Six years later it was still the best thing that happened to me because it lead me back to writing and introduced me to blogging and social media, both things I've turned into a part time career. But given the chance to go back to writing full time and I wouldn't turn it down. I have some of those wheels in motion now so hopefully it won't be long.

(1) I got kicked out of typing class in high school for telling the teacher to go to hell, under my breath, but what I didn't realize at the time he was looking over my shoulder and could hear what I muttered, so straight to the principal's office I went. This was back before electric typewriters. The upside to this story is that the teacher got me out of his class and won the battle, but I learned to type in spite of him and went on to make my living for several years typing on much the same vintage manual Royal typewriter.

(2) I failed the civil service exam to work for the post office.

I'm sure there were others that don't come to mind at the moment, but that's enough for starters.

Enjoy your time in Santa Cruz. I'm sure you'll want to go back soon to be able to enjoy the unique culture that's taken many,many years to cultivate.