Two of Everything

“I always have to have two of everything!”

 

These are the exact words I mumbled when I started writing what I hope to be my second novella of the month.

 

I wrote two books last month – a children’s book and a novelette – and after I started writing the novella this month, I figured that was it. Nope! I soon got to work writing a second one!

 

I either can’t make up my mind what I want to write for the month or, as I am beginning to believe, I need to have two of everything for my life this year!

 

When my kids were growing up, “two of everything” soon became my mantra anytime I shopped for them – because I have two kids. And if I bought one kid something, the other one would fight over it and complain about not having one too. My kids are not twins, but apparently, they both needed to have the same thing! So I started buying two of everything if I bought one kid something. The other one would also get the same thing! And peace henceforth reigned in our home.

 

Seriously, though. It seems that lately, the “two of everything” rule is back in my life again – but this time, for me.

 

I like to say I live a dual life. During the week, I’m all about working for others, being healthy, working out and my shifting time around others’ schedules (like taking my kids to school, work, appointments, on food runs, etc.). But on the weekends, those two days are just for me. I spend them as I please – which usually means lots of reading and lots of writing!

 

It's just like, during the week, I’m Dawn Wilson: doing my jobs for a publishing company plus living according to the new lifestyle I created for myself following my decision to get sober, and just giving of myself in every way.

 

And during the weekend, I’m Dawn Colclasure: Freelance writer, self-publisher, newsletter publisher, and avid reader. Oh, yeah: I don’t stick to my healthier diet during the weekends, either. Or exercise much.

 

It’s like I live two lives, and I am okay with that!

 

The funny thing is, there are two birthday months in this house. My husband is Deaf like me, and he and I both have birthdays in May. My kids, who can both hear, have birthdays in October. (Fun fact: I married my husband twice!)

 

Oh, and did I say “jobs” for that publishing company? I actually have two! I started out working in marketing, then I was offered the position of YA Editor. When I was offered that position, I admit, I was a little nervous to take it. I wondered if I would be able to manage both responsibilities! But I decided to say “yes” and, so far, I am managing it okay.

 

So, I have two jobs there.

 

When I posted on Facebook that it seems like I have to have two of everything, my youngest sister joked that it was “such a Gemini thing to say.” I had a good laugh over that comment, but it made me wonder if this pattern of duality is indeed because I am a Gemini. I mean, am I attracting this? Or is it just a natural thing to happen simply because of my sign? I have no way of finding out if this happens to other Geminis too, so who knows.

 

Meanwhile, I go on living my dual life. I often say that getting sober for good was “my second chance at life” and it really does feel that way. And when I turn 50 later this year, I see it as living the second act of my life. Here’s hoping it means bigger and better things.