What you would do if nothing was in your way?

[04diamond<3]

If you could do anything, loose weight, get a PHD in neuroscience, get a nobel peace prize etc, what would it be? AND what is standing in your way?

 

[Jennifer W]

There was only one thing I really wanted to do, and the things that stood in my way were stuff like finances, responsibilities, fear and a liking for my comfort zone. In the end, I wanted it badly enough that none of them were insurmountable.I wanted to be a lawyer. Since I was a little girl. It didn't happen, for all sorts of reasons, but a few years ago, I went back to school and just got on with it, instead of wishing it. Started my first law job six months ago and I love it!

ETA, I WAS doing a PhD in cognitive neuroscience, by part time study. It was while I was working on that I realised if I didn't change direction, I'd be bored and vaguely dissatisfied for the rest of my career. I didn't love what I was doing, so the post-grad studies were supposed to move me on, but it sort of hit me that they'd only move me on within a field that wasn't where my true interest lies.

If you want something badly enough, the stuff in your way can be moved aside, if not made to disappear, I think.

 

[Bella_mezzo]

1. I would adopt a set of sisters who are waiting for a family in Ethiopia (older sister is 7 with severe cerebral palsy, younger sister is 2 and healthy)...and probably a few more children.

What's standing in my way?

DH, finances, our small 2 bedroom apartment on the 4th floor, finances, and the fact that I have to work so would not be home.

2. I would be an opera singer.

What's standing in my way?

My being out of the business for 3 years, having to be the bread winner for my family now, and a desire to be home with my family-especially my young son. In 10+ years (gulp!) it will be my turn to not work full-time and I can try to get back in the game, but I am not sure I'll have the talent or inclination to jump back in...we'll see.

3. Move to Ethiopia and do on-the-ground orphan care/family preservation work

What's standing in my way?

DH, finances, career paths

 

[Missy]

Quit my career and open an animal sanctuary on a large farm where the animals can roam freely with safety and with food and shelter and love.

What's standing in my way? Finances, finances, finances.


ETA: Don't get me wrong-I find my work satisfying as I work with an underserved challenging population so I feel as if I am making a big difference in their quality of life. However, my biggest passion is saving animals and I have been in my career for over 20 years now and would love to change paths and work with saving the lives of as many animals as possible. There is such a huge need. Unfortunately it is just a dream due to money. I do volunteer with animal rescue groups and I also do what I can with helping homeless animals on my own but I always wish I could do more. It is one of my true loves and passions- working with animals that need help.

Edited for grammar and clarity of content.

 

[cygnet]

Wow, missy and I have surprisingly similar dreams.

If I had a ton of money, I'd buy some nice property and turn it into an otter sanctuary.

 

[Missy]

Wow, missy and I have surprisingly similar dreams.

If I had a ton of money, I'd buy some nice property and turn it into an otter sanctuary.

Love your dream. An otter sanctuary is very cool!

 

[04diamond<3]

There was only one thing I really wanted to do, and the things that stood in my way were stuff like finances, responsibilities, fear and a liking for my comfort zone. In the end, I wanted it badly enough that none of them were insurmountable.I wanted to be a lawyer. Since I was a little girl. It didn't happen, for all sorts of reasons, but a few years ago, I went back to school and just got on with it, instead of wishing it. Started my first law job six months ago and I love it!

ETA, I WAS doing a PhD in cognitive neuroscience, by part time study. It was while I was working on that I realised if I didn't change direction, I'd be bored and vaguely dissatisfied for the rest of my career. I didn't love what I was doing, so the post-grad studies were supposed to move me on, but it sort of hit me that they'd only move me on within a field that wasn't where my true interest lies.

If you want something badly enough, the stuff in your way can be moved aside, if not made to disappear, I think.

I agree with this most of the time...I love that you finally did it! I did something similar. Hated my job and decided to go back to school last year. There's really nothing better than dreaming about something and putting it in motion. I don't want to live a life of regrets and be in my old age thinking " I wish I had...".

 

[04diamond<3]

1. I would adopt a set of sisters who are waiting for a family in Ethiopia (older sister is 7 with severe cerebral palsy, younger sister is 2 and healthy)...and probably a few more children.

What's standing in my way?

DH, finances, our small 2 bedroom apartment on the 4th floor, finances, and the fact that I have to work so would not be home.

2. I would be an opera singer.

What's standing in my way?

My being out of the business for 3 years, having to be the bread winner for my family now, and a desire to be home with my family-especially my young son. In 10+ years (gulp!) it will be my turn to not work full-time and I can try to get back in the game, but I am not sure I'll have the talent or inclination to jump back in...we'll see.

3. Move to Ethiopia and do on-the-ground orphan care/family preservation work

What's standing in my way?

DH, finances, career paths

Aw Bella, we have similar hearts. Maybe in 10 years you'll have the finances to adopt from Ethipoia? I'm a HUGE fan of those that want to sacrifice themselves to adopt. I was adopted and I intend on adopting partly because I feel I should due to that fact and the other parts because regardless of that fact, it's humane...Anyways. If you love to sing, you should. Not in 20 years, but do it now! You don't have to quite anything, maybe just start by doing it at home...like practicing. If you record yourself, send it to an opera house...maybe you could do it on the side?

 

[04diamond<3]

Quit my career and open an animal sanctuary on a large farm where the animals can roam freely with safety and with food and shelter and love.

What's standing in my way? Finances, finances, finances.


ETA: Don't get me wrong-I find my work satisfying as I work with an underserved challenging population so I feel as if I am making a big difference in their quality of life. However, my biggest passion is saving animals and I have been in my career for over 20 years now and would love to change paths and work with saving the lives of as many animals as possible. There is such a huge need. Unfortunately it is just a dream due to money. I do volunteer with animal rescue groups and I also do what I can with helping homeless animals on my own but I always wish I could do more. It is one of my true loves and passions- working with animals that need help.

Edited for grammar and clarity of content.

Aw, missy, that's sweet. How about seeing what you can do to work for a zoo? Is there a director position you can do? You're already doing the other thing I'd suggest...but how about looking into a zoo or the city to see if there are any openings? Or just a higher up position at a shelter etc...just thinking of other options...

 

[04diamond<3]

Wow, missy and I have surprisingly similar dreams.

If I had a ton of money, I'd buy some nice property and turn it into an otter sanctuary.

Wow, that's definitely rare. What about starting a foundation? or talking to your city and seeing if you could add something like this? Again, just trying to think of ways to make it a reality...but if it's just a dream, it's just a dream It's nice to dream. I think dreams are what keep people going. Even in the rough stuff.

 

[SB621]

Quit my job and work for a non-profit to help children. Children with cancer, adopting children, pretty much anything with kids. Since having children it has really opened my eyes and that is what I would love to do. Finances, since I'm the bread winner in the family is pretty much holding be back.

On a purely selfish note I would also love to publish a YA romance/ adventure/ sci-fi book.
Getting a publisher and agent is pretty much holding me back though with kindle self publishing I really have no excuses now. I just need to find the time to write.

 

[04diamond<3]

Quit my job and work for a non-profit to help children. Children with cancer, adopting children, pretty much anything with kids. Since having children it has really opened my eyes and that is what I would love to do. Finances, since I'm the bread winner in the family is pretty much holding be back.

On a purely selfish note I would also love to publish a YA romance/ adventure/ sci-fi book.
Getting a publisher and agent is pretty much holding me back though with kindle self publishing I really have no excuses now. I just need to find the time to write.

Love it ALL!!! Have you thought about make a wish foundation? They're always hiring. As far as writing your book DO IT!!! Set your self some time every day (like 30 mins) aside just to write the book. You'll have it done in no time!

 

[two_little_birds]

Great question!

• Travel. Travel. And more Travel!
  
  I would love to buy a property that's lakefront, oceanfront, etc. Something with a huge wrap-around porch, and enough space away from neighbours that we have some privacy.
  
  Perhaps go back to school... either photography or law, or perhaps both.

What's standing in my way? Money. Plus having two kids (8 and 10) that are still young and in school. Plus I am the breadwinner in my family. So yes, I don't see any of this happening any time soon. But one can dream right?

 

[ForteKitty]

Quit my career and open an animal sanctuary on a large farm where the animals can roam freely with safety and with food and shelter and love.

What's standing in my way? Finances, finances, finances.


ETA: Don't get me wrong-I find my work satisfying as I work with an underserved challenging population so I feel as if I am making a big difference in their quality of life. However, my biggest passion is saving animals and I have been in my career for over 20 years now and would love to change paths and work with saving the lives of as many animals as possible. There is such a huge need. Unfortunately it is just a dream due to money. I do volunteer with animal rescue groups and I also do what I can with helping homeless animals on my own but I always wish I could do more. It is one of my true loves and passions- working with animals that need help.

Edited for grammar and clarity of content.

All of this!!!

I really wish I could do this.

 

[04diamond<3]

Great question!

• Travel. Travel. And more Travel!
  
  I would love to buy a property that's lakefront, oceanfront, etc. Something with a huge wrap-around porch, and enough space away from neighbours that we have some privacy.
  
  Perhaps go back to school... either photography or law, or perhaps both.

What's standing in my way? Money. Plus having two kids (8 and 10) that are still young and in school. Plus I am the breadwinner in my family. So yes, I don't see any of this happening any time soon. But one can dream right?

Aw, that's really hard! Just a thought though, you know that there are grants available for older working moms returning to school! As far as the other....lottery just kidding. How about starting a savings account for your dream oceanfront big porched home (btw, if you ask DH, he will tell you, I do not think a house is a house if it doesn't have a huge porch! ). Just a little every month now, but eventually it could be a down payment for something?

 

[Bella_mezzo]

s[/quote]

Aw Bella, we have similar hearts. Maybe in 10 years you'll have the finances to adopt from Ethipoia? I'm a HUGE fan of those that want to sacrifice themselves to adopt. I was adopted and I intend on adopting partly because I feel I should due to that fact and the other parts because regardless of that fact, it's humane...Anyways. If you love to sing, you should. Not in 20 years, but do it now! You don't have to quite anything, maybe just start by doing it at home...like practicing. If you record yourself, send it to an opera house...maybe you could do it on the side?[/quote]

we do My son joined our family through Ethiopian adoption a year and a half ago and we lived there for 3+ months during the process. I am totally ready to jump back into it, but DH is not there yet. Maybe this summer...but even when he is ready, he's not interested in moving forward with a special needs adoption right now (and he's right on that front, but if nothing was in my way... I am just praying that these little girls find a family soon. They have grabbed my heart!

Re singing, I have a masters in opera and sang semi-professionally in NYC for several years while working during the day. it is hard and I just don't have the band width. Next year I'll be done with my MBA and will try to start singing again in some small way and see what happens...it is surprisingly hard to sing at a high-level on a part-time basis.

I love this thread and the amazing ideas you all have!

Otter sanctuary...who would have thought!?!?!?!

 

[04diamond<3]

s

Aw Bella, we have similar hearts. Maybe in 10 years you'll have the finances to adopt from Ethipoia? I'm a HUGE fan of those that want to sacrifice themselves to adopt. I was adopted and I intend on adopting partly because I feel I should due to that fact and the other parts because regardless of that fact, it's humane...Anyways. If you love to sing, you should. Not in 20 years, but do it now! You don't have to quite anything, maybe just start by doing it at home...like practicing. If you record yourself, send it to an opera house...maybe you could do it on the side?[/quote]

we do My son joined our family through Ethiopian adoption a year and a half ago and we lived there for 3+ months during the process. I am totally ready to jump back into it, but DH is not there yet. Maybe this summer...but even when he is ready, he's not interested in moving forward with a special needs adoption right now (and he's right on that front, but if nothing was in my way... I am just praying that these little girls find a family soon. They have grabbed my heart!

Re singing, I have a masters in opera and sang semi-professionally in NYC for several years while working during the day. it is hard and I just don't have the band width. Next year I'll be done with my MBA and will try to start singing again in some small way and see what happens...it is surprisingly hard to sing at a high-level on a part-time basis.

I love this thread and the amazing ideas you all have!

Otter sanctuary...who would have thought!?!?!?![/quote]

Wow, this summer would be great!!!! Maybe they'll still be there waiting for you! Oh my goodness, I'll be praying for you and your family if I'm allowed to say that. Yay for your singing! Keep me posted! Sounds like things are coming together! That didn't take too long

 

[JewelFreak]

Quit my career and open an animal sanctuary on a large farm where the animals can roam freely with safety and with food and shelter and love.

What's standing in my way? Finances, finances, finances.
However, my biggest passion is saving animals and I have been in my career for over 20 years now and would love to change paths and work with saving the lives of as many animals as possible. There is such a huge need. Unfortunately it is just a dream due to money. I do volunteer with animal rescue groups and I also do what I can with helping homeless animals on my own but I always wish I could do more. It is one of my true loves and passions- working with animals that need help.

Missy, you & I aren't just twins; I swear, we're identical twins! If I could, I'd do exactly that!

--- Laurie

 

[Missy]

Quit my career and open an animal sanctuary on a large farm where the animals can roam freely with safety and with food and shelter and love.

What's standing in my way? Finances, finances, finances.
However, my biggest passion is saving animals and I have been in my career for over 20 years now and would love to change paths and work with saving the lives of as many animals as possible. There is such a huge need. Unfortunately it is just a dream due to money. I do volunteer with animal rescue groups and I also do what I can with helping homeless animals on my own but I always wish I could do more. It is one of my true loves and passions- working with animals that need help.

Missy, you & I aren't just twins; I swear, we're identical twins! If I could, I'd do exactly that!

--- Laurie

Hi Laurie Hmmm, maybe PS is the vehicle to allow us to one day realize our wildest dreams...getting people together with similar passions who couldn't necessarily do it on their own but together just watch out!

Or maybe just getting us twins together one day...long lost sisters!

 

[SB621]

Quit my job and work for a non-profit to help children. Children with cancer, adopting children, pretty much anything with kids. Since having children it has really opened my eyes and that is what I would love to do. Finances, since I'm the bread winner in the family is pretty much holding be back.

On a purely selfish note I would also love to publish a YA romance/ adventure/ sci-fi book.
Getting a publisher and agent is pretty much holding me back though with kindle self publishing I really have no excuses now. I just need to find the time to write.

I haven't really looked for several reasons. First is that I work from home and I get paid well for what I do. DH is military so we move around alot. Most military wives can't work for this reason so the fact that I have a stable job that can move anywhere plus I make significantly more then my DH, well it makes it very hard to walk away from. Plus I like the flexbility of working from home. We have 2 toddlers so a set schedule isn't anywhere even close to happening. I think once the kids are off at school and I'm closer to retiring and we no longer need such a high income I will definitely work for a non-profit.

As for the book I used to write a lot more before I had children. I have been published a few times for short little stories. Once kids came into the picture I have little free time and when I do I'm usually trying to get my body back in shape or on PS look at bling bling!

 

[madelise]

There are too many things I would love to do. Unfortunately, I can't blame money. See, the key thing that is in my way is time. If I had more of it, I would have the time to make more money, and have the time to do all the things I would love to do.

 

[04diamond<3]

Quit my career and open an animal sanctuary on a large farm where the animals can roam freely with safety and with food and shelter and love.

What's standing in my way? Finances, finances, finances.
However, my biggest passion is saving animals and I have been in my career for over 20 years now and would love to change paths and work with saving the lives of as many animals as possible. There is such a huge need. Unfortunately it is just a dream due to money. I do volunteer with animal rescue groups and I also do what I can with helping homeless animals on my own but I always wish I could do more. It is one of my true loves and passions- working with animals that need help.

Missy, you & I aren't just twins; I swear, we're identical twins! If I could, I'd do exactly that!

--- Laurie

Hi Laurie Hmmm, maybe PS is the vehicle to allow us to one day realize our wildest dreams...getting people together with similar passions who couldn't necessarily do it on their own but together just watch out!

Or maybe just getting us twins together one day...long lost sisters!

I'd be totally excited if you guys did this!!!!

 

[04diamond<3]

Quit my job and work for a non-profit to help children. Children with cancer, adopting children, pretty much anything with kids. Since having children it has really opened my eyes and that is what I would love to do. Finances, since I'm the bread winner in the family is pretty much holding be back.

On a purely selfish note I would also love to publish a YA romance/ adventure/ sci-fi book.
Getting a publisher and agent is pretty much holding me back though with kindle self publishing I really have no excuses now. I just need to find the time to write.

I haven't really looked for several reasons. First is that I work from home and I get paid well for what I do. DH is military so we move around alot. Most military wives can't work for this reason so the fact that I have a stable job that can move anywhere plus I make significantly more then my DH, well it makes it very hard to walk away from. Plus I like the flexbility of working from home. We have 2 toddlers so a set schedule isn't anywhere even close to happening. I think once the kids are off at school and I'm closer to retiring and we no longer need such a high income I will definitely work for a non-profit.

As for the book I used to write a lot more before I had children. I have been published a few times for short little stories. Once kids came into the picture I have little free time and when I do I'm usually trying to get my body back in shape or on PS look at bling bling!

two toddlers are a handful!! Being a military wife also is something difficult to work around...maybe it's something you do after you put the kids to sleep...just thinking of some time for you to write your book. If not, there's always time after the kids are out of the house, that's true.

 

[04diamond<3]

There are too many things I would love to do. Unfortunately, I can't blame money. See, the key thing that is in my way is time. If I had more of it, I would have the time to make more money, and have the time to do all the things I would love to do.

Madelise, I'm confused by your statement...You don't have enough time to accomplish all that you want, is that it? Just trying to understand

 

[kenny]

I'm doing it.

Nothing is in my way.

 

[madelise]

There are too many things I would love to do. Unfortunately, I can't blame money. See, the key thing that is in my way is time. If I had more of it, I would have the time to make more money, and have the time to do all the things I would love to do.

Madelise, I'm confused by your statement...You don't have enough time to accomplish all that you want, is that it? Just trying to understand

Yes. Because, according to the average life expectancy of a woman in the US, I only have 56 years left in my life. Considering the last two decades usually entails a lot of illness and weakness, I really only have 36 years. That's not a lot of time at all. Even if I had all the money in the world, I simply do not have the time in my lifetime to:

- start and finish graduate school
- serve the community and at least change 100 lives for the better in my field
- open my own successful clinic after a few years of experience-- which entails having to reinvest and reopen in case the first isn't successful.
- raise 2-3 of my own biological children, and raise them well
- spend enough time (and there's no such thing as enough time) with my grandmother before she passes
- spend enough time with my dog
- adopt a few more dogs in my lifetime, and give them endless love, home, warmth, food, and no worries

And all in the same lifetime:
- go scuba diving in Australia
- spend 2 months backpacking through Europe
- volunteer endless hours and endless love and kisses to dogs at a no-kill animal shelter
- spend a month in Iceland, and try every night to catch the Aurora Borealis
- live in Pakistan, and build a small school for girls there, and tend to them
- teach English and math to Sudanese orphans that have been displaced
- spend a few years in Taiwan, learning my family's culture
- learn how to properly read and write Chinese
- farm with the countryside people in Vietnam
- fish with the native Tahitians
- explore the rainforest
- climb Machu Pichu
- go to sleep and wake up on the different sands in the Carribean
- on that note, collect all the different colored sands of the world
- volunteer with Operation Smile
- adopt and raise properly a bunch of babies, like Angelina and Brad, except first focus on our own American children
- collect a bajillion sparkly jewelry

I only have one life. I would love to do so much for the world. I would love to do so much for myself. And when it comes down to it, it isn't money necessarily that is keeping me from doing all that I want. It's time. I have one life to live, and I mean to live it well. It took a lot for me to come to terms that I can't be everyone's hero and my own at the same time. My SO is from Pakistan. My heart broke into a million pieces when I found out about the injustices there against women and children. Besides the obvious danger and the protection needed if an American woman was to enter there and challenge the threats of the Taliban, and the money necessary, I just don't have time. I have my own life to live, and my own direct family to care for. I also very much want to adopt a bunch of children, but I want my own, too. I don't have the time to have or properly raise a million babies.

So if I just complete the top portion of my list, I will feel complete.

I hope my novel helped you to understand what I meant I get carried away often. Oopsie.

 

[Haven]

I would resign and write full-time.

What's holding me back? I really love my job and I know if I leave it the odds are very low that I'll ever land a similar position again. I write part-time now, but my most productive (and satisfying) writing period was about three years ago when I quit one job and had a year before I started working full-time again. I'm finishing revisions on a YA novel, so now I need to send out queries and get me an agent! It's the first piece I've been serious about polishing, and I'm so lucky to have found five readers willing to give me great feedback.

I also fear that I wouldn't be as passionate about writing if it became my full-time "job". I currently savor the time I have to write because it's an outlet, so who knows how it would feel if it was my main focus. That productive period I had between FT jobs was still a short-term thing, and I knew it. I suppose you could say I fear my passion would ebb away if there was no limit to the time I had to write.

 

[Deactivated member 42515]

Missy beat me to it... but I've always wanted to buy a huge farm and rescue animals that were bought for slaughter and let them live the rest of their lives in freedom and happiness. There is a pig sanctuary close by, and I just love that these wonderful pigs can grow old, happily knowing that they will never ever be cut up to be meat on someone's plate.

I also would love to be able to foster as many animals as possible so that none of them ever have to be put down! It's a long shot, I know, but a girl has got to try! And nothing is in my way, right?

Except in real life, dang money is the issue!

 

[04diamond<3]

I'm doing it.

Nothing is in my way.

Yay Kenny! That's great! Enjoy life to the fullest

 

[04diamond<3]

There are too many things I would love to do. Unfortunately, I can't blame money. See, the key thing that is in my way is time. If I had more of it, I would have the time to make more money, and have the time to do all the things I would love to do.

Madelise, I'm confused by your statement...You don't have enough time to accomplish all that you want, is that it? Just trying to understand

Yes. Because, according to the average life expectancy of a woman in the US, I only have 56 years left in my life. Considering the last two decades usually entails a lot of illness and weakness, I really only have 36 years. That's not a lot of time at all. Even if I had all the money in the world, I simply do not have the time in my lifetime to:

- start and finish graduate school
- serve the community and at least change 100 lives for the better in my field
- open my own successful clinic after a few years of experience-- which entails having to reinvest and reopen in case the first isn't successful.
- raise 2-3 of my own biological children, and raise them well
- spend enough time (and there's no such thing as enough time) with my grandmother before she passes
- spend enough time with my dog
- adopt a few more dogs in my lifetime, and give them endless love, home, warmth, food, and no worries

And all in the same lifetime:
- go scuba diving in Australia
- spend 2 months backpacking through Europe
- volunteer endless hours and endless love and kisses to dogs at a no-kill animal shelter
- spend a month in Iceland, and try every night to catch the Aurora Borealis
- live in Pakistan, and build a small school for girls there, and tend to them
- teach English and math to Sudanese orphans that have been displaced
- spend a few years in Taiwan, learning my family's culture
- learn how to properly read and write Chinese
- farm with the countryside people in Vietnam
- fish with the native Tahitians
- explore the rainforest
- climb Machu Pichu
- go to sleep and wake up on the different sands in the Carribean
- on that note, collect all the different colored sands of the world
- volunteer with Operation Smile
- adopt and raise properly a bunch of babies, like Angelina and Brad, except first focus on our own American children
- collect a bajillion sparkly jewelry

I only have one life. I would love to do so much for the world. I would love to do so much for myself. And when it comes down to it, it isn't money necessarily that is keeping me from doing all that I want. It's time. I have one life to live, and I mean to live it well. It took a lot for me to come to terms that I can't be everyone's hero and my own at the same time. My SO is from Pakistan. My heart broke into a million pieces when I found out about the injustices there against women and children. Besides the obvious danger and the protection needed if an American woman was to enter there and challenge the threats of the Taliban, and the money necessary, I just don't have time. I have my own life to live, and my own direct family to care for. I also very much want to adopt a bunch of children, but I want my own, too. I don't have the time to have or properly raise a million babies.

So if I just complete the top portion of my list, I will feel complete.

I hope my novel helped you to understand what I meant I get carried away often. Oopsie.

Madelise, I understand and you have a big heart. I admire that about you. I'm sorry about your illnesses (I've been there too) and hope that things are better now and continue getting better for you physically. I wonder if you're trying (or thinking) to take on too much? I know we all want to do everything we want but as you said, there just isn't enough time and for most of us money is also an issue. I think in your case maybe you instead of looking at what you'd like to do in a lifetime, how about baby steps? I know with the huge dreams you have it may sound too insignificant, but it all adds up...How about being a financial support to those girls in Pakistan? And supporting world vision etc? At least you are still helping them. As far as school, have you finished that? Are you applying to grad school? You don't have to tell me and you may have said it in other threads but I haven't looked. I always think that schooling in the medical field is never a waste of time.

Lastly, about your future kids. I know it's hard to think of how children are going to happen, but believe me, when the time comes, you will know! It is absolutely possible to have a full time career and bring up your kids well! Maybe find something where you can work from home part time...oh and vacations, I think it's healthy for a family to go on vacations together, so maybe make it a point to go somewhere every year.

I think a lot on your list is possible to do you just need to figure out what your top priorities are and start from there. I don't like labeling a life because then you stress about what you want to try and get done in that time. And I absolutely think you will do the top of your list!