This puzzle came into being on a Thursday morning while I was hanging out at the Y, after my gym class and before lunch. Fellow Y member Louise saw me jotting on my clipboard and asked what I was working on. I gave my usual meta spiel, mentioning the topic I was thinking about. Rather than getting that glazed look we all recognize, she actually suggested a meta answer -- and in an instant the whole puzzle metanism came to me, fully formed. So here's to you, Louise! Thanks also to editor Cap'n Rick, test-solver AJK, and tech wizard Joe Ross for their help.