I came home a little early from my Microsoft contracting gig (only 30 more hours left!) and lo and behold, I had a package sent from the TN manufacturer. When I saw the box my heart sank: I thought it looked too small to be my prototype. Then when I lifted the package I thought for sure it wasn’t the bag because the box was too light.
I tore it open, removed the crumpled paper, and then I saw my prototype nestled snuggly in the box. I lifted it up and couldn’t believe how light it was. I thought that maybe some parts might be missing so I checked the inside and outside for missing components. Everything seemed to be in place. Then it hit me…OMG this is it! This is my first real prototype! Over the last few hours I’ve been throwing water on the bag, tugging on the handles, and yanking the zipper pulls. When my husband came home I put his gargantuan 17″ laptop in the computer compartment and was surprised it fit. All in all I am really happy with the prototype. There are a handful of issues with the construction (one of which is a dealbreaker), but I think the problems are all fixable.
I keep staring at the bag. I can’t help it. It’s not a vain thing, it’s more that this is tangible proof that for the last 9 months I was actually doing something real. I imagine this is kind of what being a new mom feels like: 9 months of waiting and then holy crap! This thing is mine!
OK, I need to wind down after a very exciting evening. See you tomorrow!