Could we get some more drama, please?

[stacer]

I'm a firm believer that paths don't just open.  You beat the door down with a sledge hammer and then the path appears.

Yes and no. I've had both happen for me. Some things are just out of our control (not saying that's this situation), and some things we are very much in control of, like pursuing our goals (though still having an element of lack of control, like whether a school accepts you or a company hires you).

I say that just to say that what I was trying to say is that if a path you've decided on isn't working, often we find (through our choice and through inspiration) a new path, which sometimes helps us get where we intended, just in a different way. At least, that's my experience. But of course it's different for every person.

[42]

To agree with Stacer, it's best to avoid having an entitlement  reaction to these sort of situations. That is just because you work really hard for a specific result, doesn't mean you are entitled to that specific result, especially when those results involve other people's agency. Now often you do get the result you wanted from all of your hard work, but when that isn't the case, it's best to look for alternative outcomes.

[Spriggan]

To quote FMA:

"Equivalent Exchange is just a lie used to keep the masses from rioting"

Ie, you should never expect equal gain from equal effort.

[MsFish]

Entitlement reaction?  

Wow.  

Who was having an entitlement reaction?  

I don't think I want to talk to you all anymore.

[The Holy Saint, Grand High Poobah, Master of Monkeys, Ehlers]

I think you're overreacting to the response, Fish. They're just saying that you can take opportunities, but some things are out of your control, no matter what you put in.

[MsFish]

I don't really care what any of you think.  

[stacer]

Actually, that wasn't what I was saying at all. I was just saying that even though this didn't work out, you'll still figure it out. That's all.

[MsFish]

Yeah, I understood what you were saying.  And I agree with you.  Fully.  I was just adding to it with the sledgehammer thing.  Thanks for the support, Stacer.

[Parker]

For future reference, I think when someone has something crappy happen to them (ie not get into a creative writing program because the admissions committee is dumber than bricks)--and they share this crappy experience with you--they're not looking for psychoanalysis.  At least, that's not what I'm looking for when I do it.

Fish, I know what you're going through.  Nine doctoral program rejections and a severe case of "reanalyze my life and try and figure out what the hell I'm going to do now" give me a strong dose of empathy.  I honestly have no clue what BYU's thinking.  I've been in their creative writing classes.  I've read the work some of their students are spewing writing.  And I've read your stuff.

Sigh.

Ever think of library science?  

[fuzzyoctopus]

I personally agree with the whole sledgehammer thing. If God wants to open a window while I'm busy knocking down walls with a sledgehammer, that's fine.

[MsFish]

Exactly.  That way if he doesn't, you've got several large holes in the drywall to choose from.

And thank you, Parker.  I appreciate your empathy.

[stacer]

I'm really liking the imagery here. Someone might even relate it to that story (cheesy though it is, it is actually one of those spiritual twinkies that works for me) about how our trials are just God knocking down our old walls. When we protest and say that we liked our cozy little cottage, why did he have to go and knock it down? And he answers that he's remodeling it to a mansion or something.

Like I said, cheesy, but I like the idea that we're a major player in the remodeling. 'Course, that takes it in a completely different direction, I suppose.

[Mad Dr Jeffe]

Ive been absent for a few days so the drama just seems more dramatic, but I realized I cant get worked up. MsFish, I had had and will have nothing but utmost confidence in you. You are going to go far whatever temporary setbacks you might have. Plus with an attitude like knocking big holes in the drywall you've definately got the drive to accomplish it. As long as you keep doing that, I will never worry about you. I will however pray that some nice editor realizes how good you book is and says something to the effect of "I must have it, bring me the phone number of this woman!" In a John Lovitts the Actor voice.  

Im sorry that things didnt work out the way you wanted them to though. I hope your doing ok.