And then the other shoe drops.

It's difficult to hear someone say no. But not as difficult as hearing someone tell you that they would have said yes were it based on your merit alone. That something completely out of your control - or, rather, something that your drive set into motion, but was otherwise out of your control - determined your fate.

Most difficult, however, is trying to play it off as if you're not, at least for a moment, completely devastated by the news.

But, in fine tradition, I'll brush it off and bounce back. And the first bounce will include Boston, brunches and Bono.

Not too shabby.