ACKNOWLEDGMENTS

I wasted a lot of time fantasizing about this section of the book while was supposed to be actually writing the book, so it’s already been written many times in my mind.

In no particular order, I want to thank both people and places. Thanks to the Los Feliz Branch Public Library, where much of this book was written. While some of you library ladies gave me the stink eye when I broke out my thermos of coffee and occasionally answered a call from the sitter, you were mostly welcoming and it was a haven for me.

My literary agent, Anthony Mattero, didn’t just sell my book; he sold me on the idea that I could write it. I will forever be in his debt. Anthony, for being a young, unmarried dude and reading so much about vaginas and contractions, I adore you. Thanks to my editor at NAL, Tracy Bernstein, for being meticulous, thorough, thoughtful, patient, and most of all a successful working mother.

The writer Bill Simmons once told me, “Just keep your fingers moving.” This is what chronic overthinkers need to hear. He may not remember saying it, but I won’t forget hearing it. To my friend and colleague Ted Kamp, your confidence in me is baffling and boundless. You are never without an overflow of brilliant ideas and a combination of darkness and optimism that I’ve come to love. Your kids are so lucky.

To my once pregnant and now mom friends, thanks for letting me be part of your crew.

Adam Carolla, I could never say this to your face because both of us have impaired social skills, but I love you for giving me a chance. You hate everything, and you don’t hate me, and that gave me the balls I needed. Without you, this book would not exist.

Thanks to Karen Wang-Lavelle, Lexi Strumor, Rob Eshman, Michele Ku, Frank Conniff, Danny Seckel, Gary Lucy, Marc S. Klein, Christy Lemire, Joel Stein, Ben Mankiewicz, Pamela Redmond Satran, Stephen Schwartz and Terrence McDonnell for their belief in me and support at various turning points in my career.

Last, my husband and both of my parents are heroes for helping watch the baby while I wrote. Mom, you take some serious shit in these pages, and while you may not have always been a great parent, you are a great sport. Dad, for being the sunniest person on the planet, you are my idol. To my husband and son, my only wish is to continue to deserve you. Even now, typing the word “son,” I get teary.