The only time I've ever been glad to hear it...

[JoitheArtist]

Just got an email saying, essentially, "The check is in the mail!"

That would be my check for the essay I contributed to the upcoming political book. $500.

HAPPY DANCE TIME!!! That's more than I'm going to get back on my tax refund!

[lupo pazzesco]

SQUEEE!!!

Congratulations!!

That must feel 100% awesome!

[Lindsey]

Wow, talk about something to be proud of! Congratulations!

[Amina516]

Congratulations!

Buy yourself something pretty/tasty/smelly....

[JoitheArtist]

Buy yourself something pretty/tasty/smelly....

I have a sneaking suspicion that a disturbingly large portion of that check is going straight to Lush!

Actually though, of the whole batch of contributors to the book, 4 of us went to the same classical-education program in college, and the 3 of us who still live in the area are thinking about using some of the cash to take our professor from that program out for a nice dinner or something, sort of as a thank-you.

[JoitheArtist]

Sigh. I love my friends, but sometimes they have no taste.

We've decided to go out for dinner to celebrate (just the 3 of us), and so I suggested this upscale fondue place I've been wanting to try. Hey, it's our first real publishing deal, that's a big reason to celebrate, right?

Their suggestion: a cafe, Panera Bread, or a potluck.



Seriously??? They want to celebrate by going to places I go on my lunch break nearly every week??

[TheSHAD0W]

My paranoia is perking up for some reason...

You do know what to do if they send you a check for a larger amount and ask you to forward the rest to another "participant", right?