I promised my friend Ramana to lay out those positive, creative things I'm involved with that are keeping me occupied right now. So, here goes a shot at it:
The above picture is of a new, proprietary product that a group of us are developing primarily for businesses. I don't want to be very descriptive since we have all promised to keep the lid on it at this developmental stage, but we have gathered a nice collection of media specialists and educational experts in collaboration. My part is the development of the processes that will deliver information in a new way that blends needs. What you see above is one of many flowcharts that I am currently working on.
I am really finding it exciting to be working with some of the quality thinkers around me. If we succeed, it could really improve educational processes across large corporations and we have some large corporations very interested. If it succeeds, it could also be an income stream that continues into my retirement and that might allow me to come to exotic places like Ireland or India!
The second project taking a very large amount of my time is the development of software to allow input of orders into a computer system that generates bills of materials, assembly diagrams, accounting needs, etc., for a new type of lighting product that is taking off like wildfire:
http://www.finelite.com/products/serieshp4-id-overview/
Essentially, we are needing to develop a custom autocad system that can allow sales to input an order in three dimensions and they told me yesterday that if I can put in 50 hours a week, they would accept it. It will occupy me projected pretty much through October and my other customers don't go away. And they have another product needing development right after this one!
At the same time, I am working with another company to enhance order processing from 8 different internet sources and communication with a newly installed accounting system on a SQL Server.
Usually, I tell you about my family and the exciting and involving developments there. Now, you know another side of the picture. It is kind of holding some of my LBC interactions down, but I am still able to faithfully post each Friday at least. I find time to read. I find time spend with my wife. I find time to walk. I find time to talk each evening with my daughter or my mother or my friend going through trying times or ... on and on. The good part is that it is all positive, creative, growing and flourishing.
I'm a busy and very lucky man!
Although I do not fully understand it, the opportunity and work sound exciting. I wish you well with this project, even if it keeps you away from us ( may not be a bad thing!) for some months.
ReplyDeleteI totally disagree with Grannymar: Anything keeping you away would be A VERY BAD thing indeed.To be stamped upon before it has a chance to grow another head.
ReplyDeleteOther than that, Conrad: Yes. Exciting. And you know what: I don't normally go for insider lingo but do adore the implied optimism of "Flow Chart". The flow, well, flowing. Can't get more uplifting than that.
U
Ramana is impressed. He does not understand the technicalese, but certainly senses the pride in the contribution you are making to a team effort and though I don't quite know if that is what Ursula meant, I do believe that you are in the flow and for that, I congratulate you.
ReplyDelete"Creating a life that reflects your values and satisfies your soul is a rare achievement. In a culture that relentlessly promotes avarice and excess as the good life, a person happy doing his own work is usually considered an eccentric, if not a subversive. Ambition is only understood if it's to rise to the top of some imaginary ladder of success. Someone who takes an undemanding job because it affords him the time to pursue other interests and activities is considered a flake. A person who abandons a career in order to stay home and raise children is considered not to be living up to his potential – as if a job title and salary are the sole measure of human worth. You'll be told in a hundred ways, some subtle and some not, to keep climbing, and never be satisfied with where you are, who you are, and what you're doing. There are a million ways to sell yourself out, and I guarantee you'll hear about them.
To invent your own life's meaning is not easy, but it's still allowed, and I think you'll be happier for the trouble."
~ Bill Waterson of Calvin And Hobbs fame.
I do get the feeling that you have invented your own life's meaning and are happier for the trouble.
@Grannymar
ReplyDeleteIt is just great to be doing something interesting and enjoyable while still forwarding the life you share with the mate you love!
@Ursula
ReplyDeleteIt won't keep me away, just keep me from being obsessed, LOL! I won't go away.
@Rummuser
ReplyDeleteThe team effort is the key. On both fronts, it is so rewarding to create with others. It is very fulfilling!
@Rummuser
ReplyDeletePS As you and I both know, one of the great beauties of having your own business is the opportunity to align it with your life's individual values and priorities as only you can perceive. It is a gift if successful.