sharing in

I'm so lucky. I am surrounded by people who are cool and fun and do interesting things. Since I'm not the only one who thinks they're interesting, many of my friends and colleagues get attention in various circles. That's been happening to me for a long time, which has at various times caused me to wonder if I am some kind of sycophant, fawner, hanger-on, or if I just have really good taste. One of my old pals is a fairly famous blogger, several are artists, others are merely excellent in their chosen professions. While I am delighted that they're successful and attempt to support them no matter where they choose to focus their smart brains, I sometimes feel a tiny bit jealous. Let's be honest: sometimes I feel very jealous. It's weird, though, because I don't want to be famous unless it's for some amazing scientific discovery. I think that my pea brain is just wired to be jealous--it's how I get motivated. It doesn't make me feel sorry for myself, but it makes me want to get off my butt and do something cool myself. So, friends out there, keep on being excellent for your own sake and know that you're influencing excellence in others.