2/19/02 - 10:31 p.m.

I feel great. Sunday I had an idea for a web page. I worked on it for hours -- and more hours late Monday night. Finished it up this morning, then kept on tweaking it -- and then, I was happy with it. Satisfied. Filled with a glow of accomplishment. I had re-affirmed my geek prowess.

I love not having a job sometimes.

And then I started work on a freelance idea that may or may not pan out. Amazingly, I had the discipline to make progress on that as well. Could it be -- I've suddenly developed both energy and a positive attitude?

Maybe it's just the invigorating freedom of not having to go in to that lame contract gig that ended yesterday. Maybe all the early mornings and a feigned sense of dedication were just leeching the life out of me. Maybe I lifted a load off my mind this morning when I finally lined up a specialist I could talk to. Maybe I'm breaking out on my own after shucking off those old geek friends who were holding me back.

Or maybe it's the Lady Friend effect.

Lady Friend was supposed to meet me for coffee today, but she got bogged down with work. But we talked on the phone a few times -- and the second time I realized that I really really love hearing her voice.

She asked me to send her the URL for the page I created. It took a long time writing the email -- explaining why I loved the little page, re-writing, deleting... I am geek. She knows, that much. I just want her to understand and appreciate the special joys of geek life.

I am so happy today....