When I Grow Up…

Happy Sunday peoples!

I hope you are all having a fun and relaxing weekend…and NOT freezing your ba-tooties off! It’s been in the 20s here for the last few days and we have a high of FOUR DEGREES tomorrow! Baaaaa-ut, as much as I’m hating Mother Nature right now, I’ve got something better planned to talk about today!

A couple of weeks ago, I gave a suggestion to Arman of a topic for Spill It Sunday and this week is THE week! Today it’s all about the throwback for a look at childhood dreams…and I think it fits in perfectly given the last He Said She Said topic that he and Davida collaborated on. If you haven’t read that post, I highly recommend it!

And well, we can’t very well have a throwback post without a selfie throwback PICTURE, right?! 

Throwback Me Red Dress

FYI, that was my Easter dress…my mother never could get me in pastels! Lol!

1. What did you want to be when you were younger (career wise)?

Oh gah, WHERE should I start?! I went through so many “phases” when I was a kid. And I say it with quotation marks because they were honestly more like fixations…I just KNEW that was what I was going to be one day! Ok, how about I go all Meghan on you and list them in chronological order? 😉

1. Teacher…I think every kid thinks this at least once!
2. Singer…I was in EVERY talent show in grade school always singing hits from Patti Loveless and Reba (my music idols at the time).
3. Artist…because who wouldn’t want to just color all day??
4. Teacher…and then the battle for left-brain theory took over!
5. Judge…better than a lawyer because obviously all they do is sit at a super high desk in a really cool robe and bang a hammer around!
6. Archeologist…I’ll admit, this was right about the time that Jurassic Park came out! 😉
7. Teacher…are we seeing a pattern here? Only this time it didn’t last long as I got a job at a daycare when I was in high school and figured out that I kinda sorta hate kids…no offense to all you parents out there…they’re just not really my thing.
8. Veterinarian…ok, totally set…THIS was it…until I got a chance to job shadow at a clinic in my hometown and nearly passed out during a cat spay! How embarrassing!
9. Life-long student?…because it would be a HELL of a lot easier than choosing a major TWO YEARS after I entered college!

2. What dreams did you have when you were younger?

Throwback Shoney's BearYou mean BESIDES meeting the Shoney’s bear…because obviously I was over that minutes after it happened! 😉

Ever since I came into my teenage years, I’ve been pretty practical. Gone were the dreams of becoming a princess, riding on a brontosaurus, or marrying any of the boys of NSYNC (especially Lance Bass!)…I was all about what was going to make me the best money…for the least amount of effort school.

Scrubs X-Ray School

3. Are you in the same career path as what you wanted?

Honestly, I never in a million years thought I’d be where I am now…as in I didn’t even realize the career existed until I got into college. I mean, according to Grey’s Anatomy and House, the doctors do all the x-rays and CAT scans and stuff, right? Haha!

I’d like to say I had some sort of grand epiphany and just KNEW the direction I would go in, but honestly, I was feeling some major (haha, get it?) pressure from my advisor to make a decision…so I got out the university’s book of degrees and basically flipped through it until I found something “cool”. I knew I liked science…specifically biology…but I knew from my near hit-the-floor episode at the vet clinic that I couldn’t handle blood so it kinda just worked out that a degree in radiologic technology (x-ray) would be right for me. Then came the worst year of my college life: cramming in all the science and math prerequisites in ONE year so I wouldn’t have to wait another year to get into x-ray school!

Now don’t get me wrong, I like what I do. I find the human body fascinating and I love seeing some of the stuff I see and learning new things…but, well, it’s just hard sometimes to work in the medical field…seriously, next time you have a test done/appointment, do me a favor and just say thank you!

4. Have you achieved any of your childhood dreams?

Throwback Birthday Hug

Well, there was that time I became a professional hugger…

5. Will you try to make any of those dreams realities?

I’d like to look into getting back to more right-brain activities. I think I can be a really creative person when I’m in the right environment and mindset. I don’t necessarily want to pursue any as job opportunities at the moment, but I’d like to explore more in the way of hobbies…if just to help myself have a chance to get away from the world every now and then. Ya know what I mean?

What did YOU want to be when you were little?

Are you doing it now?

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55 Responses to When I Grow Up…

  1. I wanted to be a veterinarian a mommy and a chef. Now I am my own family’s personal chef and a blogger and an accountant at my daddy’s million dollar medical imaging company. At least I’m still a chef somewhere! And a mommy to 3 amazing boys! The accounting thing-well I get to see my daddy everyday, so that’s that!

    • kissmybroccoli says:

      Awww, this made me smile SO much! It’s awesome to have a career that helps keep you family-centered! And those three amazing boys are the cutest little things ever…you totally aced the mommy thing! 😉

  2. Alice says:

    My dad is a sonographer! But he was an X-ray man for years! I grew up in x-ray departments (quite literally- my mum wasn’t around and my dad the single parent just let me sit in the staff room after school until I was about 8 and could walk home alone) So you just rock my socks off (yeah i did just toy that) Your throw back pic is so adorable I actually awwwwed out loud 🙂 I definitely think every kid goes through a stage of wanting to be a teacher. My job preferences when I was a kid where pretty varied much like you- architect, movie star (duh), singer, history teacher, marine biologist (the whole year I was 10 that is what I told everyone I would be) Now I am a human rights lawyer, and while it’s very demanding and can get overwhelmingly sad- it’s rewarding too. You rock ms X-ray- rock on :)!

    • Alice says:

      Oh gosh- ignore the phone writing typos and bad grammar- ugh- my apologies!

      • kissmybroccoli says:

        Haha! No worries…I commend you for typing out such a long comment on your PHONE! I never have the patience for that!

    • kissmybroccoli says:

      That is so awesome! It’s funny, because before I actually discovered the degree at my university, I never even considered it as a career…I guess I just always assumed (like most people do) that x-rays were taken by doctors! Ha! I love how all over the place you were with your dreams too…I totally forgot, but I did want to be a marine biologist for a minute to…pretty sure that was around the time Free Willy came out! Lol!

      And you kinda are a movie star, Miss Erin Brockovich! 😉

  3. Loove to hear more about your worklife girl!! Though I must say I know the creative Heather a lot more – I mean look at all the recipes, the writing, the photography??!! TALENT. BUT, you look pretty darn sexy in that doctor’s robe!!
    And oh, I am a professional hugger too! This will be fun if we are going to meet one day…. 🙂
    I wanted to be David Hasselhoff’s wife….I think I did good not fighting for his love…..

    • kissmybroccoli says:

      Lmao! Omg girl, too funny! Mrs. Hoff, huh? 😉

      On a serious note, you are the sweetest thing ever! I love you so much…and yes, should we ever finally meet someday, there will most DEFINITELY be a HUG-OFF! 😀

  4. I’m sorry but the cat spay story totally cracked me up… and then I got a mental image of it, which is just skeeving me out. Bleh. I wanted to be a veterinarian for a while as well, until I learned that I’d have to put animals down… noooo thank you. Other than that, I seriously wanted to be a pro race car driver or a pro snowboarder… And to this day I maintain that I could have made it as either if I wasn’t “encouraged” to make a more prudent choice. Hmph 😡

    • kissmybroccoli says:

      I know, right? Can’t there just be a career out there were you just get paid to hug and pet cute little animals all day? Haha!

      And I could TOTALLY see you as a pro race car driver or snowboarder…And though she be but small, she is FIERCE!! 😉

  5. You look the exact same as when you were a child. Except for the red mane. 😉

    When I was a kid I wanted to play for the Braves. My dad told me I had the wrong “equipment.” Then I moved on to broadcast journalism, realized there was no money in that, and settled on something sale/business related. Ultimately, I want to be retired and frolicing through European towns and vineyards when I grow up. Can I get an amen!?

  6. I love the Easter dress picture. I agree that at some point most all kids want to be a teacher. I have always been nervous talking in front of people so that wasn’t on my list. I think your job sounds fun, I always loved doing X-rays and ultrasounds on the horses legs, so fascinating to find the problem in order to decide the best care path.

    • kissmybroccoli says:

      Ya know, I never even considered my fear of public speaking…err, yeah, that would’ve been a bit of a problem! Ha!

  7. I wanted to be a vet as a kid too, until I realized that it required a million years of school, so I decided against it (although considering that I’m now on my sixth year of post-secondary, maybe that wouldn’t have bothered me so much in the end?). I still don’t know where I’m going to end up career wise, to be honest…probably not living out any of my childhood dreams though.

    • kissmybroccoli says:

      “until I realized that it required a million years of school” <- Right? That's one of the reasons why I just can't see myself ever going BACK to school for anything...pretty sure I'd just want to kick myself for not doing something different (even if it took longer) in the beginning!

  8. omg sweetie you were the cutest little thing ever omg omg omg you look like a childhood actress totally

  9. Love this post! I went through lots of phases too. Until I was about 10, I wanted to be a vet, but then decided I’d be a writer…and a Titanic historian! Not sure if it’s more or less embarrassing that this was before the movie came out. Around age 13 I got interested in becoming a nutritionist, after watching several family members struggle with cancer, and try crazy diets that didn’t help. I wanted to know what the real deal was. Through a kind of windy path, I’m now a dietitian who writes. I love getting to use my left and right brain, but sometimes one wins out over the other. Always a balancing act.

    • kissmybroccoli says:

      That is awesome, Jess! Such an inspiration! And you are out there…changing lives…one perspective at a time! I love it!

  10. Ohh ohhh, sign me up for the lifelong student thing!! I’m graduating in 5 months and I’m already getting nostalgic for this place… Minus the papers, an the whole no money thing. But still. If you figure out a way to make a career as a lifelong student, share your secret.

    Yeah, so sorry that things didn’t work out with you and Lance Bass. You’re missing one very essential piece of, er, equipment in order to be part of that relationship ;). Pretty sure every girl’s dreams were crushed when he came out (but I’m sure a lot of boys were pretty happy about it).

    You were the cutest kid! Love the picture of you in your Easter dress. You just look so angelic and sweet… Hahahah as if ;)!

  11. This is the cutest post Heather! I love this:) When I was little I dreamed of being a writer. If I had only know that dream wouldn’t only come true, but that blogging would be the best part of all of it:) Great post!

  12. I love it! Bc I totally was a phases person too…
    Teacher, Artist, Singer (opera?), Teacher, Obstetrician (what 6th grader DOESN’T want to do this?!), Anesthesiologist (surgery is AMAZING!), Pastry Chef, Obstetrician, Anesthesiologist…Pastry Chef, CRNA (less school!), Nursery Nurse (even LESS school!)…Pastry Chef, BLOGGER…
    and I’m kind of muddling in other dreams too at the moment 🙂

    • kissmybroccoli says:

      Haha! Love your (less school) transitions! DUDE, surgery IS cool! And even better when you don’t have to be on the blood and guts side of things! Do you know how much anesthesiologists make?! Omg, if only!

  13. I am fairly certain that I want to be a life-long student…maybe that is why I work as an academic advisor in higher education? Then I can pretend I am still a student every day that I walk onto campus ;).

  14. I wanted to be a teacher growing up too – I was convinced it was what I would do – but it didn’t happen (which is ok!). And I’m right there with you about being a lifelong student!

  15. Lyric says:

    Oh my gosh I wanted to be a Vet for the longest time. That is until reality set in and I realized you are DOCTOR and don’t get to just pet and snuggle with the animals all day. Im still in High School but I do know I want to be Teacher with a major in History because I am a history buff. I want to do elementary or middle school, definitely not high school.

    • kissmybroccoli says:

      Haha! Oh yeah…I came to that abrupt realization too! There really does need to be a pet-lover/hugger/snuggler profession! 😉

      That is so awesome that you have everything figured out! And history…wow! Hello Miss Smarty!

  16. I could not be a doctor for the sheer fact that there is blood involved. I used to watch House obsessively and had to close my eyes during the bloody parts. Same goes with movies with blood in them. I think that xray tech is a good happy medium! Hobbies are important! I think it’s a great idea to supplement your down time with something creative.

  17. I totally wanted to be an astronaut when I was younger. I even went to space camp, twice. True story. My sophomore year, I almost switched over to nutrition and now I’m kicking myself for not doing it! One day I’ll figure out what I actually want to do 😉

    • kissmybroccoli says:

      Space camp? Omg, that’s AWESOME! Hey, you never know, you could be the next person to invent healthier freeze-dried space food one day! 😉

  18. Aww, little Heather is such a cutie! My mom put me in dresses just like that when I was younger haha.

    When I was young I really wanted to be a zoologist… I was always reading books about animals and reciting facts about them haha. Yeah, I was a nerd (ok, I still am). After that I was obsessed with becoming an actress. And then a lawyer. And then a doctor. Then finally a dietitian!

  19. Chronological order…you gave me goosebumps. I’m giddy. Then again, the Hubby left not too long ago so those could be related to….hee, hee.

    When I was a wee little tot, I wanted to be a tomboy (I totally was) and an archeologist until I realized you got very dirty for very little pay. I also wanted to be a writer, and I guess in some small way, I’m fulfilling that dream with blogging. I never would have expected to be doing the Accounting stuff though or managing people. It’s funny how life works out. Keep having fun with those right brain activities because they usually bring you the most joy, and everybody needs a side of joy in their life.

  20. Aww, you were an adorable little munchkin!! 🙂
    I too, had the veterinarian dream… & then I realized about all of the school, death, & blood… & changed my mind. 😉 I’m still going through a lot of school, but I think I finally found the right path & my passion. I always thought that being an x-ray tech would be kinda neat though too.

  21. Remember when I threatened to throw my protein mug cake abomination at you? I’m tempted to find it in the dumpster after reading you say you’re NOT creative. Thank GOD for this blog as pure evidence of that! You know what? I’m so glad you have all your thoughts, creations, recipes all here collated- someone is going to stumble on this and great things will come from it- I guarantee you. That, or you turn Lance Bass straight.

    Rockin that Easter dress. One week’s theme should be dig out your old clothes and photog yourself in them. Urgh….double army pants and tee shirt memories.

  22. Those old pictures are totally cute!! I wanted to be a singer (and that could’ve happened if I wasn’t so shy – I am professionally trained though!), a writer (which I am!), a photographer (which I am!) and when I was about 10 I decided I was going to grow up and move to Egypt to be a historian and archeologist as I was obsessed with ancient Egypt. Obviously that didn’t happen.

    But my ultimate dream job that has never changed since I can remember? A mum – I’ve always wanted to be a mum and can’t wait until one day I am! I was a nanny after leaving school as that was the closest I could get to being a mum without actually being one 😛 truth be known, I decided on a name for my future daughter when I was 5 and I am still convinced that’s what she’ll be called – too bad for Jesse 😛

    So I can definitely say that I will achieve most of my childhood dreams – can’t say I’ll be a historian in Egypt though :p

    • kissmybroccoli says:

      Awww, this is awesome, Kristy…so sweet, and so YOU! You’re a wonderful writer and photographer and I think you are going to make a fabulous mama to the most beautiful blue-eyed babies someday! 🙂

  23. Carlie says:

    So funny we BOTH wanted to be a teacher or a vet at one point, until we BOTH realized we’re not a huge fan of kids or blood! 😉

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  25. Mom says:

    awwwww! My “baby” Heather!!! Love those dimples!!
    When I was about 8, I wanted to be a Nun…then I found out I wasn’t Catholic!!! I was into the tv show The Flying Nun, I thought I could fly if I were a Nun!! Then I wanted to be a Nurse, so I bandaged up all my dolls and fed them soup and put cold towels on their foreheads. Then when I was a teen, I decided I would be a housewife and take care of my home and cook for my husband and have at least 10 kids! That way I would have lots of grandkids one day and they would call me Nanny…cause that’s what I called one of my grandmothers. Actually, when you were little like in those pics…I was a housewife! Until you were 5 and I have been several “someone’s” since then..pharmacy tech, daycare director, student in college with you for 2 years…and now a Medical assistant. I’m glad I didn’t have all those kids, whew, 2 girls are enough for me!!!

    • kissmybroccoli says:

      Haha! Aww, I love you mama!! I never knew that about the nun thing! Funny, because being a housewife with TEN KIDS is like…the exact opposite! Lol

  26. Sarah Pie says:

    Sooo not doing any of my childhood dream jobs right now (what kid grows up wanting to be a speech pathologist anyways?) but I like where I am. I totally vote for you getting it on with more right-brained things because variety is the spice of life right? That and I love to see other people chase dreams especially when it’s for nothing more than pure pleasure.

  27. Oh man, cute photos! I would’ve taken your damn pastels any day when I was a little one. I too did plan on being a teacher. Funnily enough I never planned on being a mom or having a creative job – those just sorta happened! Although I did finally figure what was causing the first one. 😀

  28. I really need to do this Spill It because I love thinking back to what I wanted to be as a little kid. And out of the 9 careers that you picked… I wanted to be all of those too. Lol. Add in author and you may just have my list 😛

    I am definitely not doing what I dreamt I would do when I was younger. I’m not sure if that’s good or bad. But lately I’ve been trying to get into more “right-brained” activities too. They keep life interesting! 😀

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