I'm not sure what it was exactly (probably my previous soul-sucking job), but I was starting to feel like I wasn't really having much fun or adequate human contact. That's silly, of course, when I look at all of the adventures I've had in recent months. It wouldn't be the first time I needed a little perspective and context.
But then a series of events came together to make for a pretty exciting set of adventures. First I get a call from my PR friend at Cedar Point saying they'd like me to meet up with the CEO and one of the VP's to tour the steel fabrication plant where they make B&M roller coasters. It's on Diana's birthday, but I figure I'll be home later in the afternoon, and she says I'd be crazy not to go. Those along for the ride include an AP reporter and some dudes from our NBC affiliate. Obviously it's a pretty unique opportunity to shoot video.
Then I think, gosh, I don't want to drive 3.5 hours early that morning, so maybe I should go down the night before. I look at cheap hotels, but I remember there's a Great Wolf Lodge next to Kings Island. I work my friend network some more, and I secure a cheap night there, with a fantastic room upgrade.
And if I'm staying at an indoor water park resort, why not bring my darling wife and child? Diana and Simon came with me, and enjoyed the resort while I went and did the video touring. I got to have breakfast with them, and Diana got to start her birthday on a sort of mini-vacation. Simon is a little apprehensive about a lot of water stuff, but it was still great for him to have the adventure. He kept calling Kings Island "Cee Point," but he'll figure it out eventually.
And if I'm going to be down there the night before, why not call up some friends? I'm able to secure a meetup with a friend who used to work in an amusement park gig, and I haven't seen her in years. Admittedly our friendship has largely been virtual, but rooted in some shared experiences around divorce, dating and starting a family. Kindred spirits, if you will, in that we both had some difficult experiences followed by an amazing life reboot. It was exactly the kind of connectivity among friends I've desperately needed.
Next up was the plant tour. After doing amusement park Web sites for almost 15 years, I can honestly say that construction tours and the like are always interesting, but also kind of routine. However, there's nothing routine about seeing the actual fabrication of steel roller coaster parts, each weighing thousands of pounds. Even the industry veteran CEO was giddy. That they were finishing up the last pieces for a ride that I'll get to ride myself in five months made it that much more special.
Oh, and if that weren't enough, I also sold the video on a non-exclusive basis to a production company that is doing a show for a "major cable TV network." They couldn't get a crew down there, so I shot on their behalf as well as my own.
When I was driving out to begin these adventures, I couldn't help but think, "Wow, this is my life." It's a ton of awesome packed into a short period of time. It's also possible mostly because of the network of people I maintain.
While I have worked my ass off to achieve many things, the network of people you know, personally and professionally, goes a long way toward packing more awesome sauce on your life's chicken wings. You can't fake this network, but it's not hard to build either. When you treat people well, and you're sincere in your interest in them, they will also look out for you. It really is that simple.
I'm really happy and honored to know the people I know. Surrounding yourself with great people makes such a huge difference in your life.
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