Broad strokes and bold steps

[ZeaLitY]

Whew, I just filed my CELTA application. Over the last few months, I've plotted out all the requirements, filing dates, etc. for moving to Europe, budgeted my two trips in detail, studied Czech/Slovak, taken a job as a waiter at the best restaurant here in the interim to cover expenses, and made plans to take a quick Internet TEFL course this December, among other preparations. But it was still...momentous, and difficult to hit that submit button just now. It's not really the point of no return (parting with $2,000 for it will be), but god, the course is inexorably laid-in at this point. I've left myself no foreseen alternatives.

Haven't been able to update the Compendium amongst all that, ugh. I've been bad about answering e-mails and stuff, too. I just wanted to make a thread for everyone to post any cool things they've been up to, or any broad strokes and bold steps they've taken towards their ambitions. It's always awesome to read about Shee's victories, for example. While this belongs in the Springtime of Youth board, I worry that it might not be as visible a thread there.

Fall's coming. It's getting cold, but in the heart, it's nothing but burning passion.

[FaustWolf]

Hahahah, the keychain is hilarious and inspiring.

I can't help but feel a pang of regret about my decision to continue grad school over another campaign management stint this year - especially in light of the election results - but I've learned my calling is elsewhere. And when you know what your goal in life is, it's impossible to fight that kind of gravity. My greatest worry is still the middle stepping stone of getting a moderately well-paying job to fund my dream, but at least I have the comfort of knowing I can soar to where I want to be once that's accomplished.

Biggest steps I've made this semester are the decision to pick up a SAS programming certification to go along with my master's degree, and pitching in constructively with my family's finances so the whole household doesn't go under and sweep the rug from beneath my feet. Getting the foundation in order is always the first thing.

[Magus22]

Definitely good to hear from you Zeality. The road ahead is still bumpy I see...

Heck, I have been busy getting everything together with the National Park Services (NPS). I recently took interest in the environmental sciences and have changed my degree/path around quite a bit. I want to be sort of like a MacGyver, but I am taking baby steps, trying to start off getting experience at some well-known parks (volunteering), and then becoming a Park Ranger. It's either obtain formal experience in the field or have a Masters degree, and I really don't feel like paying for more schooling, even though the credentials would be neat. Anywho, the benefits and pay are decent, you get to live in government housing on the park grounds, and you patrol/enjoy scenery for a good portion of the day.

Still working things out, but this is what I would like to do. My participation on this site is all but non-existent these days, but it's good to hear from everyone, especially our fearless leader delving into the unknown. I do not know what is in store for you (or myself rather), but I wish you all the best in your endeavors. Good to hear from you too Faust!

[Lord J Esq]

I am on a backpacking trip to see Southern culture, work on my book, and visit with family. Good times.

[Thought]

J, if "Southern Culture" means "food" and "trip" means "to Dallas," let me know. I can totally recommend some wonderful fooding establishments.

As for what I've been up to: I moved from Texas to Oregon (the state of my birth; it's only taken be 26 years to make a round trip from here, to CA, to TX, and back). Why would I do something like that (well, other than for the obvious reason of Texas is a place that begs leaving)? To start my Ph.D. program in History. Soon shall be the rise of Dr. No! ... ... I mean, Dr. Thought!

On a minus, it has been utterly exhausting (late nights are fairly standard, and I am too old for late nights). On a semi-minus, semi-plus, it has reminded me of what I dislike about academia and what I want to work to change. On a plus, I'm at least taking a step towards my dreams. A significant step. Not as significant as finishing, but its like the Mad Hatter said: "Start at the beginning and when you get to the end, stop."

[rushingwind]

Let's see here...

I quit an awful job, moved to Washington, moved back to North Carolina, restarted school, and by July I will be... heh... somewhere else. The possibilities are Seattle, WA, an uncertain location in Kansas, Chapel Hill, NC, Boone, NC, Tuscon, AZ, and if I somehow hit the impossible jackpot this year, McMurdo Station, Antarctica. Who knows where else I could end up. Where ever the wind leads me, I guess!

I took an unplanned trip to Maryland this past weekend on a lark (it was great!), and I'll be going out of town again this weekend (not quite as far this time, hah). Woo!

It's always when you think you have no options that a dozen unforeseen possibilities pop up. You just have to find a way to look for them.

[Trebuchet]

I'd love to take some steps forward, but I'm locked here in hell. However, this statement is very much something Mister Jean abhors; meanwhile, everyone else progressing is very inspirational.

[rushingwind]

I'd love to take some steps forward, but I'm locked here in hell. However, this statement is very much something Mister Jean abhors; meanwhile, everyone else progressing is very inspirational.

I was locked in what felt like an impassible situation for a long time. Just hold out hope, and you will make it through. Sometimes it's hard, but keep faith in yourself, and eventually, a way will open up for you.

For the longest time, I could not see any escape. But my escape came in a form I never expected, in friends I never knew I'd make (one amazing one in particular), and the choice to make a trip to visit a friend on a lark. I never knew how it would turn out, but when the path suddenly opened up, I leaped forward with almost no hesitation. What felt like years of being trapped was over in a matter of a weekend, and the choice to seize my opportunity.

My point is, keep your eyes peeled and your options open, and whatever it is, there will be a way forward for you. I could not see one for myself at the time, but it was there, nonetheless. Believe in yourself. You will be able to move forward.

[Ramsus]

I'm in the middle of customizing one of my guitars that was broken. Right now I'm painting the pickguard and filing grooves into the replacement bone nut I cut out and glued on the other day. Later I'll start rewiring all the electronics. I'd like to replace the pickups, but I might not be able to afford it. I am adding a kill switch and some new gold-colored nobs to it though, and I already insulated all the cavities with EMI shielding copper tape to eliminate any outside noise. If I do this right, the hum noise should be reduced considerably, meaning I can overdrive the signal even more than before.

I also ordered a Japanese ryoba saw, and I've been buying some cheap wood to build a few things out of. Then I'll decorate them and carve some other things with my dremel.

Finally, I ordered about 5lbs of Magic Sculpt to fix and fill a few things with, and also to possibly sculpt a few things out of.

Next summer I'm going to go ahead and build my own electric guitar.

[Mr Bekkler]

I quit a bad job, got out of a relationship that was making me unhappy, finished the design work on my band's E.P, and am almost finished recording the demo version of our L.P. to come after that.

[Shee]

Inbetween day jobs...living in comedy clubs...eyes bleeding from pouring through casting calls and scripsts.  Apparently there's supposed to be a personal life in there somewhere...one step at a time  .  It is a constant and therefore tiring grind.  But each and every step, every inch taken feels great.