Where Do You See Yourself In Five Years

You know when you go to an interview or you have your end of the year job evaluation and your boss asks you the dreaded, "Where do you see yourself in five years?"

What exactly are they looking for? What do they want to know?

"Well sir, having working 60 hour weeks each week since my first week but not minding at all because this is such an extraordinary place to work, I see myself in a supervisory position earning whatever you feel is acceptable because it is simply an honor to work here."

Is that what they're looking for?

What I REALLY would have liked to answer for that question is probably not quite what they have in mind.

"Well, I see myself sunning on the beach of my own private island, purchased with my billion dollar lottery winnings, sipping Mai Tai's served to me by my handsome butler, Ricardo."

Seriously.

Even though I am no longer working in Higher Education (let's pause for a moment for dramatic effect), I still wonder about this question.

Because, before kids, my answer would have been 'Director of Admissions'. But, now that I'm a parent, specifically a stay-at-home parent, my answer is going to be different.

Yes, being a parent has changed me in more positive ways than I can count, but also staying-at-home with the kids has changed my direction in life.  It has given the opportunity to discover things about myself I never knew.

On a whim, I decided to start blogging in January 2012. I thought I was pretty good at spinning the yarn, plus my cousin said I'm like the third funniest person she knows, so why not start my own blog!

So, I started blogging. And lo and behold, I discovered I really enjoy it. I'll be honest. I enjoy receiving positive comments on the blog, Twitter or Facebook about my posts. It gives my ego a boost.

But, that's not why I do it. I do it because I enjoy it. Because it is something just for me.

I take care of these two sweet, crazy boys all day, everyday. And I do it gladly. Staying home is the best decision for me and my family. I am glad I am able to do so. (I get it's not for everyone, nor can some people do so.)

However, I do need a little time to myself each day to recharge my batteries and just be Michelle for a while, not mama or wife or whatever other hat, one of the many, that we woman wear.

This for me is writing. (I also love reading but that is a different post for another day.) I like sitting down with my thoughts and putting them down on paper. It's very satisfying to see a story through from inception to completion.

Recently, I started writing fiction and I have found this is my new favorite thing, maybe even obsession, if you will.

Having started a storyline on the blog, I have also started writing other stories as well. They are still works in progress, but man oh man, am I having fun!

I find myself thinking about the characters and the storyline ALL THE TIME! At the grocery. At Target. In the library. Watching the kids on the playground. Giving the kids a bath. Making dinner. It seems to always be lurking in the background as my brain tries to figure out where these characters end up next. (Is this normal? Someone please tell me this is normal.)

So, the question 'where do you see yourself in five years', well, I hope the answer to that is that I am a published author.

What is that old saying? "Shoot for the moon. Even if you miss, you'll land among the stars."

I guess my backup plan can always be winning the lottery and buying my own island. 

Ricardo?! Where's my beverage?!