Euphoria and Olive Garden

The euphoric cloud from last night is starting to dissipate. What I'm feeling now is a solid contentment, a sense of pride and accomplishment that is unfamiliar. The laundry doesn't give me this kind of gratification. Sometimes cooking a really good meal for the extended family comes similar to this, but not exactly the same. Childbirth had a greater sense of wonder, but it was more of a miracle than an accomplishment. This book- that was me who wrote it. I planned, I prayed, I threw pens across the room when I got frustrated, I typed furiously when it was working, I stared at the keyboard when it wasn't working. I did it. That was me.

I think it is more difficult, perhaps, for women to say "I did this!", acknowledge their abilities, and build their self-esteem and confidence that way. I haven't known too many men who have trouble acknowledging their talent. It is usually the women. We are conditioned to decline ownership of our accomplishments. This needs to end.

That loud noise you just heard was me stepping ungracefully off of my soapbox. I am forever tripping over things these days.

Last night, Mr. Smarty Pants had his first night of Upward Basketball Camp. It is good fellowship, good sportsmanship and a really good chance to let him burn off some energy. One of my favorite little girls in the world was there, learning cheerleading instead of shooting hoops, but I love her anyways.

My beloved geek wanted to celebrate, because he is awesome and he is better to me than I deserve, so we dragged the whole family, Mr. Autism included, to Olive Garden. I may develop an addiction to their breadsticks.

My mother has read through the first draft and complained that it's not long enough and that she wants more story. I'm taking that as a compliment.

One of my best friends, who I will call The Godfather (because, simply, he is Mr. Smarty Pants' godfather) is doing a read through of some of the first draft. I am anxious to hear what he has to say, as he is the one who got Mr. Smarty Pants into comic books in the first place.

I have work to do at my day job this morning, a doctor's appointment in the afternoon, and camp for Mr. Smarty Pants this evening. In between these three events, I hope to start working on a fast read through of the entire Beast* and start taking notes on where to add, fix, etc.

I love my life and feel very blessed right now.