Ship of Fools: What did you think you would have done by now?

Thread: What did you think you would have done by now? Board: Oblivion / Ship of Fools.

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Posted by North East Quine (# 13049) on :

When I was 18, I resolved to create a family tree which showed all 64 of my great great great great grandparents. I've researched bits off and on over the years, but I've still only got 52. It would never have occurred to 18 year old me that 30- cough years later I wouldn't have a complete tree in beautiful calligraphy hanging on my wall.

I've also always assumed I would climb Ben Nevis, learn Gaelic and get a proper book published. None of which I have done yet.

For the last twenty years I have intended to lose my "baby weight" (Is it still called "baby weight" once the babies are adults?)

What have you always thought you would do, but haven't? And do you think you might still do these things?

Posted by Albertus (# 13356) on :

It's not too late, NEQ. Lose your baby weight by getting in training to climb Ben Nevis, climb it, and then learn Gaelic so that you can write and publish a book about the climb. Simples!

Posted by Brenda Clough (# 18061) on :

I still haven't visited the Holy Land (or Israel, as someone advised in some other thread).

Posted by leo (# 1458) on :

Walk the Camino to Compostella

Posted by Diomedes (# 13482) on :

Me too Leo - walking the Camino was in my 'things to do' list when I was a teenager and I still wonder occasionally if it would be possible.

Posted by Sipech (# 16870) on :

*currently in my early 30s*

My main aim when I was 18 was to first complete my master's degree (which I did) and then go on to do a PhD (which I didn't). I doubt I'll ever go back into education. Am too stuck in the rat race.

I'd also hoped to have bought my first home by the time I was 30, but with the uncontrolled house price inflation, it looks like I'll never have enough deposit while my parents are alive; so I might now expect to buy when I'm in my 50s, some 20 years before when I expect to retire.

Posted by Pomona (# 17175) on :

When I was a teenager I was very much into 20s/30s jazz and swing music (so cool) and me and my best friend were planning to be jazz singers in Eastern Europe (Poland has a vibrant jazz scene) by 19 or so.

Posted by Brenda Clough (# 18061) on :

I also want to walk the Camino. Alas, by the time I am likely to be able to afford it I may have to take a bus.

Posted by Uncle Pete (# 10422) on :

At 20 I undertook studies expecting to be a rich lawyer (are there any other kinds?). It didn't take, and I become a librarian, instead. Much less income, but I could sleep at night with a clear conscience.

It's taken longer than I expected, but I (and my bank) own a house, and I have spent the last 18 years of my life blissfully travelling.

Posted by Heavenly Anarchist (# 13313) on :

My ambition when I trained as a nurse was to get some research published. Not achieved that yet but I hope to start a PhD in about 2 years so should manage that around the age of 50.
This thread has made me reflect on how cultural background affects ambition. I came from a very poor background which left me with dreams I never thought I could achieve rather than ambitions for the future. I might start another thread [Smile]

Posted by LeRoc (# 3216) on :

Flown my rocket pack, while my robot butler had prepared a whisky for me by the time I got back.

Posted by churchgeek (# 5557) on :

I'm pretty sure I thought I would've died by now. So I guess I'm doing much better than younger me expected! Younger me didn't have too many aspirations or expectations, sadly (thanks probably to the untreated depression), which may be why I'm still trying to figure out what to do when I grow up.

Posted by Ariel (# 58) on :

Achieved a further degree, got married, had kids, owned my own home, moved up the career ladder, published some of my novels, taken the plunge and done that world tour or at least gone on the Eurostar to Paris for the day. Most of those are unattainable now, but your priorities change over the years and I don't think I'd want most of those now, apart from the holiday and owning my own home.

Posted by Albertus (# 13356) on :

quote:
Originally posted by LeRoc:
Flown my rocket pack, while my robot butler had prepared a whisky for me by the time I got back.

You too had unfeasibly high hopes raised by Look and Learn , eh? Didn't know it was available in the Netherlands.

Posted by HCH (# 14313) on :

I don't know if I expected to succeed, but I hoped (and still hope) to publish various short and long fiction I have written.

I did expect that I would someday be a father, but that has not happened.

If you have a list of six goals and manage three, you're probably doing well.

Posted by LeRoc (# 3216) on :

quote:
Pomona: me and my best friend were planning to be jazz singers in Eastern Europe (Poland has a vibrant jazz scene)

I heard good things about Bulgaria too.

Posted by Zappa (# 8433) on :

I thought I would be a lecturer at a university or theological school. But I spent too much time on the Ship.

I kind of collected the qualifications but not the cred, and I'm not entirely disappointed with the outcomes of my dissipated life.

[ 13. July 2015, 19:47: Message edited by: Zappa ]

Posted by Albertus (# 13356) on :

quote:
Originally posted by LeRoc:

quote:
Pomona: me and my best friend were planning to be jazz singers in Eastern Europe (Poland has a vibrant jazz scene)
I heard good things about Bulgaria too.

Madame Cholet speaks highly of him.

Posted by Lia (# 7396) on :

I thought by this time I would :

Have had a career as a lecturer, or at least the beginnings thereof.

Have found someone who would let me love them

Own my home

Have overcome my depression

But I have achieved none of the above (sorry, black dog biting again!)

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