Another Day

Today was just another day. Seemed like I went all day long but I feel like I didn't really get lots done. So here's my list:

• washed and folded all the laundry for the week
• babysat six kids: ages 16 months, 2, 3, 4, and two 5 year olds
• gave one of the children a bath as she didn't quite make it to the bathroom
• voted in our provincial election
• wrote this blog
• attended the weight loss support group I meet with every Monday evening @ 9:00 pm
• researched topic to present to the weight group
  
• made dinner
• talked with my husband for a few minutes about my latest manuscript which he is reading
• had family home evening (I gave the lesson)
• exercised on the eliptical trainer
• helped daughter make refreshments for family home evening
  

When I read back over it, it doesn't seem like much to me, and this is the only writing I worked on today. Sometimes I get frustrated over everything that must be done to the exclusion of the writing I want so badly to do. Of course, there were the moments when I was cutting chicken up for dinner and thinking about the next plot twist in my novel. And folding laundry while watching some old sitcoms led me to re-thinking some of the character names I've chosen that just aren't working. So I guess I did make a little progress.

I have to keep reminding myself - there is always tomorrow. Even though I have these days when I can't seem to find a spare moment and it seems like there is just too much on my plate, I look at the things I have written and how the pile does keep growing. It is all just part of the process of becoming published. Life will never become less busy, and I am learning how to fit the stories into the spare minutes I happen upon once in awhile. (I do have to admit though, I love those afternoons when I can lock myself away in the office and get some real work done.)

I always wonder how other writers find the spare minutes. (And no, 5:00 am is not an option. You should read the psychedelic stuff I write that early. I am SO not a morning person.) Despite the frustration, I am learning to squeeze the writing in at the oddest times, and slowly the words increase.