by Angie Nelson

Created on: April 20, 2009

Although I hide it well, I am easily discouraged. I have given up on so many things in life because I just couldn't deal. Even at a young age, only a girl of 6 or 7, I joined brownies. That lasted about a week. Later in my young life I attempted participating in 4H. I thought photography sounded fun. I only went to one meeting. I have no "stick-to-it-iveness" because I get so easily discouraged.

I got my first job at the age of 14, legal then in the state of Iowa. My father was the manager at a local motel, and they needed help in housekeeping. It was an easy job to learn; strip the beds, load sheets and towels into the laundry. Vacuum, empty the garbage, make the beds, clean the sink, toilet, shower, and bathroom floor, dust, and clean with mirrors. Replace the towels, cups, soap, and off I went. Once I completed two days worth of shadowing another housekeeper, I got my own cart, and at the beginning of each shift I received a checklist with about 12 rooms on it. Each room was marked whether or not the guest was staying over, in which case you had to knock and say "Housekeeping!" just like in the movies. I hated that part. After almost a month, and several talks with my dad, I was fired. I was on a month-long trial, but I wasn't housekeeping material. The reason? I was too slow. I was a very good housekeeper, but not efficient enough to keep me on staff. I would start at the same time as the rest of the housekeepers, and they would all be done by two or three o'clock. I'd be done at four-thirty. I got fired by my dad; if that isn't discouraging, I don't know what is. I didn't even attempt another job until I was sixteen.

In high school, my best friend played the guitar, and I thought it was awesome. I love music, and she tried to show me how to play a few cords, but I couldn't do it. It was way to complicated for me. But I thought Maybe I could play the bass; there are no chords, just notes, and less strings on the bass. It would be easier for me, I was convinced. So I bought a bass guitar, and an amplifier at the secondhand instrument store. I made arrangements for bass lessons with my friend's guitar instructor. I printed notes off of the Internet and bought Bass Guitar magazine. I did not, however, realize the fact that in order to play an instrument, and play it well, you must practice. The lessons lasted an entire month before, yet again, I got discouraged.

I really am fortunate that I have a huge family and for the most part we all love each other dearly.

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