THE PIE TRUCK

Yes, I bought a used taco truck, and we are going to sell savory pies out of them.

I realized that I don't have the constitution for sitting at the computer and not talking to anyone all day (or talking only to my desk-neighbor, NQ to the point where his irritation with me is almost palpable, but which he doesn't really show because he is a diplomatic and mature individual who really enjoys staring at the computer screen and solving problems all day despite my getting in the way of his productivity), and wanted more freedom. So, I quit the Bay Bridge job in May. It was really a fantastic job, and I learned a lot. The most important thing that I learned is not to wait when you're miserable and want to be doing something else. I spent a year begging and pleading with Ditti to give me something more challenging than shop drawing reviews, but only when I was close to completely throwing in the towel did I get to work on some interesting FEM analysis projects. BUT ONE YEAR OF WAITING WAS TOO LONG! And so, after a couple of good years with the Bay Bridge crew- many of whom I will miss dearly- I have decided not to wait anymore.

We cooked last night and tonight in the new kitchen. It was fantastic- AK and Believe totally know what they are doing. They are inspiring to watch, and each super talented and very different.

Last night, it took 3 of us an hour to roll out the dough for a 10x recipe of dough (enough for 220 pies). Believe made a delicious-smelling stock with beef bones, carrots, celery, onions, parsley, bay leaves, and tomato paste. AK and I mixed the pie dough.

Tonight, the two of them finished their fillings in about 3 hours- including all the prep work. I couldn't keep up with them, but they were good sports. I juiced 100 key limes for about 40 minutes. That's the difference between professionals and amateurs, folks.

It's a work in progress, and I feel really optimistic about it all.

Here is what Jinsoo Terry told us as the 9 keys to a successful business:

(1) Surround yourself with positive people.
(2) Have thick skin (don't be too sensitive).
(3) Be persistent.
(4) Surround yourself with different cultures, and don't do things alone.
(5) Learn public speaking as it builds confidence.
(6) Take time to rest.
(7) Try different foods.
(8) Always challenge yourself.
(9) Have fun.