This week’s Monday Listicles is “As a child, which 10 things did you think you would do or be?” Some of these were easy and some required a bit more memory power (which is lacking lately)!
1. Have children
I always knew I wanted to have children–as a teenager I babysat a lot and taught Sunday school and bible school. I formed close relationships with many younger children. Friday I heard a story on public radio (can’t find it online) about a single woman who chose to have two children on her own (through a sperm donor). That’s what I knew I would do, if I hadn’t gotten married. I never had doubts about having children. I know I’m privileged to have had great parenting myself, which certainly helped me have confidence that I could do it.
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| With some of my students in Japan |
2. Become a teacher
When I was an adolescent, I wanted to teach emotionally disturbed children (that was the term back then). That’s hard to imagine now…I would never had had the patience.My dad was a social worker in the inner city schools, and a few times I went to shadow him and his colleagues. Then I decided I wanted to teach elementary school. But then I changed my major from education to English. The only teaching I’ve done is three years in Japan, but the situation was extremely different from how public teachers work today. I have eternal admiration for teachers, but I think being a writer/editor suits me better. Here are some posts I wrote a few years ago about how much I admire teachers:
In Praise of Teachers, Part 1
In Praise of Teachers, Part 2
In Praise of Teachers, Part 3
3. Sing
Similar to any young girl with a voice and a guitar, I did have some dreams of grandeur. Now I sing regularly at church and spend time singing with the kindergarteners every Friday morning. I also go to music camp every year!
4. Go to college
My parents both are well educated (my dad has two master’s degrees, one in math and one in social work and my mom went back to school to get her master’s in counseling when I was in junior high). I never considered not going to college and felt lucky to get my parents’ support and encouragement. They instilled in me a love of and respect for education.
5. Help people who are less fortunate
As I mentioned, my dad worked in the inner city schools. I remember one time he brought home an African-American boy for dinner. (This was very rare, and I’m not sure what prompted this event.) I’m sure he must have felt tempted to bring home children on a constant basis. My parents taught us that it was our job as humans and Christians to take care of the less fortunate…by supporting a safety net for people who didn’t have the same opportunities. They are why I’m a proud democrat and believe it’s our duty to raise other people up when we can.
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| Eating gasoline-scented sandwiches in front of Central Park (and the Museum of Natural History), 1981 (We traveled with tents and ice chest– there was a gasoline spill in the trunk! Can’t believe we ate those things!) |
6. Travel
After my parents graduated from college, they set off for Europe–to travel and then to teach and live there. I did the same–but I went in the opposite direction (to Japan). Even though my childhood travel was confined to car trips and within the contiguous United States, I loved hitting the road…and still do!
7. Spend time with my family
I grew up spending lots of time with my nuclear and extended family, most of whom still live in Oregon. Birthdays and all major holidays were spent with aunts, uncles, grandparents, and cousins. Family has always been so important to me, and I never doubted that this would continue into adulthood. It’s changing, as my extended family is changing. I truly believe that family time is better than a clean house (although it would be very nice to have a clean house)!!
8. Work outside the home
We used to tease one of my friends in college, because she willingly confessed that she wanted her Mrs. degree. I was not averse to staying home and raising kids, but it wasn’t something I necessarily wanted to do. My dream is to work part-time someday instead of full-time! I think I would have been bored staying home taking care of kids all day. I admire those people (including my husband) who are able to do this…and I certainly believe it’s ideal to have one parent at home, if it works.
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| With childhood friends (I’m second from right, and my sister is at the far right) |
9. Be social
I’m a shy extrovert. I get my energy from being with other people. When I was in first grade, my teacher wrote on my first report card that I needed to spend more time on my schoolwork and less time socializing. (This reminds me of my children!) On Friday night I went to a wonderful women’s dinner party given by a dear friend, and I was shocked to discover that it was nearly midnight when many of us left. I guess I’m feeling better! I am shy, though, when I don’t know people…but once you are my friend, I let my guard down and open up.
10. I can’t think of a #10, so I will twist this into what I never would have predicted about myself:
- Live abroad for 3 years
- Marry a Brit
- Be mom to THREE boys
- Be the primary breadwinner while hubby can write and take care of the boys
- Write for a living
- Feel so, so blessed–I can’t imagine having a happier life!
Every Day Is a Miracle 