Friday, January 1, 2010

The Best Worst Year of My LIfe

Someone I follow on twitter posted that 2009 was the close of the best worst year of her life. I keep thinking about that tweet and how true it is for me.

My decision to pursue a divorce came at the end of 2008. The house was sold at the beginning of 2009 and we moved into separate residences. The entire year has been one of transition: learning to be a working single mom of two and navigate the world from a different perspective.

The fact of the matter is that it's been hard as hell. Probably the most difficult year of my life. But here's the thing - commitment to the transition was the best decision I've ever made. And it's done. I did it.

If 2009 was the year of transition, then the #themeword of 2010 promises to be one of momentum. Growing my business, pursuing neglected projects; building relationships... moving forward. Full steam ahead.

Tuesday, December 29, 2009

Sunday, December 27, 2009

10 Things I Learned from "Up in the Air"

I've seen more movies in the last four weeks than the 11 months prior put together. So, here is another "review."

Up in the Air is one of those movies that I didn't know much about going in. Furthermore, I wasn't expecting much because as far as I could tell it wasn't about blowing up buildings, the end of the world or romancing an alien; but might measure up to a television "movie of the week" type thing.

I was wildly surprised. The film is rich in detail and beautifully constructed. The characters are well developed and and the acting is superb. The stories are huge... and there are so many of them. I came out of the theater having learned stuff. What, exactly? A list in no particular order:

1. on-line communication is not a substitute for face to face connection
2. unscheduled visits never go well
3. lists of character traits essential in a partner are sort of meaningless
4. sext messaging isn't just for teenagers
5. what feels right to you may not feel right to others
6. don't get sucked into the naive enthusiasm of youth
7. never assume
8. family is thick
9. never stand behind parents with small children in an airport security queue
10. we all die alone