A full time job, like life itself, is a fundamental limitation on time. The trick is to balance necessity with desire, and somehow realize your selfhood within the context imposed upon you. Optionals include trying to exert control over that context, stirring up a stimulating mess (forbidden romance, for example) or trying to pretend you're not there at all. Things go better if you sleep enough, eat well and bathe.

My friend, Betsy, had a wonderful notion yesterday: Wouldn't it be grand if life were like the Choose Your Own Adventure series? Do y'all remember those? Let's try one out, just for kicks:

You have just graduated from high school. You have been accepted into a decent state school, but your heart rebels. You have always dreamed of being a lion tamer. Your parents want you to start a pre-med track. Do you A) start a pre-med track B) delare yourself a drama major or C) defer enrollment and secretly begin to research lion taming.

GO!