Dear Friends:

Future uncertainties at work mixed with ongoing family obligations made it difficult for me to make, if not have to cancel, most recreational plans.  I did endure a final trip to Pennsylvania this summer to migrate the remaining Huang family to California (for the time being). 

It's been over 15 years, but now all that remains of Philly origins are my area code, Eagles pride, and cheesesteak cravings.

The future is being reimagined at Disney Animation, primarily in response to industry competition and significant changes in senior leadership, including my mentor.  I want to believe I am on the cusp of understanding how I may play a role in this new era, meanwhile, patiently lending a hand to a small movie called "Frozen 2" (Holiday 2019).

At home, Connie and I contemplated more room for Levi's toys, so naturally, found ourselves beating out several cash offers for a 1,500 sq. ft single family home in Sherman Oaks (in LA's "valley").  While the home's finishes were somewhat dated, the desirable neighborhood and investment opportunity were alluring.  With a solid foundation, we decided to pursue an extensive and permitted remodel gutting nearly the entire thing down to the studs.  After 12 weeks of designing, planning, and budgeting contractors, we finally started demo earlier this month for an early 2019 move in.

With personal and professional change on the horizon, I imagine staying relatively grounded for a while preparing to move 10 miles west to Sherman Oaks.  I never would have imagined myself getting so excited for a new episode of HGTV's Property Brothers, but am fully immersed in shear wall engineering, code requirements for a bathroom, and home equity financing.  Levi better love his new lawn!

Even though adulting feels like it has reached another level for me this year, I am hoping 2019 will bring some clarity with how this transitional chapter in life bridges the next act.

To be continued,
-Mike