When I was a kid, I had pretty definite aspirations of what my life and career would be like as an adult. These included a super high-powered job, 80s style pantsuits (but more modern of course!), big hair (because it's classy) and really big purses (not sure about this one). My fridge would be stocked with something sophisticated, say Clearly Canadian. Oh... and I thought I should have a personalized license plate with my name on it.
Looking back, I think my eight-year-old self was hoping to be a Realtor or perhaps a Mary Kay sales person. That didn't quite work out.
So, as an adult, I spend my days at a commercial photography studio and work feels more like play. High-powered? Sometimes I get to choose the music on the iPod. Pantsuit? I don't own one, thank you very much. Hair? I left the "big" hair behind with the humidity. Purse? Hmmm, moderate. License plate? Soon to be Utah and definitely not personalized.
Despite missing out on a few of those, I love my job where we keep the mandatory RC cola and PBR in the fridge (there will be time to explain that later). I think the best part of not knowing – or guessing — what my personal life would be like, is that it is somehow more like it was in 1984 than I could have ever imagined.
In 1981, my family moved from California to Kansas. We were fortunate enough to move to a place where neighbors were more like extended family. We spent weekends outdoors with neighborhood kids, or camping in central Kansas or just eating and drinking close to home.
Since I've moved to Utah I've been equally fortunate. With just over a month under my belt, my new (and old) friends have invited me to Christmas and New Year's Eve dinners, attempted to teach me how to snowboard, driven me hundreds of miles for hiking, and generally fed and entertained me. The food and beverages might be a little better, the music is about the same, Mom and dad will be happy to know there will still be volleyball in the back yard in the summer. Maybe it's time to reinstate neighborhood games of kick the can and jailbreak?
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