I know what you mean when you noticied you've actually learned something new that you can play without really thinking alot about it. Major leap from the day before. It's a ****ing great feeling. Today and yesterday I've noticied I've improved some techniques. Been cramping alot when doing pull-off-only-legatos (like triplets and such) in high speeds but today when I woke up my pull-offs lasted way longer and was a bit cleaner too. Also noticed my pinky is stronger now. Been doing single-finger bends (mainly pinky and ring) to gain strenght and it seems like it's really paying off.

On the other hand. I hate my playing alot so it will probably take lots of therapy and pratice before I will consider myself a decent guitarist. Don't you just hate low self esteem? =)

Anyway. Great to hear you yourself is improving. That's what's keeping one motivated to play. Oh yeah, and the babes.