It’s a funny thing.  How others regard us, and to what extent we allow that view to shape our actions, to determine who we become.  I’m obsessed with this new movie that’s being released in a few lucky cities across the country…Lady Bird. It’s Greta Gerwig’s directorial debut, and tells the story of a coming of age gal, working to figure out who she is, in the face of many people that seem to have decided for her, what she is, or is not going to become.  In speaking to one of the nuns in her catholic school she proclaims her interest in being a Math Olympiad, to which the nun responds – “but you’re not terribly good at math.”  Lady Bird’s brilliant quip – “that we know of …. yet”, to me expresses an admiral defiance.

Hanson Street before the start of construction.

That we know of yet – is what keeps me going.  I get asked frequently – “what number are you on now?”.  I’m on number 4.  A good number of people believe I’ve been on number 4 for far too long.  For those of you keeping track, I just passed the one year mark in this place, and for the record, it feels like a long time to me too.  They ask me if I think I’m going to make it to 10.

Digging in.

Activity, forward momentum, I thrive on motion.  Sitting still is not easy for me.  Sit I must though in order to ensure my plan moves forward thoughtfully.  As interested in achieving 10 as I am, and believe me when I tell you – I want that gold star for my dust covered effort, but I cannot lose site of the fact that I am not just building homes, I’m trying to built a stable financial future for myself.

Making it my own.

When all of the sawdust clears, and I turn the lights out, take a last look around, close and lock the door on 10, the real goal is to have a million in the bank account.  I’ve never been very good at math….I could stand to channel a little Lady Bird….that we know of … yet.

Sitting impatiently waiting for 5.