Laine called this morning from a swing on Hermosa Beach, just South of LA. Just out swinging on a Saturday morning in her plaid skirt and tank from the night before. I'd say the birthday celebration continues with the kind of jubilation and glee that over time we've ALL come to expect from Laine.

She said she pulled out her cell phone and tried to think of the one friend who would appreciate this more than any other and I was the first person to spring to mind. And it touched me... to be the kind of friend that people associate with waking up inside of a fleeting, tiny magic moment in their life.

And suddenly my Saturday filled with catching up on some work, a little laundry, cocoa wheats for breakfast, and a few unread days of the Post was just a little brighter.

Amazing how that works.

LAM: "I wish I could just say a magic word and make it better for both of you."

K: "Michael, that's sweet, but--"

LAM: "I guess I could try anyway." (Pause.) "Boobla!¹"

K: "Boobla? That's your magic word? Now we're surely doomed."

¹Michael wanted the fact known that although he used the term "Boobla", he is actually quite a brilliant, witty, funny, intelligent guy.