The Big Great Wait and Lessons From Einstein (think: relativity)

With all that's been going on in China, I thought I'd give you an update from the USA. While I haven't flown 12 hours to nowhere or been nearly molested by a government-run medical lab, I would have preferred both.

After carefully evaluating my options, I decided to sell my business and my moving to Shanghai with Rebecca was contingent upon so doing. After a variety of interesting phone calls and meetings, I secured a nice couple as a buyer with a deal that would allow me to leave with Rebecca for China on April 7th. However, it fell through at the last minute and Rebecca and I decided it made the most sense for me to stay behind and spend 30 more days trying to sell the company. If I couldn't do so, I was going to close up shop and either store or liquidate the assets of the business, potentially selling or partnering my clients' inventory if possible. After many more conversations with interested parties, I've received three bids for the company. Unfortunately, one of them only wanted a few aspects of the business and the terms of the offer really made it unworkable. We pleasantly parted ways. I am left with two remaining offers, both with positive and negative aspects and terms. The last few weeks have been an uncomfortable dance of meetings, waiting, meetings, and more waiting with both prospects. I anticipate having a signed deal with on of them in the next few days, but I also would have told you that a few days ago. At this point, the lawyers are the problem and they are the among the final hurdles, though tall. We should sign soon, as the essence of the deal has been determined and agreed. After we sign, I'll train the buyers for approximately two weeks and then I'll head to Shanghai.

The last several weeks have been a real test of my patience and anxiety control and a great lesson in negotiations and how to buy and sell a business. Though I'm not always successful at it, I'm trying to keep a level head around the stresses that come with negotiating and waiting...and waiting...and waiting. I've learned to capture the momentum of a deal and I'm seeing what can happen as that momentum is slowed or lost. My intuition for the outcome of prospective buyers and offers is sharpening as it's tested on a daily basis. Last Wednesday, I went out to see my brother and my sister-in-law and their 2 1/2 year old daughter, Eden. Seeing Eden and her beautiful and innocent smile really helped put things into perspective. How bad can things be when my imaginary talking-friend, Mr. Thingy, brought to life by the oscillations of my pinching thumb and index finger, bring this child so much joy? While this business is the focus of what's going on in my life right now, there a many more important things for which I am proud and grateful. This lesson in relativity couldn't have come at a better time.

My strong feelings about the absence of Rebecca, given our soon-to-be-known date for our reunion, has given me a renewed appreciation for those whose spouses are sent overseas for military service. Even though she and I talk and video chat daily, it's very difficult to be apart from my new wife, especially during our first year of marriage. Each day feels longer than the day before. In the end, Rebecca and I will probably weather 4-6 weeks apart and we're not substantially concerned for each others' safety. However, it's hard to imagine what it would be like if she or I feared we wouldn't return. Another good lesson in relativity and a reminder of how fortunate we are that people more brave than I volunteer to serve our military.

In the end, this will work out well. The opportunity in Shanghai for Rebecca, and for me, is tremendous. Since we rented out our apartment to a good friend, I have had a unique opportunity to live with my parents again. I've enjoyed more time with my brother and his family (soon to be +1!) than I was expecting. I've had a chance to get one-on-one time with my mother-in-law for lunch on Friday and I'll get to celebrate Ruthie's 94th birthday in New York. The lessons about business condensed into these past months would probably have taken years to learn by more traditional means. There has been a real out pour of support by family, friends, and even some strangers, who are all rooting for us.

Now, I'm off to babysit Eden. Maybe this time I can teach her something.

(Mr Thingy in action)