I haven’t been able to put as much time as I’ve wanted to into my writing this year. That doesn’t mean I haven’t accomplished anything good – I have! I’ve written a decent amount of short stories, been revising and continually submitting, and I have not given up on the novel that refuses to be written. I won’t, either. It might be crap when I’m done, but I’ll finish it. As soon as I write a few more short stories, revise a few others, and submit them.
I fully admit short stories are both my practice ground and my luxury. I’ve gotten so much practice revising, learning my weak spots (and trying to avoid them), and testing out new characters and worlds. The luxury is that short stories do not build a career which will allow me to quit my day job and send my kids to college. But I love it, and that’s why I do it. It’s for me, and I can’t wait for the right opportunity to share my writing with you one day.
I’ve been feeling a little down lately about the writing time issue. I keep waiting for work to slow down, or to sleep better. No luck there yet, but it’s coming. In the meantime, I happened upon this lovely link which quieted those feelings. It’ll come in time, I just have to not give up, right? 🙂
http://writerunboxed.com/2011/05/25/so-you-want-to-be-a-professional-writer/
DAWN BONANNO 
I know most of those feelings, and share similar thoughts on short stories. Novels certainly are a whole different ballgame. I’m glad you’re sticking with it. Good luck!
There’s a time and a place for everything. I’m writing and I’m enjoying it. That’s all that matters right now. 🙂