One more resolution

I know, I know, I talked about New Year’s resolutions last week—and people will be talking about them for at least the next month. (Dad says most people jump ship by February, after the glow of the New Year wears off…) But I just had to add ONE MORE resolution to my list.

I worked really hard on my story for the comic book contest. The deadline was supposed to be December 31, and so I pushed and pushed—I even wrote on Christmas Day! I asked my Mom to read it, Grandpa too, and then, when it was almost perfect, I double-checked the website to make sure I’d followed all of the rules.

And guess what was written in bold ink, right on the first page of the regulations?

DEADLINE EXTENDED

The deadline has actually been extended for THREE months.

After I got over the shock, I realized I had two choices:

1. Submit it immediately

2.  Spend another three months making it even better

I went with option 2. Which, is why I need to add another resolution to my list.

Patience.

It’s not my greatest virtue.

Even if I HAD gone with option one, I would have been a wreck for the next few months thinking about it, wondering if I was a finalist. I know winning isn’t everything—but this is something new and different, and I want to do well.

I’m still proud of my story. But now, I get to polish it. And make it SHINE.

Until then, I’m going to work on having a little more patience—not just with “things” but with people, too. Like my sister, Amelia. Yeah, she kind of annoys me – did you know that she’s so caught up with her love of bugs that she’s going around the basement looking for spiders? Don’t insects hibernate in Canada? Anyways, do you blame me?

Want to share your resolutions? Go ahead! I’m all ears!

Gotta jet!

— Chase Superman Duffy