why couldn't i win a nobel prize

a few weeks ago, i was playing the board game LIFE with my daughter.  I was struck by the LIFE tiles and how grandiose they were.  Won a Nobel Prize; Pulitzer Prize, nominated for an Oscar, etc...and I started thinking how lofty those goals were, for anyone, let alone my little car with one little peg in it.  I had chosen not to go to College this time around (much to the shock of my 11 year old) and see what happened.  Sure enough, I got the career that did not make as much money as she did, and she seemed to collect most of the LIFE tiles.  I lost, but even later in the day, I was still amazed at the assumptions of those tiles.  Are these really the markers of a successful life?  I know success is not limited to such high acclaim, but they had me thinking anyway.
Most of us have been able to define success in less obvious ways, but just as successful ways nonetheless.  Happy marriage, successful job, raising well adjusted, productive, happy kids, giving back to the community, good friends, the ability to discuss current events at a party and look like you know what you're talking about, the ability to cook a turkey for your in laws and not leave the plastic thermometer in it, or the bag of giblets for that matter, you know common goals..etc..
But why not shoot for the stars as well?
I love the episode of 30 Rock, when Tracy Jordan decides to go for an EGOT (an Emmy, a Grammy, an Oscar and a Tony). My son noticed that it would have been funnier if they spelled it like GOTE (goat!) but thought provoking either way.  He actually goes on to do it.  Even though this is fiction, I still find it inspiring.
He had no idea what he was doing and he still went for it.  He could have been striving all his life, only to fall short in the end, but what's the harm in striving for excellence?

I'm afraid I am guilty of setting goals that are quite lofty, almost unattainable.  I like just thinking about how to go about them and the challenges involved.  I haven't made much headway, but that hasn't deterred me from dreaming.

Maybe it's because when I was young, I didn't realize my full potential.   Or, maybe it's that I have spent the last 13 years completely engrossed in the lives of my kids.  I happen to love children's stories, illustrations, songs, jumping, laughing at silly jokes, playing in the sand, etc...all of which have inspired me, and allowed me to dream again, as only a child can.  Big, limitless, beautiful dreams.

At the risk of sounding very foolish, I will tell you some of my rather lofty goals (or dreams): writing and performing on Saturday Night Live, winning the Nobel Peace Prize (i will explain for what, in another post),  solving a dilema in physics (again, i will explain in another post),  becoming an artist (in jewelry and on canvas), having at least one genuine follower on this blog and possibly helping someone along the way; bringing my inventions to market (i have several).

Wow! That feels good to put down in writing.  I see that they are very lofty indeed.  oh well, it's now 10:30 at night......i am heading to bed.

I will give you my 15 is...tips tomorrow.  today was a busy day, home with my little one. she is in school tomorrow, so i will write more!