Bumper Boats and Entrepreneurship
My name is Jamie and I love…Bumper Boats.
The other day for my tour, I met with a group of extraordinary women in business to enjoy lunch at Kimball Farms. For those who wished to join me, the day included a ride on the bumper boats. Robin was the only one to take advantage of my offer. I realized we were the oldest people in line as we waited for the ride to open. Despite that, I am the one who cannot contain my excitement about riding bumper boats! I have learned a lot about patience from parenting, but it doesn't come naturally to me. As the gate opens, we rush down the stairs to a line of boats waiting for us to conquer!
Getting in the boat feels a bit out of place to me. Though I'm unsure of what I'm doing, I'm willing to try. All the kids rush to pick their favorite boat as I reach the end of the line. I'm just happy to be on board. As instructed, I wait for a guide to hold the boat in place while I enter. Despite my impatience, I am usually a rule follower.., but not always. (#gemini) My smile is from ear to ear as they release the tie from the dock post. I'm on my way, full speed ahead. Watch out, world!
I haven't navigated one of these in a while. There are two options available to you. TURN or GO. Even though I don't know how it works, I'm moving full throttle forward in anticipation of my first human interaction. It's time to make a splash! While navigating my boat, I realize that this experience feels similar to being a female entrepreneur. Did you know using full throttle and turning simultaneously time results in a full spin in place? - That is a familiar feeling! Here are a few more:
Excitedly, you jump in with both feet.
You are full throttle making it happen despite not knowing what you are doing.
There are times when you spin in place and don't get anywhere.
Sometimes you just want to float and catch your breath, only to be bumped from behind.
No one cares how your boat looks or what you're wearing. Our goal is to make a splash.
Having friends along for the ride makes it better.
When friends watch from afar and celebrate your joy with you, it's even more special. (Thank you Shannon and Nichole for photo’s and videos!)
Despite being alone, you are around people who are trying to figure out what to do.
However dizzy the experience can be, you can't wait to get back in line and ride again.
When the timer buzzed, and we floated back to the dock, I realized that no matter how dizzying the experience can be, I couldn’t wait to get in line and ride again. I feel that way each time I sit down at my desk as a business owner, and I wouldn’t want it any other way.
How about you?
Fun day at Kimball Farms!
