CONGRATULATIONS, GRETCHEN!!!
Gretchen, you know how I feel about you and your success. I just am so completely proud of you and happy for you. I think the world of you, dear, and encourage you to be just as intolerable and insufferable as you need to be in fully owning and celebrating your success!
You have worked your a** off to get to this point, and your discipline, focus, and positivity have paid off 70-fold!! More really, if you include the invaluable lessons you've learned about yourself and what you can accomplish when you set your mind to something.
Aside from becoming my friend, a fact for which I am sincerely grateful, you have inspired me, motivated me, and earned my respect. You've contributed so much also to this group, and energy breeding energy as it does, your enthusiasm has increased the group's motivation exponentially. I thank you for that.
I couldn't be happier for you, my friend! If I could afford it, I'd send you a big bouquet of lovely, fragrant flowers -- but it's not the time, so we'll both have to settle for my heartfelt best wishes and affection.
Now go do something nice (and naked) with your husband. Or maybe wear something satin or velvet......that's small.