I have my first feedback from my new editing gig:

"It's very good and pretty much what I imagined would come from you - prompt, precise and professional."

Well, shucks. And the reward of a job well done - two more topics to edit by Friday.

My lovely shrink gave me some feedback today too:

"When are you going to stop thinking, and make the changes you know you need? When are you going start heading in your Valued Directions? What's it going to take to shake you loose? I mean, how much did you have to suffer through before you'd give yourself permission to take a few weeks off? How bad does it have to get? Will it be time, when its finally too late?"

Er... tough love indeed. It would be much easier to take if she were not absolutely 100% right. I told her about my friend Spyder's theory of the pianos: when God wants your attention, he gives you two hints, then he drops a piano on your head. Shrink pointed out there have been at least two pianos in the time I've worked with her.

Finally, I was talking with a colleague who said:

"I'm really glad you're taking a few weeks off. You're always sick - its been one thing after another for months - yet most weeks, there you are, dragging yourself in to work. I really don't know how you find the strength to do it. I don't think it's the best thing for you."

I suppose I could take up a collection and walk the Camino del Santiago on everybody's behalf... What's an appropriate rate? 10c per kilometre for forgiveness of sin?

The shindig did indeed turn into a hootanany, and this particular cow was partrying hard till the wee small hours. I think it was the latest I've been up this year.

Spirits are tolerated much better than wine, so I have become a fan of the caprinha and of vodka with cranberry juice and a piece of lime. Mmmm.

Although it is the reasonable hour of 8am here, I have only had a few hours sleep. Trying to decide whether to get up now and nap later, or try to roll over again. The hay fever isn't, it's definitely a cold today. Nobody ask me to sing.

Last night I got a gong with attendant standing ovation, which was overwhelming. Too bad I wasn't listening closely to the (over)achievements of that wonderful person, I was too busy wondering who it was 'cause i had no idea they thought it was me... Nearly got whiplash doing the double take when i heard my name. My seatmates had to say, "You should start walking up there now, they're waiting for you." There was definitely something about always being willing to help others with my knowledge.

I believe there might be documentary evidence somewhere, which would be nice.

This accolade has come at an interesting transition point in my life. If I came looking for closure, I got it. I also got a host of ideas of how I can open a different door in the same hallway. It was pointed out to me that if you can't do a particular worthwhile thing yourself, then you can be involved in all sorts of ways in making that happen through others and for others. More on that when the ideas have percolated a bit more.

Rest day today, then I'm travelling again. A lot of good stuff has a space to happen when we're in between going and coming.