You just summed up my situation. I cut out gluten as a test to see if it would improve my constant digestive problems and hey presto, it did. Six weeks later I went to the doctor to be tested for Celiac, which he did and it came back negative, but he was not aware that in order to have an accurate result on the Celiac test, you must be eating a gluten-rich diet for antibodies to show up. I'd been gluten-free for 6 weeks, so I don't know if the negative result was true or false. In order to know for sure if I'm Celiac or if I'm just intolerant, I'd have to spend a few weeks eating gluten. Which I already know makes me sick (the few times I get contaminated I am ill for 2-3 days). So I live in the limbo-land of knowing what is right for my health, but without the ability to scientifically back it up. It's a problem.

I disagree with this sentiment. If you want to succeed in life, first you must become indispensable wherever you are right now. Only by pushing yourself to do your best in every situation will you create value in your environment and opportunities to grow. It's not up to external circumstances to define how hard you work; it's up to *you* and your own sense of self-worth. :)

Oooh! Good analogy. Definitely had that vibe. Lovely post Wil. Thanks!

Ha! Awesome. I *heart* my MOTF mug. Tea at breakfast is infinitely cooler now.

I want a mug of this image. Yes.

I really hope Wil Wheaton is talking to me. You know, he does get lucky...sometimes.

Thanks for a touching and honest podcast, Wil. Like many others, it put me in a reflective state of mind remembering my uncle, who passed away when I was 20, and my grandfather, who died suddenly at the age of 85 when I was 21. Some fond and funny memories came back to me, and I am grateful that you helped me remember them. Will try and feed the burrito again soon - I was lucky to get three of your books for my birthday in December (I already read them all) so I like being able to contribute even in a small way towards supporting the art you produce for us. Thanks!

Great story, Wil! And thanks for the shout out. Loving my Memories mug that I got in the mail yesterday, too! Re: working out the name of the song, if you have an iPhone you could use the Shazam application and see if it recognises the song.

I had the same thing happen to me when I was 19 - our family home suffered a huge fire, and I (as well as my mum and younger brother) were lucky to escape with our lives. We were lucky that our pets also survived, but I can understand the absolute heartbreak Shawn and his family must be feeling. Sending positive thoughts that they find strength in this difficult time.

Hi Wil! I really enjoyed this podcast. I've been listening to your podcastings ever since you did some a few years back about auditions and working as an actor in LA. As an actor in NY (originally from London), I really found solidarity in your struggles and frustrations, and having recently finished Just A Geek (REALLY want the audiobook version), I wanted to thank you for helping me feel that I'm not alone with my self-doubts and fears. I recently decided to quit my day job that takes me away from acting and music, and will soon be doing anything I can to earn money (except *that*) while I try and establish myself in the NY film scene and grow the success of my band. Your book and podcasts have helped me so much to have courage to take this step, and I referenced you (also, I stole/borrowed a concept you used in Just A Geek) in my recent blog about this at http://rachelgrundy.wordpress.com/2010/01/12/in-which-i-start-my-life-anew/. So again - thanks! This podcast was a fun story and very evocative of the picture you were describing. I really travelled back in time with you and could see the places you described, even though I've never been to LA. Keep up the awesome work! Rachel :)

I ordered mine to celebrate leaving my 9-5 for a life of freelancing as an actor/musician - then discovered that my fellow nerd (and Wheaton lover) best friend had ordered me one for the same reason! Geeks think alike, eh? Can't wait to start using it in my new 'home office' [read: in my pyjamas on the couch while unemployed]. Thanks Wil for making geeks happy!