THE LAST LECTURE

                                                    

                                                      THE LAST LECTURE


The Last Lecture by Randy Pausch is a reminder that time is a gift. We never know what tomorrow will bring. Randy Pausch used his last days wisely. While his goal was to leave behind a piece of himself for his children and wife during his video taped Last Lecture, he set into motion his digital legacy which turned into a YouTube phenomenon and best selling novel. His lecture and book have touched many lives. He touches my life to this day. It is a book that I keep often on my night stand when I need inspiration or when I'm quite frankly, feeling sorry for myself.

The topic of his book is "Really Achieving Your Childhood Dreams". Have I?  Have you achieved your childhood dreams? While Randy was taken far too soon, he led a very fulfilling life. He achieved his childhood dreams and then some!

I talk a lot about taking care of yourself, as I truly believe this sends a positive and strong message to your children. Wouldn't you want them to do the same?

My childhood dreams:

1.) Be a movie star. Specifically, in a drama where I could cry. To this day, I can fake cry on cue!
2.) Work in musical theater. It didn't matter whether I was on stage or sweeping the stage....my key to happiness was being a part of something bigger than myself.
"There are no small parts, only small actors".
3.) Join the Peace Corps. I wanted to make a difference in the world.
4. ) Join the Air Force. I really, really, really wanted to be Private Benjamin. I actually STILL want to be Private Benjamin. But dammit, I'm too old!
5.) Live in a neighborhood with lots of kids.
6.) Meet Super Man. The real super man because he is real!
7.) Make out with one of the New Kids on the Block.
8.) Marry that middle school crush of mine:)

Did I achieve any of my dreams? It depends on whether you are on optimist or a pessimist. I'm an optimist so here it goes.....



1.) I never did make it in a film but by chance my children did (they are identical twins). They had small parts but the thrill of being on set was a dream come true. Thank you to Mike White the nicest guy you'll ever meet  http://www.imdb.com/name/nm0925234/ (Freaks and Geeks) and Paloma Jackson!

2.) I don't have a career in theater but I make it a point to support all my theater friends in every  show they appear, direct, produce, write or choreograph. http://www.mixtapethemusical.com/

3.) I never joined the Peace Corps. I did become a foster parent for a short period of time. It is a sacrifice and hopefully someday I can make a difference in another way if given the opportunity!

4.) I did join AFROTC in college. The problem back then I was too shy. I still wish I had continued. Hopefully, others can learn from an introvert...just push yourself through. It will get easier.

5.) I happily can say I live in the most amazing neighborhood with lots of families with children. I think I was going for the neighborhood in the famous movie E.T. Well.....I've got it.

6.) I have yet to meet Super Man.

7.) I never had the privilege to meet or kiss a New Kid on the Block. I'm sure my husband would give me a pass. I think, he'd encourage anything if it was Mark Wahlberg as we're both HUGE fans.

8.) My middle school crush? I don't think he even knew I existed.

With all this said, my question is there an age where we are too old  to continue to pursue our childhood dreams? Can we still strive to reinvent ourselves at ...40? or even 50? Or is it too late?

I have some adult dreams I'd like to fulfill (PG of course).

Do you?

What are they?