Dear Past Self,

Mwah, mwah! I LOVE you! The way you wrote ten single-spaced pages of notes for a three-page conference paper? The way you outlined and discussed the major literature on the topic? The way you jotted down what was left to be done? You, Past Self, are the best past self any current academic self could hope to have. Especially a totally overtired, scatter-witted current academic self, whose husband is mostly better now, thanks, but still needs a little help. Thank you so much, and I promise I will always try to be as good a past self to all my future selves.

Love,
Current Self

PS: Should Future Self ever get a chance to read this: dude, the Veganomicon's recipe for sauteed seitan with mushrooms and spinach is damned good! Go cook more of it right now!