Transplantation

Exactly 10 days ago, I packed up and left the place I've called "The Crib" all 28 years of my life. I'd be lying if I said it wasn't an emotional experience. The motions I went through the last few days prior to departure were crazy. However, everything that has occurred since I reached my new locational canvas of adventure has affirmed my decision. All the ups and downs of trying to pull it off were certainly worth it.

Now, the desert is home. The city of Phoenix is really growing on me. Although I've visited many times, it just hitting me that this is home... and I'm super excited to be stepping out of my comfort zone in a place that has many opportunities that I like to offer. The people are pure comedy: they bring out the heavy artillery of coats and boots for 65 degree weather. I've gotten some stares for wearing shorts, but folks would be on the beach if it were 65 in Chicago right now (LOL). 

Still maneuver through the higher education landscape, although I'm doing something completely different that shall be an interesting test. Still have plans to delivery great product through Honorable Mention (setting up shop, 2019 here we come). Still tuned into getting my golf game back right, in the perfect place to do so. Always remaining true to everything someone has taught me or I've taught myself, no matter what the address is. 

I have the best companion ever to get after the good, the bad, and the ugly with. Very, very happy we're here. Overly proud of us. 

Before I end, I just want say that if you're waiting to "be ready" for a major shift in your life, chances are your mind will play tricks on you and you'll never actually feel prepared. The high power got you, though. Your real family got you, too (even if they don't show it at first). Most importantly, you got you.

Podcast... Currently obsessed with podcast.

Lately, I've been very conscientious about what I take in... in all forms. Being that everything you interact with shapes you in some way, it's our responsibility to form a database of information that leads us in a positive direction. For me, my daily commute is long. Like, two hours each way long. Does the grind get annoying from time to time? Yes. Despite the challenge, I view my commute (mostly train, some walking) as an educational opportunity. I've began listening to less music that really isn't contributing to what I'm working towards, and focusing time on material that opens my mind and builds me up. 


With that being said, let's talk about podcast. Not sure if I'm late or early (I'm usually late), but there's a few podcast I think would be beneficial to any young person navigating their way through adulthood. Here are my top three in current rotation:

• Short Story Long: If you didn't watch Rob & Big at some point from 2006-08, what happened? Rob Dyrdek's cousin, Chris Pfaff (better known as Drama), turns out to be quite the entrepreneur. Along with being the founder and CEO of Young & Reckless Clothing, he host a weekly show entitled Short Story Long interviewing a who's who of individuals excelling in their chosen fields. It's overwhelmingly inspiring, and tangible jews are shared that are applicable to whatever you're into. I haven't heard one negative vibe yet. This is my morning go-to and helps me understand that the process is a process that has to be cultivated and loved. 

• How I Built This: I was put on notice of How I Built This around the time of Kate Spade's death. Her interview alongside her husband detailed where it all started (literally trappin' out of a tiny apartment, boxes everywhere), and is a testament that consistency matched with an all-in approach will get you where you desire to be. The episode with Daymond John (founder of FUBU) is a beautifully put together. A good "just get started" lesson. No one has it figured out at the beginning.

• Stacking Benjamins: Are you looking for a quality resource in terms of money management and investing? Listen to this! Great advice. Great principles. Even better guest. Comedy is even brought into the mix when money is often looked upon as no laughing matter. Very good work, Joe Saul-Sehy and OG. Disclaimer: I find the show is very ad heavy, but I'm not hating on them paying the bills. We are talking money, right?

The list can go on for eternity, but this is my staple collection right now. Let me know if they help spark some ideas! 

If it's not on my calendar, I'm not doing it.

Really, really. It's crazy how our electronic, synced to multiple devices calendar apparatus has become an extension of our minds. Or is it just me? I certainly feel bad when telling someone I'll attend this or that, only to forget placing it on my calendar, thus forgetting my word to said person. And, you know what? I used to feel slighted when someone gave me the same excuse (for lack of a better word). It indeed isn't an excuse, but rather the truth. A piece of material that weights 4-5 ounces literally tells us where to go, how to get there, and what we will be doing when we get there. Wow. Pretty neat when you really think about it. Being a part of the generation just before smartphones kind of makes me feel bad about the position we're in. Life seemed less complicated then. These days, daily planners just sit on shelves, waiting to go on sale. What a dismal, slow death at the hands of the digital lifestyle. 

And to think, as I'm writing this feeling bad for nostalgic reasons, I instinctively pick up my iPhone, open the Calendar app (after unlocking phone with my face), and smile at the day I have lined up with all the specifics detailed properly. The little things.