programmed to defend their owners and terrorize their owner's guests (or any non-friendly trespasser). So when Matt took me to look at the artesian wells on his property, he carefully penned the fearsome pack. But completely unknown to him, they were ready and willing to dig under the fence and teach me a lesson.
The Pack
We heard Matt's wife shouting something, and I was still wondering vaguely what could be up, but then I saw Matt get really serious really quick, trying to get between me and two hurtling black figures loping across the desert straight at me. This all took about 10 seconds. I tried to keep facing them and look fearless, but they skipped behind me and both these male dogs planted painful little nips "one-two" on my posterior. Then they stood back and gazed at me, complacently having made their point. The dogs didn't break skin and their bites were like power-pinches that smarted for an hour or so. Matt was very apologetic, but I told him the dogs were just doing exactly what they were bred to do, and I didn't mind the lesson they offered.
MEANWHILE IN WICHITA:
While Dad was crossing the beautiful mtns of Colorado, I (Ben) had the pleasure of scenic drives through downtown Wichita. :)
Thursday marked the official launch of the bank campaign, and I started strong - visiting Sunflower Bank, Intrust Bank, Bank of the West, and Meritrust Credit Union in Day 1. My meetings went well, and the dynamics were interesting. You have to understand that I don't especially look like the archtypical business student graduate kid. You know, I dont have an expensive suit, a fancy briefcase, perfectly trimmed short hair, and professionally binded documents. Instead, I have long wavy hair pulled back with khaki's and a button up shirt, a computer case, and paperwork in a manilla folder. I have to admit the initial impression isn't awe-inspiring - but thats the angle I want! (Am I foolish? TBD.)
You see, if someone won't give me the time of day for my hair, I don't want to meet them anyway. They may be sizing me up - but hey I can size them up too. They may be the ones giving the money but I don't care. I'm stubborn like that. Of course, there's more to it than that...You see, the SBA advisors told me my long hair and khaki look actually was better than the clean cut option because I exuded the look of the young, savy, web-smart up and coming generation of overnight millionaires that are sweeping the nation by storm via the power of the viral internet.
Sunflower Bank = He liked me, liked the plan, referred me to another SBA bank officer who was out of town.
Intrust Bank = Very nice guy, apologetic that he didn't think it would work in this economy, and was adamant my plan would not fly at his bank. Said we didnt have enough tangible collateral.
Bank of the West = Very enthusiastic about the plan. Wished his bank was less conservative. Gave me some good contacts, and even promised to do what he could with what I gave him. Very uplifting meeting.
Meritrust = A good meeting. She was a bit hard to read, but the meeting was long and she asked lots of questions and seemed to be impressed. Waiting on response from her, likely next week.
So, the first day was good. All 4 bankers commented that our business plan and financial preparedness was better than 95% of people who walk in the door. I guess 30 days straight of prepping those documents really helped out. I hope to continue my quest!
Notes = need to find 3rd party gaurantor to help secure tangible collateral and also investor for early stages of development while looking for large funding. WHEW!
Day 31
From Karl in Denver:
Oddly I am much more compulsive about the blog while on my mission to shake down the big city than when I was home. It's as if this activity is some mental and spiritual lifeline when everything else is so tenuous and uncertain.
Drove to the west end of Denver - Arvada, had a terrific and much needed shower at their very friendly YMCA,parked at the "Park and Ride" lot (for free) and took the express bus downtown ($3.50 one way) to avoid downtown parking.
I looked for a Daz Bog coffee shop, but went into a Starbucks instead. I needed to connect and check email. Mistake. It was a bust. No free wireless. Packed with obnoxious loud people full of themselves. Very frustrating.
I was walking down the 16th Street Mall, and met a middle age woman, well groomed and pleasant, selling papers to "help the homeless" and when she accosted me, I said "I'm homeless!" and passed her by quickly. I really felt bad - I don't usually fall for street vendors like that, but I also don't lie carelessly and contemptuously. I'm not homeless, I'm just hapless. I have a wonderful home and family waiting for me back in Whitewater USA. Why did I brush her off?
So I went farther and this feeling kept coming back. I had left bad energy with the exchange, and so much now hinges on positive. So I started wondering whether to act on that feeling and repair it. At that minute I spotted a Daz Bog with free WiFi. Before going in, I went to a machine and took out some cash, walked back to the homeless paper lady, and gave her a donation, and apologized. Things will start to look up, I'm sure. And here I am - blogging from Daz Bog.
Oh - the woman's name is Lovie, and she isn't exactly homeless either. She's praying for us.
Everything went well enough after Lovie. I spent some time at the Denver Library - they also have free WiFi. My meeting with Denver SBA advisor Tom Moore went well. He agreed with the other commercial lenders I talked to that Denver and the Front Range are deeply affected by the fallout from the "collapse" and will have a very hard time finding money for risky startups. I sensed an unreasoning fear running through our regional financial nerve center. Nevertheless, he agreed to look at the plan and offer whatever advise he could. I have nothing but praise for the SBA SCORE advisors we have encountered - if you are starting a business by all means seek them out!
I also encountered more kindnesses - I accidentally boarded the wrong bus and the driver took me several miles to my intended destination.
Day 30
From Karl: I am in Denver this morning. Slept fine in car. Raining all over. Found a Russian coffee shop downtown (Daz Bog) to look at email and blog. More later.
Here's the rest of the day, plus reflections: I drove from Daz Bog downtown, parked for $12, found a Kinkos which is now FedEx Office, and there I found everything ready to work - a laptop station, printers. I edited the business plan and printed three copies from the master, and Ben sent brand new Time Trails business card as pdf, and I had 20 made, then cut them by hand to save money - so they look ragged, just like me. I also talked to people on the phone - not really making a lot of progress, but pushing myself.
I was exhausted at 4:30 when I headed out of downtown. Right at rush hour. The traffic was so intense it just drained me - much worse because I was in a strange city and did not know where I was going. I literally drove in a huge loop around the city, looking for a spot to stop the car and sleep. I finally found a rest area at 10:30, and slept well even with a very cold early morning.
The interesting thing about that mammoth drive was how I kept second guessing myself. I had thought of driving to Summit County 80 miles west in the mountains to stay with old friend Ben's uncle Dave. But he didn't call back until late, and then we were both too tired to meet up. Ben recommended staying with Joe, who is a good family friend, a pastor now, and would have gladly given me a couch, I'm sure. But I was just too exhausted to call him. So I drove around trying to reduce the tension, which for me always means getting out of a busy city and into the countryside.
I kept driving off the hectic main channel roads and wandering around in small developments. One I liked was called Louvains, south of Denver. It exuded calm and peace - older houses well maintained, set in a beautiful mountain swale. I could have slept in the street, which looked very clean, with signs like "We have lots of children, and want to keep each one" here and there.
********
(Ben)
Moved out of the stables. I was sad to go but the business is moving in a new direction.
Day 29
Monday. Started fifth week of startup phase of Time Trails. We got through Ben and Anna's weekend, but there were fireworks all today rippling through the neighborhood, probably reflecting high levels of negative energy associated with the family rope being knotted too many times at the same place then pulled both ways too hard, but the good news is that miraculously everyone survived, more or less. So we have that going for us.
Anyway, in a surprise move to everyone including himself, Karl set out on a road trip to re-collect other friends and family not yet knotted in, and make parallel funding maneuvers with Ben's Wichita campaign. So everyone will pull together and try to manage a suddenly national corporate presence (ahmmm).
Watch for news of Karl's Don Quixote move, right here as we continue to count every day, and the adventure continues to evolve, or revolve, toward its ultimate outcome.
Day 28
Had a big breakfast with the Family. Uncle Paul and Aunt Julie were present. Except for a few more minor family squabbles it was a good relaxing morning.
Came back into Wichita and worked on some BP revisions, focusing mainly on competitors. Dad is working away at a sweat-equity page and a contract worker operational method.
BANK NEXT WEEK
Unless there is some sort of strange disaster of sorts nothing can derail us now as we sprint for the finish line of the preliminary race.
Came back into Wichita and worked on some BP revisions, focusing mainly on competitors. Dad is working away at a sweat-equity page and a contract worker operational method.
BANK NEXT WEEK
Unless there is some sort of strange disaster of sorts nothing can derail us now as we sprint for the finish line of the preliminary race.
Day 27
Saturday.
Ummm....busy day all around. Worked hard all day getting the ceremony put together.
It threatened to rain but not much actually came down.
Big Surprise = Grandpa Dave (Pops) came to kansas for the reception.
I think the party was a success except for a few minor family squabbles. Maybe Anna should fill in this section with more detail......
Business?? Told Uncle Craig and Jan about Time Trails. Always pitching!
Ummm....busy day all around. Worked hard all day getting the ceremony put together.
It threatened to rain but not much actually came down.
Big Surprise = Grandpa Dave (Pops) came to kansas for the reception.
I think the party was a success except for a few minor family squabbles. Maybe Anna should fill in this section with more detail......
Business?? Told Uncle Craig and Jan about Time Trails. Always pitching!
Day 26
Whew.....
Early morning, hot morning.
Dad, Justin, Clay, and myself hit the golf links early for some rough and tumble golf. After 16 holes tempers were flaring so we called it a tie and left.
Dad met Uncle Paul at the office...and then went back home.
I spent the afternoon building a basketball goal in my driveway. I'm quite proud of it!!
Early morning, hot morning.
Dad, Justin, Clay, and myself hit the golf links early for some rough and tumble golf. After 16 holes tempers were flaring so we called it a tie and left.
Dad met Uncle Paul at the office...and then went back home.
I spent the afternoon building a basketball goal in my driveway. I'm quite proud of it!!
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