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Post by tea4me on Mar 8, 2011 15:58:29 GMT -5
How many of you are living the life you've always dreamed of?
What were your dreams?
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Sum Dum Gai
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Post by Sum Dum Gai on Mar 8, 2011 16:03:51 GMT -5
By 30 I was supposed to have 3.5 million dollars and be retired. I was going to buy a cheap little house somewhere and spend at least half the year traveling. I had no real idea how I was going to make the money, which might have been the problem. Anyway, my life isn't too bad right now, but no I'm not living the dream. Of course, originally I didn't picture myself with kids. There's no way I'd trade my daughters for some trips to Europe.
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Post by pig on Mar 8, 2011 16:05:33 GMT -5
My life is one big dream. I have to pinch myself to make sure I'm awake.
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dancinmama
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Post by dancinmama on Mar 8, 2011 16:07:46 GMT -5
We dreamed that we would live in a nice home and that DH would be able to retire at age 55. We have the dream home for our retirement in the place we wanted to retire (via work relocation almost 6 years ago) and DH is on the countdown to retirement when he turns 55 in the first quarter of 2012. Never in our wildest dreams, however, did we think that the country would be such a mess when we retired. Oh well, guess things can't be perfect. Almost though!!
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Post by dragonfly7 on Mar 8, 2011 16:22:17 GMT -5
Five years ago, DH and I wanted to move to Boston. I wanted to become an archivist or a reference librarian, and he wanted to continue to be a water scientist. I wanted two kids and to be finished having them by the time I was 30. Since then, we have had four layoffs between us. DH is a middle school science teacher, and we are living in Texas ( ), two things that were certainly never on his radar. I might still go to library school, but I'd be more mentally comfortable with the idea if we paid off the CC debt and the private SL first. At the moment, my dream is to get the CC debt paid off within a year of getting full-time employment and to have living children. It doesn't get very far into the future anymore.
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Plain Old Petunia
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Post by Plain Old Petunia on Mar 8, 2011 16:23:02 GMT -5
Your dreams change and evolve as you go through life. For example, I once dreamed of being a princess, having a twin sister, and owning a sparkly, silver horse. That dream came to naught.
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kdamron
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Post by kdamron on Mar 8, 2011 16:24:41 GMT -5
Yes and no I guess. I'm not the successful actress I imaged as a girl, but I love my job/career, I do community theater, I'm a published writer and in general I'm very happy. So no, specifically to the dream I had when I was younger, but yes to I'm living the life I want to live right now. People change.
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kdamron
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Post by kdamron on Mar 8, 2011 16:26:19 GMT -5
Exactly!
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Deleted
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Post by Deleted on Mar 8, 2011 16:28:22 GMT -5
The dream of being an accountant at a construction company is played over and over in the heads of millions of children.
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ihearyou2
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Post by ihearyou2 on Mar 8, 2011 16:29:32 GMT -5
I have hit what I thought was my dream but now my dream has grown bigger.
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Peace Of Mind
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Post by Peace Of Mind on Mar 8, 2011 16:31:34 GMT -5
Your dreams change and evolve as you go through life. For example, I once dreamed of being a princess, having a twin sister, and owning a sparkly, silver horse. That dream came to naught. You too? ;D Being a military brat I've traveled all over the world so my dream was to be settled in a beautiful home, financially comfortable with my DH, our kitties, lots of wild life and a pretty garden. I also wanted some great friends to do things with. I've exceeded my dreams and I'm now making new ones that will include an adorable lake house for the weekends and vacations close enough to our current house to visit often, and far away enough to be some where different. The property is already purchased. To everybody's dreams!
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Opti
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Post by Opti on Mar 8, 2011 16:33:33 GMT -5
No, but I'm still working on some newer ones. Small dreams do come true lately. I was thinking I wanted more karma and poof some wonderful poster gave me an exalt. Thank- you poster!
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michelyn8
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Post by michelyn8 on Mar 8, 2011 16:36:42 GMT -5
I really don't remember what I wanted my life to be when I was younger. My plan for the future, if I even had one, was shot to hell the day I took that pregnancy test in 1985 at the tender age of 16.
I know at one time I considered becoming a lawyer - closest I got was to be a legal secretary.
I wanted to travel and specifically to see Scotland by the time I was 35 - 35 has come and gone and I still haven't seen Scotland. BUT, I know I still have time and it can still be a possibility and my parents did allow me to travel to Spain when I was 15 so I have seen some of the world.
I wanted to own a small "farm" of about 20 acres with a rambling farmhouse right back in the middle. That also is still a possiblity but I'm a bit more realistic and would be happy with 5-10 acres and a 1000 sf house as long as I had my porches. ;D
I wanted to be remarried by 30 but that never came to light. However, I am in a relationship with someone I love and while its not perfect, we both put in the effort to keep it going.
As Petunia said, dreams change as our lives change. The things I wanted a few years ago are no longer what I want now. I did have to come to terms with some things I had wanted that are no longer a possibility and that hasn't been easy. I just remind myself that my life is better than most and the things that didn't work out are because of choices I made (good or bad) and that I honestly thought were the best for me and my children at that time. I did the best I could and that's all anyone can do.
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michelyn8
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Post by michelyn8 on Mar 8, 2011 16:39:18 GMT -5
No, but I'm still working on some newer ones. Small dreams do come true lately. I was thinking I wanted more karma and poof some wonderful poster gave me an exalt. Thank- you poster! You're welcome. I read your post on the breadwinner thread and you're spot on with your advice. Only thing is, I don't think she is ready to "hear" what she's being told and has gotten to comfortable being unhappy to make any effort right now. I spent years being miserable until I realized I didn't know any thing else. I didn't want to spend my life that way and am doing what I need to do to be happier with my life.
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swamp
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Post by swamp on Mar 8, 2011 16:43:38 GMT -5
Yes, I am. But now that I'm here, it's not all that it was cracked up to be.........
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NomoreDramaQ1015
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Post by NomoreDramaQ1015 on Mar 8, 2011 16:44:39 GMT -5
Depends. I work in the field I've wanted to since I was a child. I don't own my own zoo and I am not a huge successful career woman like Oprah though.
Things changed and I met DH. I decided that my original dream wasn't compatiable with my current life and I choose my current life over my original dream.
It hurt a little at first because I REALLY wanted to find a way to have both, but I would make the same choice again.
I agree with michelyn8, dreams change as our lives change. I would have looked at you like you were nuts if you told me at 18 this would be my life, but at 27 I am pretty happy and still have a long road ahead of me to retailor my dreams to fit my life.
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jeffreymo
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Post by jeffreymo on Mar 8, 2011 16:50:31 GMT -5
I will occasionally wake up in the morning and reflect on where I am and what I've accomplished up to that exact point in my life. In general I'll have the feeling that I'm falling short of where I'd like to be. The episodes are almost like a part of a dream, and I use whatever disappointment I feel as motivation to act on things that I've been hesitant about. It's really enlightening.
There are other occasions where I'll compare myself to others and feel good about where I am.
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Opti
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Post by Opti on Mar 8, 2011 16:52:57 GMT -5
Thanks Michelyn8! I read your post on your dreams and it sounds like you've got a well balanced view. My life has gone in directions totally unexpected partially due to market forces and industry changes I couldn't have predicted in 1985 and earlier. I've revised my views to not put time limits on my dreams since missing those deadlines made me too unhappy and for what?
I have been to Scotland and it is gloriously green. I hope you get there and enjoy it as much as I did or more. ;D
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alabamagal
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Post by alabamagal on Mar 8, 2011 16:54:49 GMT -5
Dreams/Reality:
Doctor/Engineer - In college I found out I really didn't like sick people, I now have an awesome job (after one major layoff/career hickup) Kids/Awesome Kids - Have 3 great kids (at least that is my thought today), 2 in college 1 in high school Married/Married 24 years Have a big house near the beach/Have an ok house in a place where at least I am content 2 hours to beach
Mainly I am not living where I dreamed about. Just have to hang on until retirement, then can live where I want.
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lynnerself
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Post by lynnerself on Mar 8, 2011 16:58:02 GMT -5
I remember at one point I wanted 2 kids, a Masters degree and to run a marathon by age 40. Well I managed one out of three. And that one (the 2 kids) sort of changed my ideas on the other two. I am living close to my new dreams now. Nice house, lots of travel. Would have liked to retire at 58, but 62 will do. Have managed to put both kids through college. DH and I are on different pages for retirement dreams. He wants acreage and privacy and nature. I'd like a little place in the city within walking to shops, concerts and restaurants Well, hopefully his for 10 or 12 years and them maybe mine.
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kdamron
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Post by kdamron on Mar 8, 2011 17:04:20 GMT -5
"I have been to Scotland and it is gloriously green. I hope you get there and enjoy it as much as I did or more."
It's also glorious covered in snow and lit up for Christmas. I got there later than I wanted, but I did get there.
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iono1
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Post by iono1 on Mar 8, 2011 17:14:18 GMT -5
I get paid a livable amount every month for doing absolutely nothing & pay no state income tax. I can't beat that.
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Tiny
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Post by Tiny on Mar 8, 2011 17:22:15 GMT -5
I never did become a Hermit (in a cave with indoor plumbing (hot and cold running water)) although the advent of the internet has made the update dream of becoming a Recluse in a Posh High Rise Apartment a possiblity. My other dream was to 'run away and join the circus'. I have worked with 'clowns' at past jobs but that doesn't really count. The Circus dream could someday come true - I've lost weight and I'm feeling young at heart.
I'm old now (47) and I'm happily re-writing my past memories (hey, if old people get to remember the 'good old days' then why can't I script my very own happy childhood!). As soon as I choose what color my pony was - I'll have that childhood "dream" taken care of...
Seriously, I think in a way I have achieved some of my dreams - I've got a house (I always wanted one), time for hobbies, money to spend on fun for me stuff, and friends/family to join me in the fun....
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Post by tea4me on Mar 8, 2011 17:38:53 GMT -5
I don't think I ever had a dream. Maybe it was to work and be self-sufficient. Is that a dream or something you are supposed to do?
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stats45
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Post by stats45 on Mar 8, 2011 17:40:15 GMT -5
Not quite, but I'm remarkably happy with my life.
I wanted to be a professional tennis player when I was young. As a teenager, I wanted to go to medical school, but I was captivated by math and statistics in college. I've stuck with that since, and it has opened up so many doors for me.
When I was young, my goal was to be wealthy enough to not have to rely on anyone for anything. I didn't want a girlfriend, boyfriend...nothing. I saw some bad relationships growing up, and I couldn't wait to be alone. As time passed, I got over that and found a great partner. It has made me happy and content with my life in ways that having a good career just couldn't.
I think every day about how fortunate I am and am committed to doing everything I can to keep it going.
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HappyLady
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Post by HappyLady on Mar 8, 2011 17:47:11 GMT -5
To an extent, I am. I always dreamed of traveling the lots, having a high powered career, and living in a big city, and I am doing those things, even though they are a little different than I originally dreamed.
I still have dreams of one day settling down and having family, but that 'dream' hasn't come true yet! I hope it's part of the "you can have it all, just not all at once" mantra, and I will reach that dream eventually!
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busymom
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Post by busymom on Mar 8, 2011 17:49:02 GMT -5
Some dreams have come true. DH & I are still together, I've got good kids & a nice home. However, one child's disability, and the amount of help aging relatives need who refuse to go to assisted living wasn't in the plan, nor was DH & me going in for surgery. (The financial hits have been BIG!) And, our income has been down the last 2-3 years. But, focusing on what has gone right keeps me going.
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Artemis Windsong
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Post by Artemis Windsong on Mar 8, 2011 18:04:46 GMT -5
Retired and in good health all around. My brother is living the dream of mountain living keeping the rats of all kinds out of the property and the roof shoveled off. The GKs ;Dkept us from moving out of state back to the mountains. Now, as we age, there are just a few good years left to keep the place. Maybe I will see those 10% interest rates or higher on savings and CDs.
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Sum Dum Gai
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Post by Sum Dum Gai on Mar 8, 2011 18:11:38 GMT -5
Maybe I will see those 10% interest rates or higher on savings and CDs. Wouldn't that mean inflation was crazy high? I mean, I can totally see the appeal of getting 10% in CDs, but if the cost of everything was going up 8 or 9% year at the same time, I don't think it would be something I'd be rooting for.
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Post by bobbysgirl on Mar 8, 2011 18:23:42 GMT -5
The only dream I can remember was to be a good mother and not hurt my children. I wanted 2 girls. I got 3 and a son. It never occurred to me I would have to get married and have a husband to realize my dream. I was 10 and under. Never went beyond that. I tend to live and be flexible when life hands out lemons. I love me some lemonade. That's what I've learned in life.
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