4.25.98

     I've been thinking a lot about what I want to be when I grow up. Yeah, I've got goals but I feel like I'm in limbo. There are so many things which I have an interest in that I don't feel that I can pursue. Money is a factor in all of this. However, I think I'm going to be one of those multiple career people. When I grow up I want to be:

1. Digital animation artist. This is something I'm moving toward right now. It seems a natural extension for me given my love of art, graphics, computers and movies. Yes, I want to make Titanic 2. Those pansy artists employed by evil, slave-driving James Cameron didn't make their ship well enough -- so it sank. My Titanic will be bigger, better and sturdier. The problems standing in my way are not numerous but large. Going back to school is an expense I'm not sure if T. and I are ready to handle. My other obstacle is my incredibly shrinking ego. This vein of study will take everything I can give it and I'm worried my ego will chicken out and make me back off. Maybe I need therapy first.
2. Architect. I have always loved buildings. I am fascinated by columns and arches. In a new city I spend a lot of time looking up. It's amazing what some architects do to the tops of buildings. Way up on the 30th floor, or even higher, you'll find gargoyles and decorative window framings. I like the little touches. I think that I would be good at designing buildings. I would still, at least, like to study it.
3. Big rig truck driver. C'mon, don't you think it would be a blast to drive one of those trucks? I have an uncle who pursued many other careers until he was finally able to retire and do something that he dreamed of -- driving an 18-wheeler. I think it is a lifestyle that might be fun for awhile. Just you and the open road, criss-crossing America over and over again.
4. Art restorer. I never did take any art history classes in college. When you are trying to make it out in 4 you have to make some sacrifices. I have always loved art, though. I love the classics from the renaissance era but what I love more are the stories behind the works. I love the ongoing debate about the life of Michaelangelo and I followed the Sistine Chapel renovation with rapt attention. I could really dig the research goes into each restoration project and I'm so anal about details that I think I could be happy matching flecks of paint in a dusty museum basement.
5. Pilot. At times I am afraid of flying. I have a pretty vivid imagination which doesn't help any as I imagine the wheels popping off on landing and the passenger jet skidding across the tarmac in a shower of sparks and a roar of flames. I think it's a control issue. I believe that if I knew how to fly I would not be afraid of flying anymore. And, actually, the thought of learning to fly doesn't scare me at all. I think I would be good at it and I would probably move to Alaska and operate a shuttle of sorts a la Maggie from Northern Exposure.
6. Interior designer. Yeah, a lot of my lives have to do with art in some form. The fact is that I am as fascinated with interiors as I am with their exterior architectures. I want to know what makes some interior designs work and others not. Atmosphere is key to the success of many business. Especially in the restaurant business where ambiance simply accentuates good food. I don't know if I would be good at creating an interior design. I find many of the color schemes illustrated in interior design magazines to be completely boggling. I know, I could be a consultant, yeah, that's the ticket. Oh how the world loathes consultants!
7. Auto restorer. When I got my car three years ago I didn't know a thing about car maintenance let alone repair. Even though it had been in my family for years somehow I was never privy to it's various breakdowns. However, when my Dad agreed to turn it over to me we set about renovating its interior. It's a 1979 MG B Limited edition -- a cutie, to be sure. We removed the seats and replaced all the carpeting. We ripped off the vinyl seat covers which were faded and coming apart at the seams. Since then I have replaced nearly every part of the electrical system. It has all been a lot of fun. I had a friend, when I lived in Eugene, who was an MG fanatic and he fixed a lot of the needed repairs on my car. I would love to open a shop with him on the engines and me on the interiors. Only classic cars need apply.
8. Teacher. I used to think that if I was ever a teacher that I would teach fifth grade. I reasoned this because when kids are in the fifth grade they are just beginning to develop their own thoughts and feelings but they aren't yet defiant. I also had a really great fifth grade teacher, Mrs. Dacey. I think that was her name. Anyway, I think I would like to teach on the college level. I would be a really great professor, one of those teachers who you think about after you graduate and who you want to call when you get your first job. I think I'll go call a few of my professors, whether they like it or not.
9. Diva Goddess. I know what you're thinking, "But, Amanda, you're already a diva goddess." No matter what anyone says, I think being a famous eccentric actress would be a lot of fun. No one can convince me that having too much money is a bad thing. I would use extra money to buy a yacht and go sailing off of Australia, to buy a fleet of classic convertible cars and to buy very extreme platform shoes and plastic, see-through clothing. Why not? I'd be rich.

     What do you want to be?