The book is simply wonderful. One of those reads that just suck you in with a great character.
But what I want to talk about is how it made me think. If I woke up and I thought I was back in 2002, would I be happy with what my life had become in the ten years that I forgot? Am I where I thought I'd be ten years ago?
I can honestly say that I'm in a better place than I imagined ten years ago. Ten years ago, my husband and I owned a mobile home that was beginning to fall down around us and I had no hope of ever getting out of it. I ran a home daycare and always thought I could never work outside the home because I'd been working inside it for so long and hadn't developed a lot skills.
In 2012, my husband and I own a house--yes, a real house--with a yard that desperately needs mowed, but still a house. I'm an assistant manager with a major retail chain and make a good living. I'm editing and shopping a manuscript that I'm really proud of. My daughters are happy--most of the time--and caring individuals. And I'm still happily married to the man I met when I was 20. Plus I'm 30+ pounds lighter than I was then--getting into retail made me stronger, healthier, and happier--go figure.
So, my question to you--if your 2002 self met you today, would she be surprised, happy, or ????
Great post, Margie, and I'm so happy for where you are now (and where you're going).
ReplyDeleteI'm where I thought I'd be, which is a blessing for me. I hoped my writing career would be "bigger," but it's a lot of fun, so I'll take that over size.
Isn't that the truth. My kids were raised on, "When Dad wins the lottery or Mom sells a book." They're still waiting but we're still plugging away at it. LOL
ReplyDeleteI love this post, Margie, kind of a reverse where-do-we-see ourselves.
ReplyDeleteTen years ago I was unhappy in my work, mostly because I was burned out, so I'd taken a new job in a different field and was trying to find my way. I was still dreaming of writing romance, playing with it a little, but not really committing to it. I think my 10-year-ago self would be a little shocked with my life - I'm a published author now, a mom-via-adoption (i never really saw that as part of my life - who knew??), living in Ohio (really? Ohio??) and I love my husband more now than I did then.
It's so funny how ten years can change you. That was one of the lessons the book gave me, anyway. Just things you never imagined yourself being and whoosh, ten years and there you are.
DeleteLucky Bebe to get you for a Mom -- the stars aligned for you all right there.
Ten years ago, my daughter was still in high school, I wrote full time, but was unpubbed, and I had a full, busy life filled with 4-H activities. Today, I work retail, hate it so much, my daughter is not in college, but I am pubbed.
ReplyDeleteI wish I could blend my life now and then. I wish I had my 4-H kids and activities, wrote full time and my daughter was in college.
I love being pubbed! It is better than I hoped!
Maybe one day you'll be able to quit retail and support yourself with the publishing :) Maybe in the next ten years.
DeleteAnd I know what you mean about wanting your daughter in college. I wish Kristen had finished--although I'd be further in debt. That said, she's got a good job and potential career as a pharmacy tech and recently left retail for mail order. She has a cubicle and types scripts all day. No customers. Perfect for her.
I always have such high hopes and dreams for myself and for my children. Like a well-plotted novel, I think my 2002 self would be very surprised by some of the twists, turns, and rocky roads my life has endured. Though now that I am twice published, I can say that one of my most cherished dreams came true!
ReplyDeleteCongrats, Arsoleen! That's great. That's my most cherished dream and I'm still working at it :)
DeleteYAY, LIZ! So Happy for You.
ReplyDeleteAnn Cameron
The me from 10 years ago would faint at the me of today. Empty nester, 3.5 grandchildren, twice published, 20 pounds heavier and gray hairs.
ReplyDelete