well that was long

 sheeshhh...that was a long break.  which really felt more like an extended marathon than a break, if i'm being honest.  i'm not even sure where i should start, but considering it's probably just me here at this point, i'll focus on the main reason i'm here.  my kids.  one day when i'm not longer with them, i sooo want this to be a place to recall all the bigger and better parts that we shared in together.  to remember what i've documented, from my perspective, at the time it was written.  to reminisce a little and hold a bit of the past.    

so, a short recap.  first i was a nurse from 1994-1999.  then, while still a nurse in 1997, i became a mom- my happiest role- to date, so i resigned from my nursing career and settled in and raised "the crew".  fast forward 2.5 plus decades before any real outside employment opportunities ever seemed realistic or suitable .  then, in the spring of 2024 i was approached by a close "visionary-type" friend, Dave, to help open and operate a café.  by the end of September of last year we were finally able to "soft launch" our café~ Bean on a Mission.  after over a year of dreaming, planning, scheming, renos, self-educating, purchasing, hiring and training, we actually took the keys, unlocked the doors and bravely let customers in to the shop early on a Saturday morning.  we nervously and excitedly exposed all that we'd worked so hard to create.  thankfully, the response was overwhelming and wonderful.  people were so supportive and generous to come and taste and sip and share about their experiences at the new space we'd opened.  it was one of the most gratifying, terrifying and exhausting adventures.

i knew it would be busy.  i knew it would be intense as we got our feet under us.  i didn't know that it would derail my workout routine for 3.5 months and eliminate any of my free time to read or blog or nap or watch a movie or visit people (outside of the café).  it's been a massive undertaking.  and largely, i love it!  i'm learning sooo much~ conversing with dear customers all day long, working alongside an amazing team, and seeing the many hours of work pay off in a bright and cheery space where customers seem to want to return.  i'm learning so much about coffee, and business and people.  it's been a crazy ride.  God has been so good.  He has sustained me, for now at least,  when i'm certain i should be run down and wiped out.  i'm so thankful for that.  

so last night i very tentatively got back on my Peloton- got a sweat on as i cycled for 30 minutes, and figured tonight was as good a time as any to get back to my blog.  ultimately, for my kiddos.

and it's good to be back.  i'll try to consistently show up here again, although i make no hard promises.  giving myself grace for a change. :)

a few photos...

this one below, the day before we opened.  buzzing around all day getting things into place.  i looked calmer than i felt.  my lists saved me!

moments before we unlocked the doors! eekkk!!  so fun having Layla with me that day!  it was really fun while it lasted! and E. was her usual lovely and calm self.  she rocked the front bar, and still does, as our lead barista.

Greg- our fearless team member, and now my dear friend who has literally taught me anything i've learned from a business/operational standpoint.  and let me tell you- i didn't start with much.

real deal customers!:)

Mark and Greg, during one of our many coffee "cupping" sessions.  we have learned sooo much from Mark's "coffee guru" status.  and he also has become a dear friend.  great people AND great coffee are now a regular part of my work day.  

so fun to be a part of all of this.  there is stress, there are issues from time to time.  it's hard to turn it off, i'm learning.  working on that.  but there is also sooo much fun and satisfaction in the process and ongoing journey too. 

we completely hope and pray Bean on a Mission successfully establishes itself in our community and creates a lasting impact both here and beyond...and only time will tell.  but i'll always know i gave it my all, regardless.