sheliaday

Member since August, 2011
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About me

If you were to throw up your hands in exasperation and yell "it's the story of my life," what would you be talking about?
I don't know what I want!

No, really that's the story of my life. Way back when I graduated from high school, I wanted to go to art school. I got tired of answering the question "What are you going to do with that?" I did what any normal person would do. I changed majors. I then fell in love with Geography...the classes were that good. My intention was to graduate with a major in Geography and a minor in Geology, so I could do something in environmental management. However, I wanted to graduate—badly—and found myself with more English credits than geology. English then became my minor. After graduation I couldn't find a job. Again, I did what any unemployed graduate would do. I went to grad school. I still had this idea of environmental management in my head and I knew I would be shoo-in for a residency in Geography. It was in grad school where I discovered academia. I wanted an office. I wanted to feel like I was in University permanently. I wanted Christmas vacation off.

Before I knew it, I found myself in a PhD in Geography. Then, I discovered conferences and papers. Being a shy and unconfident person, this did not make me happy. It was in grad school where I met my husband, so I feel that validates this huge and expensive mistake.

I just knew deep down in my heart that I wanted to work with children, so I enrolled in a teacher certification program. Three things led to the downfall of this plan. First, the absolute ridiculousness of (many) of the classes was appalling. Second, I woke up at 4:30am to go to my friend's classroom one day. Enough said. Third, I met a friend who was formally in the English department, and through our discussions she made me miss writing and literature. I stopped to really think about what I have loved to do since I was a little girl. Read and write stories.

I transferred to the Master's in English program. I think it had less to do with academic achievement and more to do with just the experience of being in school. Honestly, I made the decision after a visit to the campus library with my husband. What can I say? I like its sounds and the way it smells, and that made me feel all nostalgic about my under-grad years. I soon came another realization that I would do nothing with this degree since I had no desire to become an academic.

I have to back-up, because this story took a turn during my PhD program years. I discovered Etsy and the modern crafting world while attempting to make our wedding a unique and quirky event. I loved the idea of making things. My Nana ran her own sewing business, so I grew up playing in her shop and making things. I could sew as a toddler. Don’t get me wrong I love Etsy and there are people who can make a living on it, but I was delusional because I thought this applied to me. I spent a lot of time making things (at first it was children’s clothing then felt crafts then embroidery), so much so that I was quickly on my way to a carpal tunnel brace. I also wasted hours and hours promoting my work on and off the site in different but useless ways. I never made money. In a cruel twist, I may have broken even only due to the sales of de-stashed fabrics. Figures. I really feel I gave the handmade life my best shot. Personally, I think sewing and other crafts should be left as a hobbies, because it can be a great source of frustration when I project goes awry, which is shockingly often.

I think that brings us up-to-date, because that last tidbit of realization came yesterday. I am pretty sure it will stick, because guess what I find myself doing at this moment...writing.

Besides SMITH, I read stories at:
in books.

In bed I like to read:
Fiction.

My favorite story of all time is:
On the Road.

Right now, I'm reading:
Re-reading Harry Potter. When I finished the series, I felt like a had lost a friend. I am as surprised as you are.