Ooh, that title is so deep.
People kvetch about their work all the time. Hate what they do. Wish about what they want. Cultivate the green grass growing on the other side of the fence while their own real patch of lawn shrivels and dies from lack of care. I am not one of those people. I like what I do. I like who I am.
I really do have the dream jobs. Yes, I meant to make that word plural.
I am an interior designer, contractor, decorator, thrifter. Anything going on, building related, in our home is done by John and me. Mostly me as of late since John is so busy with his evening job. Want the room painted? I'm your girl. Pictures to be hung? Sure. Tile backsplash to plan out and install? I'm almost done with the research and nearly ready for the execution. Most of the time, there is no money in the budget to decorate, so I look to what we already have and displace items on a regular basis. Yes, my job has challenges and I love that. Want a weekend warrior? I'll show you my battle scars.
I am a planner. Lists, lists, lists, I love to check items off, even if it's in the grocery store. Sigh, happy little strike throughs to make my day fly by and make me feel productive.
I am a herder. I've always wanted to work on a ranch, even just for one day to get the experience of it. Then I realized, I work on a ranch every day. I herd kids and dogs on a daily basis, through meals, getting out the door, coming home, rounding up the toys that constantly escape the corral. It's a 24/7 job without the chaps. (Although the dust definitely makes its way in..)
I am a teacher. I would have loved to be a teacher. Molding young minds while surrounded by books, words, and numbers. Elementary mostly, definitely not Kindergarten. Alas, that never panned out for me. However, I did realize, especially with Sprite now reading simple stories by herself, working on her long vowels, short vowels, and seeing the thought processes behind everything click as she gets it, I am a teacher. Every evening before bed, sometimes on the way home from school. Easy A.
I am a writer. Thank you, blogosphere, for letting me call my own shots and make my own schedule. It keeps me sane.
I am an actress. I would love to say I kicked ass on the boards back in high school, but the competition between the Thespians was tough and my major roles were few and far between. Sure, I worked professionally, if you want to call it that, for the likes of Disney and Universal, spieling away in front of thousands a day, each time adding my own unique flair to the character. I missed those days until I found out that my daughter has her own dramatic flair. Just weeks ago, she stopped in the middle of the front office at her preschool, on our way out the door. I passed by her, saying goodbye to the director when Sprite howled in pain. Turning around, I looked down as she clamped her right arm to her side and scrunched her face at me.
"You hurt me!"
I was shocked to hear her say that considering that "I never touched you!"
Her eyebrows burrowed further, adding to the tortured gleam. "You almost did."
Brava.
Brat.
People tell me I should consider enrolling her into acting lessons, but the only good I could hope to see coming out of that would be an outlet for the personality to go as camp as she wants, a few hours a week.
I am a professional. Every Monday through Friday, I get to leave it all behind for 9 hours and focus on something completely different, while in the company of other like-minded people. My lunch is not interrupted by "more ketchup" or "Sprite, use your fork" or "rice is not meant to be eaten by fingers!" or "No, we do NOT have chop sticks! Use your fork!". I can run to the store on a quick break without holding someone's hand or denying someone the Hello Kitty doll they conveniently placed by the cash register with the word "SALE" right in front of it. (Yes, my child knows how to read the word SALE. Long vowels, remember?) And I enjoy what I do for the most part.
I am a mother/housewife. I take pride in the clean laundry, the mopped floors, semi-clean child, "Sprite, get your fingers out of the ketchup!", my home. Sometimes, I do wish I had more time to accomplish my tasks, which would take blocks out of the other jobs in my life, but I'm not about to complain to the upper management.
Sure, I've had those dreams of being one or the other full time. But considering where I stand and what I love to do, I get to dabble in everything.
And I wouldn't have it any other way.
For more dream jobs, send your resume to the talented Gretchen at Second Blooming! The job will be filled tomorrow, so inquire now!
AH! I love this! Yes, you are many wonderful and fulfilling things. It's kind of amazing how many roles we play. And speaking of roles, I never knew you were an actress! Though...it all makes sense, really. Word of warning. KEEP SPRITE OUT OF SHOWBIZ FOR AS LONG AS YOU CAN! Most likely, she will end up there, based on everything you've ever said about the child, but the longer she waits, the less likely she is to turn into Lindsey Lohan. Just saying.
You are officially linked!
Posted by: Gretchen | January 26, 2012 at 11:20 AM
And an awesome friend. LOVE!
Posted by: Becca | January 26, 2012 at 11:26 AM
You do have so many roles! And I love Sprite's acting aspirations...sounds like she's got a career ahead of her :-)
Posted by: Alaina | January 26, 2012 at 12:13 PM
Sounds as if you have figured out the balance between the many parts of you. I'm getting better at balancing those parts myself. I really could not be happy at home day in and day out. I love my boys but to much time around little people and my brain turns to mush. I'm a far better mom being a working mom.
Posted by: VandyJ | January 26, 2012 at 12:13 PM
You do have the dream job...I think the rewards of motherhood far outweigh anything else there is!
Posted by: SuziCate | January 26, 2012 at 07:40 PM
I wish I had been as balanced as you when I was your age. Hell, I wish I was balanced as you *now*.
Posted by: Jan | January 27, 2012 at 08:46 AM
Love it!
Posted by: Sarah at 32Flavors | January 27, 2012 at 10:54 AM
Great spin! You make great points about jobs that others don't consider. As moms, we have many jobs--just because we don't get a salary doesn't mean they aren't work!
I love how you look at all this!
Posted by: Patty | January 27, 2012 at 12:36 PM
I need to be more of a planner and check off list items. I think it would make me feel more accomplished that way. Now I can check off "read and commented on an awesome Sprite's Keeper post!" Seriously, this was the perfect post for Spin Cycle. :)
Posted by: Ginny Marie | January 27, 2012 at 01:38 PM
I love this - proof positive that we have a LOT in common and like the same things. Except for the 9-hours 'away from it all' - some days I wish I had gone back to work after Princess Nagger arrived on the scene. ;)
Posted by: Stacy Uncorked | January 27, 2012 at 02:30 PM
I'm a dabbler too! It's the best.
I love the drama action too.
Posted by: Kim | January 28, 2012 at 02:24 PM
Wow. You made my post sound so pathetic wanting to just stay at home and keep house! :) I do love list-making though too. Always so fulfilling to check something off!
Posted by: Kendra | January 30, 2012 at 01:48 PM
I think that new movie "I don't know how she does it" should have been written about YOU! How do you fit all that in? You made me tired reading all that... and guilty because I try NOT to do all that! LOL
Posted by: Peg | January 31, 2012 at 05:29 PM