Category — All About Dan

Warning: This post is very much focused on Dan (the author), so feel free to ignore it and wait for Christine’s over the next couple of days. As a good writer often does, I’ve started the post off talking about something everyone is interested in -Christine and the baby- to draw you in – they call it having a good ‘hook!’

Well, let’s just cut to it since its been some time since our last post. First, Christine is doing fantastic. Her energy is starting to slowly return and she is no longer competing with Belle (our cat) to see who can sleep the longest! Since our last post, we had another doctor’s visit. Everything is still good and at this one we were lucky enough to hear the baby’s heart beat! It was truly amazing and literally took my breath away. The beats were so fast, which apparently is normal (160-180 beats/min), yet that didn’t stop me from being panic-ridden! It really sets in when you hear it for the first time – and nothing else matters after that.

I had a call with a good friend who has definitely seen better days. He too is a father and explained to me that is all that is about any more. He went on to say that those parents who complain about how their life has changed and that they can’t do this or that – they are missing it! They don’t understand the gift that they have been given and how precious and impressionable that life really is. Hearing the passion in his voice as he explained that mistakes will happen and that I won’t have all the answers (something that I debated – he apparently doesn’t understand the power of google! ) and it really doesn’t matter because you have to live in the moment for nothing is guaranteed. His message hit home and confirmed that Christine and I are on the right path! We began making ‘radical’ changes in our life a few years ago and we are starting to catch our stride – this child compliments our life and for that – we are truly grateful!

On to my situation – its true – I have officially left my position with Townsend/Lehman Brothers. As many were aware, I was growing increasingly dissatisfied with my employment situation. A few months back, I committed to determining what the correct path was for me knowing that the path within a ‘Wall Street’ firm meant 100% commitment often at the expense of family. The financial rewards make this option seem enticing but, brace yourself, I realized that money was a very small portion of the overall equation.

I do not have another job – nor am I looking for one! It’s probably not surprising to anyone that I don’t work well FOR others – I do work well WITH others (sometimes!). I need to call the shots and with that I’ve decided to enter the world of real estate investing and will be starting my own firm. Things are progressing very rapidly – I’ve already have one property under contract in Akron (NO – NO – NO – We are NOT MOVING BACK; but property is considerably cheaper than Chicago!)! My coach has complimented my ability to work a deal as this is shaping up to be a fantastic first opportunity! My father has been an unbelievable help and my mother is really supportive – partly because it keeps my father out her space! My support system continues to grow – supportive wife, parents, family, friends, and a slew of coaches – and I have all the confidence that this is the right decision.

This is the first ‘job’ that I feel passionate about and feel very natural in; it feels like second-nature right now. Anything can happen and as most of you know, I’m an opportunist so we won’t be shutting any doors. If things don’t work out, I can always head back to the financial sector – within 4 hours of handing in my resignation, I had 3 recruiters call and want to talk! I’m not worried about that as an option – I’m leaving on good terms and wish them the best of luck – for me – I’ve got just over 30 weeks to prove that I can do this! That will give me all the freedom to be there for Christine and the baby – after all, I’m going to want to see every moment of that child’s life!

A big thanks to Christine, my parents, and some good friends for supporting me in this decision! With their constant encouragement, I know that I’ll be successful!

Till next post – God Bless and thanks for all your support.

Good Evening to All-

This represents the first post on our website! As you can tell from the calendar at the top of the page or have heard through the grapevine, we are elated to share with you the news – we are expecting a child!!! Though we are still pretty early in our journey, we knew that there was no way either one of our mother’s would be capable of keeping it quiet.

We plan on updating this site regularly to let everyone know how things are progressing – not only with our pregnancy but also all our other endeavors. As the rumor mill is churning, we know that people are anxious to know where we’ll end up and when. We’re anxious to know as well! Truth is that wherever our career opportunities take us, we’ll embrace it with optimism and excitement. Knowing that we have such a fantastic support network (that’s you – as in family and friends!) makes decision-making that much easier!

Our next post will outline how we found out and life’s sense of humor!

Summary:

Christine – feeling great! Doctor check up says all good

Dan – Excess sweating. No doctor visit but unsure if its a gland problem or thought of having a child!

Belle – knows something is up; learning how to use the toilet! No more litter box – we’re on stage 2! (www.litterkwitter.com)

Final Destination (or interim) – still unknown!

All our love -

Dan & Christine

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Baby, Destination, Update