I suppose most of us have dreams and aspirations, perhaps to be or do something different with our lives.

I have often found myself in that "wannabe" state of mind.

When I was a kid, I wanted to be a cowboy a la Roy Rogers or Hopalong Cassidy. The closest I came was to ride a horse. Oh, and I've been "out west".

I thought I might want to be a farmer. Becoming a gardener is as close as I became.

Perhaps a golf pro like my childhood hero Gary Player? Nope.

I went to college to become an optometrist. I opted (play on words here) to go into teaching. At least it was in science.

Maybe theater? I thought I had musical and acting talent. And I was in IU's Singing Hoosiers. Alas, another crashing disappointment.

My parents were artists, so perhaps.....? Yeah, right. Years later, I did paint houses during summer vacations!

My father was a skilled carpenter and architect (although he made a living selling cars). Could I...? Nah, forget that idea.

I wanted to be tall and buff. We know how that worked out--short and scrawny. Good personality, however!

I loved to read and write. Could I be a journalist or write a novel? Blogging is as close to that as I came.

I got my Masters degree in geography, so perhaps I could be a cartographer, work for National Geographic, or become a world traveler. None of the above. Just a U.S.A traveler.

How about signing up for and becoming a "teacher in space" astronaut? Instead, I was only a spaced out astronomy teacher. Close enough.

Lastly, and currently, I want to be forever young. We all know how that'll work out!

But, you know what? I'm perfectly happy with the way my life turned out. I wouldn't want it any other way--well, except for a couple of things! Continue dreaming.