It's a process.

I've noticed that I go through stages whenever I try to beat a new game on NES. And usually when I say "beat a new game" I usually mean "get past the third level of the games I had been playing since I was seven." Well, in November 2010 I beat the original Super Mario Brothers. It was amazing. I did a victory lap around the yard and sort of gave myself an asthma attack, then got back to my room and realized that I had no idea what the purpose of my life was from that point on. So I decided to keep going.
Super Mario Bros. 3. came home with me from break, as well as the original Legend of Zelda. That gold cartridge probably doubled my nerd cred right there, at least. SMB2 stayed in NH. Because it sucks.
I started playing.
I started swearing.
In that order.

Only tonight after a level of SMB3 from hell (6-5 sucks.) did all of my anger, frustration, and hopelessness seem familiar, familiar enough to systematize into a list.
1. Optimism. "Ooh, this is fun! I enjoy this. It's different. I'm entertained."
2. Mild surprise. "Oh, wow, I didn't see this coming. This is tricky. I'll need to figure this out. But by golly, I'll be darned if it isn't cool."
3. Shock. "Damn this is hard. Do people actually do this?" (that's what she said)
3. Stubbornness. "Well this is a doozy. I'll keep at it for a little while. If I try this, this, and this, I might get somewhere soon."
4. Getting worn down. "Ok, Mario/Link/Character, let's just get to the next level, okay? Can you do that much for me, buddy?"
5. Profanity.
6. Profanity at obstacles.
7. Profanity at characters.
8. Profanity at the fucking flying fish or whatever I happen to be angry at.
9. Profanit-- "Oh, wait. I just did it."

This happens to me every single time.
It does give hope to the impossible though, now doesn't it?

L