Talk to the Goat
i don't believe anyone should ever give up on their dream, but some dreams change.
i'm not sure if i'm doing what i was meant to do, if you asked me when i was a kid if i thought i'd be happy as a mother of three, i would have laughed. i think over the years i've become something that i'm happy with, so maybe it's what i was meant to be?
I tend to surround myself with dreamers because the alternative just is no fun at all.
Your no necked nurse made me smile...every kid is an artist...I'm not even kidding ; )
I'm glad you found someone like Jason who 'gets' you so well...that's gotta somewhat make up for your family's lameness.
I wanted to be a teacher too...then a toll collector, then a finger painter.
Good luck on the Bloggies...you deserve to win.
Good thing you realized that teaching wasn't for you that early. I knew a few teachers who discovered it way too late. Your writing is unique and superb. What I love most about it is that you know how to say so much without appearing to try too hard. You never over write. If I see a long post by you I don't put it off until I have time and a lot more patience. I say, Ah, Jaimie's on her game, let's go! Jason's right. You Have to keep writing. I totally believe in following my dreams and I have. But first I was a teacher. I loved it but I think I would have stayed with it anyway because there is a practical side of me that says, learn to love what you do if you can't do what you love. As it turned out,I got to do everything I love. So I taught, retired, became the musician I always wanted to be, I wrote and still write and I'm teaching guitar. On top of that, I have the girl of my dreams and live in a warm place. I might be dead and in heaven. Or something. Somebody pinch me.
You are an amazing writer. What you call "drivel" is most often poignant, inspiring and touching.
Glad you seem to have returned to semi-normal posting. I missed reading.
i just found out about your blog two days ago while i was on that "bloggies website".
Since then, i haven't been able to stop reading anything that's on your blog.
Don't stop writing.
People like you make me believe that somehow i too have the ability to inspire people lik you do.
I too may be able to be so true.
I too am not that evil beast that everybody seems to see in me.
But then i think about that, and i just know i am that evil beast, people think i am. But for a minute, thank to you, i've been able to forget about that.
Thanks
You truely deserve to win.
Nicolas
Coolest.Blog.Ever. Thanks for the visit -- not sure how you found me but I'm glad I found this place!
Keep dreaming...it's worked for me for a lifetime!
That is a really good question. Who are we meant to be?...as a writer you must be a word smith as well. Asking myself the same question a few weeks ago harvested a deeper yet similar sounding question. A three part question; three questions that might be really tough for some people to answer.
Compare meant "to be" and meant "to do". Am I getting corny? Really though, some people get these things confused, and stay confused their entire life.
One of my biggest struggles so far (in my 30's) was the "who i am", "what i do" and what really makes me tick questions.
James Joyce needs to be edited 
And I would love to hear it in your voice!
Congrats on the Bloggie finals!
My dreams of being a giant robot man or a firetruck still haven't come true. I'm protesting something.
I think we are meant to be different things at different times. I think we constantly change (at least I do). Most importantly we should be happy at where we are at that time.
*cracking up* I love that you drew a nurse and put a note on the back about how you didn't know how to draw a teacher. That is really cute!
I'm with Liz. Your writing is amazing. Stop doing it and follow what your family's wishes? - CRAZY!
This post is nothing short of brilliant! And inspiring Jay. On so many levels I need time to think them through and number them. Thank you.
I'll be back, when more of this wisdom and inspiration sinks in enough for me to form what I want to say to you. YOu truly are one in a million. This one is being copied and pasted and sent off to my husband. Who when I come across one of your extra special posts, I always share them with him.
Love you,
3T
I too have recently found your blog, after looking at the bloggie awards page and havnt been able to stop reading since.
Sticking with our dreams takes more courage and hard work then following the dreams that others want for us somedays. I belive that we can never truley be happy doing a job we dont love.
c4a
The day I stop dreaming is the day I'll stop living. Aren't dreams what get people out of bed in the morning? They are for me!
I am so amazingly glad that I found Your' blog. Love Your' Stuff! : - )
People have been so kind to me here, it's funny to think that just a few years ago I never would have imagined counting this among my blessings.
A lot of you made good points, and to that end, I say this: during my last year of school, my ambition was simply "happiness."
To new readers, thank you for visiting. Thank you especially for leaving comments; yesterday alone I received 848 new visitors, so to the few who took the time, it means a lot. As you can probably tell, it's the discussion that goes on in the comment box that makes any blog special.
Nicolas: thank you for your kind words. I don't really believe that anyone is an evil beast...haven't you seen that disney movie? We're all princes on the inside. If you have contact info, leave it next time...if not, my email is in my profile.
In answer to your last question...
The kind of kid who actually aspired to scoop elephant poop but wasn't a competitive enough applicant to get the position. (Apparently rhino poop isn't as prestigious.)
Found you on the Bloggies website as well. You're a riot!
I am meant to be. I just don't know what I'm meant to be doing.
Awesome! I think being a Bloggie Award Finalist is just wonderful! I would be crapping myself all day if I were nominated, and since we ate Mexican last night, it's probably a good thing I wasn't.
keep dreaming. I don't think the world would be half as interesting if people just did what they were supposed to do all the time, instead of what their dreams lead them to do.
Great post!
I believe in dreams, and yes, they do change. We want to go back to Canada in the coming year. And we will, not matter what it takes.
"What are we meant to be?", you ask. Well our dreams, of course. There are certainly times in life where you have to give yourself some slack, but it doesn't include giving up dreams.
Take it and make it yours.
I ask myself that question a lot. What I really want to do, is wake up every morning and drink coffee and write.
But instead I wake up every morning and drink coffee and answer phones.
Anyway. Until the day comes when it all suddenly works, I think I will listen to some hip-hop and look at your drawing of a nurse again. 'Cause kinda, it looks like she's dancing to something funky.
You are meant to be a writer, Jay. It's who you are, like it or not. Your writing has power and integrity, and your viewpoint is uniquely entertaining and provocative.
It's sad that our relatives rarely "get" us because of their own limitations. It's hard to grow up in a family which makes us wrong for being different, and would cripple us because of their fears.
It takes faith and courage to dream for ourselves. They made their choices, and only you can make yours. Since writing is one of them, we all benefit.
Right now I'm screwing off, and yes it IS what I was meant to do...
JOBS are just that, j-o-b-s...I always thought if you picked a career in something you actually enjoyed doing than it would take the joy out of it due to pure obligation reasons alone, but i could be wrong...since i don't like what i do, lol.
I think if the only thing my kids ever accomplish is to be happy then they've achieved something so completely wonderful.
There are a lot of things that I thought I would be at this point in my life. Not one of them compares to what I am now. Not one of them is anything close to what I am now.
What's the point in doing anything if it doesn't make you happy?
You never cease to leave me awestruck with your way with words, the way you can tell a story or spin a yarn. It's like sitting having coffee with a dear friend, I hear your voice in my ear and I feel the warmth of your soul...and the imp in your spirit. Your writing always evokes an emotion, be it laughter, tears...or just joy that we can enjoy this freedom of speech and this medium, knowing so many others out there are muffled.
OK...enough sappiness...get back to work!
Writing is a talent that few have and many aspire to do. Don't stop writing, never stop writing.
At 17 I wrote my first book.
It is still unpublished. I took a writing break to pursue a career in science.
That doesn't mean that I will never publish, that I won't become a full time writer in the future.
Unfortunately, it is a hard reality that authors don't usually break into the publishing world until their 40's-50's. Journalism is a way to help break into that. Also working for a publishing company. Again, you have to do the kinds of jobs that will most certainally bore you to tears, mine does. But, it is both science and writing.
Where I'm going from here is to further my science career because this is the only time I'll ever have to do it.
I'll be a writer forever.
So will you.
Just because you have a "day job" doesn't mean you are not a writer. I truly believe you are talented and you will become a great author, one day. Keep writing, don't give up, but don't fear the "day job!" Rent gets paid, and you gain more experiences that are important for a writer!
(sorry about the rant, I feel you on this one, I really do. I think about it every single day.)
I for one never aspired to scoop any kind of poop though now and again I scoop the dogs poop. I hate it. I once aspired to be a vetranarian but since I can't spell it, I decided it wasn't a good choice. So I'm a number cruncher. Hmph! As long as your are able to follow your dreams you should. I think you are a fabulous writer and every post makes me smile. I did try to vote for you, but I was having technical difficulties (meaning I'm a retard). I'll try again!
All those contests back then were right - you are a fantastic writer. Do what makes you happy. If this is your drivel, I look forward to reading your books and hearing about all the great and fun things your big, fat royalty cheques allow you to do.
Jamie, you are a great writer. As far as doing what one is 'meant' to do--well, I spent my 20s making almost no money at all, so I could do something I loved. and now I make semi-decent money at it. I'll never be rich, but I'll be a lot happier than if I was doing something I hated. Why on earth would you give up your dream, if you don't have to?
All those damn forks in the road confuse us as we journey and can make knowing who we are and what we do unnecessarily complicated. You seem to have found the map that keeps you focused and on the right road no matter what fork you encounter by writing about it. You are a writer no matter what else you find yourself engaged in during those hours when you are not actively putting those words into sentences and paragraphs. If you perceive yourself as a writer, then that is what you are regardless of anyone else's perception of you. For what it's worth, my pereception is that you are a damned fine writer.
Nope, I am not doing what I was meant to do. At least I'm getting paid for not doing it though...
I was a high school English teacher for 5 years. I got out of it.
Money money money.
I'm greedy.
good post. You've convinced me to bookmark your site. I think a lot of kids want to be teachers when they grow up. I know I started out that way. Then it was artist, marine biologist, writer (ha!), etc. In the end, I became somewhat of an artist (the commercial kind - graphic design). But it's interesting you pose this question. I'm in the process of trying to learn about web programming (sort of.kind of) and dreaming about being a one girl army of web design (graphic web design and programming bitch extraordinairre) except that i've been banging my head on the wall trying to learn this stuff! And I actually get paid to do it, ha. Because my work won't hire a programmer to redesign their ecommerce site and I'm stuck here trying to learn for them. Which is frustrating in and of itself... anyway...
Hi Jay,
I have to agree dont stop writing ok. You are fanomial. I think I spelled that right. LOL..I am no great writer like you seem to be. But I am not jealous one bit either. I enjoy reading what you have posted when I stop by.
You ask what we are meant to be when we grow up. Like you I had considered being a Kindergarden teacher but I am not of course. I am a stay at home mom of two girls. They are 2 1/2 and six.
But then again I wonder what I will do when they are both in school. I ask myself that one all the time. What do I want to do when my youngest goes to school full time in Kindergarden.I have had several options given to me by others. Working in the school and being there when they go to school and home when they get out and then office work of some kind. I really dont know.
But I agree with everyone dont stop writing. Its one of your best talents you have in life. I love to crochet so I am no writer but I can make a baby afghan with in a week and be proud of my work like you can your writing. By the way what do you do if you dont mind me asking? You can always leave your answer on my sight if you want. I am in the middle of adding all my new friends to my side bar and dont have everyones blog addresses yet. Well I suppose. My hubby went out to play chess tonight with the guys and he should be home soon. I will let you go and catch you later. Take care and keep writing.
the only thing i ever aspired to be growing up was a boss. now that i "boss" around two kids, i feel well, maybe, i sort of partially hit my lofty goals.
my great grandfather wanted me to be a postal carrier. while i rolled my teenaged black eyelined eyes of disgust, i now think he had a point. the benefits are pretty good and hell, you hardly work though you might have to dodge a bullet or two in the process.
I loved reading this post... and yes, I think you should write. I will be back. Thanks for the visit! 
Thanks for the great read Jay. You can't get anywhere if you don't dream and try it.
Keep writing, love your writings.
I am going through the "what should I be doing" thing. You should be writing. You are amazing. Several blogs that I read are written by people who want to be "real" writers. Your's would be the only book I would buy. So let us know when it's out there.
The first thing I did after learning to read, was recopy the book. That could have been a signal my future lay in plagerism, but mostly it meant my destiny lay in writing. I don't believe in ever giving up on those things I feel passionate about. Even if it means living in a cardboard box and writing the stories with a stick in the sand.
You are so fortunate Jay because you have a calling. Most of us do not hear a call and spend our time turning the cranks that move the gears that make the world turn. Some of us would love to write because we love to read but the passion and pure talent elude us. We can adequately put nouns and verbs and maybe even a few adjectives in the correct place and may even spell it right but we don't have the ability to tell a story in a way that makes readers want more, that makes them cry or laugh, that makes them want to hop in the car and take a drive along the 401 just to give you a hug. I don't think any of us have to ask you to never stop writing Jay. I think you would continue regardless. However, I beg you not to stop letting us read what you write. I hope one day to pick up a first edition book by Miss Jay, which will eventually become a Canadian Classic that all the highschool kids have to read and it will change the lives of many and inspire new generations of readers. High expectations I know but don't sweat it because I think it will just pour out of you naturally. God Bless
Accomplishment is such an awkward word (and not just because it has so many syllables...). How do you weigh it up? How do you decide what is and what isn't one? How can you add up all the "small" accomplishments that go into everyday life, into those 10 years you mentioned?
I guess it's up to how satisfied you feel, which is why it's irrelevant whether your mother was 'right' or not.
For the record, she was wrong.
The internet and blogs mean that we can all find thousands of examples of writers, but I can't think of another blogger who consistently manages that golden combination of the moving, the funny and the thought provoking.
Another thing - in this day and age, do you actually need to have written a book to be a "famous author"? I mean, aren't some of your fellow big-name Bloggie nominees already approaching that level of recognition? So perhaps your nomination is a bigger thing, in the long run, than we all realise.
Oooo... didnt realise we're dealing with a child prodigy here.
Families can be difficult/strange.
I think the what I'm meant to be changes as I go through phases in my life. It changes with me.
I've been an early childhood teacher, I've been a customer service rep, I've been a student/singer, I've been a web princess, (and currently still am).
I'm still single, I'm still a daughter, I like to think I'll become a wife and a mother but at nearly 40 it's still my big dream!
Through all of that I've been a Christian and actually the only thing that defines me of all the things I've been and am is the Christian bit. That's the dictator, the God factor. Seems as if I'm doing what God is ok with I'm better than ok with it, I'm on rails!
I realise this makes me sound crazy, and labelling myself as such lumps me in with the right-wing bible-belt crazies. So, I'm quick to point out that I'm far from that end of the spectrum... I'm pretty normal most of the time... but it's the God part that has made the whatever I'm doing fit for its season.
Good news on the Bloggies Jay! I've got some catching up to do on your blog, and comments! You sure can write - I've been reading your blog for a while now. I found it in the first flush of Blog-link following and have kept reading it through that time - not true of all the blogs I started reading then.
I had to reassess my role in life when my marriage ended 3 years ago, and now I sell Organic Produce - another non-skilled job, and probably not where I'll be forever, but it is good fun, and the people I work with make it better.
Thank you for the opportunity to think some more, which is what I tend to find after reading your posts.
I am a firm believer in doing something you're passionate about. I learned very quickly that doing something just for money will make you miserable. If you are poor as hell but doing what you're passionate about, you'll be happy.
I took me a while, but I realized that what I'm doing now is what I was meant to be. I'm happy with my career, successful (as far as I'm concerned, and that's all that really matters), and blessed to be able to use what talents I have to try and make a difference.
How did I know what I was meant to be? I stopped and listened to what God told me I should be.
That was a great post. It is always interesting how our parents frame us in one way and what gets us outside of that box.
On a matter of note: I was not allowed to be a teacher, I was to be a doctor. I have no abilities for doing fine tasks with my hands - so the thought of slicing scared me. I negotiated with being a PhD in psychology. Whatever, they could still call me doctor. Eventually, I ended up not finishing the PhD and moving to the other side of the planet. lol.
Congratulations on being a finalist. I know why!
it's a very odd person indeed that works at their lifelong love. my husband is one of them. the problem?? when your hobby is your job, you need to find a new hobby. keep writing, jay.
Jay,
We may change our goals, change our habits, or change our beliefs, but we should never cease to dream.
Anthony
This is one great post that I can totally relate to. The first half of our lives we are told to try and live out our destiny. Only problem is we spend so much time trying to figure out what destiny is exactly that we might miss out on actually doing it. If nothing else, blogging has made it cooler to vent about it.
1. i'm in my first year of teaching, and right now i'm with you on the snouts and hooves.
2. chalk doesn't exist anymore. it's dry erase markers all the way. i'm probably dying from breathing in the fumes. i always thought chalk would be fun, but at least markers are colorful.
ok, so i wrote my last comment before i finished reading.
i like your writing. it's clear and concise, and funny.
don't give up!
Well, I'm not sure about the rhino poop, but as far as what you need to give up? In my view, not a thing. Coming from a writers perspective myself, we know deep down it is something we have to do. It sustains us. The task is accepting, in the midst of writer obscurity, that may just be good enough.
When I was young I used to write a lot too. My step-dad told me everyday how horrible my writing was and after a while I believed him, so I quit. I started again a few years ago but it comes slow. How can something that I love so much be so hard for me to do? I know some people don't believe in writer's block, but I feel like maybe this is what it is. Some kind of creative constipation caused by years of stuffing words and questions and stories into the very back corner of my brain.
my first career was 'farmer' apparently. My parents reminded me of this one day long ago. I still have this very weird image in my head of my much younger self imagining me striding the fields as big (as but not as green as) the jolly Green Giant.
I wanted to be a teacher for a while, but when I think of that today, I think I'd kill someone's darling little brat. 'Lawyer' had a short-lived shelflife in my Career Goals.
Today, I am a professional itinerant.
you didn't know that was a career choice? Yeah, well, it doesn't pay well either.
I'll have you know that my father scooped rhinoceros poop to support me through school, so that I could grow up to edit James Joyce.
Kidding! (But can you imagine?!?)
G.
I'll have you know that my father scooped rhinoceros poop to support me during school, so that I could grow up to edit James Joyce.
Kidding! (But can you imagine?!?)
G.
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