Since I technically (and accidentally) published today’s earlier liberal rant yesterday, I feel that I should post something else, so that my future victory at Post a Day 2011 doesn’t get sullied with an asterisk. Besides, today’s a good day!

It’s my niece Sarah B’s birthday today. I love her so much. She was my first niece ever, quite a thrill at my tender age of 10.

I remember mom getting ready to leave for Cambridge, MA, shortly before my sister L’s due date. I was sad and mad that I was forced to stay behind in Phoenix with dad. Things were weird and lonely, since my brothers had left home for college.

Then Pappy died, my dad’s dad. And all of a sudden I could go to Cambridge with mom. I was going to be gone for so long my teacher gave mom a stack of stuff for me to work on while I was away. I remember distinctly that there were fractions and state capitals in the mix. Once in Massachusetts, I remember my almost-five-year-old nephew following me around like a puppy, and me (as the youngest in my family) loving the power.

I remember a lot of waiting. I remember it being cold. I remember the phone ringing early one morning at my expectant sister’s house (where we were staying) and me picking up first. And it was my brother-in-law telling me that it was a girl, that she was beautiful, that she was “Haycox all over.”

These days, Sarah is a mom, a filmmaker, a smart cookie and so much more. I think Facebook has done wonders at reviving our relationship, especially when we can share our mutual revulsion at sandal boots and jeggings.

[direct link]

Allie Brosh Presents: An Open Letter to Sandal Boots

I love you, Sadie Loo!