1. What did you want to be when you grew up?
In High School, I had visions of becoming a director or some sort of behind the scenes job in theater. When I returned to college after the army, I intended on becoming a teacher.
2. Did you follow through? If not, what happened?
Neither happened, but I don’t know why, really. Various circumstances, of which some made sense and others didn’t. I am now just a a corporate middle manager – making a decent wage but not necessarily living the dream.
3. Is your life turning out the way you thought it would when you were a kid?If not, is it better or worse?
I am happy living in the city and surrounded by tons of friends and family. I never had the dream to be married with 2.5 kids and living in in a little house surrounded by a white picket fence. Mostly, I am happy.
4. Paradoxes aside, if you could time-travel back to when you were 10 years old, what would you tell your 10-year-old self
Go to law school. Pay more attention when the pretty girls flirt with you.
5. Do you think the child you were, would like the adult you’ve become?
Since I am not necessarily that mature, I think my child self would fine me lots of fun.
1) I had visions of Marine Biology and Jacque Cousteau. I loved his TV specials as a kid. Just like most kids, I was part reptile and loved the water. Forest ranger was high on my list too, just like my Pa.
2) No I did not become Jacques Cousteau. Didn’t have the patience to go through all those darn science classes. Found the arts and entertainment industry much more …well, entertaining.
3) Not sure I had a vision as a kid. this nice thing as a kid is that whole “living in the moment” thing and experiencing everything around you as it happens. I want more of that in my life.
4) It is a cliche, but I would tell myself to do whatever you want to do, don’t let anyone else tell you what you should be doing.
5) Mostly, I think the child I am would like to be the child I was.
Geez Nall. . .these questions are a little “Leo Buscaglia.”
1. As a child, I went through a number of phases. The first, I wanted to be a Baptist preacher (I think because I wanted an audience—could care less about the dogma). Then, around the age of 6, I was introduced to the works of an amazing poet, and wanted to follow in his footsteps. (The poet’s name you ask? Why it’s the incomparable Nipsey Russell.)
2. Of course not. Do you ever listen to a single fucking thing I tell you? You of all people should know that IÂ’m neither a preacher nor a poet. I lost my zeal for religion after studying the bible too much. And limericks? *Very* hard way to make a living.
3. I honestly had no vision of what it would be like as a grown up. I had a morose feeling that I would die in my 20’s. *That* didn’t happen. But looking back—there are thousands of things I could have done differently or better.
4. Memorize these stock symbols kid: MSFT, YHOO, GOOG, WFMI, SBUX. And if you want to go to an Ivy League school, you can go to one.
5. Sort of a creepy thought. IÂ’m fairly certain he wouldnÂ’t recognize me.
!) When I was a wee lad, I had visions of becoming a rock star of the Madonna/Michael Jackson variety.
@) I have not followed through due to a lack of confidence & a better understanding of the corporate side of the music industry. Time & small steps I’m currently taking may enable me to succeed on a smaller & more appreciated level.
#) As I approach 30, I’ve been ruminating about my life & contemplating my future a lot. I think my life has turned out pretty damn fine thus far as I have, & have had many relations that have bettered me & helped me become a a mostly fulfilled human being.
$) I’d say, “I know it’s boring but, pay attention in school & strive to do the best you can. You can live when you’re older but for now, stay steady, stay strong, & avoid some of the coming temptations.”
%) I’m okay with myself. Thom & friends have injected a lot of fun into my life & I still hold true to many of the ideals I had as a precocious child.
1. I wanted to be a zoologist.
2. Not sure where and when exactly I strayed from my desire to be Jane Goodall.
3. I think the chaos of moving a lot when I was a kid muddied any clear vision of the future I might have had.
4. I would tell my 10 year old self to not be such a ninny. Oh, and to tell my 16 year old self (if she saw her) to lay off the hallucinogins.
5. I was a worrywart even at 10, so I think she’d be disappointed to find that I still worry every thing to death.
1. I wanted to be the ruler of the world, like a king….tyrant, dictator………so close yet so far away.
2. Well i’m still working on it, one hand cream at a time.
3. It is nothing that I ever imagined. It’s better because of my friends and Mister Edwards. My life is the life of a king…
4. Eat more meat and don’t be afraid to be yourself.
5. I do, i’m still a ten year old boy……if you don’t believe me come see my batman castle room (my office, the dream of 10 year olds!)
WOW! Tough questions r-dub. I needed a couple of days to think about them.
1. Either a war hero or a fireman. Certainly not what I’ve become today.
2. So many things happened to turn me into the stooge I am today. I dunno where to begin. But I think I know what is right and what is wrong. For the most part.
3. I’m not really sure what is going on here. I am a lost soul. I don’t think I ever knew what it was I was supposed to want or strive for.
4. Don’t be a coward and go for what you want. What is the worst that can happen? Do you want to end up 37 with no job and no life? Keep it up!
5. Alas, no. I don’t like kids, and those little fuckers can sense
it. Perceptive little bastards.