Happy 2009!

Like Tracy, I haven’t made resolutions in years. I have long-term goals – things that I want to accomplish that don’t depend on it being January 1st. I actually have a list of them, sitting right here next to me inside my desk drawer. Awhile back, I decided if I wrote down all the things I want to happen in my writing career, then maybe it would help make those things real. Or at least it was a way to make myself feel more accountable. Or put some good karma into the world. I’m not sure.

It’s not that I don’t love January 1st – because I do: The feeling of being able to start over, to start fresh, to have a clean slate. I love the endless possibility of what could or might be, and this year, more than any other year since 2000 (when I both graduated college and got married) I am so looking forward to the New Year. 2009 will always be my debut year, the year of my first book. It’s something I’ve been waiting for and wanting my whole life, and I can hardly believe that this year is finally here.

But as for New Year’s resolutions, well, the ones I came up with earlier in the week were already mentioned by Maureen and Lisa (Thus, why it’s sometimes hard to post on Thursday!) Like Lisa, I, too, am planning on giving up sugar cold turkey. (Hey Lisa, we should sponsor each other!) Normally, I don’t even eat very much sugar, but this year, something happened right around Thanksgiving (or maybe it was Halloween??), and there has been a constant influx of pies, candy, and dessert in my house that I haven’t been able to stay away from. So that’s it. No more. I’m done. I’m ready to say good-bye to the last five pregnancy pounds that have stubbornly settled in my middle. I know a complete exodus from sugar might do it once and for all. (That and probably like a gazillion sit-ups, but I know I can never stick to that one, so I’ll start with the sugar resolution instead.)

Like Maureen, I also resolve to enjoy what comes my way with the publication of my first book this February. In the past few months, I’ve been so preoccupied with writing and revising my second book and worrying about my future projects, that I’ve almost forgotten to stop and realize how great the moments with the first book are and will be.

And to put this on a grander scale, I’m also going to resolve to try to stop worrying so much about the little things, and to just remember to take the time to enjoy life and my family. In addition to all the great publishing things that happened in my life this past year, a few people in my extended family also passed away and got sick, and it’s made me want to stop worrying about what might be, the things that are out of my control, and relish what is, all the wonderful things I do have.

So here’s to a sugar-free, worry-free, enjoyable debut book year!

Happy 2009!!!
Jillian