When I grow up.....

Driving to work this morning I thought to myself, I love asking little kids what they want to be when they grow up, because you know, I'm still looking for ideas.  When I was in elementary school I always thought I'd be a teacher.  When I was in high school I wanted to be a photographer or a photo journalist.  After I had Kid #1 I thought maybe I'll work at a bank (obviously needed to aim higher).  Right before Kid #3, while I was working as a 911 Operator and Police Dispatcher I thought (for a brief second) I wanted to be a police officer.  Upon arrival of Kid #3, that was a glimmer in my mind and figured I would be a stay-at-home mom.  Apparently that did not last long.  I still debate what I want to be when I grow up and have even thought that by the time I retire I might actually figure it out.

I decided to ask my children what they wanted to be when they grow up.  Sade wants to be a photographer.  A child after her mother's heart!  She would be good at it, but I hate to tell her she'll be living with her parents for the rest of her life.  Alyx said she wants to be a cook.  I'm pretty sure she means a professional chef, not a McDonald's cook.  I can deal with that...she's a good cook.  She loves to help me cook and she actually does really well.  Maybe she will live somewhere cool like New York or L.A.  Then her mom, with a budding career during retirement, could come visit.  A.J. says he wants to play in the NFL or be a "NFL writer".  I don't have the hear to tell my 7 year old that not many kids grow up to play professional football.  Maybe he should stick with sports writing or commentating.  Based on his gene pool he's most likely not going to be 6'3" and 250 lbs, more like 5'9".    I have always been scared one of my kids will want to be a police officer (even more scared they will want to be a fireman) but the likelihood is probably pretty good.  I can deal with it now, I guess.  I just want my children to succeed.  Much like my mom wanted us to succeed.   I think I've done pretty well, but still exploring my post-retirement options.  Yes mother, one day I will be that photographer you still tell me I should be!