Revision

Here it is again, the first month of a new year, which is traditionally a time for people to evaluate their lives--to look at where they've been and where they're going.

Ella shared her vision of the future with me today from the back seat of the car.
"I'm going to have coffee when I grow up. And have real gum. And I'm going to shave."

Here I've been, distressed by the enormity of the life revisions I've been putting off for the past few years, and all she wants to do is chew some gum and shave. Yet she's pumped about her prospects, and I'm depressed by the looming responsibility of it all. I think it's time to reevaluate my plans for the future. Maybe I don't need to cleanmyhouse,stayaheadofthelaundry,startexercizing,writemore,
readmore,waittopostuntilIhaveastrokeofgenius,startstudyingfor
thegreagain,gobacktoschool,getfourteendegrees,watermygarden,
takecareofmyyard,floss,paintthebathroom,cleanthefishtank,scoop
thecatlitter,havettheneighborsoverfordinner,andstartmakingmy
bedeverymorning.

Maybe I can just start shaving my legs more than once a month.

Happy 2008, folks! Don't be too hard on yourselves with all of your resolutions this year--drink some coffee, chew some gum, and leave your bed unmade. I know I will.

Resolve to read more Just-Barely this year! Sign up in the subscription box in the top right hand corner, and I'll let you know when new stories are posted.