Thanks, to everyone who sent me email concerning the dissolution of my marriage. I don't think I could have planned being in a more supportive environment during this time. Not only have I been able to keep extremely busy, and thus keep my mind off of the emotional upheavals, but everyone around me has been simply wonderful. Yesterday, after class, everyone in class took me out to lunch to "celebrate" my new life. Susan brought a cake, and stuck a small figurine of a man headfirst into the cake. Then, at the party last night, Gardner had another doll that he'd tied string around, with a long piece dangling. He had Michael tie the dangling piece to my arm, and then burned through the string in a fine ritual of breaking old bonds. It was funny and touching all at once.

Though, I must admit, after all of that I had to take a walk to clear my head some. It's pretty bizarre to actively celebrate one of the most painful experiences thus far in my life. But all in all, I think it could have been much worse, and as sad as it is, there's a certain degree of relief that the process is finally over.

* * * * *

So, this was the end of Gardner's week. If I had to label this week, it would be "Reality Check." Everything else was like a buildup for this week. However, I don't feel too bad about how I did this week, or even in previous weeks. I'm pleased with how my conference with him went, even though he didn't decide to buy any of my stories on the spot. Actually, he didn't buy anybody's stories on the spot, though he did make noises to some people about wanting to see things rewritten. The biggest thing I got out of this week was the very encouraging feeling that if I just stick with it, I'll be successful. I can do that.

* * * * *

At some point this weekend I'm going to start in on my eighth (and last) story. I'm going for a total Space Opera on this one. What the hell--I've never done one of those before. I signed up to turn it in on Wednesday, so that will give me a couple of days to wind down and decompress afterwards. Still, though, it will be very strange to leave here. I'm ready, I'm geared up to move on and start the rest of my life up again, but I think I can safely say I will be coming out of this a different person than when I went in. Better, I like to think, with much of the bullshit burned away.

Should be interesting.