Sometimes it's the simplest things that are the most difficult to accomplish. I had to bribe myself with candy and the promise that I could goof off on the Web if I just made myself follow-up on an essay I sent to a big woman's magazine.

So after much procrastination, I finally dialed the number and spoke to the editor, who just as I anxiously imagined, was very curt with a thick New York accent and clearly not enough time for the likes of me. But, even though she claims she already sent me my rejection (they already have an essay - written in-house - that is similar in theme to mine. I wonder if this is code for You suck so bad, I can't even put it into words. Your sheer suckiness amazes me), she asked me to re-send the essay and promised to e-mail back to confirm its receipt.

So now I've had my candy, goofed around on the Web and re-sent the essay. And now I get to go through the whole waiting process again. But I'm only waiting a week this time (instead of the "suggested lead time" of three weeks) because like Mr. Petty told me, the waiting is the hardest part and the longer I have to think about it the more likely it is that I'll lose my nerve about sending it out to other places.

Gah.

Anyway, on to the weekend which includes the spouse's band, Baby Grand at Old I tonight (yay, finally ...it's been months) and then, on Sunday (and again at Old I), the glorious Sufjan Stevens. The rock will surely make up for all the weekend's less-enticing obligations and responsibilities. At least, one hopes that it will....rock'n'roll don't fail me now...