The Home Stretch

January 8, 2008 11:10 AM

Day 1
I found a way. Mark checked me into a local hotel to finish the manuscript. It’s only me and my computer. No meals to make. No phone calls to answer. No family concerns to deal with. I miss the boys, but they’ll have a great boy-time with dad. Mark will find something fun for them to do. Peter drops a Diet Coke fountain soda off in the lobby for me on his way to work.

Day 2
I got a knock on my hotel room door this afternoon. There stood Mark and our boys decked out in swimsuits. “Hi Mom! We’re here to swim!” Mark had the good graces to look sheepish. “Well, it’s mid-winter and there’s a free heated indoor pool downstairs. You told me to have fun with them. Don’t worry. You won’t even know we’re here…”

Day 3
Despite my misgivings, the pool thing worked out well. I worked most of the time they were swimming, but went down at the end to watch all of them do handstands in the shallow end. It was a nice break. I made Mark promise me that he’ll shoot me if I ever decide to write another book. Peter drops a Diet Coke fountain soda off in the lobby for me on his way to work.

Day 4
We booked the hotel room thinking I’d only need two days of peace and quiet. I need at least one more. Peter drops a Diet Coke fountain soda off in the lobby for me on his way to work. Mark and the boys come back for more swimming. We celebrate Aleeta's 22nd birthday in the Marriott. Photo shows her playing with the boys -- no, they didn't pull her in!

Day 5
Ta da! I just emailed my final manuscript to my editor and publisher. What a great feeling. I’m FREE! I can venture forth into the world to get my own Diet Coke!