This is what I wrote on May 4, 2010 (and neglected to publish on this blog until now), with regard to writing/revising my novel:
A mentor once told me, “Revision is when the real writing happens.” He said this in a measured tone, unblinking, as if trying to transmit some deep message to me. I hadn’t even gotten halfway through my first draft at that point.
NOW I KNOW WHAT HE MEANS.
80,000 words 
Doing my first revision makes my rough draft look like a 300 page outline.
I am practically rewriting from the ground up at this point. But I am enjoying it at least.
I am also saying “What the f*ck was I thinking?” quite a bit.
It’s a humbling experience for sure.
Definitely humbling, isn’t it?
After considering our national responses to vitally important things like the oil spill and the recession, I’m pretty sure that 99% of life is pretending you know what in the hell you’re doing.
The main draw of engineering and business is that success is so easily defined in those fields. You’ve chosen an unflagged trail, my friend.
Small? In the grand scheme, yes.
Very flawed sh*thead? Who isn’t?
I like your points as usual, Nate. “99% of life is pretending you know what in the hell you’re doing.” 🙂
Thanks, I try to live up to your standard.
BTW what in the heck happened to your hand?
i think it was a bug bite.
In between the fingers?