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)