The reason I didn't start a blog until now, 5 years after all the middle schoolers in America have one, is because I really hate it when people use blogs as glorified diaries. To be frank (and maybe a little mean), I don't really care about all the pedestrian details of your life. Unless they are so similar to the pedestrian details of MY life, that I relate to you - in which case we're probably already friends. I want something of substance in a blog. Good writing, something intelligent, or at least cheeky/witty.

But today was such a great day that I'm going to blog about it. This is my blog after all, and I can do whatever the heck I want to with it. So today I bring you, "The Awesome List." A list of all the awesome things that happened on Friday the 13th.

Superstition, you can kiss my happy tush.

Awesome thing #1: Madeline wandered into our bedroom at 7:30 and climbed up into bed with me. She wrapped all 4 of her limbs around my right arm (like a koala on a tree), laid her head on my shoulder and fell back asleep. Heaven is a little koala daughter sleeping on your shoulder. (Did I mention she slept until nine? Yeah.)

Awesome thing #2: Mail! It was like Jesus took over my mailbox and stuffed it full of all my favorite things:

I got my homework assignment back from my braille instructor, made a 100.
My aunt sent me Shauna Niequist's new book, Bittersweet. You can start placing bets now on how many quotes will appear here in the coming weeks. She also sent something special for Madeline. (In case you don't know, Madeline has a serious thing for Paul Simon's "Diamonds on the Soles of her Shoes." Which rocks because it's a 6-minute song, and I can get a so much done when she's entertained for 6 WHOLE MINUTES.)

Another package from my cousin Brooke. Last week she sent me a message that said, "What size clothes is Madeline wearing? I found something in my closet that might fit her." Brooke is 23. Madeline is 2. I was intrigued. Turns out it's a sweet skirt Brooke bought way back when that M has grown into - and for which I will be purchasing funky, colorful tights this fall. Bam. Also inside: Walk in love. stuff!