T MINUS 196: Ms. Hamer, Ms. Hamer

I had lost my mojo there for a while...7 months needed for construction time, trouble getting the retainer fee for the securities attorney and a near-falling out with the closest things I've had to a best friend in 5 years. My stress level is high and so is my blood pressure I'm sure, my ears are constantly ringing and the strain in my shoulders will not go away. Can't get rid of this cough because my immune system is probably shot to pieces from all the ripping and running and I just can't seem to get enough sleep! I was starting to feel like Ms. Hamer, Fannie Lou...one of the female leaders of the Civil Rights Movement notably known for saying she was "sick and tired of being sick and tired."

I needed a shot in the arm- some juice, motivation, mojo, take your pick. Frustrated because I've done all I can do and my control over the progression of the project is dwindling day by day. And even more troubling than that is the fact that the progression of the project itself is dwindling day by day. I got that shot in the arm today though. I had the pleasure of sitting down with an architect to discuss the project, where I was with it and what steps I needed to complete next in order to move forward. I was excited about his insight on the City's Economic Development Council incentive programs along with the funds available through the Community Redevelopment Agency. He also gave me some insight on how to negotiate the asking price for the property that we're looking at for Concept (which he was familiar with).

He asked me what the timeline I was working with was and I told him that I honestly had no idea at this point. What was so amazing was that he understood the absolute necessity of me getting the products that he produces in order to secure my financing. He advised me of his industry's practice to typically do renderings last because of the need to get them as accurate as possible. I completely understand that! But he was also aware of the need to get those renderings in front of investors and bankers and I appreciate that even more.

The first place for us to start was to determine the scope of the project- how do you want it to look, what will go where, what don't you want in the establishment? Lucky for me, I've been working with a great architectural student from FAMU who has really helped me articulate my vision for Concept and what's even better is that he completed a summer internship with this particular firm a couple of years ago! The real shot in the arm came when he asked me if Emmanuel and I would be available to meet this afternoon...as in today! Like today today, T MINUS 196! He said that he and his staff would work on getting me everything I needed at cost within the next 2-4 weeks!

I think that shot in the arm I just got is healing me quickly, I don't feel so sick anymore and although I'm still a little tired, right now I'm glad that there is no rest for the weary!