The Dream

I started my new job this week. I'm excited.

I can remember in second grade in Florida, when I was asked what I wanted to be when I grew up, I said that I wanted to be an astronaut. I got made fun of a little, but that wasn't any different than any other day in elementary school or middle school.

Throughout middle and high school, the dream never went away. It got bigger- and became more prominent in my life. I did research and learned what I needed to do and where I needed to go to make it happen. When applying for colleges, I chose to apply to a seemingly obscure one in what seemed like the middle-of-nowhere, Alabama (or at least to a South Floridian).

But taking that path has brought so much goodness in to my life- my husband and his family, our church home, a whole world of experiences, great friends, and a career in the US Space Program.

Though I can't be an astronaut (I'm an inch too short, go figure), I can work with them. In my new job, I will be communicating frequently with the astronauts aboard the International Space Station, and Mission Control in Houston (as in, "Houston, we have a problem"). Very cool.

I only realized Wednesday, when I received my official NASA badge, that I've accomplished my goal. The 7-year-old who wanted to be an astronaut, got her wish (albeit, slightly altered). I'm doing it.

Literally living the dream.

I'm blessed to be here.