Confessions of a Liberal Puritan

it felt strange but sort of nice to realize that my mother was taking notes while I'd just been talking off the top of my head

Well it doesn't feel strange to me, because I often wish I'd written down the things you say! But my head's usually too busy whirling with the ideas you've generated.

And you should certainly be feeling at least the equal of anyone in academics. You should also not be beating yourself up because of failures in something (housework) that is obviously not your true calling in life! You might as well complain that you haven't won any skateboarding contests lately.

I hope the class went well, and my compliments to your wise friend.