That's taken me ages to read and catch up. And once again I've forgotten all the wonderful and wise and witty things I was going to say - oh well you'll just have to imagine them.
grey how fantastic to have some of your work published 
Now that is a tough career to be in, the potential for lots of rejection, and then lots of highs. You would be appalled at some of the terrible 'ditties' that isindie and I have written over the years.
ferfux I love that you were using this thread as a way of staving off a craving until your dinner arrived. Are you feeling better now?
thurso I saw what you wrote the other day about your insecurites, and well, I'm sorry if this disappoints you, but having met you, I have to say, you are not actually 17 any longer. (I hope that's not too big a shock to you 
). But you ARE a lovely, sassy, lively, woman -who has the confidence to meet a complete stranger in an unknown city, and to form a bond. You ARE a woman who has raised 2 incredible sons (just look how well they're doing), sons who love you and who bring their gf home to meet you. You ARE a woman who is still interested in learning and growing. I think you're bloody fantastic.
I have a SIL, who is a nice woman, we get along alright. When she was 17 she was feisty and outspoken. She went to law school. She has a big gaggle of loud and laughing female friends. When I go out with them I feel like a wee insect, crawling around, waiting to be flicked away, or crushed. But Inside I'm not a wee insect, I'm venus, in the sky, shining and twinkling and eternal (OK some delusions creeping in here 
). IN the last 10 years, SIL's life has diminished. Ok she made partner in a law firm, but her life has got smaller and smaller. She works too hard and too long and too late. She has dsds (is that how you write step-daughters) with who, she has a difficult, cool relationship. She becomes more fixed in the views every year, and less willing to try anything new. Her life is getting less and less.
Will stop rambling - just pointing out thurso that you seem like someone who will never stop learning and being interested, some others with whom you may compare yourself, have already lived their lives - it's over. I know which I'd rather be.