The second hand is counting down the final hours of 2008. Holding to tradition, I ponder the past year and wonder what happened to the precious blocks of time that had been intended for writing, publicity, and career advancement. With a smile of satisfaction, I recall snuggle time on the couch with my ten-year-old daughter... reruns of Home Improvement with my twelve-year-old son... ‘girl movie’ nights with my sixteen-year-old… and an occasional special visit from my moved-out and moving-on eighteen-year-old son. Wasted moments? Not at all. Those stolen gems mark my history with love and laughter. They provide that feeling of ‘family’ I crave. They are what give the career goals and the hours invested depth and meaning.
If I were to look beyond the drop of a glimmering ball in Times Square, I might see a future of buckling-down and good intentions… a year filled with book contracts, promotion, and clever plot ideas.
But this year, instead of looking past midnight on any given day, I’ll be taking each day as it comes. I’ll be grateful for two new sentences added to a manuscript. I’ll pat myself on the back for arranging a book signing. I’ll give a cheer for every publicity postcard I mail before postage rates go up.
And when it comes to parenting, I’ll count my success in smiles and snuggles. If a kid gets inspired to do the laundry or dishes without being asked, I’ll know I’m doing all right.
Maybe my plans fall short of ambitious. Probably don’t even qualify to be considered New Year’s Resolutions. That’s okay. With a day-by-day approach put into strict practice, 2009 is sure to be an all-time favorite.
