The Good, The Bad, & This Kid: “Shedding Skin”

Last week I was screwed over with a job I applied for. It went like this, I got a letter saying to schedule an interview with the Library, then Human Resources called me telling me that the letter was an error. I wasn’t selected to have an interview. I meet all the requirements for said job, but what can you do? Anyway, I tell you all this for a reason; I’m making a change in my life. Which means, it’s time for another “motivational” column from moi (yes, I’m American and I still use French words, what of it?). So, join me if you will, as I take you down a more personal road then my previous columns. That is, if Tim hasn’t scared everyone away from the Soapbox.

It’s a little early for New Year’s Resolutions, but it’s close enough for me. The events of last week have made me realize what I want for myself, and what I have to do to get it. I’ve never really had anything handed to me in my life, so I know how to work for what I want, and I’ve just got to get on the ball again. I’ve been lax with my writing as of late, I’ve been concentrating more on my current state and not on where I’m going. So, no more. I’ve been writing everyday on my short story, and I’m going to finish this thing soon. It’s no longer good enough just to casually write it, I’m hell bent on finishing it. I want to be a writer, and in order to be one, I’ve got to fucking write. It’s as simple as that.

Not only have I been pushing myself now, but I’m pushing Mary as well. No, I’m not beating up my girlfriend, I’m making sure she works for what she wants as well. She wants to be an artist, I’ve mentioned here before how we are working on a comic proposal, so she’s drawing everyday now too. We’re both taking our destinies into our own hands, and getting our shit together. Obviously it’s not something that’s going to happen over night, but we’ve been rejuvenated by this past week’s events, and our eyes are pried open. It’s going to take hard work, and I’m sure there will be rejections, but this is what we want, and I’ll be damned if I’m going to let anything or anyone stop me from getting what I want for myself. I was raised very American in the sense that there is nothing I can’t accomplish if I work hard at it. I know what my limitations are, so I know no matter how hard I work I’ll never be an astronaut, but I know I can be a writer. Just like I know Mary can be an artist. I know we have the talent, and it’s about time we proved it. Put up, or shut up.

That said, I’m in no hurry to cut off my nose to spite my face. I know it’s going to take some time to get where I want to be, and in the mean time I’m not going to stop trying to get a better job with the library. I’m going to do what I should’ve done a year or so ago, and work on getting my AA. Why stop there? I’m aiming at earning a Master’s in Library Science. Like I said though, my main goal in life is to be a writer, especially for comics. So, I’ve got myself a two-headed beast. I’ve got a better laid plan for my library career, and I’ve rekindled my goal for my writing career. I’m stating it in this column so I won’t go back on myself, if I make it public like this I’m going to see it through. So, 2004 will be the year I get shit going.

Now, I don’t want this to be a blog like entry, so here’s where the motivational stuff comes in. I know I’m not the only one out there whose been falling down on their goals. To everyone out there like me, it’s time to make something better for yourself. If you have a goal, or you’ve got something you want to accomplish, you’ve got to work for it. Nothing in life is free, especially not better life, you have to go out there and make your life better. Please, please, make it legal though. If you want to be an artist, you have to draw everyday. If you want to be a writer, you have to write everyday. If you want to be the sexiest person alive, you have to be sexy everyday. Do you see where I’m going with this? Work your fucking ass off for your dreams, and don’t let other people discourage you. In fact, don’t give a fuck about what other people say, if they don’t like your art or your writing, or hell even your sexy, that’s their problem. You just keep plowing through until someone likes it.

I hope this has been somewhat helpful to everyone out there, I know it’s helped me. Also, I know I cursed a lot in this column, I tend to do that when I really care about a subject, all other vocabulary goes out the window. That said, I hope kids read this. I know the language is bad, but kids need to know that they have to work for their dreams. If you have a kid, and you’re too damn lazy to teach them that, please have them read this. The world has enough people who have given up on themselves, don’t raise more. Teach your children, teach any child the value of their dreams and the what they have to do to achieve them. It’s not good enough to spoon feed them “you can be anything you want when you grow up.” You’ve got to show them how to be what they want, and raise them not to give up when all good logic says they should. That’s all I have to say.

The Good

For the past several years I’ve lived without Cartoon Network, all that changed when I finally got Directv. I’ve discovered the craze known as Adult Swim and I’ve also discovered Aqua Teen Hunger Force. That show is the stupidest thing I’ve ever laid eyes on, but I love it. It’s one of the funniest shows I’ve seen in a long time. Of course, I’ve bought the DVD collection, and now I suggest you all do the same. If you’re a fan of off-the-wall comedy, then you’ll love Aqua Teens. Plus, there is a whole episode revolving around Foreigner. That’s reason enough. That, and the theme song.

Another week down, and another week closer to whatever Holiday you celebrate. Hope everyone is getting their shopping done. See you all in seven days. ‘Til next time…

-Josh “Young Playa” Stone

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