Playing a game of foursquare in our office with my dad, mom and brother.

It’s been one year. It’s been one year since Flash left his high paying corporate job with killer benefits. And the best part is we’re still here. I can still remember the few agonizing months (thanks to Ali and Mindy who answered my texts and met me for tea) leading up to November 1, 2011. That was officially his last day. I got cold fee, I think he must have too, I’d wake up in a panic thinking “what if” this and “what if that.” It had to stop. What kind of way is that to live. I remember back when the real estate market took a dump and a mortgage friend said to us, “what’s the worst that could happen”, about a property we owned. The worst thing we all decided on the phone was foreclosure. Yeah that would suck, but we’d still be here, we’d have each other and we’d eventually bounce back. We never did foreclose, but those words stuck with me forever. WHAT’S THE WORST THAT COULD HAPPEN.

So when the cold feet days came around, I’d think to myself, what’s the worst that could happen. I’d talk through that exact point with a few close friends and family. We had a plan b and it made all of the difference in the world. Day two came and went, week two came and went, month 2 came and went – we were making it work. We still haven’t had to pull the cord on plan b. This last year may not have been the most comfortable financially or for our marriage, but you only get one shot in this lifetime. And you better believe the crazy type a personality (that’s me) planned like crazy financially to make this happen. It took years of saving and getting comfortable with this decision.

To round out the year we were both reminded on how precious life is. We lost a loved one a few weeks ago that shook the entire family. Every morning for the last 2 weeks I’ve woken up thinking about it and the amazing legacy and family he left behind. But then my two feet touch the ground, my pug follows me to the bathroom, I take a shower, I walk out my front door and I walk hand in hand to my office with my best friend and business partner and I think to myself, how many people get to say that.

You get one shot. Make it count. Do something today that others won’t, I promise it will change your life. Share that first step you’ve taken.

Last Friday morning I laid awake in bed for 2 hours. It was still dark out, so I think it must have been 4:30 or 5am. Half of the time I just laid there cuddling my pug. And then, I actually considered calling in sick to work. What the “F”? What’s even funnier, I’m the boss.

I managed to walk my pathetic self to the kitchen and make an espresso and then sat on the couch with my iPad. A few clicks later I found myself reading this post - the grand pep talk: decide to rise (refer to this when in doubt, or sick & tired.)

What was my deal? The day before someone looked me in the eyes and said, “take a break, start a different business, maybe this isn’t the one, leave it behind.” Me, blank stare and silence.

Looking back it’s always easier to think of what I would have liked to say. Next time, “well, I’m sorry you feel that way, but I’m not giving up.” Thanks mom, you taught me that simple one liner and I swear I’m gonna use it.

MIND: Most days as an entrepreneur are exhilarating and exciting. Sometimes I catch myself grinning and get a feeling of being overjoyed. By what? The fact that I chose this path and that I am truly in control of my own destiny. However a few weeks back (I had to go back to Facebook to remember) the last week of June to be exact, I let the pains of entrepreneurship get the best of me. Which is one of the reasons why I’ve chosen to blog or at least keep it updated. I want and need to journal through these moments, learn from them and become stronger rather than just forgetting what happened or ignoring the pain. I finally remembered what threw me of course that week. I was down on myself for not hitting sales numbers and what started in a calm conversation with my business partner ended in a stream of tears. Feeling sorry for myself, maybe? But there’s just not time for that. Yes, we all need to give ourselves those days, but I need to be able to bounce back from adversity – quicker. I told myself that I would figure out ways to endure the crazy days better, and that’s exactly what I sought out to do.

BODY: July 13th marked a big day. I began crossfit training. I downloaded the Nike training app and soon became addicted. Why? Because I’m competitive and the app allows me to earn badges and unlock bonus workouts. The best part was showing my husband the bonus Hope Solo workout I unlocked. Double bonus. I know that I’m a person who needs fitness or sports in their life. Nearly 2 months later I’ve lost 10 pounds. I feel great and am on my way to feeling amazing. I’ve been running. Oh wait, let me back up. My husband has been training me to run. I hated running, I never ran in high school and couldn’t even fathom finishing a 1 mile run without stopping. But I love sports and working out, so I knew that I just needed to give it a try. Now I can run a 10 min mile and run 3 miles in a row without stopping. I think the all consuming 2012 Summer Olympics viewing obsession helped kicked me into gear. Thanks Hope Solo. I think I need to reward myself so when I’ve been on this fitness path for 4-6 straight months I can really celebrate.

SOUL: We always kid and joke about playing hooky during a work week. I always say to my husband, “let’s wake up tomorrow and spontaneously decide we’re going to the beach all day.” Well, we’re going to Disneyland. I can’t remember a time we played hooky mid week and I’m just so damn excited.