*2001-04-14 - 10:45 p.m.*

I've decided what I want to do with my life.

Well, it's a dream at least. A quote from "Night At the Roxbury": "You can take away our phones, you can take away our car, but you can't take away our dreams!" "Yeah! 'Cause were're sleeping when we have 'em!"

How did I arrive at this decision you may ask? Here's the story, in a nutshell...

Awhile ago my Dad gave me a great piece of advice that his grandfather gave him. He said "First get the degree, then open the candy store." So, I thought about this, and it sounded like a good idea. Everyone loves a candy store. So, I figured I'd be a doctor long enough to get a bit of a nest egg started, then open up my candy store on the side.

Tonight, however, I saw the movie "You Can't Take It With You" and it clicked with me. I could identify with Grandfather. I've decided that lots of stuff, big houses, and lots of wealth aren't that high on my priorities list. I want happiness and security. Being a doctor is a nobel and excellent profession, and I would probably do well at it, but I'm not sure if I would be happy doing it for life. That I have to ponder more.

However, I have decided that after I get married and have kids, I will open the candy store, no matter what. I want to be home with my kids, and making income too. They could help with the store, bring in customers, tell me which candy is good and which candy isn't good. I think it would be very nice. Owning a nice little candy store with my kids helping me out.

That brings me to another point. I want to get married when I'm 21 or 22. And I want to start having kids by the time I'm 25. I want to be alive to see my grandchildren and great grandchildren. That would be awesome.

Now possibly the juiciest bit of this whole entry, do I know who I want to marry right now? The answer is yes. My uncle, who's probably reading this and thinking I'm crazy, will not know this individual, but my Dad does, kinda. The individual is my best friend Joe. Yes, he's my best friend. He knows this. I'm not sure if he knows how much I care about him though. My reasoning is sound. He's my best friend. What is a boyfriend or a fiancče or a husband but a best friend with physical benefits? I can talk to Joe about anything, we're honest with each other, we respect and admire each other. He can make me laugh, and think, and he makes me feel good. He does all this, and he's in NY, 5 hours away. I love him to death. Now, I wish he saw me as girlfriend material. I feel honored just to know him and have him as a best friend. Yes, Uncle Keith, I'm crazy, but at least now you know I'm not gay.

Who knows? This could all just be a phase I'm going though.

I don't think so.

I don't hope so either.

I like this dream I have.