I was offered a contract extension at work, provided I could start the new project durnig these last 3 weeks of my current project. It's a good client and I like the project manager, so I agreed to put in an extra 10 hours a week during December to make it all work.

The project will take me through to March 2007, which is a lot better than trying to find a new gig during the Holiday season!

But man, between everything else I have going on, the extra 10 hours a week is taking its toll. No more bike rides or YMCA workouts for me anymore, and less time with the family!

I have a 45 minute commute into Portland, so I don't get home until after 6, which gives me about an hour and a half with them. I made the time count tonight though, and felt I was able to connect with each of my children before tucking them in.

(Now if only I could be this focused every night, instead of being so sporadic - especially when life is slamming me a hard one ).

One thing my son likes to do is to put his arm up on mine while I'm brushing his teeth. It used to drive me nuts because I'm usually trying to rush through the process, and it just seemed like an annoyance (he likes to reach over and touch my arm at the dinner table too, even when his hands have spaghetti sauce all over them and I'm wearing a white shirt).

But I realized that it's his way of engaging with me on some level, and I told him tonight that I love it when he does that. His face lit up, and it was a priceless moment.

It's a choice to focus and engage, and I hope I can make that same choice again tomorrow night, and the next...