Stone cold wanted to be a teacher. Says so under “ambition” in my high school yearbook. But under “probable destination,” it says “sweeping the floors at Toughnut Elementary School.” Gotcha fooled, old yearbook! It was a long and winding road that led me from 3x grade repeater, high school dropout, to secretary 13 years, to mature uni student graduating with honors, Many other Diplomas, Certificates, Masters degree and first teaching job.. standup comedy, motivational speaker, gardener, writer, kick-butt shoe-loving Montreal woman nicknamed Tony Galento. Back then I never knew who Tony G was, until a year ago when I googled him. Seems he was a tough dude fighter. Dad gave me that nickname, I imagine because of the numerous fist fights I handled back in the day. Quiet determination is my way.

No, I didn’t get to do what I thought I wanted to do. I still think it would have been the best thing for me, but I got sidetracked by marriage and children and when I did get a shot at the career I wanted, I was too old and too unhealthy to pursue it. I did always want to have children, even though my mother told me if I was smart, I would stick with dogs and cats. Once again, I didn’t listen to her when I should have……..now have grown children and grandchildren who are not part of my life. What a bust that was!!! But I have the greatest husband on earth and we run a business that lets us survive with a little extra on the side, and I guess things could be worse. But, generally, when I look back at the hopes and dreams I had, life has been largely a disappointment………

I wanted to be a pianist. Begged my parents for piano lessons - but they wouldn’t/couldn’t do. I put myself through college - and was always working or studying - no time/money for lessons. Once I entered the workforce, was always working/traveling. God intervened in 2001 and my neighbor gave me her old piano. I’m now 44 - started studying piano 4 years ago and trying to fit piano practice into my life as full-time Mom and part-time marketing consultant while dealing with peri-menopause. Life has been difficult the past 4 years (health and economic concerns) and I can’t afford piano lessons, but I still have my dream of one day being able to play few of my favorite songs. One thing I know….. you NEED to find time for things you absolutely love - even if just for a few minutes each day or an hour each week. Your kids will understand and they will learn something from you.

I wanted to be Leslie Stahl! But I feel I am successful in my own right.

I wanted to be a veterinarian but became a nurse instead. I have never been sorry. My career allowed me the flexibility to raise three beautiful children and I have been able to work with animals through volunteer work, so I really feel that I’ve been able to have the best of both worlds. With retirement fast approaching, it’s time to decide again what I want to be when I’m very grown up.

By the time I was three I knew that I wanted to be a teacher. I was the first from my mother’s side of the family to go to college, and in 2000 I retired from a small technical college in Savannah as an instructor of English. In the words of an old Southern expression, I have “gone waaay beyond my raisin’s.” More inportantly, in my opinion, I have lived, loved, and survived crazy things with hope and optimism in tact. And, by the way, so glad you women—some of whom have been inspirational to me (thank you, Lily and Whoopi) have started this site.

I wanted to dance on Broadway…not be a star…in the chorus. They always looked like they were having so much fun. Instead spent 30+years as a business executive, with no regrets. However, now at 60, I tap dance in a class of all ages and aspirations. I can close my eyes and hear all those dancing feet…..

I wanted to give myself a happy childhood and I did in my twenties.

No, no, no, definately not!! But, soon to retire my sports and art will flourish and my art and sense of humor have saved my sanity for many years. I do wish I had had more guidance in my high school years.

I wanted to be an epidemiologist, but could only go to two years of college, so I became a dental hygienist.

I don’t remember who I was when I was growing up. I changed, in every possible way and am content as I continue carving out this work of not art, but effort.

and I’ve done it all too … except singing like an angel … but maybe that’s still in my future!

As a child in the 60’s watching pop culture tv comercials. I would make fun of the way the models dressed. I thought I could dress my barbie better.As soon as my sister informed me a stylist was respounsible. I was off and running. My career in New york has been more than exciting than even playing dress up barbie.

Well, my desire was to learn how to act very well - to learn how to do what I saw the brilliant performers do - to be an actress. I think I have made progress along the lines of goal #1 relative to the work - But as for goal #2 being an actress - I AM one - but I really had no idea what it entailed! The downtime, the frustration, the unemployment, the sexism, the exploitation of a woman’s erotic nature - sizism - ageism - I could go on - but at least I am not one of those people who said - cudda/shudda/wudda - I met folks like that doing Little Theatre when I was in high school and swore to myself that I wouldn’t be like THEM - & I am not, that’s for sure….But have I achieved the artistic heights I aimed for? For moments - I have seen them - but success in commercial terms - no. I am a working class performing stiff - but can’t live without it in my life - so it’s my karma…

I became a wife and mother and grandmother. Now I’m trying to decide what to do what to do when I grow up! Any one else feel this way. So much time - so little to do.