Hi Y’all! We survived the first crazy week where a majority of the nation stayed home and started social distancing. Johnny told me last night Gen Z isn’t calling it social distancing however since we’re all very much connected thanks to the Internet and technology. Rather, it’s physical distancing, which I believe is a much more accurate term. I know for sure I’m feeling much more connected with you, my readers and followers, than before since you’re sending me more messages and leaving more comments!

Before I delve into our weekly update, I want to share something our best friends are doing to help those being affected by Covid-19. They founded a water company called Heartwater, based in Austin and are doing a buy one, give one sale. Every time someone buys a case of Heartwater, they will donate a case to children and families in need. This is especially important right now as basic essentials, such as water, are low in supply. You can use my promo code, HKCUNG, to get 15% off and free shipping. If you can’t help, that’s fine. You don’t need to do a thing. But if you can, I would truly love it if you can help this small business with their goal of helping those in need.

WEEKLY RECAP

I’ve always been a homebody, so working from home is actually enjoyable for me! We also have Papa Cung with us for about two weeks so things have definitely been interesting. We got a mini taste of warm weather this week and it’s making me itch to decorate our patio space! My Dad loves to be outside so we want to get the space cozy and comfortable for him and for us to enjoy before we move out! I believe even if you have a small balcony, it’s worth making the space enjoyable if you love being outside.

The highlight of my week is the progress on our new home! They started installing cabinets, doors, trim and baseboards in our home! Eeek! I love the attention to detail the cabinet makers and workers put into these. Check out the toe kick and how it’s not just a flat board. I can’t stop swooning over this section of the kitchen where we did our appliance garage. I’m so glad we did this and changed out the bottom cabinets for drawers. It’s already worth every penny to me!

I’ll admit, I’ve been thinking about the hardware for this kitchen and house way before we even signed the contract. We definitely want Rejuvenation because they are solid brass, but we’ve changed styles from cup pulls to regular pulls. Here’s what we’re loving:

Johnny’s Week: Switching to Wartime

Hey y’all! It’s Johnny directly here. This coronavirus pandemic and the necessary, but unsavory economic slowdown from “shelter-in-place” or some equivalent has strongly effected the small business and startup community. I’ve already seen some companies such as gyms, restaurants and other small businesses announce they’re closing forever. It makes me incredibly sad, but I do think we can come out on the other side if we help each other out and have more empathy for each other than ever. Do your part and we will.

I feel for all the boards, CEOs, and operators, who have to take varying levels of bold, but necessary actions to save the companies and everything that’s been built. I’ve basically spent my week wracking my brain with leaders to do right by everyone, lock in resources, and drum up new opportunities.

What makes me incredibly proud and gives me immense hope going forward is watching some of our portfolio company founders and team members directly aid in the COVID-19 response effort. One is on the west coast task force literally in meetings and doing research to combat the virus sun up to sun down. Another is ramping up internet connectivity for first responders, clinicians, and essential workers in DFW. Another is scaling up telemedicine to Mount Sinai in New York City and other hospitals that need help immediately to triage and check-in with patients and saving their in-person time to manage COVID-19 cases as needed.

What’s Inspiring Us…

The modern world hasn’t seen anything like this ever before, but I believe in you and we’re in this together. Let’s remember – “We are all of us children of earth; grant us that simple knowledge. If our brothers are oppressed, we are oppressed. If they hunger, we hunger. If their freedom is taken away our freedom is not secure.” – FDR, 1942.