Grateful to BOTL & a little update

[Soundwave13]

I haven't been that active for some time - I needed to break away from the obsession & compulsion I experience here! When I'm on here all the time, it's easy for me to get caught up in the new releases or building a collection. Especially seeing all the lovely cigar porn! So I had to step away (sort of - I still check in regularly, but I don't participate much). I stopped 'collecting' and started focusing on only the cigars I like & could afford. I probably have a third of what I used to have.

So what have I been up to? School mainly - just finished up my second year with a 4.0! This is in addition to full-time employment, family obligations and community work. But I'm loving it! Some of the work can be tedious, but I'm really enjoying the whole process. I think I would continue to go to school for the rest of my life if I could!

It started with me telling my cousin to never stop doing what she loved doing (she was/is an incredible cook - went to college & works at a fancy club now). Thing is, after I said that, it occurred to me that I was very unhappy with my life & I needed to work on changing my situation.

I'm dying to get out of the company I work for, managing a specialty machine shop for the past 13 years, & do what I've always wanted to do: art (music, photography, travel & learning). So I've focused on photography, graphics & webdesign.

I still have a long way to go, but I've been encouraged by friends, family & 'peers' and some freelance work here & there. In fact, I wanted to take the summer off (unlike last year), but I have so much freelance work lined up, I probably won't have much of a break! But at least I'm getting my debt chopped down dramatically & taking big steps towards my goals.

I love this community & so many of you have been supportive & understanding. I just wanted to touch base (fueled by some of Javaman's excellent coffee!) and give a brief report on my whereabouts.

I'm so blessed with my loving & supportive family & friends; and even though I'm not always visibly participating on the forums, I'm doing well, living healthy and I am very grateful to my extended family on BOTL!!

~AJ

(Damn that's some good coffee Javaman!)

 

[blooz4u]

Glad to hear from you brutha! Thanks for the update. I hope you continue to follow your passions!!

 

[ATL]

Good for you! So few of us have the courage to change our circumstances and risk doing what we were truly made to do--keep it up!

 

[W.B.]

Glad to hear your enjoying the journey and your family is on board with you. As well, am hopin' you have success in pursuing your new line of work/interest.

 

[YodisMatt]

Awesome man, I did the same thing a few years ago. I was a UPS driver and made great money but it wasn't wanted I wanted to do forever. Actually a lot of friends couldn't believe I left that kind of money behind, lost my house and moved on. I got my degree in Digital Design, I do photography and now work at a design agency as their graphic designer, couldn't be happier! Best of luck.

 

[javajunkie]

good on you for deciding to take a leap of faith toward something fulfilling! we will be rooting for your success. and don't sweat KOT chasing the latest and greatest, just enjoy when you can, and pop in and share with us from time to time.

also, kev's coffee IS damn good. o)

 

[smokemifugotem]

Word! Glad to see you around AJ! Also glad to see you are following your dreams brother!

 

[thejavaman]

Congrats on taking the bull by the horns & trying to do what it is you want to do in life! I tell my 6 year old son all the time that he can be whatever it is in life that he wants to be. It sounds so cliché and so many people in the world aren't happy with how their lives have played out to this point (me included sometimes), but it really can happen with determination & you're proving that, AJ. I wish you the best & hope you end up where you want to be someday soon.

Glad you're enjoying to java to, bro.

 

[srduggins]

Congrats on choosing a healthier and happier lifestyle. A good model for many of us. I try to do the same, but I like way too many cigars. Retirement is in sight for me (5 years or so), so too late to change jobs at his point, but maybe not too early to think about something new and interesting after that.

So, do you still live on South Street?

 

[derwood]

Congrats on having the courage to work towards something that'll make you happy! Sounds like you are off to a good start. Wish you all the best, and hope you get there sooner than later!

 

[StogieNinja]

I haven't been that active for some time - I needed to break away from the obsession & compulsion I experience here! When I'm on here all the time, it's easy for me to get caught up in the new releases or building a collection. Especially seeing all the lovely cigar porn! So I had to step away (sort of - I still check in regularly, but I don't participate much). I stopped 'collecting' and started focusing on only the cigars I like & could afford. I probably have a third of what I used to have.

Good for you, man!!!


Best wishes for you as you move forward with your career, sounds like you've got a good support system and the right attitude.

 

[ZipTie]

Way to go bud, that took some courage. Glad it's paying off for you!

Cheers :ccool:

 

[Soundwave13]

Thanks for the support guys - it means a lot to me! I barely made the grades in high school, I just wanted to party. Now, I actually want to be there - what a difference that makes on the grades! But more importantly, I'm enjoying it. Too bad it took me 17 years to go back to college, technically I'm old enough to be most of my classmates' parent!

Things move so quickly, yet I sometimes I'm anxious to get ahead quicker. I just try to be grateful with making progress & keep the goals in mind!

Thanks!

 

[MoJo]

Thanks for sharing, and good luck with the career change! You'll have to keep us updated on how this all goes. Going back to school is something I've considered doing so it's nice to hear one of you actually doing it.


just don't turn into this guy

 

[Alwayslit]

Congrats. Keep up the good work.

 

[ciggy]

Glad to see you back as well and following your dreams bro! Like you I'm in the same boat here but getting back into the community. If it's one thing I've learned from it...The door to BOTL is always open and like you never left at all. This place is wonderful and the company is bar none!