November 31st, 2006
November 31st, 2007
It's been two years since November 31st, 2006:
"This month I decided to relaunch parts of my life. Sometimes, I've done well. Other times, not so well. Other things are still in the works."
Two years ago, my marriage had come to an end. Laura moved out. I was home with the kids, depressed, and at something of a bottom. I'd had a terrible year, personally. I was lucky to get out of 2006 with my job, my sanity, and my life.
Last year, on November 31st, 2007, I remarked on how much had changed in a year, and what my priority would be through this year:
"This year has been hard, and the three of us have gotten through it together. We're not without our scars, but we're surviving and living and together. They test my patience and prove my love every day. This next year is the year I work to be a better father to them."
Despite my own inadequacies effecting self-judgement, I hope that I did well by my kids this last year. I work hard to provide a good home environment for them. Struggles make me worry that it'll never be enough.
November 31st, 2008
As you, the reader, have come this far, you're likely wondering what the hell I'm talking about with this "November 31st" crap. Well, feel free to re-read my previous two posts on this subject, then come back here for my summary.
OK, so you're back. Wait. You didn't read, did you? OK, I can wait.
OK, you're done. RIGHT?
Screw it. Never mind.
November 31st.
Two years ago I made a goal of blogging every day for a month - 30 days. I was on track to accomplish this goal, but hit a technical snag a couple days before the end of the month.
First of all, blogging every day, in my mind, was something of a miracle. My wife left me. I was alone. Work was something of a struggle, and I'm sure I might have been fired if not for the fact that my life was a total mess and some people had sympathy for me. To have blogged a week, let a lone almost 30 days, THAT MONTH, was nothing short of spectacular.
Additionally, missing that one little day was the catalyst for THIS web site. I'd still be muttering around on Blogger if not for that month (no offense to my friends still on Blogger... if it's any consolation, I suggested it to Jill when she wanted to start blogging). That technical goof - Blogger not processing my blog-via-email post - caused me to start something entirely better. It was something of a release from bondage for me. Having my own home has freed me to find success in my search for a new self.
For me, November 31st is a time to reflect on change, to acknowledge the influences on my life, celebrate my own best efforts, and look toward the future. I hope to do it every year for the rest of my life. It helps cleanse my mind, in a way, and gives me something to look forward to next year.
As for the future. I hope to continue to support and foster the well-being of my own family - even as it grows and changes. I hope to become the type of man deserving of Jill's affections and support. I hope to use this next year to accomplish so much more with my writing. I hope to look on this year, the year that I blogged every day of the year, as proof that I can do anything with my mind, my fingers, and a well-designed computer keyboard.
I will make next November 31st memorable. I will do everything within my power to make 2009 the year that the new Eric makes a real name for himself.
Thank all of you for reading.
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Original post blogged on b2evolution.
