Every time I read one of these posts, it makes me want to show up on your doorstep as a surprise and take you out for an evening of dinner, movie, and tea/dessert.

I am glad you recognize that you've written something beautiful that has changed people's lives and truly moved them. I think I've told you this, but the first time I read The Wild Swans, I was literally sobbing so hard for the last couple of chapters, I could hardly see the pages. And it takes a LOT to make me cry while I'm reading. It's an interesting idea that perhaps you stopped writing books because you achieved what you wanted. And the question definitely makes you think about how to view your life - what would you truly regret if you didn't do it? Hmmm.

As for gratitudes - we sort of stumbled into it starting on Thanksgiving, but I know it's considered a good mental health activity, so we've continued doing it every night at dinner - everyone in our family takes a turn saying what they were thankful for that day (as well as any generalizations, like being thankful for shelter). Even on a cruddy day, it's good to remember there's always SOMETHING to be thankful for.

With Rob's job, does he have access to cheaper (or faster) computer-fixing services?