Sunday, November 13, 2011

What do you want to be when you grow up?

Every once in a while I wonder what I would DO if Mr. Hippie died. I mean, I think I would pay off the house with the insurance money, if we haven't already done that. And then I'd try to live on the rest for a while. But, if I had to provide for myself and my fam, what marketable skills do I have? Since I don't have a degree, and never went to college, would I be up a creek? All I know how to do is run a home. What to do? (Btw, this is pure conjecture-I'm not planning to bump him off any time soon. Maybe later.=))

What are my strengths? What do I enjoy?

Well, I love to read. I could work in a book store or at the library. A library would probably be the better option. Then I wouldn't spend grocery money on books.

And, of course I've made it abundantly clear that I also love to cook. One of the best experiences of my life was being a camp cook. I wouldn't mind doing that again. Food service is hard work. But it is so rewarding when people eat and enjoy what you cook. I don't specialize in fancy food, just GOOD, economical dishes. I could be a line cook. I probably wouldn't start my own restaurant without Mr. Hippie here behind me. But, maybe I could run a cookbook bookstore/restaurant.

I also like to boss people around.=) I played around for a while with the idea of going to culinary arts school. That was pre-mister. But the other course that sounded like a good fit was culinary management. You know, the people at banquet facilities who keep everything running smoothly. I think I could do that. Organizing and details are right up my alley.

I'm also in to fitness. I'm not an expert, but I'm stubborn. I have no training, but I've gotten better, learned a few things, and not given up. I've been at this swimming thing for over 10 years, and running for over 3 years now. I could be a fitness coach. For real people. Moms with young children. Who want to "strengthen their arms" and be healthy, not Barbie dolls. That would tie in very well with my skill of bossing people around.

I think I picked up that characteristic from my dad. We always referred to him (not to his face) as a drill sergeant. Maybe I could combine my love of cooking with fitness. Like run a restaurant, good food-not overly healthy, and you have to exercise before or after you eat. What do you think? I'm sure it would be an overnight success. Rags to riches and all that.

And lately, I've come to realize how much I like teaching. I really enjoy our fun school on Fridays. Especially the history and geography parts. Making timelines, drawing, finding out facts, cooking the meals. Its a lot of fun. I like telling stories. Making all the details come alive. Really digging in. Unit studies. I'm sure we could tie that in somewhere.

I would NOT open a daycare. Not my bag of beans. Nor be a secretary. I can do that stuff, but I don't enjoy it. I would not work outside, like doing gardening. Or book-keeping. I guess if all else fails, I could clean houses, or flip burgers. I don't know....

Or I could always teach spoon dancing...=) I know people would pay big bucks for that skill.