Yes, I have to say that this training was probably the catalyst for what we are both doing right now. We should be thankful that we had the opportunity to experience it.

It doesn’t matter how long it takes, as long as you take the chance. The beautiful thing is, I know already that we will both get there. You will see.

Thanks for being a part of it, and being a friend.

Almost a year ago, at work, we were trained in the “Seven Habits of Highly Effective People” (you were there with me).

One of the excercises we had was to take five minnutes, and write down as fast we could, without thinking, what we thought was important in our life, and what our core values were.

The whole point of that excercise was to allow our subconcious to break through, to help us express what we’re passionate about.

Much to my surprise, after I finished, I saw that nothing I had had written had ANYTHING do with my present job or being an engineer.

That was my Wake-Up call. I only then realized I’m not doing what I should be doing.

If there is one thing I benefitted from that Seven Habits course, is that it’s started me on my journey towards becoming a professional writer.

Who knows? It might take 1 year, it might take twenty. But at least now I’ve started working at it.

It will be interesting to see how this all turns out.

Thanks for stopping in again, and for your kind words. That’s kind of the neat thing about this format, as we can always go back to the older stuff, and jump around a bit.

Yes, we are both on that same path, and we will get there. I can already feel it. What you said is so true – don’t look down, keep climbing.

I’m in your shoes, don’t worry – the more I learn, I realize, the less I know. And that is okay, because this is just like everything I’ve ever taken on – school, being a dad – so much to learn.

Thanks again, and keep on doing what you’re doing – I know that *you* also have what it takes. I really liked your latest post about the Busy Bus. Don’t wait for the Busy Bus – be the driver.

I guess I am reading your blog backwards and just got to this one and loved it!

As you know, we are both on the same path to making our dreams happen in the writing world.

Right now I am feeling possessed by a “don’t look down- there is nothing there so you better keep climbing” mentality.

I have so much to learn…this week my goal is to lean how to work the links and figure out how to get my favorite blogs to show up on my site. That’s how far I have to go…talk about jumping in at the beginning! But if we don’t quit, we keep on climbing. I’m rooting for you. I think you have what it takes.
Thanks for coming by and giving me encouragement. We can encourage each other!

I could not have done any of this, without each of you, whether you know it or not.

@ James – you have been a great resource, and it has been great interacting with you along the way. Together, we make each other stronger.

@ Michael – I can’t thank you enough, I saved that post, looked at it for about three days, and then said “GO!”

@ Nick – thank you very much – I have a lot more to say, as you will see – and thank *you* for your words on your blog, especially your latest – that hit home for me in many ways.

@ Francis – last but certainly not least, some time ago you told me you’d kick me in the ass if I didn’t start writing something. You know me better than I know myself, in some ways, perhaps that is what a friend is.

(I could have sworn we told you about NZ, obviously we talk too much about computers and not enough about “life”.)

And yes, I am still full of $hit. Thanks for your words, my friend.

Beers all around.

You’ve been publishing for 20 days and only just now told me?
You went to New Zealand last year and didn’t tell me?
No matter, I still think you are full of $hit.
And that is a compliment. To go back to your analogy of a farmer. They recycle the waste of their beasts to grow crops that feed the beasts.
You blog feeds others, just as they feed you and you are all growing collectively.
Back when I was a professional writer (yes, yes I’ve gone the opposite way from you) I needed the interaction of other writers but that was the days before blogs. So I spent a fortune in coffee at coffee houses.

Keep on keeping on.

I used to spend months toiling away on the details, and never launched anything for years. This year I’ve applied your concept of rapid prototyping to my life and it’s been great — the way I look at it right now is, if it can’t be launched in one month or less, the prototype needs scaling back.

Looking forward to reading more!