Last Blog Post of 2009

Well, my friends, we've done it--we've made it through another year alive. That's what I'm most thankful for.

But I have a lot of other things to be thankful for, too. I thank God for these blessings in my bedtime prayers:

My job. The economy is looking up (finally). Still, there are plenty of people without work, who would cut off their pinky toe for a paycheck. I'm grateful to be able to pay my bills on time.

A roof over my head. It's a well-known fact there are millions of homeless people and/or people who had to move in with someone else to save money. Times are tough.

Transportation. Gas isn't cheap, especially with my 30-45 minute (depending on traffic) drive to work Mon-Fri. But I'm lucky to have a way to get there. If I didn't have a car, I wouldn't have a job.

A warm bed to sleep in. I know, by now you're probably like, whaaaaat? But sometimes it's the simple things that matter. I think of all the people out there who sleep on the streets without a blanket in this freezing weather, including children. My heart goes out to them.

More things I'm thankful for:

My gift of writing. I honestly don't know where it's going. I pray to God every night that he'd show me the way, that I leave it in His hands, but would *still* love to land an agent. And even if I don't land one in the upcoming year, I'm not going to stop. I never have.

My fellow writing friends. Even though I don't *really* know half the people on the boards over at AW, I still consider them my friends. They're the only ones who get what I'm talking about, and are there to answer any questions I have, help me edit my latest project, and give overall advice. They are some of the smartest, most talented human beings of our generation. Watch out! Their novels are coming to a bookstore near you. :)

My family. Okay, we all have the crazies, the drama queens, and the black sheeps of our families. I'm lucky I have my mom and sister. If I didn't have them, I'm pretty sure I'd be the loneliest person on the planet.

In closing, I only have a few goals for 2010:

1. Live every day as if it's my last.

2. Land an agent before I'm old and decrepit.

3. Possibly land a book deal (see wish # 2).

4. Write at least two more books.

5. Read, read, read!

6. Maybe exercise (this might be optional).

7. Get more sleep (this is definite).

By the way, HAPPY NEW YEAR!!!