Roddick Continues to Make Me Dream

Andy Roddick retired after he was defeated in the fourth round of this year's U.S. Open. 

I was obsessed with Andy when I was growing up.  As a young teenager he met my three requirements: 1. He played tennis 2. He was a Nebraska Cornhusker fan 3. He was hot.  When I was in middle school I got to hit with him at the opening of a Red Oak, Iowa indoor tennis facility.  I also got my photo taken with him and he autographed a poster for me.  This was huge to me.  In my small, never been in love world, this was comparable to the moment that Allie showed up at Noah's house after years of separation in "The Notebook".  Yep, I even had a space in my room dedicated to Andy with recent articles, photos and of course my autographed poster and photo with him and I.

When Andy retired it made me think about how much I would love to retire at 30 years young.  Of course, if I were to retire at 30 I would prefer to retire with Andy's salary rather than a non-profit fundraiser's salary. 

If I were to retire at 30 with Andy's salary here are a few things I would do:

1. Attend a John Mayer, Jimmy Buffett and Justin Bieber concert.  Not all at once.  That would be an interesting crowd though.
2. Go to Mardi Gras and I would bring my unmarried friends along.  Val would actually be the most fun to bring to Mardi Gras but now that she's married she's "retired".  I couldn't revisit New Orleans without my cousins either.
3. Learn guitar.  I already have the guitar but lack the time and patience to learn.  Now that I'm retired I have cleared up 9 hours a day to practice!
4. Treat my parents to a trip around Europe.  They can choose how long and where they visit.  Let's be real, I've driven them nuts on countless trips so they deserve a trip on me.  One without the stress of keeping me entertained.
5. Fund and organize efforts to build an indoor sports facility in Keokuk.  I'll never move back there but there are a lot of people there that shaped who I became and I think the young generation deserves a place to hang out.  I spent my young days running around town in cow costumes. There's obviously nothing for kids to do in that town. 
6. Treat the Whitakers and Taylors to a trip to Key West.  They're my second families and have treated me like it for years and years. It has to be over St. Paddy's Day though.  (St. Paddy's love ALL over your body!)
7. Go to a private island for yoga, cleansing and zen.  Isn't that what all rich retirees do!?
8. Bet a huge amount of money on a horse at the Kentucky Derby.  I would also rock the most ridiculous hat just because.
9. Get a tattoo. I don't have to worry about covering it up for a profession and if I get tired of it I'll have enough money to get rid of it.
10. Run with the bulls.
11. Elton John and Garth Brooks too.
12. Take cooking classes.  I have Andy's money but not the hot super model significant other.  They say the way to a man's heart is through his stomach.  What do you think Adam Levine's favorite meal is?
13. Spend a year as a volunteer.  I'd like to live the life of a third world country resident; build a home for those living in boxes but striving to better their life, teach children that appreciate education, teach business skills to women living in a one bedroom home with a couple other families because they can't afford anything more.  I would like to offer my skills and labor to the world wherever it's most needed.
14. Purchase a reclaimed barnwood coffee table just to stick a big wad of Bubblicious gum under it.
15. Drink with Kathie Lee and Hoda for a morning. 

A girl can dream right...?