Well, the sun's up, and the day calls for work. I have a 10am interview with Aces Jiu Jitsu Club today. That's the interview that was rescheduled on Monday, and I am off to it.
See you in the evening.
Well, the day is over, and I am back at my apartment. Thank God for today, first, and for all my encounters. Okay, the interview went well, and I'll soon upload it to the podcast page, and have folks listen to it.
Just like I did with the first one with Oh Boy!Print Shop, I sat for a few minutes to prep for it, and got clear with my line of questioning. That done, I took a few minutes to walk over to the center, the club, and coach Mikal was ready for me. Again I met his dad, with whom he has a close relationship. I joked with his dad the first time I stopped by. Seems like a close knit group, and coach confirmed it later.
"Good morning," I greeted. "Good morning, Kingston. You've met my dad, right?" Coach responded and asked. "Yes," I confirmed. Coach led me to his office, which is located towards the back of the club, as we walked around the mats to the office.
"How are you doing?" He asked."Not bad," I came back."Just not bad?" He responded, a little surprised my answer wasn't as cheerful."Well, thankful for another day," I said to assure him of my gratitude and cheer.
We quickly got seated, and made small morning talk. A few minutes went by and coach's student and assistant came in. Coach introduced us, and we traded pleasantries. After that, it was time to roll. I brought out my lapel mic for coach's use and put on mine.
Having gone over my reasons for doing the interview---to help me give value to owners, provide a platform for them to share their story and their business, give others a chance to learn from them, and to help me with me project---we got started.
Take a listen here: The Aces Jiu Jitsu Club Conversation.
With interview done, I thanked coach, who was also grateful for the conversation, and made my way towards the door.
I had the rest of the day and morning ahead of me, and needed to get organized for it. Again, I quickly emailed the audio file to myself to make sure I had a copy of it elsewhere besides being on my phone, and thought out my plan. I will finish off the part of the street where I ended yesterday, I decided.
At the bus stop, I waited about 10 minutes for the number 3 bus headed that way. It soon showed up, and I was on board.
But again, I got into a conversation with Helen on the bus. Helen is a lady who seemed in her fifties, and had just moved to Austin in April from Rockford, Illinois, and was on her way back home from an interview when I boarded the bus.
She talked about the difference in culture here compared to the Midwest, and was a little displeased with her move, and questioning it all. I tried to put perspective to it for her, telling her to give it time and see. My stop came up, and with a goodbye to Helen, I got off.
Well, time for work, and I made my first stop at Sarovan Indian Cuisine, whose owner was not in---the usual outcome. But to do this kind of project it's important to keep in mind that that will be the usual outcome, and anyone doing this should stay hopeful, for all you need is for one or two owners to see the value you are providing, and if you serve them well, that could lead to more opportunities. Rejections also abound, but you look for the willing.
The absent owner story continued with Trudy's, Gordon Automotive, A-Tex Family Fun Center (where I met Heaven and Blair, two friendly young assistants who work there.) Skinny Limits, and Cloud Dental.
But my stop at Skinny Limits was interesting. I knew of Skinny Limits, but was not very clear on what they do. Though the owner Carey Frieden was not in, I found myself interested in their business. Christie, the manager there at their new location, explained their approach to making juices, smoothies, and healthy meals. Their juices are cold-pressed, raw, unpasteurized and unprocessed; and has no heat, which means the nutrients are preserved and works well with the body. I like that.
My body is the only one I will use throughout my journey on earth, and taking good care of it is very important to me. Since Skinny Limits is headed in that direction, I will like to explore their products. They gave me a sample of one of their juices which tasted excellent.
Here are some photos I took while there, and they also ship nationwide, for folks reading this outside of Austin and Texas.
This particular location was only recently opened, about 3 weeks ago, Christie told me. And Skinny Limits has been in business close to 2 years now.
But my stop at Pars Deli, a Mediterranean Cuisine, also made my day worthwhile. Pars has been in business since 2000, I believe, and only recently changed owners. I spoke to the current owner. Kambiz Mokhtari seemed a gentle and friendly man from the way he interacted with his customers and how he made time for me. He conversed with most of the folks there with an unfamiliar language, at least to me. I assume it's a Mediterranean language.
He filled out my survey, and heard me out. We have an interview scheduled for next week Wednesday at 3pm.
Here are some photos I took of his restaurant.
This essentially wrapped up my day. It was time to catch the bus, and the next one will not be at my stop until about 3:57pm, and I got to the stop around 3:18pm. A long ride was before me, I thought. I have to take 2 buses to get home, and the earlier I board the bus, the better.
So, sitting on the bus bench, I noticed a commuter bus stop in front of me. I don't take this particular one, for it requires a higher bus fare, and my bus pass is for the local, cheaper version.
But the bus driver asked where I was headed, after stopping." Towards Braker and Burnet," I said, "but my pass is for the local bus."
"Get on; let's go," he invited me, and I boarded.
I thought of it all, and knew this was the work of God, showing me favor, so I could get home earlier. Oh, what a mighty God I serve!
I got home, hit the shower, and had dinner. Well, I am typing this now after taking an early evening nap, and just typing in my last words, I will go back to sleep.
Thanks, you all. On to Day 9.
