Adapted from "The Book of Awesome" by Neil Pasricha by arrangement with G.P. Putnam's Sons/Amy Einhorn Books, a member of Penguin Group (USA), Inc., Copyright © 2010 by Neil Pasricha. Illustrations courtesy of David Thompson (www.monsieurcabinet.com).
Hi Huffington Post readers,
My name is Neil Pasricha and I'm a no-name 30-year-old guy who started a tiny blog called 1000 Awesome Things back in June, 2008 with the goal of writing about one awesome thing every weekday.
I did this as my world was falling apart. In addition to all the bad news about melting ice caps, swirling hurricanes, and raging wars, like many of us I also had personal issues. My best friend took his own life and my wife and I went separate ways. We sold our house, I moved to a tiny apartment, and I tried to get things back on track by talking about one simple, universal little joy every single day -- like snow days, bakery air, or watching The Price Is Right when you're at home sick.
When I started the website I got excited when my mom forwarded it to my dad and the traffic doubled. Then I got excited when friends sent it to friends and strangers started sending me suggestions like: when cashiers open up new lanes at the grocery store, the smell of rain on a hot sidewalk, and waking up and realizing it's Saturday.
Over time the site started attracting millions of visitors, winning awards, and landed a book deal. This Spring The Book of Awesome comes out everywhere. I'm massively flattered, thankful, and appreciative that so many people like awesome things just as much as I do.
I hope you enjoy these excerpts from the book.
Thanks for reading and have a great day,Neil