Olallie Update (XII): Pulling myself up

Previous progress reports on Olallie can be found here:  Prequel, Intro, Parts I, II, III, IV, V, VI, VII, VIII, IX, X, XI

One morning in early June, I went for a run through Golden Gate Park. The air was crisp and cool and the leaves on the trees were the color of a freshly poured glass of Chartreuse. Along the side of the trails, nasturtiums burst into bloom like votive candles at a Tibetan temple. I was soaking all this in when SLAM! I found myself face to face with dirt. Fine gravel imbedded into my knees and palms. I looked over my shoulder and couldn't figure out what had happened, what had tripped me. I pulled myself up, brushed off the dirt and gravel. I felt a little shaken up. I started running again, slowly at first. Blood trickled down my left leg and my hands stung.

Life's like that sometimes, isn't it? Sometimes we stumble. Sometimes we lose a little skin. Sometimes we bleed. Something inside me compelled me to finish my run. You can do this, Brett. I knew I'd make it. I wanted to. I had to.

I ran every day after N and I had The Talk. It kept me sane. I ran and ran and didn't stop running until 6 weeks later I found myself crossing the finish line of the San Francisco half marathon, 10 minutes faster than my most optimistic goal, my fists pumping in the air. That day that I fell down, just 1 week after The Talk, was a snap shot of how I've pulled myself through this challenging time in my life. I could've just lain there on the trail and felt sorry for myself. I could've even sobbed. Why did this happen to me? What did I do to deserve this? How could I have not seen whatever it was that tripped me? How could I have prevented this from happening? Believe me, all those thoughts flashed across my mind. But, in that moment on that trail, I chose not to indulge them. I got up and finished what I had set out to do.

My big news today is that this week — after 4 months of deliberating, hand wringing, soul searching, and on occasion bleeding — I gave word to my architects and contractors to resume work on my restaurant in Noe Valley! Stay tuned for details.

Food|and Drink|Restaurants|Opening Restaurant|San Francisco

Comments

[matt]

hallelujah!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Man I am so happy and thrilled for you. I know you can do it! :)

This is the best news ever!

[Anita]

Yippee!

And I like the hairdo (and headshot) too :)

[Stephanie]

Yay!

You know, sometimes we have to bleed to remind us we're still alive. (Take THAT Steel Magnolias!)

[Doug]

good to see the project is still on track. look forward to future updates :)

[cookiecrumb]

Good news, Brett!! Whew, y'know?
(Wah, I miss your blond hair, but... Wow, what a metamorphosis! Awesome.)

[Tea]

Yay! I am happy for you. Someone once told me something important: "In life you either sink or swim," he said. "And we're swimmers."

Or runners:-)

[Jack]

Yea!!!

[Terry B]

Congratulations and good luck! As Winston Churchill said, "When you're going through hell, keep going."

[shuna fish lydon]

Brett,

eggcellent!
the only way through is through.
and yes, oftentimes there's blood to be shed.

congratulations on your next move forward. from where I'm standing now I wish you all the sleep in the world to make up for what you're about to lose next year. heh. xo

[haddock]

Hoo-ray!

I think Olallie is going to be a better restaurant than it was before the Talk. Razor focus and all.

[Anita]

Wonderful news Brett! I'm so glad to hear the restaurant is still coming along!

Your positive energy and hopefulness are very inspiring:)

[Amy Sherman]

Yay! When are you taking reservations?

[barbara]

Bloody brilliant boyo. Love the hairless do.

[Alder Yarrow]

We can't wait. Let us know when we can show up and buy the first round of drinks.

[Bonnie]

You have been through hell, but you are clearly strong and even stronger now. I admire you for your willingness to show the process of tempering, steeling yourself -- and we can't wait to come eat. Let us know if we can help, in any small (or large!) way.

[Lisa D. Walker]

You bad ass. I knew those knives were sharp! Now you get your whisk on and plate up some luv like you were born to do!

[Emilie]

Yea! I'm so happy for you. It's your dream-you'd regret it if you didn't.

Also, I like the new picture.

[Lenn Thompson]

Congrats on keeping the project going...

Great post...inspiring.

[Garrett]

Yay! Can't wait to see and hear how it all comes together!

[jeanne bee]

you are an inspiration! keep on!

[linda]

yay, congrats! i look forward to the opening

[Michele]

Congratulations Brett--I wish you all the best with it!

[nicole]

Congrats on your project moving forward! I totally understand the need to run; it's definitely helped me through some transitional times along the way. And congrats, too, on your time in the 1/2!

[SilverSara]

Congratulations!!! That's awesome! It's funny, I started running 6 years ago when I was going through a very big breakup and haven't stopped yet. I was probably trailing somewhere behind you on the SF half marathon :)
I can't wait to hear more about moving along with your project.
Best, Sara

[SilverSara]

Congratulations!!! That's awesome! It's funny, I started running 6 years ago when I was going through a very big breakup and haven't stopped yet. I was probably trailing somewhere behind you on the SF half marathon :)
I can't wait to hear more about moving along with your project.
Best, Sara