Monday, January 4, 2010

A Quick Look Back and then Onward to 2010

This post grew out of a weekend conversation between my husband Greg, and I. He suggested that we list the key moments in our lives from this past decade before moving on to the next.


Here's mine:

1. Meeting Mr. Right and getting married a year and a half later, in a small and cozy ceremony the way we envisioned it. We were in our early thirties, had established our careers (well, kind of) and knew we'd rather spend the bulk of our money on a house and all of its amenities.
2. Getting our first doggy, Reilly. Our first child. It taught us how to take care of another living being. 3. After some struggles, finally conceiving little Mr. Man. If he indeed ends up being our only, I will always be thankful for his gentle nature and sensitivity. Oh, and his great love of nature, especially flowers :-) He'll make someone happy someday (see his bouquet of "flowers" AKA, dandelions):

3. Buying our first home--built in the 1920's with loads of character and an enclosed porch (something I wanted) on a great "neighborhoody" street.
4.This conversation with my husband in 2007:

"I want to quit my job. I don't like being a teacher as much as I envisioned I would. The only part of the day I look forward to is when I read the kids books."

"Do what you need to do. I'll support you no matter what you decide. We'll get by."

"But, what would I even do with my life? I do like writing the style blog and freelance articles for cleveland.com. And I'm starting to dabble in jewelry making. Maybe I'll try those things out and then get a part-time job in a bookstore or clothing store or something."

He shrugs.

"Besides, that one psychic said I should quit my job because I'll become a writer someday. I know I laughed when she said it, but maybe there's something to it. I've always had a journal and I've written my share of poetry."

He blinks in surprise. "Um.... well, you know how I feel about psychics..."


5. Hearing THIS from my soon to be editor/boss at the newspaper (not verbatim):


I'm impressed with your post-graduate work, you're time spent in NYC, especially interning in the New York Times Style Department. You're freelance articles and blog are well-written. I'd like to offer you the weekly shopping column at our paper.


(Best of all? Working from home and being there to pick up little man from school.)


6.And my final accomplishment last decade? Writing "The End" on my first ever novel!




Looking at the last decade of my life this way was very rewarding.

I suggest you try it!


NOW Onward to 2010!!!!

(photo credit: dreamstime.com, fusiontribal.com)

18 comments:

Rebecca L Sutton said...

Awesome post! So many wonderful things happened in your life. Your little man is adorable and I love his passion for flowers. ; ) You've got a beautiful home and I absolutely love that the conversation with your husband on leaving your job. It's so great to see someone living their dream. I keep praying my life can remain so great--working very part time so I can be with my son and write.

Best of luck in the new year! You've got quite a decade to follow up, but I'm sure this one will be just as spectacular if not better.

Diana said...

Wow! You had an amazingly eventful decade! Here's to an even better one to come.

Anonymous said...

This is amazing, favorite post ever!
I cant compare to your last couple years, you truly accomplished a lot, congrats!
and your lil man and his flower are adorable

for a different kind of girl said...

That's an impressive and enviable decade! I envy you tackling that book project. When I became a SHM an such, one of my goals was to update (OK, start) my kids' baby books. Suffice to say, it's been eight years and, well, let's just say I made it another new year's resolution! Maybe if I can FINALLY tackle that, I can think about writing a book!

lisa and laura said...

Oh, I love this post. You have so much to be proud of Christina!

Anonymous said...

This is amazing, favorite post ever!
I cant compare to your last couple years, you truly accomplished a lot,
congrats!
and your lil man and his flower are adorable

Jane Granzier said...

Ditto on the best post ever! Made me so happy to read it and I feel very blessed to call you my friend! Love, love, love!

All Women Stalker said...

Aww, looks like your decade was truly memorable. And your kiddo is a sweetheart. :)

Christina Lee said...

Well thanks guys!! Jane-- love back at ya!

Unknown said...

What a beautiful decade you've had! I'm so glad! 2010-2019 will be just as great! Your little guy is a cutie!

Debbie said...

Wow. I am impressed. Sounds like you set some goals and achieved them all.

Mary K Brennan said...

Wow, what a fabulous decade. Wishing you the best this year. Going to the SCBWI conference in January? I'll be there.

Little Ms J said...

Beautiful post!

Maddy said...

What an amazing decade you've had my dear!! It's so great to hear stories of people following their life's calling. Kudos to you!! Can't wait to see what else is in store for you in 2010 :)

Unknown said...

How absolutely wonderful!! Your post really made my day. ^_^

Nishant said...

You had an amazingly eventful decade! Here's to an even better one to come.

Work from home India

Alexis Voltaire said...

This was awesome, I loved the cartoon picture at the end too. Haha. :) I hope I can feel that same satisfaction when I finish my first book, this has definitely inspired me to keep writing.

Your home is beautiful, by the way! The tree is gorgeous, complimentary to the house's style. :)

gina said...

As a new reader- glad to have the very interesting back story- kudos to you for your bravery in going after your dreams!!