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Quiz: What should I Be When I Grow Up

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When I Grow Up, What Will I Be?

As part of the Jenga 2 game at Squid U, Towanda, tssfacts on Squidoo recently challenged me to write: What I will be when I grow up?

While this is obviously tongue in cheek since I am in my 40's... there is actually a lot of merit to the question due to my circumstances.

Grab a cuppa something and join me on this quest. There will be a quiz at the end, just for fun!

UPDATE - 5/11/2011 --

Click here for an important update
Important!

Remember...

Man cannot remake himself without suffering,
for he is both the marble and the sculptor.



~Dr. Alexis Carrel

A Little Background Before We Move On...

At 44, I found myself in the position of starting all over. I don't mean in love, marriage or as a parent. I still had my best friend husband and my 2 awesome kids. But, as casualties of the economic recession, we were about to start from scratch financially and in finding work. We were moving 1,000 miles South to live with my brother until we could get on our feet.

We sold almost everything we were able to keep after out business and personal bankruptcies and needed new surroundings. My husband is a PGA Golf Professional so we thought the South would be a good place to find work.

The last 17 months have been filled with uncertainty and a noticeable lack of self confidence. It took my college graduate husband 7 months to find work with so many people looking. Grateful as we were, at less than half what he used to make, we still weren't making it. With so many people out of work and jobs being few and far between, employers were able to get very qualified people for bargain salaries.

For me, a non-college graduate, the prospects were very dim. I continued to job hunt and found Squidoo one day in late August of last year. I made my first lens and two weeks later it was named LotD. Shortly after, I received my first Purple Star for an "About Me" lens. Squidoo was wonderful!

Our Wedding - 1986 

A Job!!

Things are looking up.

After a full year, I finally got a part time, hourly job. Not a glamorous job but an income we needed and I was tickled to get it!

Since then, I have been working my normal job and writing on Squidoo to supplement. Squidoo was and is a very supportive community and was the shot of self confidence I so desperately needed. In the last couple of months, I have started to receive payouts from Squidoo and a few other affiliates. When payday is coming, my husband starts asking "How much do you think you will get this month?". We've come a long way!

Then, last month, my parents came for a visit...

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The US Government and Vietnam Veterans

U.S. NAVY HOSPITAL CORPSMAN VIETNAM mousepadDaddy was recently (finally) declared a 100% Disabled Agent Orange Vietnam Veteran. He is getting the medical attention and financial support he deserves after serving a career in the US Navy as a Corpsman (or "Doc" as the Marines referred to them in Vietnam).

While here for a visit, they dropped a bomb on me -- don't worry -- this time it was a good bomb. I am eligible to get a college degree from one of the state university's in Indiana -- tuition free. Yup, as the daughter of a Vietnam Vet, the state has offered this lucky break.

My gut reaction was "Is this real? Can I really, finally, finish my degree?"

Of course, there is a catch. I have to live in the state of Indiana. So, we are contemplating the best way to get back 1,000 miles North so I can take advantage of this once in a lifetime opportunity. It may take us a bit, but we will do it!

What Will I Be?


This phrase invariably reminds me of the song Doris Day recorded, Que Sera, Sera. Loosely translated from Spanish is means "What will be, will be".

I feel like a kid again. I have the world at my fingertips, choices to make and plans to get on with. Am I scared? Yes, but not like I was as a 17 year old Freshman at Ball State University. I've lived a lot of life since then (haven't we all?).

I am more excited and a bit overwhelmed. This is my chance to get a degree and do something I really, really want to do for the rest of my life.

I hear you say: "What is it you want to do the rest of your life?"

My answer, I'm not sure... I need some input!

"You are younger today than you ever will be again. Make use of it."

~ Anonymous

When I Grow Up Books

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A Little About Me

So you can help me decide...

  • I am a writer at heart, always have been. Poetry, memoir and writing for Squidoo are some of my greatest pleasures.
  • Because I am a student of life, always, I am also the "teaching" type. I love to help others grow and see the possibilities in the world around them. Learning is key. I'm not always a great boss. The employees almost always become friends and I watch out for them more than myself or my business.
  • I love to play poker.
  • I don't watch much TV. I prefer classic re-runs like I Love Lucy, The Dick Van Dyke Show, Three's Company, Cheers, Gilligan's Island, etc...
  • My husband and kids come first. They are also very caring of others. I did something right there!
    • I am very eclectic when it comes to music. I can go from Frank Sinatra to The Little River Band or Rod Stewart without skipping a beat!
  • I love to decorate!
  • I'm a Ltrue Libra - always trying to balance things and ensure fairness.
  • At work they call me Amanda because there was already a "Mandy" there. A lot of the time they have to say "Amanda" twice since I haven't ever really been called anything but "Mandee".

Tell Me Your Opinion!

When I entered Ball State in the Fall of 1983, I was an English Major. I had aspirations of teaching writing (creative non-fiction) to others. When that plan derailed, I was married and became a business owner. My husband and I have owned a business for most of our married life.

Which sounds better?

Should I ...

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Get my degree in Business, after all you have 20 plus years experience!

dvpwli says:

Nice Couple....

Kimbesa says:

Get a double major in both areas, and have a good time!

Nenkai says:

if you know what your passion is... and I think most of us do not... then get the business degree so that you can make money doing that! What do they say: if you love what you do you'll never work another day in your life!

Not that "business" sounds like any fun at all, but imagine your grades! After all, you will have lived all the lessons they're trying to teach.

But maybe I'm only saying this to balance the debate? :-)

Get a degree in something you are passionate about. This is your last chance to change your course!

SaintFrantic says:

Passion is everything for me

HectorCarsten says:

Maybe your writing is not your fate. However, you can still pursue your writing if you want. Listen to what your heart tells you BUT never forget to think first before you do something.

SophiaPark says:

Go to where your heart belongs. The one that you love the doing the most. That's the first to do, and I believe everything will follow.

Tolovaj says:

I vote for passion!

mypotlpeople says:

Do what you love then it doesn't feel like work.

lollyj says:

Always do something you feel passionate about.
That makes life's little curve balls easier to dodge.

ShandiGP says:

follow your passions! they should define your life.

catbehaviors says:

I think you should always do what you love. Then you'll enjoy your work. :)

tandemonimom says:

Do what you love, the money will follow!

garyr_h says:

Always do what you enjoy.

 
view all 31 comments

"We all have big changes in our lives that are more or less a
second chance."

~ Harrison Ford

I am Me

A Poem

I did not grow up in one town
I did not graduate high school with friends I started kindergarten
I did not have a neighborhood
I did not have people in town that called me by name
I did not grow up in the same town my mother or father grew up in
I did not have the nostalgic, small town childhood of the movies and in books

Do not feel sorry for me...

I do know how a smile can break the ice on a first day at a new school
I do know how to adapt to new situations
I do know I can be alone without losing my mind
I do know I have visited and seen places others only dream of
I do know that I can make it anywhere
I do know that my family will be there for me every day of my life

Do not feel Glad for me...

I did not lose a parent growing up
I did not suffer from a disease
I did not lose a limb or become debilitated in any physical manner
I did not endure child abuse of any kind

Do not feel Glad for me...

I did go to 5 high schools in 4 years
I did live in 21 different homes during my years through graduation
I did leave my friends behind time after time
I did feel unlucky

Do not feel sorry for me...

I am a good, loyal friend
I am worldly in knowledge and trusting in humanity
I am a better person for all that I have known
I may not have roots; but I have wings

I am Me

Mandee Sears ©2010

Quiz - What Should I Be When I Grow Up?

I feel like I have been given a second chance and have important life choices to make. This 5 question quiz is just for fun, with no real right of wrong answers. I just want some input!

The Challenge

issued by Towanda

Here is the challenge issued to me by Towanda (aka tssfacts).

tssfacts wrote:

Mandee, I want to know what you want to be when you grow-up.

What will the grown-up Mandee be like?
What would be your "dream job".
Where would you live?
What's your dream house like.

I can't wait to meet her. :-)



Well, here are your answers Towanda!
  • 1What will the grown-up Mandee be like?
    This is a hard question. I can't answer how I am perceived by others or even as my family and friends perceive me. I can only answer what I aspire to be during my lifetime:

    Kind, Loving, Giving, Helpful, Knowledgeable, Productive, Caring, and Laughing. This will make me Happy.
  • 2What would be your "dream job".
    To be passionate about whatever I ultimately decide to do. To continue to learn and grow and give back to this earth and its' people for as long as I live. Writing has always been a big part of who I am. I hope to have a job that allows me to write or at least the time to write on my own.
  • 3Where would you live?
    To date, I have lived in 28 homes, in 23 cities, in 7 states & 1 US Territory -
    I WANT TO GO HOME! LOL
    My parents, sisters and my in-laws all live in and around Indianapolis.
    Back Home Again in Indiana!
  • 4What's your dream house like.
    I have had big houses, small houses/apartments and no house or apartment (we lived with my big brother for 9 months last year). I don't need big anymore, just comfortable. Our daughter is starting college in the Fall and our son lives in Orlando. I would love to have a 1,600 to 1,800 sq foot home with a large kitchen that opens into a great room and 3 bedrooms. I don't care about huge bedrooms, walk-in closets or to-die-for bathrooms. Family means everything to me.

    As my daughter said when this journey began, as long as our family is together, we'll be fine.

Purple Star

stars-desi-glitters-122
Very honored to receive a Purple Star on February 22, 2011



Image Credit: Stars | Forward this Picture

Update!

Important News...

Well, someone is watching out for us as hubby was just notified he can transfer to an Indiana store within the company. He has accepted and we are on the move, yet again.

This time, it will be going home. I am so excited to have my parents, sisters, mother-in-law, sister-in-law, brothers-in-law around again! We will be in Indiana before the middle of June.

Gotta go! Lots of packing, sorting and selling to get done! College...Here I come!~

What should I be when I grow up... sound off!

Thanks for joining me and for your opinion.

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Contact Me!

  • Wednesday_Elf May 21, 2012 @ 4:48 pm | delete
    I'm so glad you are back home in Indiana and happy around and with family, Mandee. Now that you have finished 'growing up', you deserve the kind of life you want.

    I like this quote - "You are younger today than you ever will be again. Make use of it." Reminds me of a favorite line from a Simon & Garfunkel song that goes "...older than I once was, younger than I'll be...". Best of luck and much success in this next stage of your life! Special hugs from 'Elf'.
  • Joie Nov 26, 2011 @ 2:08 pm | delete
    I am so happy that you are moving close to family!
  • SaintFrantic Oct 10, 2011 @ 5:35 pm | delete
    Thanks for sharing your great Lens with us
  • SophiaPark Aug 9, 2011 @ 10:55 pm | delete
    Live life to the fullest. Enjoy every moment of it!
  • Tolovaj Jul 26, 2011 @ 1:27 pm | delete
    Enjoy, take a challenge, explore, have fun, it is your life:)
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Who is Mandee (aka DecoratingforEvents)

Short Version

Daughter, sister, wife, sister-in-law, mother, friend, writer, student of life, teacher, lover, fighter, neighbor, volunteer, decorator, Lensmaster at Squidoo, employee, affiliate marketer, blogger, Squidoo Lens Reviewer, e-book author, Extreme Writing Now memoir prompt author, past business owner, bookkeeper, Decorating for Events website owner, Professional Squid... and more!
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This is an answer to the challenge What Should I Be When I Grow Up in Jenga 2 game at SquidU. I hope you enjoy it
. Hey there! I'm Mandee. I'm relatively... more »

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