You Can Plan Your Life The package came during the Hour of Reflection, that sacred time after dinner when we peruse goals accomplished during the day and set goals for the day to come. ("If it worked for Benjamin Franklin, it can work for us," as Mom would say.) We were sitting in our living room, my favorite room in the house, with its stone fireplace and floor-to-ceiling books--all in Dewey decimal system order. And no TV--because that's "living vicariously through other people." Dad was editing the proofs of his latest book, How to Increase Your Personal Productivity in 2,000 Easy Steps; Mom was writing in her Journal of Excellence ; and I was tackling my Life Goals. This what I had so far: Vassar Spore's Life Goals Graduate valedictorian from Seattle Academy of Academic Excellence (with a minimum of 5.3 GPA). Graduate with honors from Vassar (and receive an honorary certificate because of the whole same name thing) then get PhD in (TBD) from an Ivy League school (TBD). Marry a 6'5" blond surgeon (or judge) for love by age 25; have three children by age 35 (two girls, one boy). Publish the definitive book on (TBD) by age 37. Receive Pulitzer prize. Excerpted from Carpe Diem by Autumn Cornwell All rights reserved by the original copyright owners. Excerpts are provided for display purposes only and may not be reproduced, reprinted or distributed without the written permission of the publisher.