The best summation is answer choice C
I managed to find the complete exercise on the Internet, given that you haven't provided us with all options given to you. 1. cogitating = contemplatingTo cogitate means to think about something (cogito in Latin literally means 'to think). Contemplating means to mull over a couple (or a lot) of options which is what Mr. Gamefield is doing in the excerpt above - he is thinking of ways to pay his rent.
2. cudgeling = beatingA cudgel is a short stick which you can use as a weapon. So if you cudgel something or someone, it means that you are beating them with a cudgel, because it is a thick stick, almost like a bat. So this person was metaphorically cudgeling his brain, but literally cudgeling his donkey.
3. regaled = rewardedThe verb to regale has two meanings - it can either mean 'to entertain someone,' or it can mean 'to supply someone with something.' Here, the latter meaning is used - the donkey thought he would be given a cabbage-stalk or two for his hard work
I believe the answer is A, I had this same question on a test last year, and I'm pretty sure that's the answer.
"My ideal life in 15 years is me and my wife, sitting on the porch of our lake house watching our kids play. In order to reach that goal i can do great in my classes and follow a significant career path."
