It’s a beautiful sunny and warm day in Atlanta. I’m sitting the lobby of the Westin Peachtree Plaza with my sister enjoying a glass of vino. Upstairs, our family is trying to wrangle 2 adorable and independent children between the ages of 3 and 6 into showers and “fancy clothes” for our Thanksgiving feast later today. This year, the family came to me and for that I am thankful.
It’s been a great day. Sleep in, breakfast with my sister, brisk walk to pick up the car from where we left it last night (no drinking and driving for us), got some starbucks, came to the hotel, worked out while watching the Dog Show, showered and now, relaxing and waiting on the others.
These days in down moments, often walking across Tech Square, I find myself smiling and thinking how blessed I am. My family and friends are all healthy and relatively happy. Those that wish to be employed are, though most have chosen to employ themselves. I have an amazing relationship with my family.
I am blessed to have a second family. This family is the Atlanta Startup Community. I have been involved with Startups in Atlanta since 1997. But, it has been the last 4-5 years that I have really seen this community come together. I am so grateful to be a part of it.
There are so many amazing things going on….. new co-working spaces like Hypepotamus, new accelerators like Flashpoint, new funds being created thank to Sig & Raj, new Education for early stage entrepreneurs like “Lean Startup” and Customer Discovery (now being taught at ATDC, VentureLab, NSF iCorp, Flashpoint, StartupChicks), new events that highlight local Startups like Atlanta Startup Village. And more.
(I apologize for a lack of links and/or spelling issues, I’m posting this from my iPhone.)
I am thankful for all of you! Have an amazing Thanksgiving.
Jen
