Self Film Development.. The Journey

So a few nights ago I was filled with great anticipation.. I was excited.. but afraid.. and nervous as I poured out the last of the water from the developing tank. It only took 9 and a half minutes but it felt like 3 hours in total. I had just completed my first home development (as a complete film novice), with the help of my father. It is hard to describe how it feels.. its a new experience for an old technology. A technology which whilst accurate.. is not an exact science.. and much like looking at the black back of a film camera, when you first remove the film from the tank you just dont really know how it has turned out.