1. There’s something you’ve always dreamed of doing, but you haven’t done it because you think you lack the time, money, or support to do so. What is that something? And what are the REAL roadblocks keeping you from it?

2. Name something you would eat more of if health, cost, allergy, and caloric intake were of no concern.

3. What is the one singer/band, book/author, painting/painter or author artist/work of art that “speaks to you” most? Why?

4. If your country’s government handed you a check for $10 billion and empowered you use that money to support a single program, cause, or organization, where would you send it?

5. What really, genuinely pisses you off?

6. Describe your current level of happiness and contentment in your life. Are you living the life you imagined for yourself when you were younger?

Feel free to answer all or just few of these questions in the comments. Or, if you prefer, contemplate your answers privately.

Comments

good thoughts. I just posted about life lists and invited folks to make lists...I think this is important to do every so often..like the Indigo Girls lyrics- every five years or so I look back on my life and have a good laugh...I would love to laugh but only a little less about the look back- I would love to fist pump more at the shit I get accomplished. Thanks for the thought today xo

Will this be graded?

1. I'd like to write a book... but the time, making it happen...blah, blah, blah
2. I'd eat lobster all the time, I can always increase my Starbuck's intake and I love fruit smoothies, but holy shit, they're like 400 calories.
3. Chelsea Handler [snicker] - Seriously tho, I like Kafka
4. The $$$ would stay in the U.S. to help our children & schools
5. Stupid people, not being able to joke around w/o being offensive, those w/ a sense of entitlement, the 405, I could go on...
6. On a scale of 1 - 10, probably a 6. I am grateful for everything I have, but I know I could be accomplishing more. I have goals (see #1) that have not yet been accomplished.

1 - I would be a photographer. Quit the real job and photograph life, the world and all the people and things in it. Roadblocks? Life, responsibilities, nothing really.
2 - Creme Brulee breakfast, lunch and dinner. Every day. Sometimes with chocolate, sometimes with raspberries, sometimes just plain old creamy beautiful creme brulee.
3 - Starry Night, Van Gogh. I could get lost in that night sky.
4 - Helping single mothers help themselves. Give them the opportunity to improve their lives with dignity and not "hand-outs"
5 - Selfishness, parents who put their own needs before their children.
6 - With 10 being most content and happy, I'm at 9. Not where I thought I'd be, but soooo much better.

1) My dream: I would love to be travelling around the world. I would say the reasons I am not doing it are money, time, but mostly fear of doing something "unrealistic."

2) My food: Pizza, bagels, everything with a lot of carbs.

3) My author: Charles Dickens. He was a populist, a great story-teller, and his sense of drama always appealed to me.

4) My $10 Billion: Stem cell research.

5) What pisses me off: Hypocrisy.

6) My Life Imagined: Are you crazy? No way! If my dreams had come true, I would be having sex with two Russian cosmonauts as I commanded the new Space Shuttle to Mars.

Ouch - these are hard! Most of these I have made good progress on, compared to where I was 10, 15, 20 years ago. But #4? No clue. I don't know enough about the state of things to have an opinion and I prefer to keep it that way.

I recently quit my job, sold everything I owned to move to San Francisco with a guy that I thought would be fine to live with until I got out on my own. Turns out; I love the guy, still have a tough time finding a job other than a restaurant and am finally finding the energy and the inspiration to rewrite that book I finished a year ago. There are trade-offs like picking a gay sex-fair as a sunday afternoon outing by mistake and missing your children who miss you too but not as much as you miss them. But it's working or at least I'm trying. That's the best I can do right now, trying though is totally worth it.

1) Writing full time. I've already removed the road blocks, just waiting for the road to clear.
2) PASTA. All kinds, every day.
3) Marshall Mathers. Don't always care for what he says, but few have ever strung their syllables together with such fluidity.
4) A complete overhaul of our education system. It desperately needs it.
5) Dishonesty.
6) An eight. I expect nine and a half by this time next year. Ten by the time I'm a grandpa (an eon from now).

1) I would like to go to Hawaii or Bermuda or some relatively remote Caribbean island and spend a month just relaxing. Keeping me from doing it are time, money, and a husband who just cannot sit still that long.
2) Chocolate
3) I love JoDee Messina's music (don't know how much of it she actually writes) as well as Phil Vassar - both write lyrics that speak to me and I enjoy their style of music.
4) Child hunger - it breaks my heart to know all the children who don't get a decent meal every day.
5) I really get pissed off when people make assumptions about what I'm thinking or feeling. And it's amazing how far off they usually are. I am either that bad at communicating my feelings and expectations or they (even people very close to me) don't know me very well.
6) In a lot of ways I am happy in this life (I have a wonderful husband and two amazing kids), although growing up in the Chicago area I NEVER would have imagined myself living in South Dakota, which is where I am now. As for contented, no way. I don't get to spend enough time with my kids, spend way too much time working for not enough respect or money. At least I can say I am working on changing that. I also regret the effect my decision to move away from home had on my relationships with my family and friends. But that's water under the bridge and I just have to keep moving forward and hope we will find our way back to each other.
Thanks for making me think today. I really enjoy reading your writing!!

1. I would open a no-kill animal shelter (similar or identical to Best Friends in Utah). The roadblocks are that I'm afraid I'd fail, and end up disappointing all those people I told that I COULD do it.

2. I'd eat pasta every single day with lots of buttery, cheesy toppings. And peanut butter (but not on the pasta).

3. I'm not sure any ONE artist/song/picture speaks to me. Maybe that's sad! I like anything that moves me, musically or in print or visual art. I'm fluid!

4. I'd be hard pressed not to use the money for animals, but I think in the end I'd use it to overhaul education or for alternative fuels. We've GOT to start making up for all the harm we've caused to our children in these areas.

5. People's disrespect pisses me off in a HUGE way. Especially when someone treats ME like a 3-year-old and act like they have every right to their smug little attitude. GROW SOME F'ING BALLS. Don't dismiss me either or (GOD FORBID) tell me to "Shhhhhhhh..." ARRRRGH!

6. I'm not sure I'm HONESTLY very happy right now. This is definitely NOT the life I imagined living, but in some ways it's AMAZINGLY better than I ever could have hoped for. Most of my discontent is from not liking myself though, and being disappointed that I'm not a better person/mom/wife/sibling. I'm working to get to the point where happiness is a byproduct of genuinely liking ME and being the most authentic self I can possibly be.

Random, yet not. You're a smart one, Mr. Evans.

1. I want to be a writer. I would've never said something like that a year ago, but thanks to folks like you stepping up to the plate and making your own dream come true, I can at least make the statement now. Thank you. The only REAL roadblock...trusting my instincts.

2. Chocolate. All day, every day. Oh, and more beer.

3. ONE? Can't do it. Impossible! I'll narrow it down to these two...Joni Mitchell/Blue and Pablo Picasso's Petite Fleurs. The album because it's pure, simple, soulful, poetry. Period. The sketch, because it's beautiful. The flowers being handed off signify love, war and peace, yet they are so simply drawn. Makes it look like peace really doesn't have to be all that difficult (and really, it doesn't).

4. I can't fairly answer this, because I have a special needs kid and I'm a bit biased.

5. Ignorance.

6. I'm pretty happy. I wouldn't necessarily say I'm living the life I imagined, but it's pretty damn close. I sure didn't think we'd be in our late 30's and struggling financially, but that's thanks to the mortgage meltdown and it really wasn't our fault. Anyway, that's what anti-anxiety meds are for. Right? Right?

1. Travel. Not vacations, travel. I would like to just take off and see where I end up. However, I have a husband and two young children. And a job. And a mortgage. And pets.

2. Cheese, bread and wine.

3. Mozart. Particularly the arias. If there is a heaven, it sounds like that to me.

4. Education.

5. Bigotry. Oh the arrogance it takes to think that whole groups of people are somehow inferior.

6. Love my kids. Tolerate my husband and job. Really dislike where I live. Have no friends in my new town. I would give it about a 2. I was supposed to be living a big city, sophisticated, glamorous life. I live in a suburb of a small town and haven't even been to a movie in a very long time.

Wow, this is a great list of questions.
1. Traveling all over the world with my bf, taking jobs here and there and living in tiny rented spaces. I haven't done it because I am afraid to do it.
2. Merlot.
3. Frida Kahlo: her duality as a woman and an artist feels intensely real and common to me. And beautiful. Also Ani DiFranco.
4. See #1.
(kidding. I would want it to go toward health care.)
5. I am not living the life I imagined but I am happy.

1. Hire a maid and nanny and travel the world. Roadblocks, money

2. cookies....all different kinds

3. maria martinez. She is a potter, an old school potter who still
fires her pottery with manure.

4. I would use it to help people own their own homes, good people with good jobs
who just don't have the ability to get credit.

5. Oh boy....yelling, arguing, not acknowledging when you are wrong

6. For now I'm good. It isn't what I planned when I was younger, but it's a path
that suits me well.

1. If money was no object, I'd be a full-time photographer.
2. Mexican food. All burritos, all the time.
3. Too many to narrow down on my lunch break. I'll think about it, though.
4. EDUCATION! Our teachers need to be paid what they're worth, without restricting them will silly test score quotas.
5. Parents who abandon their children and never look back. (aside from adoption situations)
6. Right now, life sucks moss-covered rocks and, no, I'm not where I thought I would be.

1. I always wanted to have my own baking business. Decorating outrageous cakes..The next Colette Peters. I imagine I don't pursue because of fear of failure.
2. Have to agree with Katie. Pasta. Every. Damn. Day.
3. Music in general is probably what mostly speaks to me. Might seem simple, but I could never just pick one artist.
4. I would take that money and build a huge facility and outfit it with hundreds of electric chairs and firing ranges. Then I would round up every child molester/abuser and give them a one way ticket to my house of pain.
5. Folks with a sense of entitlement. As though everyone else in this world was put here to cater to them.
6. For the most part, I actually AM happy with my life. I could afford to make some changes in my life, but for the most part, I'm happy with where I am.

Wow - far too introspective for my lunch break, but I'll try... Thanks for making me think on a Monday!
1. performing on Broadway. The main roadblocks would be lack of talent (Broadway-level talent, anyway - okay for community theater) & raising a family in Wisconsin.
2. Anything salty, particularly kettle potato chips or movie theater popcorn with butter.
3. Right now, I'd say Rachmoninov's Piano Concertos.
4. Health care.
5. Hatred for other people simply because of appearance, race or beliefs.
6. I'm actually pretty content with my life right now. There's always anxiety, particularly with the current economic situation, but overall, I'm close to where I thought I'd be.

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1. There’s something you’ve always dreamed of doing, but you haven’t done it because you think you lack the time, money, or support to do so. What is that something? And what are the REAL roadblocks keeping you from it?

Working in a profession that helps people. Genuinely helps people. I have a 19 month old daughter and a baby on the way. And I have to pay my mortgage and bills. And my husband is in school AND works a full time job. In a few years, hopefully, it will be my turn to follow my dreams. Right now, its my job to support others in following theirs.

2. Name something you would eat more of if health, cost, allergy, and caloric intake were of no concern.
Wow, I love food so this is tricky...I would eat more meals at 5 star restaurants that specialize in using all locally grown foods.

3. What is the one singer/band, book/author, painting/painter or author artist/work of art that “speaks to you” most? Why?
The Beatles shaped me as a teenager. WAY after John Lennon died.
Author? Pablo Neruda. His poetry is like a beating heart to me.

4. If your country’s government handed you a check for $10 billion and empowered you use that money to support a single program, cause, or organization, where would you send it?
Universal health care (i just saw sicko last night, and it was appalling)

5. What really, genuinely pisses you off?
People that ask advice, but don't really want it. Also, people that give advice when I'm not asking for it.

6. Describe your current level of happiness and contentment in your life. Are you living the life you imagined for yourself when you were younger?

I'm living the life I imagined living in 5 years. Things have just moved so fast....I'm 8 months pregnant, so now isn't the best time to ask this question of me....I'm very emotional.

This got me out from behind the bushes.

1. I've always wanted to write something that was published; I love the power of words, just because so many things that I've read have had such a profound impact on me. The roadblock is that I'm not quite convinced that I have anything interesting to say, and honestly, I have a thing about perfection and I know I couldn't write a perfect book. So I just don't write anything. And everybody wins.

2. Only one? Hmmm...pasta and milkshakes.

3. On the art level, it's a constant rotation. Currently, I'd vote for "I Saw What I Saw" by Sara Groves and "Boy From Tupelo" by Emmylou Harris. And "Look What Love Has Done" by Chris Whitley.

4. I'd send the big bucks to International Justice Mission.

5. Mean people piss me off.

6. I think I might be close to what I aimed for, though I never forecast any detail. I've got five kids, which was completely unexpected. I am divorced, which doesn't really surprise me. I get paid for being a musician, which was my dream. I work for a church, which is pretty wild, but in hindsight, it makes perfect sense. I'm pretty happy.

This was a cool exercise; thanks, Danny.

Love how these questions make me think. Thanks for the inspiring break in my monotonous day!
1. Moving back to the Pacific Northwest. I have a variety of career goals and ideas that could, in reality, be found anywhere in the country. But my family is all out west (I'm in Ohio right now) and I think I would be more inspired and motivated to follow through on my other goals if I was closer to the people I care about. The roadblock right now is money (of course) and my husband's education (which he will complete in about 2 years).

2. Surf & Turf with garlic mashed potatoes, and Devil's Food Cake with fudge frosting.

3. Book: Life of Pi, by Yann Martel. Artwork: any Renaissance art, especially School of Athens by Rafael and anything of Michelangelo's. Music: Folk music.

4. Renewable energy sources, to get this country away from coal & oil-based energy.

5. Willful ignorance.

6. I think I'm pretty close to living the life I imagined as a kid. But I think I would be happier if I were closer (geographically) to my family. I'd rate myself at a 7 right now.

1) Travel. Everywhere. Live abroad. I don't do it because I'm tied to my job (which does allow me to see some fantastic places) and fear I would be too homesick. And I have a dog that I rescued from a shelter and I think HER anxiety would probably DOUBLE my anxiety about leaving her. Plus, it's so darn expensive to travel.
2) Desserts of any sort. And pizza. More pizza!
3) "The Prophet" by Kahlil Gibran. Most powerful book I've ever read.
4) St. Jude's children's hospital and its affiliated programs.
5) When I find my time wasted and there's not much I can do to change it.
6) I'm not where I thought I'd be, but I'm happy. I seem to always have more questions than answers though, which makes me wonder if I'm only TELLING myself I'm happy. I have a job in a good organization, with a boss and coworkers that treat me well, and opportunities to advance and specialize and move around. Do I enjoy it? Meh. Some days. I'm living with a boyfriend who I love dearly, but drives me up the wall. It gives me a chance to practice patience! And I'm finding I make fewer and fewer excuses in my life, generally speaking, and that's a good thing.

1. Write, finish, and publish. Done the first two, but the third? That one terrifies me. Not the actual being published part...the part between finishing something and actually seeing it in print where one basically asks all the cool, popular kids in the lunchroom to be included in their club (query letters, e-mails, stalking...you know, the usual...). It's difficult to feel good enough. Bleh. Also, my family likes to eat, and they start to complain when they haven't been fed in a few days, and they constantly want clean clothing and are quick to point out that wearing the same undies for more than a month could be considered unhygienic. Picky bastards.

2. Organic meats, dairy, and produce. Criminy, have you seen how much truly organic beef costs? And don't get me started on wild-caught fish...hoo, boy, it could be the difference between paying the mortgage or going homeless!

3. Umm...there isn't just one. At this very moment, in this very now, perhaps I could say that I feel quite strongly about Starry Night - the boiling skies, the wavering reality...yep, it's up there at the top. Generally speaking, I adore Allen Whiting and anything he paints is fine with me. I won't even try to answer re: author. Can't pick just one. Sorry. Same with music.

4. Straight to my bank. Hey, I'm a cause! No? Oh, alright - I would research education funding and try to find a way to spend that money to improve our terribly broken system, because with a truly stellar education, a body can hope to fix most of life's other ills.

5. Someone telling me I'm racist or a bigot because I believe that you have a right to equal opportunity, not a guarantee of success. Someone telling me that I owe them because I have more than they do, and my having more isn't fair - as if work never entered into it. I don't owe anyone anything more than whatever compassion I am capable of...and even that is based entirely on my willingness to feel and give, and not on some sense of debt or obligation. Or, the biggest pisser - taking away my freedom because you want to feel safe, or don't want to suffer the consequences of your actions. Uh-uh...not gonna fly.

6. I am, as usual, a miserable cuss...but it's chemical, and I know it isn't real...and life is beautiful despite my need to be angry or bitter or feckin' depressed, so I can't complain. I am not where I thought I would be, when I was younger, but that's a good thing. I don't speculate about where I'll end up - too busy living in this moment to worry about a succession of tomorrows.

Thanks for asking.

Shade and Sweetwater,
K (who can't give a short answer...)

1. I've always wanted to write a book and get it published. The real roadblock is time to finish it.

2. More cheese...always more cheese.

3. Mark Twain. He had the best view on life. A wonderful blend of humor and cynicism tempered with optimism in spite of it all.

4. Cancer. Freaking horrible disease in all its forms.

5. Ignorant people who revel in it piss me off.

6. I am not where I planned to be, but who is. I can say that I am ridiculously happy with a wonderful wife and son. The job rocks too but oft times that depends on what you make of it.

Wow.....these questions are hard. What a great post DGM!

1. I have my dream job. I'm a photographer in Cancun, Mexico. I would love to write a book though. The only thing standing in my way is laziness, procrastination, and too many ideas floating around in my head.

2. I would eat Krispie Kreme donuts non-stop, if I could.

3. Vincent VanGogh is my favorite painter. I love several of his paintings but Starry Night is, by far, my favorite.

4. I'm not sure which cause I'd choose, but I would use the money to help children or animals.

5. So many things piss me off, but I guess the biggest thing is when people are rude or disrespectful. What happened to treating others the way you want to be treated?? .....and what happened to just being a good person and doing the right thing??

6. Overall, I'm quite happy, but I want more out of life. Again, my laziness is standing in the way of that.

1. Travel for pleasure and be a professional book editor. I know I'm good enough, and have actually done the job (unpaid and freelance), but I don't have the educational credentials to be hired by a publishing company. No time/money/energy to go back to college.

2. Surf and turf with pizza on the side.

3. Too many to list.

4. $10B is a fuckload of money; not sure what I'd do with it.

5. Rude people with no sense of how much space they take up in the grocery store aisles and a complete lack of understanding that, yes, other people DO exist and want to get their shopping done, too!

6. Only 1-2. Very unhappy and not at all where I expected to be when I grew up.

hmmm...

1. I always wanted to be a pilot. Plane pilot. Flying all the time... or at least only in my spare time...
2. McDonalds. Really. I think they drugged me when I was a teen, and now only thinking about it makes my stomach rumble...
3. hmm... will have to think about this more I think
4. Research of some kind, cancer, aids, stemcells, alzeihmer, somthing like this.
5. Dishonesty.
6. Well I'm not exactly where I thought I'd be. Overall, its a bit less glamourous, but still pretty nice. at least 8 i'd think.

. There’s something you’ve always dreamed of doing, but you haven’t done it because you think you lack the time, money, or support to do so. What is that something? And what are the REAL roadblocks keeping you from it?

having another family(more children) its the money for ive that makes it impossible.

2. Name something you would eat more of if health, cost, allergy, and caloric intake were of no concern.
steak expensive top of the line cuts of perfectly rare steak think kobe steak.

3. What is the one singer/band, book/author, painting/painter or author artist/work of art that “speaks to you” most? Why?
everything ed gorey , because its dark and sarcastic like me.

4. If your country’s government handed you a check for $10 billion and empowered you use that money to support a single program, cause, or organization, where would you send it?
local libraries but not on more ridiculous computers there,actual books and programs for begining writers.

5. What really, genuinely pisses you off?
Peoples needless cruelty

6. Describe your current level of happiness and contentment in your life. Are you living the life you imagined for yourself when you were younger?

This is not the life i imagined at all . im not terribly unhappy but certainly not happy. somewhere between content and apathy.

1. I'd love to be a doctor. The roadblock is the arduous and expensive process of becomming one.

2. The moist, chewy deliciousness that is brownies.

3. You've got to be kidding...one? Indigo Girls, Mary Oliver, Georgia O'Keefe

4. Universal healthcare.

5. Cruelty makes me furious.

6. I'm pretty happy. Nothing is ever perfect, but I've got the important bases covered. I'm not living even close to the life I imagined for myself ten years ago--but I would never have guessed that my current situation would be so satisfying.

1. go to costa rica
2. cheese
3. celine dion. no particular reason why.
4. St. Jude Children's Hospital
5. Irresponsible/lazy people
I'm married. But I wish it was happily...

1. There’s something you’ve always dreamed of doing, but you haven’t done it because you think you lack the time, money, or support to do so. What is that something? And what are the REAL roadblocks keeping you from it?
I want to run my own business. Preferably a bar. Nothing big and elaborate just a townie type place with good food and drinks. However i do not have the money and honestly i dont know if i have the balls to do it either. I hate to fail.

2. Name something you would eat more of if health, cost, allergy, and caloric intake were of no concern.
I would eat seafood all the time. All types of seafood cooked and raw. right now the closest i can get to seafood is van de kamps haha.

3. What is the one singer/band, book/author, painting/painter or author artist/work of art that “speaks to you” most? Why?
Charles Dickens "Great Expectations" His characters are so brutally honest and flawed. I just find him to be an incredible author. Also F. Scott Fitzgerald "The Great Gatsby" for similar reasons.

4. If your country’s government handed you a check for $10 billion and empowered you use that money to support a single program, cause, or organization, where would you send it?
I would put it towards education for children in urban areas. I think quality of life can be elevated through a solid education and it is unfair the children in poorer neighborhoods miss out on the same educational opportunities as their peers in more affluent areas.

5. What really, genuinely pisses you off?
Lying. I know everyone lies at some point or another but i really make a conscious effort not to. I justr feel like if someone lies to you it is a type of betrayal and all relationships including friendships as well as romantic relationships are built around trust.

6. Describe your current level of happiness and contentment in your life. Are you living the life you imagined for yourself when you were younger?
I am definately not living the life i imagined when i was younger, but i am very content with where I am and i am constantly grateful for all of the people in my life at this time.

1. I've always dreamed of being a published writer. I don't put the concerted effort into it that I would need to, because then I might find out I'm not good enough at it.

2. seafood and expensive (read: European) chocolate. Also? Would drink hollindaise sauce.

3. Three is really hard. I don't know how to really narrow that down. I can tell you that one thing I come back to- a lot- is Sarah MacLaughlin's Fumbling Towards Ecstasy- the album as a whole, is something of a religious experience to me. Particularly these songs: Good Enough, Ice Cream, and Fumbling Towards Ecstasy. But to say that it outweighs anything else? Those are strong words.

4. 10 billion? Honestly? I think I would put it into college tuition and after school programs for middle class kids. The one's whose parents can afford it on paper, but not in cash (like me). The kids who fucking hated those stupid little dixie cups of popcorn and knowing that the teachers didn't really care, and that they were going to be the last kid picked up from latchkey. (like me). The kids who ended up staying home alone and being scared to be at home alone in the dark (like me). We look out for the poor kids, and I'm glad, but there are some middle class parents that don't do what they could, and those kids just slip right on through.

5. Really? Honestly? That the Reps and Dems manage to snow us, to get us worked up and playing to the extremes, pitting us against each other so that we won't notice that neither side really gives two shits about us. That each of the presidential candidates can only convince us that the other candidate would be worse, that none of them can be honest. That the people who really suffer under poor policy are too busy busting our asses day in and day out to make ends meet (less a solid quarter or more of our paychecks) to burn them at the stake for spending millions of dollars to rename bridges for dead politicians.

6. In some ways, Danny, it's better than I ever thought it would be. My career, my education- oh, God! My education. For so long, I thought I just wasn't going to get to go to college. That I would be forever labeled "uneducated" because I made poor decisions in high school, and because my parents acted like they could afford college, right up until it was time to cut the check. I couldn't be happier with my career and the opportunities I've been given. I love my house. I love my yard and my garden and my dog. I love my job, my work- Finance is truly my calling. Marriage. Well. I love my husband dearly, but I wish I would have understood how much pressure I was putting on myself as the breadwinner back when I married him. I knew then that he did not have much direction, and not much more drive, but honestly? Just dead-balls honestly? If I would have known that there would be nights I would go to bed hungry, or wondering how long I can keep my home because my husband isn't willing to do WHATEVER IT TAKES to keep us afloat? I don't want to say it. I can't bear to make it real. I hope that he's serious about getting help, because if he isn't? I won't stay. It's okay to have problems, to need help, to have a bad time. It's not okay to continually force me to suffer at the hand of your pride. Damn. Just when I thought I'd run right out of tears. Danny, why must you make me think? I want my husband to grow up, so that I can bring a child into this world. I will also be a lot more content once I actually have my degree, but because this is only a matter of time and effort, I can't really list it as a dying dream or a disillusion. Only a very deep longing that is a long time in coming to any kind of fruition. Nothing has really turned out the way I thought it would in my childhood days, but most of it is just different, without really being better or worse.

How's that for honesty?

1. Split my time between a working job and travel. If I could do any job other than what I am doing now, it would be in some support capacity at a hospital or facility - not doing healthcare, but support of the patient and their families. I tend to "overmother" and think that might be a good outlet! As far as travel - nothing exotic - just places in the United States that are beautiful, peaceful. Everything from Orange Beach to the Rocky Mountains.

2. Fettucini Alfredo or chicken pot pie - there's no way you can touch that stuff without taking a week or two off of your lifespan.

3. Two singers come to mind - Luther Vandross and Karen Carpenter. I think they might have (had) the most beautiful voices out there. Their songs/voices just touch me.

4. Hard to come up with a single cause, when it is so easy to see the need for at least two or three important causes. I completely hate and am terrified of Alzheimer's and would love to have the great medical minds figure out that disease and how to prevent it. Cancer and heart disease are definitely evils that need to be extinguished, and have personally affected my family members. I also see the need to educate kids to be able to compete in this world - no matter what the job. All jobs have a purpose in this world and need to be treated as such - we all cannot or will not be doctors, lawyers, bankers.

5. Right now I am completely and ultimately pissed off at the lending institutions and mortgage companies that have made bad loans and made such a wreck of our economy. I don't truly understand how deep the wrongdoing is or how it got to this level of bad, but people should be ashamed of themselves. I have never been so upset or scared as I have the past week or so, and then we are hearing that the Congress won't even vote to support the bailout that has been offered. I know that no one thinks this is the greatest thing to do, but most important economists say it is a necessary thing that we have to do. And politicians are worried about voting for it in an election year. They should worry about NOT voting for it in an election year.

And while we're on the subject of hating something - I hate illegal drugs, and the people who manufacture and sell them. If I hear of one more child who has gone down that road and caused financial and emotional ruin to their families, I might explode. I can't believe we spend as much as we do on prevention, and the problem is so prevelant.

6. As hard as I try, I am not a happy camper right now. My husband died quite suddenly of a heart attack last year at the age of 51. He was my high school sweetheart, we had been married for 30 years, but we were looking at another 25-30 years, atleast! We are blessed to have three wonderful children, and that is my saving grace right now. I am trying to be brave and weather this economic storm, but it's hard when you invest hard-earned money and have this happen in the economy, you put your house on the market so you can downsize, only to have it on the market for over a year now, and on top of that - I work in a real estate law firm. This answer is starting to sound like the basis for a country song, isn't it? I'm happy and grateful to be alive, and to be loved, I just wish for simpler and more stable times.

Sorry for the lengthy answers - this was kind of therapeutic.

1. Graduate School. I can't stand the thought of adding to my student loan debt, but I would love to go for a Master's, maybe even a Ph.D.

2. Big, fat, juicy steaks.

3. This one is HARD. I'd have to go with...Augusten Burroughs. I can relate.

4. The money would go towards Special Olympics. I have disabled parents so it's a cause that is very important to me.

5. People who feel they are superior to those serving them. Remember, dear manager of Company X, your ads don't get spots in the paper without me.

6. I'm at like a 4, but I'm young so there's time I suppose. But no, my life is not what I imagined. Not in the slightest.

1. Own my own business.
2. Filet mignon with garlic mashed potatoes.
3. Picasso - no explaination necessary.
4. Curing all cancers.
5. Cruel and rude people.
6. Happieer than I ever thought possible - not perfect, but happy. I have a wonderful husband, 2 beautiful girls, a nice home. We are all healthy. My husband is the best father. I wish we had more money (who doesn't), but we make it so I'm satisfied with that. I never fail to thank God every morning and every night for the blessings in my life.

1. There’s something you’ve always dreamed of doing, but you haven’t done it because you think you lack the time, money, or support to do so. What is that something? And what are the REAL roadblocks keeping you from it? Teaching. It’s funny, but most of the people in my High School graduating class have become teachers. About 50%. Not because it’s a good gig, but because it’s a good gig. Yah I know what I just said, but it’s true. I know we were affected by amazing teachers ourselves, and I believe that they have become teachers to pass on the same thing we received, a good education. They certainly didn’t get into it to become rich and famous. What is standing in my way? Time and money. With my sons still in High School themselves, I feel it is my responsibility to be there when they need me, not in class, and to make sure adequate funds exist for their continued good health. Changing jobs, or not giving all I can to my job, would put those things at risk.
2. Name something you would eat more of if health, cost, allergy, and caloric intake were of no concern. Lil’ Debbie Honey Buns and vanilla ice cream cones from Dairy Queen.
3. What is the one singer/band, book/author, painting/painter or author artist/work of art that “speaks to you” most? Why? It’s a tie between Guy Gavriel Kay, The Lions of Al-Rassan and Ender’s Game, by O. Scott Card. They are astoundingly amazing stories. Lions is sort of a cross between “Arabian Nights” and the story of “El Cid”, and Ender is about a boy-genius in the far future who is put through the wringer to save the world from an alien species (sounds like a sci-fi movie of the week, but honestly it will wrench your heart).
4. If your country’s government handed you a check for $10 billion and empowered you use that money to support a single program, cause, or organization, where would you send it? I honestly can’t answer that question. There is no program at the moment that I think 10 billion will fix, but Homeless something would sit at the top of any list. Followed closely by the “SDG Send My Sons To College” Fund.
5. What really, genuinely pisses you off? Holier-than-thou-ness, and ignorance.
6. Describe your current level of happiness and contentment in your life. Are you living the life you imagined for yourself when you were younger? I am not in any way close to the life I thought I would be living when I was younger. I thought I would be an international news photographer when I was a teenager. SDG – Photojournalist I thought I would be. Breaking news and telling the truth about things no one knew anything about. About the only breaking news I have to deliver now is for my sons about when its time to take the dog out. And no, I would not do this now either. It would definitely be #1 if I could change my life.

1. There’s something you’ve always dreamed of doing, but you haven’t done it because you think you lack the time, money, or support to do so. What is that something? And what are the REAL roadblocks keeping you from it?
Finishing school, I have a semi valid reason I CANNOT pass math for the life of me I have tried. And after I pass math what will I do? I have absolutely no idea.
2. Name something you would eat more of if health, cost, allergy, and caloric intake were of no concern.
Pizza and burgers :)
3. What is the one singer/band, book/author, painting/painter or author artist/work of art that “speaks to you” most? Why?
Jen Lancaster - her books are so funny and I feel like I relate to some things she thinks & does. Oh that I could say the things that she says and not fear my mother's retribution.
4. If your country’s government handed you a check for $10 billion and empowered you use that money to support a single program, cause, or organization, where would you send it?
I would have to split between animal shelters and cancer research.
5. What really, genuinely pisses you off?
People who act with a sense of entitlement - no question. And after years in the service industry I have just about had my limit of the BS.
6. Describe your current level of happiness and contentment in your life. Are you living the life you imagined for yourself when you were younger?
Yes and no, I have a wonderful boyfriend and we have a nice house, 2 cute dogs etc. But we are broke all the time. I am going to be jobless in less than a month and I have no prospects (I have tried). I am beyond stressed out and the next person to ask me what I will do when I get laid off will get an earful.

1. I've always wanted to design and build my own house. I remember day dreaming about having a cabin in the woods ever since I was about 5. There is something so very appealing about the whole thing. Really this is a financial situation that I haven't. But, I have recently made great strides towards getting my finances in order and am hopeful that I'll be there in 5 years.

2. Toss up between Indian food and duck. Unless wine is counted in which case wine.

3. Ben Folds. "Alice the world is full of ugly things you cannot change. Pretend its not that way, thats my idea of faith." Just always makes me happy, brings back memories of me and my brother and sister singing at the top of our lungs, still speaks to me.

4. Music education and gifted and talented programs

5. Strangers asking me for directions or help in a store. I'm not as friendly as I look.

6. I'm very happy and very lucky and not in any way the place I thought I'd be 10 years ago or even 6 months ago. I'm enjoying my relationship and my job and often smile for no reason. I doubt if I went into corporate law instead of nursing I'd be this happy. Parents are sometimes not right.

1. Finish writing and publish my book. Um...I don't know what is holding me back. Life I guess. It's my goal though, to get back to work on it.

2. Fried chicken

3. One? Oh that is hard. I'll go with the Dixie Chicks. Because I love their music and I love the way they stood for what they believed in, no matter the consequences, a few years back.

4. Cancer research and the programs that try and help kids with horrible diseases, like St. Judes, Ronald McDonald House and Make-a-Wish.

5. People who only care about themselves.

6. Right now, with my newborn in my arms; two little girls on the trampoline outside and my husband puttering somewhere around here, I am super happy. Did I become the next Nadia, no. Am I a brain surgeon, no. But I am happy with the way my life turned out and with the woman I became.

1 - I could have answered this question ten or so years ago but I don't think it would have been as honest as it is now. Truth is I don't have any real goals beyond keeping fit, hanging out with the kids and staying alive. Even those three goals will eventually be unrealised so am just working on being happy the majority of the time. I think I only had career goals etc early because pressure from school, parents etc. People tend to think that you can't be happy wandering around and doing just enough to feel the occasional level of contentment. Kids seem happy. Ironically I am much happier now that I have released certain goals. Much happier then when I had financial aims, ladders to climb. I've written five novels, all of which will stay with me. I wrote them when I had all the time I needed, a great level of commitment etc. I don't have that time anymore but luckily I don't have the desire to work on them anymore either. What luck!

2 - Can't really think of any food I'm missing.

3 - I love Dr Hook. Which is crazy. They were dorky, drugged up and overworked the sentimental clichéd love song. But I come back to them about every six months. I read 'The Stranger' every couple of years. I get a lot of joy following artists, sportspeople etc who work in a marginal field that excludes the reward of great financial success or fame. That's why I love powerlifting, especially broken down old dudes who are still talking set and reps, routines, exercises, deloads, recovery and injuries after fifty or so years pushing crazy weights. I loved the idea of Bukowski writing alone in his run down flats, publishing in small underground mags. I love coming across people who follow an ancient martial art that no one understands but who still commit themselves to it for years. I love watching rabbits dig holes. They are so fricking good at it. I had a rabbit once. I bought it out of a cage. It stayed in a flat with me and didn't put its paws on real earth for the first year of its life (cruel I know). When I moved out to a flat with a backyard I let it run around. The first day it started digging a hole, kicking dirt out between its legs, turning around and making a massive run. It had never seen another rabbit dig another hole. Had never had any practice and yet there it was making the perfect burrow, doing what rabbits do best. I let it dig for a few days about and hour at a time every time I came home for lunch. When it got to the point where I could just reach it with my fingertips I’d pull it out, fill in the hole. Next day it would start all over again. Pretty impressive stuff I think. I get the same feeling when I see people who collect stamps, or crystal animals, or people who write for no real reason, follow an unsuccessful footy club for fifty years, jog miles and miles every day, lift stupidly massive amounts of weight in the gym until their body gives out... the list could go on for ever. It's crazy shit. Life is one big sand mandala. But amazing and satisfying to be a part of.

4. Stem cell research, specifically for a cure for type 1 diabetes.

5. Current Affairs shows.

6. I'm happy. I'm not living the life I thought I would when I was younger because I was too young to know what I wanted when I was younger, I think. Maybe I'm too young, now, to know what life I want to live when I'm older, later. All's well at present. So I'll just wait and see.

1. This is complicated. What I want to be changes. My current dream is opening a local meditation center and school for open thought and sicussion. It's in the formation stages, but it just hasn't come together yet. When it is exactly time. I am on the path though which is just awesome!

2. Seafood - shrimp, scallops, lobster, mussels, yum

3. Richard Bach - his earlier work speak directly to my experiences in general. I share the same world view

4. I'd fund more specialized teachers and programs for parent's of autistic kids, and those who's kids are almost on the spectrum (Pervasive Development Disorder - Not Otherwise Specified, Developmental Coordination Disorder). I use some of the resources to lobby for change in our education systems that fail these kids by letting them fall through the cracks

5. It angers me that courtesy and respect pf other people seems to be gone. I hate how rude and mean people are getting. People need to respect each other, learn more tolerance, calm down, breathe and see that it's all good.

6. The only hope that I had as a kid was that *if* I were to have children, I would have them before I turned 30. My daughter was born when I was 26 and my son 2 months before my 29th birthday. Other than that I was pretty open to be wherever I was meant to. I am happy with who I am right now and with the way things have turned out.

1. Going to nursing or pa school. Ihave experienced all three roadblocks and again, it is money. We're paying two house payments(!!)and if we get out of one without a loss, it will be college for id one and two.

2. Anything with creme fresh in the title.

3. That is a tough one...love the Boss, disagree with bringing politics into the concert arena...so, I will have to say Dan Fogelberg.

4. That is easy. Something to reward the hard work of single parents. Especially the ones that do what needs to be done without being woe-is-me. I had a great example.

5. The thing that that ticks me off most is when someone breaks a promise. I do not. EVER. If I say I promise, and I am at death's door, I don't welch.

6. When I was 18, I knew that when ten years passed, I would be further than my mother would get in her life, ever, and I was. Saw alot of the world, graduated with a bachelor's, owned a car and a house. In ten more years, I had four great kids, a newer house, life was great...now, I don't know what I want to be anymore and some things are nuch harder to do than I thought. But, taking stock Kids, parents, healthy. It's only money and I think we'll come out on top.

1. There’s something you’ve always dreamed of doing, but you haven’t done it because you think you lack the time, money, or support to do so. What is that something? And what are the REAL roadblocks keeping you from it?

I've always wanted to move to another country. The real roadblocks currently keeping me from it are...getting less by the moment! Yeah!

2. Name something you would eat more of if health, cost, allergy, and caloric intake were of no concern.
Very expensive cheeses/champagnes, quail, gourmet chocolate, all organic food.

3. What is the one singer/band, book/author, painting/painter or author artist/work of art that “speaks to you” most? Why?
Herman Melville - Moby Dick was THE book that made me fall in love with reading and literature. In the 4th grade, I carried around my tiny, single spaced copy around and slept with it, re-reread it over and over again...and I still love it.

4. If your country’s government handed you a check for $10 billion and empowered you use that money to support a single program, cause, or organization, where would you send it?
I would have to say I'd probably send it all to Africa. DIRECTLY

5. What really, genuinely pisses you off? Not being listened too. For years at a time. AKA, my ex-husband.

6. Describe your current level of happiness and contentment in your life. Are you living the life you imagined for yourself when you were younger? I'm currently happier and more fulfilled then I have ever been, and no, I'm not living the life I imagined for myself...It is infinitely richer and more complicated and wonderful.

1. I would love to work with graphics... greeting cards, advertising....

2. Poutine (Quebec delicacy of french-fried soaked in gravy and cheese)!

3. Celine Dion... something in the way she arranges her voice, coupled with her lyrics (corny as they are) move me to tears... many of her songs have gotten me through many a tribulation in my life!

4. I would take that money and use it to help fund\develop a program to help all children obtain the education they deserve, regardless of challenge. Educatiojn is a right, and unfortunately so many children miss out on it.

5. The fact that child molesters are allowed to live freely

6. I am happy - mostly because I have achieved internal happiness. Things are not exactly as I imagined - when I was 16 - but for the most part - better. I am in love, am loved, am successful, and am able to live by many lessons I have had the chance to learn!

Thank you for this.

Tracy ;)

1. Go to space, at least to orbit. Preventing me? lack of suitable transport for purchase, lack of money if one did exist.

2. Almond M&M's. Utz's sourdough pretzel nuggets. Dark (>70%) chocolate bars. Falling-apart pot roast. Shrimp. Hmm, it occurs to me that I could go on and on...

3. Tolkien / Lord of the Rings. Discovered it in 3rd (4th? unsure) grade, read it cover to cover at least 4 times successively.

4. Hmm, would have to think more than a few minutes about that one.

5. Willful stupidity. Pointless, chickenshit fascist hard-assery.

6. I'm very happy. I don't think I had any plausible vision of myself at this age when I was younger.

1. I had two dreams 20 years ago that are unfulfilled. The first is to teach children. The second is to travel to Europe. The real roadblock to the first dream is having to go back to college to take more classes to get a teaching certificate. I have a masters in business, not in education. I just don't have the energy to go back to school while working and running a family. The second dream is hampered by lack of money, pure and simple. Remember learning about Langston Hughes in high school. "What happens to a dream deferred?" I find myself wondering that all the time.

2. I would eat cashews and chocolate, together and separately, all the time.

3. Wow. I love mysteries written by women authors, such as Kathy Reichs and Nevada Barr. I enjoy how they have created strong, intelligent characters. Now if they would just write faster... As for music, I find myself listening to Natalie Merchant's Retrospective album a lot lately. So many of the songs on the first disk have a theme of choices, especially choices about how you perceive life.

4. If I was given $10 billion to support one single cause, I'd use it to find a cure for childhood cancer.

5. I'm a fairly intelligent person. It totally pisses me off when someone talks to me like I'm an idiot.

6. Current level of happiness, hmmm. Real life is so much harder than what I imagined it to be at 20! I have the husband, 2 kids, dog and a house in the suburbs that I imagined. However, it's amazing how much life twists and turns along the way. Overall, I'm generally happy. I guess I'd rank it a 7 on a scale of 1 to 10.

Okay so there are 45 comments, so probably hardly anybody will read this, except maybe Dad Gone Mad (hopefully!), and maybe the person who comments after me, but who knows? Anyway, this is gonna be fun.

1. There’s something you’ve always dreamed of doing, but you haven’t done it because you think you lack the time, money, or support to do so. What is that something? And what are the REAL roadblocks keeping you from it?

Yes there is something. Writing. I blog, so I write. But I haven't the courage to start a book, ever. I really don't have any ideas for a plot for a book, but I can write with the best of 'em. At least that's what I tell myself, but one of the perks of not ever trying? Is that no one can ever tell you your writing sucks. So. I'm just a big chicken. I'm my biggest roadblock. The second biggest is time. In a perfect world, I could quit my job, find a quiet little corner and write away. This is NOT a perfect world.

2. Name something you would eat more of if health, cost, allergy, and caloric intake were of no concern.

Ice cream. I would eat ice cream 24 hours a day. With that hard crunchy chocolate sauce topping. My favorite? Ben & Jerry's Phish Food. Sans mother's milk, please; I'll take mine made with cow's milk, thankyouverymuch.

3. What is the one singer/band, book/author, painting/painter or author artist/work of art that “speaks to you” most? Why?

The work by artist Thomas Kinkade. Because I want to crawl into his paintings and live there. They are so serene and peaceful. **sigh**. Plus, I kind of know him. He graduated from high school with me and we had a couple of classes together; not that he'd know who I was on the street or anything. Not that he'd BE on the street; being as he's a multi-millionaire. But you know what? He comes to all our reunions, and he's just a regular guy. Very cool.

4. If your country’s government handed you a check for $10 billion and empowered you use that money to support a single program, cause, or organization, where would you send it?

OMG wow what a concept. First, I'd pay off all my bills, 'cuz I need to, and I'm the neediest charity I know. If they wouldn't let me do that with the money, I'd set up a foundation that paid the bills for people that really needed it, then I'd be my own first customer. Otherwise, I'd probably give it to breast cancer research. Because I've known a few people that had breast cancer, and it needs to be cured. The treatment is horrible.

5. What really, genuinely pisses you off?
Illegal immigration and the way the democrats want to feel all sorry for them and give them all these things like Government-paid health care and education, and everything in two languages -- UUUUUUUGH dont' get me started!!!!!!!!~

6. Describe your current level of happiness and contentment in your life. Are you living the life you imagined for yourself when you were younger?

I have a level of contentment at about level minus-five. No, I'm not living the life I imagined for myself when I was younger. I've never owned my own house; I've been divorced twice; my third marriage is no great shakes, leading me to believe that 1) there's something wrong with me or 2) I don't know how to pick 'em; I'm just about to be promoted into upper management, but with a vote of "no-confidence" by my peers because of an unfortunate incident that caused everyone to doubt my ethical compass and while the whole incident was a big lie, it only took one small thing to ruin a reputation that was 11 years in the making and that sucks!! It's so unfair. When I was younger? I wanted to be a wife and a stay-at-home mom. No such luck. So, in addition to stress at work, I have stress at home, as my youngest son lives with us, causing no end of stress with my current husband, who obviously isn't his dad. Said son is unemployed, and said hubby doesn't think he looks hard enough for work and wants to kick said son out -- ugh. Endless tension and stress. In addition hubby is on MAOI's and while they work most of the time? He has a tendency to be moody. I'm 50 and pre-menopausal. Moody IS my middle name. **sigh**. Home isn't fun; work isn't fun. Thus, my life isn't fun. Yeah, I know; get a therapist. This is almost as good! LOL

Whew. Thanks for letting me vent!

1. Well, I am actually doing it now--I have always wanted to be a ranger for the park service. I was hired this year to work at the Grand Canyon. I am in my personal heaven.

2.That is an easy one also: Anything with wheat: cookies, cakes, noodles, chicken and dumplings, and my mother's chocolate chip cookies. Since I found out I am gluten intolerant I can not eat any of that stuff anymore.

3. My daughter, Becca, is an artist. Whenever I look at some of her paintings I can see exactly what she was thinking or feeling as she painted it. http://lupingirl.deviantart.com/gallery/#_featured--3 her stuff on deviantart.

4. Although it wouldn't be enough money, I would use it to provide health care to uninsured Americans.

5. People who talk derisively about others because of their race or ethnicity. I don't understand why some folks think they are better than others just because they exist differently.

6. I am the happiest I have ever been in my life. And my life is nowhere near what I thought it would be. I used to think that I would live in the same house until I died, that I would work at the same place until I retired, that I would be married to the same man until death do us part. None of the above came true, but I truly do have a happier, more pleasant life than I could have ever imagined.

1. There’s something you’ve always dreamed of doing, but you haven’t done it because you think you lack the time, money, or support to do so. What is that something? And what are the REAL roadblocks keeping you from it?

I'm the kind of person who does the things my heart dreams of. The only dream I've had that I have not accomplished is owning a used bookstore and spending my days reading in a cozy armchair with a fat cat by my side. The roadblock is money and life. In reality, with kids and a job, there is no way to have a peaceful life like that right now. Perhaps in my retirement years.

2. Name something you would eat more of if health, cost, allergy, and caloric intake were of no concern.
Easy - Chocolate molten cake with raspberries!

3. What is the one singer/band, book/author, painting/painter or author artist/work of art that “speaks to you” most? Why?
This is so hard. Forget one. Alison Kraus's voice is so peaceful and beautiful. I also love Kelly Willis for her smooth, easy style and Sarah Johns for her wicked wit. Brad Paisley makes me laugh, Travis Tritt touches the romantic parts of me, and Toby Keith/Trace Adkins' songs turn me on. LOL. In terms of art, I love landscapes with rich colors and sketches of people, from babies to adults. Pencil sketches really capture all the detail in a person's face. Authors - Max Lucado is an amazing Christian author I read a lot when I was younger and more involved in the church. He made me laugh and cry. I love Julia Alvarez's stories of immigrant families and Joyce Carol Oates' dark, truthful fiction. Finally, Anne Lamott is an incredibly raw and beautiful writer.

4. If your country’s government handed you a check for $10 billion and empowered you use that money to support a single program, cause, or organization, where would you send it?
I would send it to MomsRising, a lobbying organization that represents the interests of mothers -- from healthcare to parental leave to general working mother issues.

5. What really, genuinely pisses you off?
a) Even though I am a diehard liberal Democrat, I am extraordinarily pissed off that John McCain chose Sarah Palin as his running mate rather than one of the many highly qualified Republican women such as Olympia Snowe, Elizabeth Dole or Kay Bailey Hutchison. Her ignorance and missteps just make women in general look bad. :(

b) Inconsiderate people. From lateness to rude behavior to disregarding my feelings, I really dislike people who are inconsiderate of others.

6. Describe your current level of happiness and contentment in your life. Are you living the life you imagined for yourself when you were younger?

I have a beautiful, smart and precious son. I have a job I love and am in a rigorous evening law school program. I have family close by to keep me company. However, I am recently divorced and face challenges with that. But ultimately I *am* happy. I think that everything happens for a reason and that all of life's events shape who we are. Sure, I've had hard times, but there is always a silver lining.

I wanted to respond to, but not take up too much of your space. My answers are
here.

Thanks for a fun survey.

1. There’s something you’ve always dreamed of doing, but you haven’t done it because you think you lack the time, money, or support to do so. What is that something? And what are the REAL roadblocks keeping you from it?

Travel EXTENSIVELY. We're talking the whole, great, wide world in all its glory, splendor, and, okay, a few icky bits. What's stopping me is money and time; money to afford it and the time to take away from earning the money to afford it in order to actually, like, DO IT.

2. Name something you would eat more of if health, cost, allergy, and caloric intake were of no concern.

Chocolate. See's chocolate, with all the truffles and key lime-iness and cherry cordially goodness.

3. What is the one singer/band, book/author, painting/painter or author artist/work of art that “speaks to you” most? Why?

Pink Floyd's The Wall. As someone who has, in the past and present, felt like she was going insane, listening to the tale of someone doing so is strangely comforting.

4. If your country’s government handed you a check for $10 billion and empowered you use that money to support a single program, cause, or organization, where would you send it?

Environment America, although my view is biased seeing as how they're the ones giving me a paycheck every two weeks. They ARE great, though.

5. What really, genuinely pisses you off?

People who are mean/rude to other people. I don't care if it's based on looks of personality their views or because, frankly, you jsut don't like 'em. Politeness costs nothing, people.

6. Describe your current level of happiness and contentment in your life. Are you living the life you imagined for yourself when you were younger?

When I was younger I thought I'd be living under New York City with the Ninja Turtles, so, no. When I was slightly older, I thought I'd be a hermit, and I still kinda want to be one. Instead I live in a major city. Someday, though, maybe I'll be able to fulfill my current life in a cottage in England.

The Ninja Turtles are optional.

This is instead of going to shul and hearing the shofar,right?

1. Traveling the world with my family, staying in different places for a while, and learning all the different cultures

2.chocolate - you'd think I'd get sick of it with all the chocolate intake I do, but Noooo.

3. Just saw Paul McCartney in concert in Israel. Played all these Beatle tunes. He spoke more Hebrew than my husband does, and stood up to extremist threats on his life so he's now on my list of people who could be the messiah.

4. $10 billion for a single cause? That's too difficult. I'd use most to educate children in both Arab and Jewish schools to be tolerant towards each other,which would mean a lot of inter-cultural programs with each other - change the textbooks to teach about the other's customs,traditions, etc. make sure the kids have enough food - hot lunches, etc.

5. Extremists pissme off.

6. Spiritually very content and in a better place. Health-wise - also thank God , very well (thank you!) Financially - could do much better.

1. I want to go to Europe. I lack the money and the time - also, I don't know what to do with the kids.

2. Expensive cheese.

3. Either Alice in Chains or Mozart. Both move me every time I hear their music.

4. Education.

5. People that drive dangerously with children in their cars.

6. I am actually very happy - I am stressed but happy. I have wonderful children a great husband, a nice house and we have everything we need.

1. Climb the Seven Summits.
2. Mushrooms
3. The Raft of the Medusa - Théodore Géricault
4. Sustainability
5. Douchbagery
6. My life is at 11. That's one More than 10.

1. I want to quit my job and stay home with my daughter. A one income family doesn't cut it anymore....
2. Potatoes.....fried, mashed, baked, scalloped....Glorious potatoes
3. Desiderata. It reminds of the faith and serenity inside of me.
4. Unitarian Universalist Service Committee Inc.
5. currently....People who truly seem to believe McCain/Palin are a smart choice this November.
6. I am. As others said....I have goals. I can't complain, I have met all of the goals I set for myself thus far.....I still dream of reaching the new ones but I'm confident it will happen someday.

1. I want to own a small bath and beauty products in a beach town. Someplace on the east coast, so I can watch the sunrise over the ocean. I would make all of my own products. Stopping me? Single mom with 3 teens and squandry savings? Nothing's stopping me, I'm just not there yet.

2. Bakery Bread, Rich Cheese and Hot Tea

3. I love music. All types of music. I would love to have a radio that's in sync with my moods and never has commercials. I love Nature Photographs as art.

4. Health Care. I live in a lower middle class suburb of DC. So many people do not have the money to go to the doctor. Their kids get sick, they get sick and they've got nothing. I'd also love to be able to expand Alzheimers research. Such a heartbreaking disease.

5. self-entitlement, cruelty, and purposeful ignorance

6. I am not anywhere near who I thought I would be. I never imagined getting divorced, starting over from scratch, being a single mom. But life is pretty amazing most of the time. I have 3 beautiful, smart, kind children. I have a wonderful boyfriend and he makes my heart sing. Getting rid of my husband brought me closer to my family. Who could ask for more? (I would still like to have the bath shop though...)

Cheese! I would eat more cheese.

And I would support St. Jude Children's Research Hospital. The children that could be saved & the cures that could be found.....wow!!!

1. Not working and trying everything that I've been wanting to learn - surfing, pottery, rock climbing, mountain biking, advanced skiing lessons, knitting, glass blowing, soldering, water skiing. Need $ and time!!

2. SUSHI SUSHI SUSHI! And cheesecake. Not together though.

3. Brand New. Their music is amazing. And Gone with the Wind. Scarlett's character is amazing - selfish and determined. I like that, in a strange way.

4. Don't know about a single cause, but I'd definitely make anonymous gifts for people who I know need them, or try to set them up so they 'accidentally' come across this money.

5. Windows Vista. Liars. Jealous insecure controlling girlfriends.

6. Happy. But not where I thought I would be. Mostly happy because I know I shouldn't be sad.

1. Going to college. Before it was lack of motivation. Now it really is money.
2. Mountain Dew. Does that count?
3. Chevelle. They got me through a lot of rough times and some really good ones.
4. I would support some kind of infants program, probably having to do with cerebral palsy. Or anything that has to do with support NICU. They saved my son's life.
5. Dumbass doctors who look at my son as just a file and not for who he is. He is more then CP and his development and perserverence proves it. Also, this whole thing with the economy and congress sitting around with their thumbs up their butts, afraid to do anything.
6. I'm definetely not where I thought I'd be. But really, I never thought about my future too seriously. I wish I could focus on making myself happier but I've just been so tired lately I can't seem to focus on anything.

1. I would like to be a nurse. It will neverhappen because I have no money to go to school and of course I do not qualify for any financial aid.

2. Lobster, crab and Filet Mignon

3. No one that I can think of.

4. Healthcare. We shouldall be able to go to the doctor if we ave money or not.

5. Mean, rude people.

6. I am not happy. I fear that my house is going to be forclosed on because my husbands work has been slow. This is not the life I dreamed of having. I always dreamed I would have enough money to be comfortable and live in a big city.

6.

1. I would love to own my own business, and money is the main roadblock.
2. Ice Cream!
3. I like the Foo Fighters for this one, and Toad the Wet Sprocket.
4. I don't think Universal Health care, Education or Single Mothers would get my money. I would fix social security, it is completely broken. I shouldn't be paying for todays retirees and paying for my own retirement at the same time.
5. Liberals who think they know what is best for me and how I should spend my hard earned money!
6. I am at an average happiness level, I did think I would be where I am with family and children, I just wish I had a few more $$$ in my pocket and not going out in bills.

1. Writing music. My excuse is I don't have the time to do it. The real reason is I fear finding out I simply lack the talent.

2. Sushi.

3. Aristophanes in Plato's Symposium regarding the origin of love. I believe in true love literally being the "other half".

4. Orbis

5. Spoiled brats

6. I'd give it a 7 out of 10.

I started reading these yesterday and had to take a day to mull it all over. So, thanks Danny for the "life mulling!"

1. Dreamed of doing

Stand up comic. The fear of shitting myself on stage keeps me from following my dreams. I enjoy clean panties. While my job has me in front of people every day, being vulnerable and putting a bit together only to hear crickets scares the hell outta me.

2. Eat more of

Apologies to all the vegans out there. Cow. In the form of filet steaks. 24-7. Also spicy french fries. Really any potato dripped in fat. Just hand me the lard..

3. Music speaks to me:

Retarded I know, but Simon and Garfunkel always ground me. Heard it growing up as a kid at mom and dad's and I can go from high stress to chill in two verses of Cecilia! Had it playing over and over in labor and delivery. Didn't help so much.

4. 10 billion?

Start some programs teaching men how to be men. Fuck this tough guy box that boys are forced in. Pluses would be less domestic violence, less rape, better marriages, more "whole" young men in touch with manhood in a healthy way. Less men in prison. More men in the world completing families.

5. Pisses me off...

Most of you have very thoughtful answers about core morals. Kudos. Mine...shitty drivers. My kids learned all their cuss words from their mom yelling at the morons who managed to secure a valid drivers license. I'm in Kansas, too. I'd be a spot on the freeway if I lived in Cali.

6. Level of happiness

Today probably a 7. Had some good talks with the hubs lately so I'm guessing it will go to an 8 once he pulls his head out of his a$$... hahahaa

1. Start my own Design firm. Don't have all the necessary experience yet, but walking down that path.
2. Seafood. Everyday all varieties. From Sushi to steamed crabs to fresh water fish. Everyday every meal.
3. I find inspiration from anyone more talented than me. Writers, painters and musician alike. If you are any sort of creative you ad to our society in a great great way. Right now it's an Illustrator, a little demented but insanely talented. Alex Pardee: source Juxtapoz Magazine
4. It couldn't be more appropriate right now to use 10 Billion for a great cause. 1 of 2 ideas come to mind. First I would use the money to help establish a viable, real threat to the two-party system with the creation of an "Independent" party that had a real chance 4 years from now. Second, Re-vamp the educational system to empower teachers in America, elevate them to a "Professional Pay Rate".
5. Political Spin-Doctors, Racism, Apathy, Ignorance and the overwhelming feeling that because I have no money that I will never have any.
6. I think I am living the career I imagined, I have a fantastic marriage and a wonderful child. Overall I am pretty happy. However, I think I will always have a rather large void unfulfilled until I am financially "successful." And by successful, just being able to put away for retirement, living with out debt.

Great conversation piece.

1. There are a couple of things. First, I've always dreamed of dropping everything for a few months and just traveling. I'm not married yet, and I don't have kids, so those aren't road blocks, but money and my job (which I love and don't want to leave) certainly are. And my cat -- what do you do with a somewhat needy and overweight cat for several months? I've also always dreamed of writing a novel. I have started a young adult novel that I think has a ton of potential, but there always seems to be something in the way of actually working on it -- fear, not enough time, fear.

2. I would eat all grass-fed, humanely raised meat and locally grown, organic produce and other products. If only I could afford it . . .

3. This is hard, because I have so many favorite artists/musicians/writers. I think Tim O'Brien's book The Things They Carried might be at the top of that list. I've never fought in a war, but something about the way O'Brien writes about truth, the stories we tell ourselves, and dealing with the difficult parts of the world really hits home for me.

4. Education. I'd make sure that really great teachers get paid just as well for their work as really great doctors, lawyers, and businessmen. After all, none of those people would be where they were if they hadn't had some fabulous teachers along the way.

5. Stupid people.

6. I am currently the happiest I've been in my adult life, I think. I'm not living exactly the life I imagined for myself, but what I've got is, I think, better in a lot of ways. I never imagined I'd live in California, but it turns out that all this sunshine, outdoors exercise, and healthy food is really good for my happiness. I always imagined I'd be a writer, and I am. (Although not the kind of writing I imagined -- I'm not a novelist locked away in a garret scribbling all day, but I DO get paid to spend my days writing curriculum that helps kids fall in love with books).

1. I dream that my x will get what's coming to him. I dream he will suffer for what he did. And the only thing standing in my way of this...going to jail. :)
2. I would eat...sounds gross...plain cake donuts with butter melted on top. mmmm..heaven.
3. NIN and Tool speak to me the most. Why? Duh, because they "ROCK"
4. I would use the money to cure Childhood Cancer.
5. LOTS of things piss me off. At the moment...stupid people,x,dumb drivers,and my neighbors that like to mow their lawn on Saturday morning. Do they not know that people like to sleep in?
6. I would rate my level of happiness at a 6 with 10 being the best. And I don't know if this is where I imagined myself at 37. But, shit happens. Kid gets cancer, x cheats on you, divorce.....move, new boyfriend, kids healthy, we can't predict what is going to happen in our lives. But, rum...that helps! :)

#5.
Why do people have to trim their fingernails in public? Not only is it gross to send shards of fingernail in all directions, but that sound! Ugh.

1. I always wanted to be a pro basketball player. I played college ball for 4 years and AAU ball for another 25, but never had the speed to hang with the NBAers. Played with and against some guys that weren't to far from the dream, and that was fun, but never was really close myself. I'm not sure the 'road' part of the job is something I would have liked but the idea of making money as a player sure was appealing

2. I've been fortunate enough to try pretty much everything I've ever wanted to try and I can honestly say that I haven't been deprived of any of the foods I really like so... nothing...except chocolate. You can NEVER eat to much chocolate... except you can, so...

3. All kinds of music speak to me but I've always been partial to the 'harmony' groups like the Eagles, Simon and Garfunkel, CSN&Y, groups like that. Instrumentalists like Phil Keagy and Tommy Emmanuel stoke my fire and Rich Mullins music really touches me.

4. That's hard. One group? I guess I'd try and make a dent in world hunger. There's lots of starving folks out there that, because of where they live and the status they were born into, don't hardly eat. I'm not much for welfare programs that 'help' people that can or should be helping themselves, but others truly have no hope and those are the ones I'd try to help.

5. People who rant about issues without having a clue as to what they are talking about.

6. Can't say I'm living the life I dreamed of when I was a kid, but what kid really knows what life is about? My contentment meter is pretty high. On a scale of 1 to 10 I'm at about 9. I have a roof over my head, cars to drive, food in the fridge, my kids are contributing members of society and have their heads screwed on pretty well, I've got friends and family I care about and who care for me, a wife who loves and respects me. I'm not rich financially but I make a living and while we aren't perfect by any stretch of the imagination, we live in arguably the greatest country in the history of this world. I'm getting older but...isn't that the idea? All in all considering that probably 90% (conservatively) of the world doesn't have it as good as we do I figure I don't have much to complain about. Life is good.

I'm coming out of the woodwork on this one!

1. The one thing I have always wanted to do is write a book and have it published. My real roadblock? Fear of rejection...

2. Most definitely Ding Dongs! I LOVE them!!

3. Hmmm... I love Kenny Chesney's album Be As You Are...it really gets deep in to my soul. Books? Probably Tuesdays With Morrie...it came a time when we thought we were losing our daughter and I needed it to be able to live in the moment with her.

4. Absolutely, children's cancer research! It is the #1 disease killer of children...more than all other diseases combined and is #2 only to accidents for causing the death of children under 15.

5. Slow drivers...the more I live in the country, the more I detest driving in the city.

6. I am living the life I wanted as a kid. Of course, we always want more...don't we?

Do you really take the time to read these??

1. I would travel all over the USA and stop at all the dumb touristy places. Price of gas and time are what stands in the way of that dream.
2. I would eat Chipotle Burrito's all day everyday!!
3. I like anything that speaks to me. I cant really narrow it down.
4.I would support finding a cure for all childhood diseases. I would help animals that are abused and need homes. I would help children in the USA learn valuable lessons that will help them in the future. I couldnt just use it on one program. There are so many good ones.
5. Ignorance, tapping, being critized while taking care of my baby, moody and bitchy bosses, PMS, and running out of toilet paper after a poop.
6. I am not where I thought I would be 20 years ago. But on a scale from 1 to 10 with 10 being the best, I am a solid 8. Sometimes life just works out, maybe not the way you planned but for the best.

Thanks for the laughs!

1. Having a family, having kids and making them happy. I'm not ready yet, but I'm working on it, and it should happen in a few years or so. So, no real roadblock here!

2. Sushi! Sushi all day and everyday. Yum!

3. The Beatles. I was born the day Lennon died so grown ups always bothered me with that, until the day (I was nine) I took one of those guy's albums and listened to it. Then *I* started bothering the grown ups! I'm deeply, deeply in love with the White Album although there are songs I can't listen to when I'm depressed, because they make things worse.

4. Desalinization. I'd want the whole world to have access to drinking water.

5. Irresponsible parents who blame school for the way their kids behave. Yes, I'm a teacher!

6. I don't know! I think when I was a kid I only thought I wanted to grow up so I could read more books. Well, I'm reading more books, so I guess that's it, right? Well, Boyfriend not having another girlfriend would help me reach a 10, I guess, but what can you do?! I'm just waiting for him to get bored... it'll come... Until then I'll just get on with the anti-anxiety meds! That's what they're for!

1. I don't think I have dreamed big enough. And the only person standing in my way is me and my fear of failure. I'm trying to teach my kids to do better.

2. Definitely ice cream. I can live without the milk and cheese, but summer is a drag when everybody else gets a cone and I have to settle for a soda.

3. I love Annie Liebovitz's ability to catch the humanity and uniqueness of the people in her photos. Catching those moments are difficult in an unposed situation at home.

4. Wow, just one? I think I would have to do a little research and find the most efficient charity with the ability to affect the most people. Sad to say I have no idea who that might be. I'd love to get rid of cancer, but there are probably things that should come before that in terms of people affected.

5. What really, genuinely pisses you off? People who don't do their f-ing jobs. Lack of responsibility can boil my temper faster than anything else. Probably a bad thing that I work at a high school, with teenagers....

6. I could never have imagined this life when I was younger. In college I felt like I might never find someone to marry. When I got married we thought we would never want kids. When we had kids, we couldn't imagine life without them (at least not for more than a week or so). We have a decent income thanks to my hubby, I have a job that brings in a little but keeps us free of the shackles of daycare, even in the summer. We're doing alright. A few more nice vacations wouldn't hurt, but I can't really complain. Thanks for asking!

Feel free to answer all or just few of these questions in the comments. Or, if you prefer, contemplate your answers privately.

1. Travel the world taking pictures with an awesome new camera. Spend more time in the mountains and the ocean. Roadblocks: money, money, money, money, responsibility, and kids. But mostly money.

2. Beer and chocolate chip cookies.

3. James Taylor, Led Zeppelin, Grateful Dead, Robert Johnson, Van Morrison's Astral Weeks album.

4. Alternative, renewable fuel sources. If we don't stop the warming, nothing else any of us are talking about will mean a damn thing.

5. Religion and all the fucked up things it makes/has made people do.

6. I'm not really anywhere near what I expected, but at the same time I've also pulled off a lot of "adult" stuff that terrified me as a kid. I'd say I'm at about a 7 or 8.

1. Trip to Hawaii. Learn how to surf. Roadblocks. Money and the lack thereof. one eleven month old kid, and one on the way.

2.Love me some pizza and beer

3.Not too sure that any one person/group speaks to me, but I certainly enjoy a wide variety of artists, musicians and writers.

4.How do you choose? what cause is more worthy than the rest

5.unappreciative people who would rather complain about not having something as opposed to enjoying what they already possess. i.e. health, family etc.

6.Out of 10 I'm probably at 7. I love my wife, child, home etc. Work sucks. I chose a job 11 years ago that at the time was a way to pay the bills. Now I'm stuck doing something I no longer enjoy... because it pays the bills..

I love these! Im going to steal this for my blog!!

1. There’s something you’ve always dreamed of doing, but you haven’t done it because you think you lack the time, money, or support to do so. What is that something? And what are the REAL roadblocks keeping you from it?

I have always wanted to learn fluent Spanish and Greek. My roadblock is commitment to Spanish. I tend to get bored with it since I already know quite a bit. And with Greek, Ive taken the steps towards learning. Im in Greek school now! (Lose weight cliche cliche)

2. Name something you would eat more of if health, cost, allergy, and caloric intake were of no concern.
Greek food OMG delicious and Id eat more gourmet cheese mmm

3. What is the one singer/band, book/author, painting/painter or author artist/work of art that “speaks to you” most? Why?
Ive always loved Hanson probably because I grew up with them and I love JK Rowling

4. If your country’s government handed you a check for $10 billion and empowered you use that money to support a single program, cause, or organization, where would you send it?
College students or perhaps St Judes Childrens hospital

5. What really, genuinely pisses you off?
Being told I cannot do something

6. Describe your current level of happiness and contentment in your life. Are you living the life you imagined for yourself when you were younger?

I am about a 7 with happiness and I thought Id be done with college by now. I didnt think Id be married yet. Im 23. So Im right on track pretty much

1) I'd like to own a large plot of land so that I can begin my own animal rescue. What stands in my way is actually money.

2) Well, I'm going to cheat and add to your list of non concerns: "or if you actually enjoyed the taste of it". I would eat more fish/seafood. The reason is because I HATE fish/seafood--believe me, I've tried many because everyone says, "you haven't tried this". I wish I liked fish/seafood because some of those Red Lobster commercials actually look good.

3) This would be a toss up between Jack London and Stephen King. Not that they make any political statements I agree with or have any worldly causes I know about but simply because the way they write speaks to me and helps me view the world in a different, more open way. Sounds weird but they do.

4) I would use the 10 billion to help abused and homeless animals and for public education about animals.

5) One thing? How about: lazy, rude, selfish, inconsiderate, mean spirited people.

6) Am I living the life I thought when I was younger? No because I was a dreamer when I was younger. My ultimate goal when I was a little kid was to meet every single person on the face of the earth and make them laugh so that we would all get along. I also thought I'd be a millionaire by the time I was 25 and be married. HAHAHAHAHAHA! Ah well. My current state of happiness is actually pretty good. Overall I'm pretty happy. I can see, hear, walk, talk...I'm breathing and alive. Considering that was almost taken away from me in 1999, I'd say I'm doing rather well.

5)

1. There’s something you’ve always dreamed of doing, but you haven’t done it because you think you lack the time, money, or support to do so. What is that something? And what are the REAL roadblocks keeping you from it?

Move out of California - hopefully to Manhattan. The real roadblock - fear of the unknown.

2. Name something you would eat more of if health, cost, allergy, and caloric intake were of no concern.
Sushi and pizza

3. What is the one singer/band, book/author, painting/painter or author artist/work of art that “speaks to you” most? Why?

Jimmy Buffett

4. If your country’s government handed you a check for $10 billion and empowered you use that money to support a single program, cause, or organization, where would you send it?

Start a program that would help foster kids that are "aging" out of the system to go to college or trade school.

5. What really, genuinely pisses you off?
Dishonest people and people that think my private life is for public knowledge.

6. Describe your current level of happiness and contentment in your life. Are you living the life you imagined for yourself when you were younger?

I'm about an 8 with happiness and a 4 with contentment. I just got divorced and it is like I'm in between two lives. I'm feel like I'm at a standstill and that is making me severely discontent. At the same time, I feel like my whole life is ahead of me and that makes me really happy.

1. There’s something you’ve always dreamed of doing, but you haven’t done it because you think you lack the time, money, or support to do so. What is that something? And what are the REAL roadblocks keeping you from it?
Having a baby. Timing isn't good, I want to go to grad school plus I'm broke. But I'd really love a baby.

2. Name something you would eat more of if health, cost, allergy, and caloric intake were of no concern.
I would eat lots of steaks. I don't digest them very well, though.

3. What is the one singer/band, book/author, painting/painter or author artist/work of art that “speaks to you” most? Why?
Joan Miró did this painting that many people think looks like Fred Flintstone, but to me it looks like a guy puking in a toilet. A copy of it hung in my favorite bar back in San Pedro, Costa Rica. I haven't been able to find it anywhere.

4. If your country’s government handed you a check for $10 billion and empowered you use that money to support a single program, cause, or organization, where would you send it?
I'd put it into education. We could all be smarter, we could all stand to learn something, and more importantly, educating yourself should be free or close to it, not cost you an arm or a leg. That, or I'd try to establish a universal healthcare program.

5. What really, genuinely pisses you off?
High school fees, budgets cuts in education and healthcare in America.

6. Describe your current level of happiness and contentment in your life. Are you living the life you imagined for yourself when you were younger?
I think I've taken too long to get here, but I'm here, aren't I?

Great questions, Danny — 

1. I'd be a writer. (I see this is a common theme here.) I'd also travel. For the first, my main roadblock is myself — it's like I don't want to have to work through the crap you have to put out in order to get something great, and I know everyone has crappy first drafts. For the second, main roadblocks are money and my husband and kids.

2. Sushi. And chocolate. Oh, and cheese, too. Never enough cheese. Especially blue cheese — and stinky!

3. This is HARD, because there are so many! For band, I'd have to pick U2, probably because they've been around for so long, I grew up with their music shaped around my experiences. For every teenage memory I have from the 80s, there's a U2 song to match. And they're still writing great songs. For art, this is going to sound a teensy bit pretentious, but I'd have to say the ceiling of the Sistine Chapel blew me away. I went to Europe at 19 and traveled around, and the day we went to visit the Vatican happened to be a Monday, and everything was closed to tourists. I almost burst into tears because I wanted to see the Sistine Chapel so badly, and we had planned to leave Rome the next morning. My friends and I decided to stay at least one more day in Rome, and boy am I glad we did. I think I got a neckache from how long I stood underneath that masterpiece, completely in awe.

4. I'd put the money into education.

5. My biggest pet peeve is when I go to the movies and people talk. The worst is when their cell phones ring and they decide to hold a conversation then and there, like they're sitting in their living room or something. I always get pissed and I always make some rude comment, which can get me into trouble.

6. I'd say my current state of happiness is pretty good — I have a great husband and two lovely kids, so I wouldn't trade them for the world — but am I where I thought I'd be? Hard to say. I thought I would have traveled a LOT more — I used to fantasize about alternate lives, in Paris or London or somewhere ultra glamorous. I also used to love to pretend to be a spy.

Very fun Danny...

1. Become a stay at home mom..room mother, taxi driver...cook wonderful dinners, shop, take classes at the Y and take more pictures.. learn how to become a real photographer.
This hasn't happened since I need to work full time and I don't have children.
My husband doesn't want anymore kids, he has one.
Not enough hours in the day to learn photography AND take pictures.
I have joined the Y though and classes start the end of October.

2. I would eat pasta at least once a day.
I'd also have donuts or bagles for breakfast everyday.

3. I have always been drawn to Monet, Vangogh..the Impressionists. To me that is simple beautiful art. Authors.. Jane Austen, Laura Ingalls Wilder, Louisa May Alcott, Judy Blume.. they were the authors that made me want to read MORE..I will always be greatful for the first women authors in my life.

4. $10 Billion. That really isn't very much. I would #1 create a public education program in our country that would equal or surpass every nation. Equality in education no matter where you live or what your background is. Schools and teachers would have the resources that they need and not have to rely on things like state tax dollars for basketball hoops.
If there was anything left over after that I would give it to the "transportation" department to divy up amoung the states for roads, bridges and mass transportation.

5. White/Black/Yellow/Red/Brown and Green Trash..you know the people. The circle of life is ignorance. Commen sense, the state of their minds...ugggg it drives me crazy. Like the girl I work with..the dealer gave her a Jetta for a loaner car while hers was being repaird and she said, "I won't drive a Jetta, that is beneath me" .... Lazy, Racist, Ignorant. Please have some respect for yourself. ...stepping down from my soapbox.

6. I am not doing ANYTHING I thought I would be doing but I'm fine with that. I make more money than I ever thought I would.

1)I'd love to be a singer - the real roadblock - Not enuf talent....hey atleast I know it and don't go on American *** (whatever show) and embarrass myself in front of millions......props for me for that!
2)CAFE RIO SALADS!!!!!!!
3)Nickle Creek - the song that Sara sings - Reasons
4)Battered women (or men) program
5)SEX OFFENDERS - Need to be left alone w/ the victims families w/ no cops for atleast one hour. I would bash their knee caps - a little reminder for the rest of their lives. Then they need to be thrown in a hard core prison for others to use as punching bags. Death is way to easy.
6)I am married w/ 5 kids - where I expected to be, but I'm not IN love w/ my husband. I love him, respect him, and he's a great husband and father, but not the love of my life. I regret not following my heart and getting married too soon. I miss you Brett......

I always wanted to write children's books. The only thing really stopping me is myself.

Good steaks. You know the ones with lots of juicy fat around the edges. The ones that cost $25 each. I would live on steak if I could, and I'm sick of cheap, leathery steak my teeth can't chew.

I'm not sure anyone really "speaks" to me at this point. I'm just concentrating on making it through raising these kids.

If there was a program that worried about our country rather than the rest of the world...that's where it would go. I am soooo tired of ads and programs (endorsed by those foolish movie stars we worship) saving the starving kids of Timbuktu or educating them...you know what I mean. There are plenty of starving, uneducated kids right here in our backyard. It would be nice if all the do-gooders of this world could concern themselves with feeding, educating and adopting them rather than those from foreign countries.

That the simple things in life have to be so difficult.

I'm happy with my husband and children. Life is pretty good. I thought by now day to day life would be a little easier to live, but I know things could be far worse. Normally, I'd give my life an 8 out of 10, but since I just slipped in the snow and really hurt my back and have shooting pain in my arm I'm going to give life a 4 out of 10 right now. (And if the pain doesn't stop soon it could go even lower!).

Thanks for making me think today. :)

1. I've always dreamed of skydiving. But I had my upper teeth extracted last year, and now I have an upper denture. I'm scared to death they'd fly out of my mouth in mid-air!

2. I'd eat fried chicken every day if it didn't make me feel like a fat pig to do so.

3. Al Jarreau's vocals and music speak to me the most, because jazz is very interesting music and his voice sounds like he has an orchestra in his throat.

4. I'd send it to various women's shelters, because there are far too many abused women who just can't make it on their own at first.

5. Students who cheat really piss me off. When I catch them, I do everything in my power to make sure they flunk my class.

6. I'm currently at about my peak level of happiness and contentment. I divorced a couple of years ago, and after a fair amount of dating (thanks to the online dating world), I finally have the relationship I've always dreamed of. He lives in his house, I live in mine, and we have no plans to change that. He's an awesome lover, highly intelligent, quite handsome, has a great sense of humor, and we do things together 3 or 4 times every week. I did indeed imagine this life for myself when I was younger, starting perhaps 5 years ago when I heard about a friend who was living a similar life (in a committed, exclusive relationship, yet living in separate homes). It's ideal for a 50-year-old woman who has a very strong independent nature. So peak happiness and contentment are mine.

This really made me pause and well, take stock. LOL. Thanks, DGM!

1. My very own uterus
2. Peanut butter chocolate cake. ALL. THE. FCKING. TIME.
3. Mary J Blige, Tchaikovsky, Ayn Rand, Salvador Dali
4. Put it back into learning
5. Animals dressed as people. Bigots
6. Pretty content.

*longer answers in my own blog :P*

1. Med school and travel, roadblock: age and money. It just doesn't make sense for a 37 year old to go into hundreds of thousands $$$s of debt for a limited ROI. Travel I'm working on....

2. Fish and chocolate every day.

3. Lolita by Nabokov. It's a whole novel of poetry.

4. US Education.

5. People who already have enormous amounts of power and money taking advantage of everyone else.

6. Pretty damn happy. It's not med school but I'm enrolled in a graduate program that I love. My kids are awesome and I truly feel like every day with them is a gift. Having been through some rough PPD earlier in their lives I can say it hasn't always been this way and I am so grateful to have made it to this place. I honestly don't need anything else.

1. Writing. Writing. Writing as my raison d'etre AND bread n' butter. After almost 20 years as an architect, I realized it is not what i should be doing, at least not like I currently have to do it. More than one person has commented or asked "Do you write? Are you a writer?" after seeing some of my work. ROADBLOCKS: Taking care of a young child (who I wouldn't give up for ANYTHING), being tied to money, and lacking a cetain amount of courage to just JUMP OUT OF THE DAMN PLANE ALREADY. My hand is on the door lever, though...

2. If you freeze Guinness Stout, you can eat it. Does that count?

3. It's a tie: Band - The Clash Author - John Thorne. Writes mostly about food, but he could really be writing about life. (See also Jim Harrison).

4. Another tie between 1) establishing a fund that provides health insurance coverage to those are most in need of assistance, and 2) funding research into neonatal intensive health care (NICU babies) issues. I am blessed to have decent health insurance, but have been through a horrific NICU experience (C. & E., I miss you) and know how much could be done to make things better or at least not as bad for those in that situation.

5. Intellectual dishonesty. Message to Karl Rove, GWB, and pretty much the entire GOP: Don't piss down my back and try to tell me its raining.

6. I'd say about a 4. I know that life isn't fair, but sometimes I wish it would be unfair in my favor. Sometimes that poop gun is pointing right at ya, and there is nothing you can do about it. Still, like the Buddha and my Moms have said, everything is temporary. This too shall pass; better times are ahead.

So that is how things stand, as of this writing. Cheers, all!

1. Travel. And the real roadblocks? Money. No, really. Well money and time. I have some awful things from my previous marriage that have come back to haunt me and I am very limited in my income, and I feel like I rely on Dave enough as it is and I do not want to do that more than I need to. I suppose I could get another job(s), but with 2 insta-kids who now have sports, homework, etc, and my guy (who I still insist we get at least 5 minutes alone every day, just to reconnect, whether we play a game or watch a DVD or simply cuddle for 5 minutes, I think it is so important), and extended families (mine are not even here!) and well, LIFE, I can't find the time right now.
2. Creme Brulee. And french fries. Not together, of course.
3. Well I think Jack Kerouac would be my #1 answer if I had to leave it to one. I have always had some wanderlust in me, but not enough to leave my life - though I HAVE in fact, picked up and left my life behind several times. I quite like my life now, but still wish we had the freedom to go on the random road trip or more-than-an-afternoon adventure. A somewhat cheesy second would be Dave Matthews. Because his voice is sex and I always dreamed a man would think of me in some of the (good) ways he sings about his women.
4. Special Needs education/support/etc. Maybe U am biased by having an autistic brother, but whatever.
5. When I feel Dave does not stand up for me to the ex, or stand up TO the ex. I really feel she takes advantage of us more than just us being nice and doing favors. There is a fine line between "doing it for the kids" and "being a doormat", not to mention she has that first-wife syndrome and acts as if I am unimportant (though she was the one who moved out and in with another man and got remarried as the ink on the divorce was drying).
6. 8. Am I living the life? Yes. I live with the most awesome man in a lovely home and have 2 awesome insta-kids, and Dave is everything I could have ever dreamed for when I was a little girl thinking of my perfect husband, and SO much more. The only reason it is not a 10 is about 0.5 for the kid struggles I have (which have got MUCH better, but are still there), and 1.5 for the ex-wife drama - which, considering we all basically get along, we have some things the way I know a lot of divorced parents dream of, and I would love it if it stayed like that and she stopped trying to get too far into our lives and act as if she is still emotionally married to Dave (and, see #5).

1. Build a log cabin on 240 wooded acres and effectively retreat from the world, when I'm not at sea. The real roadblocks are lack of time, money and support.

2. Cheesecake.

3. Joe Satriani-the emotion he puts into his playing, mimics my emotional state, often.

4. Cannot think of one, but it would be something that educates, or only helps those that help themselves-no free fucking handouts from this guy.

5. People who think they are above the rules and regulations imposed by airlines. I want to spoon their fucking eyes out and pour salt into the empty sockets.

6. I am not quite content, nor happy. I could've never imagined living this life of a pirate, when I was younger. Never. I'm hanging out in Loyang, Singapore after cruising here from Perth Australia, with plans to go to Angola next month, then summer in Alaska, unless I hit the Med, or perhaps Argentina...Norway is nice in the summer, too...

1. I'm an optimist who genuinely believes that when he writes a book it will be more than legible/readable enough to be published, who genuinely believes he could make a career out of writing novels. Unfortunately, I'm also a lazy bugger.

2. KFC. Oh, wait. No. Takeaway pizzas. I could live off of the ones we get at uni, were it not for the culumative costs and morning-after toilet visits. Note the plural on 'visit'.

3. I'm avoiding music, I write regularly in magazines about it, and spend hours a day immersed in it, but will never understand just why, or even what, it makes me feel. So instead, Hemingway's 'The Old Man And The Sea', which holds such a dignity for the old that it makes me long for the days when multiple toilet breaks are a standard, not brought on by dodgy pizza.

4. I'd literally spend the rest of my days never refusing a homeless man short change, regardless of whether or not I reckon he'll just spend it on drugs. You can tell me that's irresponsible, but I'd rather be irresponsible than judgemental.

5. It's an equally sad and wonderful place to be that I can honestly say the only thing that truly pisses me off is when my computer runs slow, or jolts my music about. That my laptop is shit is my only woe. How awesome is that?

6. I'm still young, so I haven't fulfilled any childhood dreams yet. That said, I'm still managing to hold on to them, and I'm old enough now to do something about it. Next year I'm going to go adventuring. The year after I'm going to become a teacher. And somewhere down the line I'm going to get published. I promise you that. I could be happier, I guess. But not much.

1. There’s something you’ve always dreamed of doing, but you haven’t done it because you think you lack the time, money, or support to do so. What is that something? And what are the REAL roadblocks keeping you from it?

I have always wanted to go to Europe. Italy (Tuscany, Cortona, Positano, Rome) mostly, but all over just to experiance it. I have a friend in Switzerland and he loves it. I just want to go there and soak in all there is to see, feel, eat, all of it. I can't because I am broke and we are living paycheck to paycheck and because of all the insanely high cost of all of lifes nessesities and lack of funds, even the smallest things that we want are hard to come by.

2. Name something you would eat more of if health, cost, allergy, and caloric intake were of no concern.

Creme Brulee. I love the ones they have at Carrabas. WOW. It's heaven in a dish.

3. What is the one singer/band, book/author, painting/painter or author artist/work of art that “speaks to you” most? Why?

There are so many I can't just choose one, so here are a few.
Singer: Jewel, Reba, Van Morrison
Band: Mercy Me (I Can Only Imagine), Creed, Lifehouse, Evanescence
Book/Author: I dont read much, but I love books/photos about Princess Diana.
Painting/Painter: I love all art, but photography is what captures my soul. Pictures of landscapes, children, ordinary people who dont know you are taking their picture and are just doing things in their everyday life, flowers, nature, odd things. I love photographs and I would love to make a career of that someday.

4. If your country’s government handed you a check for $10 billion and empowered you use that money to support a single program, cause, or organization, where would you send it?

Heroes For Children www.heroesforchildren.org in memory of the sweetest baby, Allie, who died at 9 months from leukemia. I knew her mom online when we were both pregnant and still follow her everyday. Allie is a blessing to me and everyone who knew her, and her mom, Jenny continues to work in her honor everyday.

5. What really, genuinely pisses you off?

Lots of things. I am kinda anal/OCD. I cant stand lip smacking while eating, people who dont use manners or dont acknowledge when someone does something nice or considerate (rudeness in general), sex offenders/molesters (especially towards kids, rich celebs who get off when they do bad things and never have to pay the price for what they do and they pretty much buy their freedoms, waiting in line, gas prices, being sooo broke all the time, my kids when they ignore me or talk back to me. Wow I think I need a shrink - If I could afford one!! HA

6. Describe your current level of happiness and contentment in your life. Are you living the life you imagined for yourself when you were younger?

My happiness level is ... OK. I am happy with my life. I married my best friend after getting out of a very stressful and depressing first marriage. I have 2 beautiful, smart, precious kids who are healthy and happy. I am just so overwhelmed with bills, money, being in the house all the time, my kids when they dont listen or argue with each other or me, and there are just so so many things I want to do in life that I cant. I am depressed, Im down, and Im blessed. I miss my family 350 miles away and I cant go see them. I envy those who have lots of money and can offord things that are considered nessesity to most people - a nice house, groceries, bills paid, decent car, nice clothes without holes or stains.

I feel guilty posting all of this because these are things I dont even tell my mom lol. guess it feels better to get it out. I just try to keep smiling even when I am screaming hysterically on the inside. Thats what women do best. Fake it and move on. At least this one does......

1. Write a book. And truly, I haven't done it because now I've gone to school twice to a significant amount of money to do two other things. I cannot reasonably affordably suggest a third career. And my sophomore (college) professor told me I was the worst writer ever. I want to link her to my blog about once a day.

2. Honestly, I'm not sure I'd change much. If health and costs weren't a concern I'd just eat whatever the hell I wanted. But frankly, I'm pretty happy with our diet and with the way my body is with it.

3. Truly, I can't name one. No one person has so shaped my life. It is the work of many within each category.

4. First, as an American, let me laugh at that scenario. Second, I'd use it for pediatric cancer research. I have a health issue of my own that has a significantly underfunded research campaign, but I feel like this kind of money would be able to finally make a difference for these kids and for future children who will be afflicted with cancer.

5. Doctors who don't call back, lying, spam email, stupid drivers, mayo, mornings and my husband's obsession with video games.

6. I have had a really superbly crappy 2 weeks. Those 2 weeks aside, I love my life. I've been married for almost 4 months, I am finishing my last year in a job I'm not a huge fan of, I'm coaching kids, I'm learning how to manage grown up life. Life is not easy, but it is good.

I can't believe you've suckered this many people into helping you write your book!!!! That was ingenious!

Writing this out made me cry. I guess I'm not as content as I thought I was.

1. I've always wanted to go back to living on an island. My children come first, but someday...

2. Ben & Jerry's Cinnamon Bun Ice Cream. I cannot begin to express my love for this grocery item but my thighs are very afraid.

3. I don't care how corny it sounds, the song "Don't Laugh At Me", by Mark Wills will always make me cry because I identify with so much of it and those experiences made me who I am, but, fuck, they were hard.

4. Anything, everything, to stop child abuse and OUR kids from starving. I'm so sick of these assholes in the news every week who leave their kids in 140 degree cars for half an hour so they can run into Wal Mart. TAKE YOUR FUCKING KID WITH YOU, YOU DUMB PIECE OF SHIT. Raise your hand if you think it's healthy to put a kid in an oven...common sense says the answer is NO ONE THINKS THAT'S OKAY. And quit kicking the crap out of toddlers for being toddlers and running in front of your precious basketball game. God, that just infuriates the hell out of me. These people need to be policed...our most precious 'possession', if you will, our FUTURE, and no one gives a good goddamn who raises them? I mean, I know there are people who care and want to help, but our government spends a trillion, TEE-ARE-ILLION, dollars on building a new Hubble so we can watch dust float around in the cosmos, but fuck the infants and children who are locked in closets and starved and burned and beaten and mentally demolished, right? They have their priorities fucked up. I need a drink.

5. See above. Oh, and the people who can't waste the breath to say a simple, "Thank you", when I hold the door open for you. I hope your ass falls the fuck off. Both cheeks, just, SPLAT, on the ground.

6. I have a husband who loves me, kids who respect me, a job and a roof over my head. To quote Joe Walsh, I can't complain, but sometimes I still do. This is nowhere near the life I imagined I would be living right now. It's mostly the whole 'Mississippi' thing that freaks me out on a daily basis and the thought that I might still be sitting behind this desk when I'm a grandmother that keeps me awake at night. I'm simply not wired to be a drone. But, no matter what, I will do everything I can to change it because if I don't, I have no right to bitch.

1. I want to have children. Or a single child. I want to feel all the wonderful joy and agony of being pregnant and creating a mixture of my husband and me. The REAL roadblocks are too numerous to mention. Infertility is a big one. Which also goes hand-in-hand with financial problems that leave us unable to use medical intervention.

2. Bavarian Cream Bismarcks...

3. Feel free to laugh or poke fun or what-have-you. But Kevin Smith. Mr. Silent Bob himself. He writes the way I wish I spoke off the top of my head. With less swearing and no rubber poop monster, please.

4. Arts Education. Period. Kids, adolescents, adults, geriatrics, model citizens and prison inmates can all benefit from the arts. If there is ANY talent in a person, the arts can become an outlet that opens up worlds never imagined before. Writing. Painting. Singing or playing an instrument. Getting on stage to make people laugh or cry. Or even sitting in a lonely room with a box of pastels and a tablet of fresh, white paper. To create art in any form is to learn about one's self. To share that art is to create a community.

5. Unwarrented Entitlement Syndrome.

6. I'm in limbo here. I know I'm not happy, but I am working on it. I am attempting to take the reigns over what is mine to control, and slowly learning to live with the rest. I am no where near the life I imagined for myself. But I'm reimagining my life, and it's good in a different way.

1. Own and run a guest ranch in Colorado. Money money money baby. Hopefully someday I really can make this happen.
2. Bagels.
3. The Dark Tower series by Stephen King; it is masterful escape.
4. Health care.
5. Ignorance.
6. Currently at a 9. Not at all where I thought I would be, but I got lucky. Hopefully when Troy and I finish school and start our real careers we'll be able to spend time with one another and actually have enough money left over at the end of every month to save a little. As long as I have my family, and we are working hard to better our lives, I'm at least a 9.

1. Tour Italy, for at least two weeks, if not a month, for the simple, pure pleasure of eating. I just want to eat anything. go into those tiny little hidden cafes and gorge myself with whatever they put in front of me. However, to do so, I need to learn how to be better with money, and find someone who is going to watch my children :)
2. As far as food goes, it would be hard for me to name just one...so hear are several. A FULL thanksgiving dinner, a once a week trip to Samba Brazilian Grill, and to finish every night with a bowl of ice cream
3. Henri Matisse as an artist, Singers/songwriters: Sharon Jones, Stella Soleil, and Atmosphere
4. An education program that works. With an educated workforce, the country can do nothing but thrive.
5. Rude and ignorant people. Dont parents teach their children manners?
6. About a 9. Life is good, i have a great boyfriend, i have one daughter potty trained and one to go, i make enough money to pay my bills and have a little fun. life is good.

1. Quit my job and go work for a non-profit organization with a strong impact in the most dire areas of the world (The one that really appeals to me now is a demining organization called MAG). My main roadblock is that I have only been in the workfield for under 4 years-- I know I can't do the non-profit thing the rest of my life and I worry how taking off a few years will push back my career.
2. Anything with lots of garlic, salt, and cheese. Oh, and any combination of caramel and ice cream for dessert.
3. Right now I am living in Japan so I absolutely devour any English literature I can get my hands on-- the two books I have been impacted by the most have been "A Concise Chinese-English Dictionary for Lovers" by Xiaolu Guo, and "Three Cups of Tea" by Greg Mortenson/David Oliver Relin. Favorite overall author would have to be David Sedaris.
4. The money would go towards sending modern medical care and sex education to poor communities in Africa and Asia.
5. People who don't have respect for others, in particular those who don't say "thank you" or "sorry." There's nothing that makes me more annoyed than getting bumped into in a public place and the person gives me a nasty look rather than an apology.
6. I'm a pretty positive person. I always live to try to make others' lives better, and so mostly my happiness level is how much impact the work I'm doing has on people's lives. While I'm still not doing the non-profit work I'd like to do, at my current job I'm able to do a lot of translation that makes work easier for our overseas companies, so most days it's usually around an 8.