BT, Bruce, Gabe and Amd,

Thanks, gang, for your support. I appreciate it very much.

Even though they are hard to hear sometimes, the objective critiques are why we're here in the first place, no?

I have not yet deleted the links to the blogs, but I'm getting close. I think sometimes we need to remind ourselves to acknowledge our own "baby steps" too.

Amd, thank you especially for the Maya Angelou. I am very familiar with the poem you posted. I am honored that even in my failings, I can still be a model or even a mentor to others.

While I would like to talk more with SO about OW2, it's not something I do readily. It is still a very touchy subject with him, a la Martian-would-just-like-to-move-on.

And Gabe, thanks for the Grace Kelly image! Man, if that's not a motivator for some of us older women, I don't know what is! She is definitely the embodiment of a strong yet graceful femininity.

And what is it about us Iowa girls? Gee, I don't know! I can't claim "farmer's daughter" -- I'm a city girl through and through! It's the combination of a good work ethic, high intelligence, fresh Midwestern living and our sparkling smiles! (Thongs don't hurt, either!)

Every Day a New Day