Thursday, February 2, 2012

Friday Favorites

This week it's been all about balance.

This actually might be my word of the year.


To quote one of my favourite movies in the 80's "Life moves pretty fast. If you don't stop and look around once in a while, you could miss it."


When you're kids are little you think you have all of the time in the world with them, but now as I'm faced with my oldest graduating from high school next year, I'm realizing just how fast time flies.


And the scary thing is my other two kids aren't that far behind.


I know writing is important, but in eight years I'll have all of the time in the world, because my kids will be gone. So, I'm going to make sure I go to all of their basketball games that I can, attend all the plays that they're in, and go to all of the band concerts, because one day there won't be any to attend.


Take some time to enjoy life so that you don't miss anything.


Have a great weekend.

16 comments:

Misha Gerrick said...

What an excellent reminder. Writing constantly tempts me to turn into a hermit, which would be so long, because not only will I be missing out on life, but in the long run it would damage my writing.

:-)

Anne Gallagher said...

I make sure I only write when the Monster is in school. We made a deal if she kept up her good grades, then I would take "vacation" from writing and spend it with her when she was on school vacation. Seems to work, she makes straight A's and my brain gets a little rest.

Felicity Grace Terry said...

A wonderful reminder of just how short our lives actually all - enjoy every day while you may was my nana's mantra and how right she was.

kah said...

So so true. My mom tells me "Enjoy life. In the blink of an eye you'll be 60." And she's always right, so I'm trying to enjoy. :)

Joanne said...

Those are nice times you're in right now. When my daughters were in high school, we always enjoyed going on the college excursions, visiting different campuses together as we decided which would be a good fit. They turned into great day-trips. There's always something new, and good, around the corner :)

Angela Ackerman said...

I am right there with you, Patti! Time does fly quickly and already I am counting the few years left before my kids will move on into their own lives.

Never live with regret--that's my motto. :) Writing will always be here for us, but our kids' youth won't. :)

Have a great weekend!

Angela

Connie Keller said...

You're so right!! My high school senior is in baseball, and I'll be at his games cheering him. Even though I'm not a baseball fan. But I'm my son's biggest fan.

Wendy Paine Miller said...

I noticed I had an important email from my agent yesterday, but before I could open it my youngest was begging me to keep playing I Spy. Though it was tough not to be lured to the computer, I finished out the game. I think I'm going to live to be proud of that choice.
~ Wendy

Tracy said...

I don't have kids and I STILL find myself struggling to find balance. I think about it with my dogs though (they're like my kids). "Is getting this chapter down right now REALLY more important than taking them out for a walk?"

It's so hard to find the time to both indulge in writing AND still live life.

Stina said...

I've been thinking the same thing lately. Okay, time to get off the computer and spend time with them (since they don't have school today). :D

Diane said...

So true. Time is flying by so fast, we need to treasure each moment with our kids. :O)

Shannon O'Donnell said...

I can TOTALLY relate to this post, Patti. My oldest started high school this year and is almost ready for his driver's license! I can't believe it. I'm sure he was just born yesterday! You're right about taking time to enjoy activities while they are still here to be enjoyed. :)

Susan R. Mills said...

I can so relate! My oldest is graduating this year. The two others will be gone within the next four years. It makes me sad. I have found myself being more available for them these days instead of always being immersed in my manuscript. It's important. Like you said...I'll have all the time in the world to write when they're gone, but they'll only be around for such a short time. Great post!

Heidi Willis said...

Indeed!

And as much as I love writing - and I so do! - it's not as much fun as watching my son play percussion, or my daughter sing in a choir, or just read with my youngest. Sigh.

I put them on the bus this morning, watching them run down the road, thinking, "They are just the most amazing things ever."

Robyn Campbell said...

Patti, you are right. Yes. You can tell your hubby I said that too. *wink*

Time never stands still for anyone. Enjoy life and regret nothing. You rock, my friend. :-)

Martin Willoughby said...

Mine are 18, 16 and 12, but sadly the younger two live with their mum not me.

It's hard to believe how old they are, but not that they prefer to spend time with friends instead of their dear old dad whose bald spot they occasionally polish.