Sunday, September 06, 2009
what do you want be?
As of late, I find myself easily adding to my reservoir of interests and adding to my database of background expertise in order to quickly become proficient in a new area.
At some point one realizes that it doesn't take much to become well-versed in a new field of study, hobby, or vocation. Having the internet on-hand certainly helps, as does a collage of well-written books just an Amazon button-click away. The number of blogs of people doing full-time whatever it is you have become interested in is staggering and it is easy to get lost in the rising tide of information, but fun and worthwhile nonetheless.
My office at home resembled a researcher's desk, littered with papers, stacks of books where the "To Read" pile dwarfs the "Have Read" pile, not to mention the heaps of technical diving gear strown around and cabinets full of odds and ends picked up my hobbies long gone. Two new boxes of expensive golf balls anyone? How about a book on self-building a home with concrete?
It's entertaining in a fatiguing sort-of way when one's Amazon purchased items list is forgotten only moments after order was made and one finds themselves already browsing the never-ending list of interesting-looking recommendations on the next page.
At some point, when we move aboard our boat (one of the latest hair-brained schemes brought on by a sudden realization that cruising the world's oceans would be ideal for us at this point in our lives) we'll have to give all or most of this away. If we manage to stay afloat, it won't be due to our lack of books!
And what does one get for all this trouble? A constant nagging thought that he should be doing something that he is not, that time is slipping away, and a profound sense of jealousy at those who have gone before and are already living the dream.
When was the last time you listened to a podcast and immediately wanted to create one for yourself? Then listened to a comedian and immediately knew you could put out an album of your own? And then read 17 blogs and their 10-year archives in their entirety in just three weeks on the subject of cruising and felt like you should already be writing your own?
Welcome to my life as of late. Is this what being a 30-year old is supposed to be like? Christ help us all...
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