This last Tuesday marked my “Ninth California Anniversary”.  On July 29th nine years ago I drove into the state of California starting a new life in The Golden State.  Every year on my “California Anniversary” I reflect on where I was at in my life then compared to where I’m currently at.  When I moved out here I did not have a job, and only had a temporary place to stay on the bedroom floor of a friend from high school.  I had no experience in animation, and none of the studios I applied at would even give me an interview.  It was very scary back then, but also invigorating.  I left everything that was familiar and safe to start something new, and it was an adventure. Those feelings I had 9 years ago, are very similar to the feelings I’m having now.  This last year has been a huge change for me, and nothing is familiar or safe.  We bought a house, had a baby, I got a new car, left my job, and started my own company to name the big ones.  I hope that this year will be another step forward, but I know that sometimes you have to take a step back to get a running start.