What I Learned from the Computer Today

It's amazing isn't it? Computers and all things technological have become such a part of our lives, we can't imagine living without them. Not a day goes by where I don't learn something new, whether by accident or by choice.

Often, I'll be researching, writing, or reading something, and quickly "google" information that has come from that. It's a phenomenal way to extend knowledge. I suppose, sometimes, it can also be troublesome . Computers are a way to connect with people that we may or may not know...through common experiences or troubles. Computers can make us feel that we're not alone, or conversely, as if we're totally alone.

I rarely forward email jokes, verses, memes, posters, and the like. I don't like to clutter peoples' mailboxes with such silly stuff. On the other hand, every once in awhile, there's something that speaks to me or that I find fascinating. The following is such a thing, so I'll share, just this once. I'm not certain of its origin although I did see one place where it says it's from missmentelle. Even if you don't know all the people listed (and I don't), the point is clear and the content of some value. I have a few of my own which I'll add after the finish. The ending is a bit trite, but nonetheless....here goes.

At age 23, Tina Fey was working at a YMCA.

At age 23, Oprah was fired from her first reporting job.

At age 24, Stephen King was working as a janitor and living in a trailer. 

At age 27, Vincent Van Gogh failed as a missionary and decided to go to art school.

At age 28, J.K. Rowling was a suicidal single parent living on welfare.

At age 30, Harrison Ford was a carpenter.

At age 30, Martha Stewart was a stockbroker.

At age 37, Ang Lee was a stay-at-home-dad working odd jobs.

Julia Child released her first cookbook at age 39, and got her own cooking show at age 51.

Vera Wang failed to make the Olympic figure skating team, didn’t get the Editor-in-Chief 
position at Vogue, and designed her first dress at age 40.

Stan Lee didn’t release his first big comic book until he was 40.

Alan Rickman gave up his graphic design career to pursue acting at age 42.

Samuel L. Jackson didn’t get his first movie role until he was 46. 

Morgan Freeman landed his first movie role at age 52.

Kathryn Bigelow only reached international success when she made The Hurt Locker at age 57.

Grandma Moses didn’t begin her painting career until age 76.

Louise Bourgeois didn’t become a famous artist until she was 78.

Whatever your dream is, it is not too late to achieve it. You aren’t a failure because you haven’t found fame and fortune by the age of 21. Hell, it’s okay if you don’t even know what your dream is yet. Even if you’re flipping burgers, waiting tables or answering phones today, you never know where you’ll end up tomorrow.

Never tell yourself you’re too old to make it. 

Never tell yourself you missed your chance. 

Never tell yourself that you aren’t good enough. 

You can do it. Whatever it is. 

Although I'm certain there are many more, I would add people such as ....

Amazon founder Jeff Bezos who was flipping burgers at McDonalds in his 20's.

Mark Cuban, businessman and entrepreneur was a bartender living with six roomates.

Ralph Lauren was a sales assistant.

Tim Allen was arrested and spent two years in prison.

Howard Schultz ,Starbucks CEO, was a Xerox salesman.