When I Grow Up . . .
- posted by: Cheryl
- posted in: Uncategorized, My Life
- on: November 2, 2009
Hello dear ones. I’ve shared so much with all of you including my struggles, my dreams, my goals and so much more. I know some of you know what I do as a ‘daytime job’ but some may not know. But I was doing some traveling down memory lane this afternoon and came across these photos so I thought I’d share. I’ve often thought of doing a mini-video series sharing some experiences I’ve had during the day (sometimes night).
I have loved how I have been able to incorporate being a lead fiskateer into my ‘daytime job’ as well. There are crafters in the law enforcement world . . . gardeners too! I love my job and am so blessed to be a part of this team and so blessed to have such a job. I also have the blessing of being able to help with many community outreach programs. Love it!
Like many of you were probably asked at an early age, I was asked in kindergarten what I’d like to be when I grow up. I answered here . . . ‘a girl policeman or a ballerina dancer’. What a combo. I loved Charlie’s Angels, Nancy Drew, Murder She Wrote and other favorites. Well, my mom recorded it here in a scrapbook . . .
There was a very special man (an adopted grandpa and a wonderful father figure to my dad) who we called ‘Pop’. Pop was a Deputy Sheriff and I guess from a young age I wanted to follow in his footsteps working in law enforcement in some capacity. When I was about three or four I’m seen here in his uniform.
This is me fairly recently . . .
Again, I love what I do and the team I’m a part of. I also love learning what you all do . . . whether you’re a stay at home mom (a hero to your kids), a part of a film crew, a cook . . . I always enjoy learning something new about you. So if you read this and care to comment I’d love to know what you do for a living or for fun.
Another dream come true . . . I grew up and became a fiskateer. I’m doubly blessed and while I didn’t make it as a ‘ballerina dancer’ . . . I sure can dream of flittering around with a dancer’s body in an orange tutu!
Kriss Cramer says:
November 2nd, 2009 at 5:01 pmWhat a great trip down memory lane. You always demonstrate your gratitude in all things. It’s such a pleasure to read about your life blessings.
Patty 2832 says:
November 2nd, 2009 at 5:12 pmIf that picture of you on the left in uniform isn’t the spitting image of Abigail, I don’t know what is ! My gosh! So sweet !
I am a Domestic Goddess Engineer !
Stay at home Mom. I love being able to be here and help my kids in any way I can. My parents worked and we usually had to get ourselves ready for school in the morning and then came home alone. My kids don’t know what it’s like to come home to an empty house.
Oh yeah… I’m a Fiskateer Freak too ..and that’s a good thing ! LOL
Quinette says:
November 2nd, 2009 at 5:48 pmThanks for sharing . Somehow you always manage to make me feel uplifted when I read your posts. Thanks for always sharing!
Megan says:
November 2nd, 2009 at 5:50 pmCheryl- I love the picture of you as a little girl in Pop’s inform! SO cute! I always wanted to be a veterinarian as a girl, I didnt make it that far but was a vet tech for several years before I became a stay-at-home-mom. Although it wasnt a childhood dream- I wouldnt trade what I do now for anything!!!
On a side note- my mother-in-law gave us a bunch of school papers from when hubby was a boy- they ALL said he wanted to have a family and be a cop. ALL of them. From kinergarden on up. Now look at him- a married father of 2 and hes wearing a SBSO badge to work each day.
Maxine Brittain says:
November 2nd, 2009 at 6:07 pmThanks for sharing your dreams. I love looking back at memory lanes.
I dreamed of being a secretary. Been there, done that. Now, I am a stay at home mom. Been doing that for 16 yrs now. The dream of a lifetime. I wouldn’t trade it for anything.
NanaBeth says:
November 2nd, 2009 at 6:15 pmWell sweet thing you have certainly danced your way into all of our hearts!
Laura B says:
November 2nd, 2009 at 6:17 pmWonderful story and photos Cheryl.
I too wanted to be a ballerina and took lessons for 3 yrs. Today I trip over my own feet so often that my sister/bil call me Grace. I became a nurse then EEG tech for 36 yrs,the last 27 yrs at a childrens hospital,before retiring.
How very cool that your Mom made a scrapbook of/for you. Great to have them to stir up memories.
I had the opportunity today, at BigLots, to spread the word about Fiskarscrafts and Fiskateers so hope I get a new recruit soon. It has been such a source of joy to me that I love sharing about it.
Thank you for all you do in your day job community as well as this one. You are one special gal.
Patty 2262 says:
November 2nd, 2009 at 6:34 pmI am so glad you have a job you enjoy and from the looks of it, you dreamed about. I am grateful to be at home with my kids. When I was a kid I never would have thought that I would like it. But I am so happy to be here at home. One day when my kids are all grown up, I’ll do one of the long list of things that I always wanted to do…like get my law degree and write a book.
Merlene #1166 says:
November 2nd, 2009 at 6:35 pmThanks for sharing your dreams and trip down Memory Lane with us Cheryl. I admire you so very much for being able to attain your dreams. When I was growing up girls were not encouraged to pursue careers such as yours. Secretly I always thought being a Police Officer sounded exciting. What I really did was be a Telephone Operator until I married. Thank you for sharing your pictures and memories with us. You are my “hero” girl!
Tara Joy says:
November 2nd, 2009 at 6:59 pmThanks for sharing some of your “life” stories with us.
My dream was to be a teacher. I was one for 6 years–teaching German school. But now I am a stay at home mom. And I wouldn’t want to change it for the world. Some days I think back and wish to teach again,but you know what?? I can teach my children the same things I would as a teacher.
Lyn Dwyer says:
November 2nd, 2009 at 7:49 pmLove reading about your trip down memory lane Cheryl……I too dreamt about becoming a TEACHER from the age of about 8 when I was attending a rural school here in Australia….and I loved helping others….so that began my love of helping others….because I was allowed to do this from an early age….I knew in my heart what I wanted to do…..and now I am in the Lead position in Australia….doing what i love to do……helping others…..and teaching ….retired from Primary Teaching in 2003 snd now teaching mainly adults in what I do….just love “teaching” ….you get a real sense of satisfaction helping others don’t you!
xoxo
Lyn
Lesa #5200 says:
November 2nd, 2009 at 7:58 pmThank you so much for sharing your wonderful past and your rewarding present. Best wishes for an outstanding future!
My DB is a Sgt in the Jeff Co, AL Sheriff’s Dept. Are you involved in the FOP? He was recently at a convention in Long Beach, CA. His son recently signed on with the Mt Brook, AL city force and is currently at the Police Academy.
Me, I’m a SAH non mom but worked from 1976 to 2005, about 3.5 years part time while in college. The “career” portion in marketing, sales and customer service management. I’m striving to be Best Domestic Diva I Can Be but I haven’t adjusted well, LOL! I find myself trying to turn my crafting projects into process improvement projects. While improvement is good, statistical analysis & creativity don’t really mix, LOL!
TFS!
Tona #4437 says:
November 2nd, 2009 at 8:42 pmThanks for sharing. I wanted to be an elementary school teacher growing up. I alway loved school.
After my son grew up I went to college & got my early childhood degree & ended up being a preschool teacher. I’m now a stay-at-home-crafter.
I’ll never forget when my son was asked what he wanted to be when he grew up. His answer was a magician or a king. That still makes me smile.
April Dawn #5734 says:
November 2nd, 2009 at 10:11 pmI’m a Domestic Executive/Residential CEO to a family of 5. professionally trained as a nurse.
I dreamed of being a OB/GYN most of my life. Kids and a hubby changed that into dreaming of being a midwife. Now I just hope this dream never ends.
Angela #3100 says:
November 2nd, 2009 at 10:28 pmI love your Mom’s scrapbook page! I’m still trying to figure out what I want to be when I grow up but in the meantime I volunteer–at church, at school, and at a Free Clinic!
Betsy #2572 says:
November 2nd, 2009 at 10:48 pmHow cool of your mom to do that for you I love the pix of you in Pop’s uniform! When I was little I wanted to be a geologist! Now I’m a jill of all trades! The three I do the most are homeschooling mom/wife, Children’s Pastor and scrapbooking instructor! I love everything I do and am glad my schedule allows me to be flexible to do the things I can!
Sylvia #5019 says:
November 2nd, 2009 at 10:55 pmI really enjoyed reading/viewing your trip down memory lane. If it wasn’t for the phone in the background of your photo when you were a little girl, I would have thought it was your daughter
OK, so you already know what I do for a living but do you know what my dream job is? Well, it’s to work at a craft store? Nine more years to retirement so my dream job is just around the corner
Stephanie T. says:
November 2nd, 2009 at 11:33 pmI love reading about your growing years/wishes! When I was little I wanted to be a veterinarian, until someone told me I would have to be able to put the little doggies and kitties to sleep if they were really sick! For a long time I didn’t know what I wanted to do, so did all kinds of different jobs: retail clerk (yuck), craft co-ordinator at a fabric store (it was O.K.), many years as a secretary, operations manager, buyer, etc.(got butt spread from that!) Now I’m back in school retraining to be an echocradiology tech., while I take care of my visually impaired mother, mostly I cook for her! I’m waiting to hear from the school of my choice of my acceptance while taken classes that will make me more employable when I graduate!
Love and Hugs,
Stephanie T.
Amy E. says:
November 2nd, 2009 at 11:46 pmThanks so much for sharing! Your co-workers are so lucky to have you on their team! I enjoyed hearing about your dreams too!
As for me, I always wanted to be an actress… got kind of close… ended up working as an associate producer at our local ABC station and then did marketing and PR for some local “live” theatres in the area. Now, a stay at home mom and I work part time still doing marketing/PR for a nursing home part-time. Liking teaching as a Sunday school teacher too!
Rhonda 5614 says:
November 3rd, 2009 at 12:01 amThank you for sharing your dreams and successes, Cheryl. It sounds like you have a full life. I’ve been a Mom for 37 years and now a Grammie.I am a Professional Horticulturalist,Landscape Designer,and Master Gardener. I love what I do being outdoors in the sunshine and not so sunny days. I wish the weather would stay spring-like all year long with the colours popping into bloom and the fragrances that waft through the air on a breeze. But,we do have four seasons here…and winter is approaching. When I was a child, my dream was to become an astronaut or a flight attendant. I applied when I was 18 but told I was too young. Now I’m a plant doctor.
Rhonda 5614 says:
November 3rd, 2009 at 12:02 amBTW, I love the old phone in the background of your childhood picture. Don’t see those around anymore.
Michelle 3624 says:
November 3rd, 2009 at 1:23 amWhat a blessing to grow up to do just what you dreamed of doing. . . I want to be a wife and mother I know that was old school but really I thought that was the most important job a person could do. . .
Katie Wilson says:
November 3rd, 2009 at 3:16 amYour mother’s love of scrapbooking probably paved the way to you beoming a Fiskateer. Cheryl, you and I share the love of Nancy Drew…I read ALL of the books!I’d stay up all night reading those books!
Fran #4515 says:
November 3rd, 2009 at 8:25 amCheryl - Thank you for sharing your “life” stories! What a great mom you have to do this for you!!!
Laura B says:
November 3rd, 2009 at 8:55 amActually, Rhonda it’s just like mine that I use today. LOL
It’s my upstairs extension because you can’t do anything with a phone tree with a rotary dial. I love the heft of this old phone, it doesn’t move around as much as the new ones.
Maya #351 says:
November 3rd, 2009 at 9:42 amI knew we had something in common! I also wanted to be a ballerina
I actually danced from age 4 till 16. Instead of that I became software engineer. Boooooring! Last 2 years I am SAHM.
Viji#5858 says:
November 3rd, 2009 at 10:20 amCheryl!
Thankyou for sharing your story.
Love
Viji
Maxine Hodges says:
November 3rd, 2009 at 1:03 pmWow, it is so great that attained your dream. I worked in a bank until I had children and stayed home for 35 years (although I did crafts and sold them at shows). Then I decided to work outside the home again. I managed, was the buyer and janitor of the Scrapbook Page for 2 1/2 years before I bought it. I have owned it for 2 years, 2 months. Although there are days I would like to be home again, 99% of the time I love my work and all of the people I get to meet through the business.
Allison #6512 says:
November 3rd, 2009 at 1:33 pmLoved “hearing” your story… I wanted to be a librarian… never got there, too many twists in my road, but I have enough books to be a library, and yes, they are all in order! But I never dreamed I’d be where I am… I work in the deathcare industry (mostly computer, but I can / have done almost all) and “art” at night and on weekends!!
Allison
Dunlap TN
Rhonda 5614 says:
November 3rd, 2009 at 1:49 pmHi Laura, I actually have an old gold color phone in the same style as the one it the photo. We just don’t use it. But you are so right about the heft(and quality).
Yessica says:
November 3rd, 2009 at 2:52 pmCheryl,
Thank you for sharing your memories, it was great seeing your pictures. After working in an office for many years, I decided to go back to school. I am now a 2nd year nursing student and love it. Not the studying, but being able to help so many people. Thanks again for taking us down memory lane!
Bronwyn 4505 says:
November 3rd, 2009 at 8:11 pmWhen I was three, my mum brought my Fireman Sam Comics - he is this UK Cartoon, well not so much cartoon…but if you have seen Postman Pat and Thomas the Tank Engine its sort of like that in terms of how the characters are and what not..but I always wanted to be a Firefighter thats my earliest recollection. Everything was all Fireman Sam stuff growing up and anything relating to firefighting…
I started collecting Fire Engines and I use to love Dalmatian Dogs because of their connection with the department in the olden days.
I still have my application forms half filled in from 3 yrs ago, its really long…but its a dream I wont be able to live fully due to having asthma and I get bad throat infections from alot of smoke. And Im not fit enough lol..! But I have a contact kind of, he sales the NZ Fire Service Calanders and I always buy them from him I have when I do see him, he told me to get another industry behind me first.
So here I am working in Hospitality…and I actually do love it very much. Ive studied in both Hospo and Tourism but havent really been able to get my foot into tourism fully and hospitality is where most of my passion is…closest i get to working in tourism is hotels I guess.
I still hold alot of respect for the Fire Service. And its something I will never lose…that and collecting anything remotely related to fire engines and what not!
I did attempt going into Funeral Directing three years ago…but its a hard industry to get into, in terms of to get the qualifications here you need work expereince but to get that you need the qualifications…and its emotionally demanding..who knows maybe I will end up doing catering for them…always been a dream!
Kellystar #6446 says:
November 4th, 2009 at 10:17 amCheryl thanks for always sharing your inspirations with us.
When I was little, I wanted to be a teacher. I was always making my brothers and the other kids in the neighborhood play “school” and with me being the teacher, of course.
Now, I’m close. I work part-time as a pediatric physical therapist. I work in a school district with kids who receive special education. I love it and I get my summers off!!
maryannehoekman says:
November 4th, 2009 at 2:25 pmThanks for sharing Cheryl!!
For me I would have to say my dream job would be counseling as I have alwayas had people tell me that Im easy to talk to and Im a great listener.
I also had dreams of becoming a teacher.
Now I do customer service from home, which can get frustrating and often does. But I feel i am blessed to have a job and shall see what the future holds!
Cheryl you truly are an inspiration!
mariah says:
November 5th, 2009 at 12:26 amThanks for sharing your story, I always wanted to be a nurse, but that never happened, and then I wanted to be a teacher, I was that for 2 years, and then I wanted to be a foster parent, but I found the man of my dreams, and got married and had a family,so that was down the drain, God richly blessed me with 8 beatifull children..
mariah says:
November 5th, 2009 at 12:28 amThat picture of you in your pops uniform is so darling
Lisa Simpson says:
November 5th, 2009 at 8:00 pmTHANKS FOR SHARING WITH US CHERYL,YOU’RE A TRUE INSPIRATION,I’VE BEEN SO BUSY THE LAST FEW WEEKS,I CAN’T BELIEVE ALL I’VE MISSED OUT ON,BUT,I DO HAVE A NEW GRANDSON TO HOLD ONTO.I GREW UP WITH ALOT OF ROLL MODELS,MY MOM IS THE BIGGEST,I COULD ONLY HOPE TO BE AS STRONG AS SHE’S BEEN.
Tanya #5407 says:
November 7th, 2009 at 1:06 pmThanks for sharing with us, Cheryl!
I always wanted to be teacher and a mom. I taught preschool (mostly Pre-K) for 16 years and became a mama in the process. In July, I got to fulfill my other dream and become a full-time mama. It is the best job I’ve ever had! I’m so grateful, beyond words, for this opportunity. I was literally in my son’s Kindergarten class at his Halloween party, almost moved to tears for the opportunity just to be there. (My previous employer wasn’t very flexible and I knew the opportunity would have never happened if I had been working!)
Oh and Cheryl—after my son had met you at the Fiskateer picnic during the summer, I had told him what your “other” job is—he was so amazed!
Ivania says:
November 11th, 2009 at 2:34 pmThank you for sharing. That is cool that your mom kept those documents.
Ora Polly says:
January 28th, 2010 at 4:56 pmJust keep doing good posts.