In 3 years I hope to be finishing up a master's degree in public health with either a job lined up or a PhD program lined up. I hope that the research I'm working on now will have been published. And also that a wealthy patron has elected to pay off my undergrad student loans.

Thanks for this extra information on how to write out a S.M.A.R.T. goal. I am going to work on getting my goals into this format. I have already to some extent--given that I have to go to grad school to do what I want to do, I have a lot of hoops to jump through: three exams to sit, a comprehensive application to submit, letters of recommendation to acquire. Laying out all of my deadlines, and what I have to do in order to accomplish this goal, has been very helpful in making it more real and attainable.

I want to be right here in Charlotte, living in the same apartment, but I want my roommate to have his own place nearby. I want to be working the same job, still loving it. I need/want a motorcycle to replace my scooter--being my only source of transportation, it's not always reliable due to scooters and their starting issues in cold weather. Want to start taking better care of myself.. a really, really healthy diet instead of this minimal eating of 'meh' foods.. 6 months ago this question would be a lot easier to answer.. I just moved into my own place and shortly thereafter lost my job, took a month to find a new one, lost my savings to sustain myself, my transmission went out, I was going through a major bulimic relapse, the apt looked like shit, had no money to get gear for my new job, everything was falling apart, was doing steroids hard.. yeah, I was miserable. Now, I'm almost completely independent, got me a blackberry :D, got a scooter (in the shop, but it's mine), sold that POS car, got internet, a couch, decent TV, keeping the place and myself clean.. most importantly, got out of that bad habit, cut back on the juice, and.. above all.. rekindled my relationship with God.

Most of all, I want a son and a pug. I'm considering adopting a toddler who needs a home as soon as I reach that point, but it's still difficult for me working the night-shift security at a strip club. I make between 215 and 290 per week right now, plus occasional 'tips' and 'fees', but when I become registered for Armed security with this company I'm with currently, I'll be pulling in about 400 per week. What I make now is more than enough to take care of me, but my kid is going to eat well, get everything he needs, including health insurance, and I'd like to actually get him the things he wants from time to time. I don't want to just 'give him what he wants' by any means, I intend to raise him like I raised my little bros. However, I was gracious to them, and I would like to invest in quality items that he can enjoy besides the TV and computer. A bicycle (with a helmet), basketball, etc. Stuff I don't see any kids appreciating at all these days.

Sometimes I dream about taking care of my own child, and the compassion I feel for this person is enough to make me cry when I wake up and realize it's not real.

Aside from that, I'm happy right where I am, aside from this damn arthritis [at 20 years old? Come on >:(.. ]. Just want someone to share my life with, and I really don't need or want a woman in my life.

In 3 years, I'd like be getting ready for a wedding.

Professionally, I'd like to be working in either a plastic surgeon's office or in a hospital around here somewhere. I'm in school for my BSN.

Continuing to build relationships in the theatre community to the point of being able to pick and choose my projects.

Additionally , I'd like to land a teaching job to provide some steady income.

If not teaching, SOMETHING that's steady. In 3 years, my kids will be in 4th and 1st grade respectively, giving me a good chunk of the day to do something with myself.

And it should go without saying that I hope for health and happiness for my family and friends

Not living in the DC Metro area. Too bad that's not gonna happen.

In 3 years I would like to be employed! >_<

Back in Cape Town with my (soon to be) wife, living near the beach with a couple of dogs.

Working in the same industry I'm in now, except employed permanently rather than this contract shit I'm doing now.

I want to sail around the Caribbean (at least in the winter months here).

I am currently trying to figure out these questions. Where do I want to be, what lifestyle do I want, what do I need to buy, how do I make enough money to be able to do whatever I want?

I am actually exactly where I wanted to be when I did this 5 years ago, and it is a pretty stable life.