I got a package in the mail this week from KristiApplesauce.

What I loved about this package is she wrapped it in UsWeekly Magazine pages… I have no doubt it’s because she knows that’s my guilty pleasure!

Here’s the bloggy-web behind the package.

KristiApplesauce is a missionary in South Africa.  She does wonderful ministry there and tells a beautiful, but heart-wrenching, story through her blog.  But she’s stateside for a couple of months visiting family and friends with a home base in Kansas City.  While she’s hanging out in Kansas City some gal-bloggers decided to join her for a little shindig (I have no doubt my invite to this little festivity was somehow lost via email, because I’m sure I was really invited… maybe next time! ).

Joining KristiApplesauce was Tam from InProgress, Mandy from MandyThompson.com, Cathy Stegall from a life of perpetual transition, and Alece from Grit and Glory made a brief, but extremely memorable appearance.

The week after their shebang KristiApplesauce was suppose to visit Anne Jackson from Flowerdust.net in Nashville (Now I’m just trying to see how many blogs I can plug in this one post).  I was enlisted to entertain Kristi for one entire day… and what a day I had planned, it included Gigi’s Cupcakes!  But, unfortunately, that was the week which 95% of gas stations in Nashville were WITHOUT GAS (I seriously still don’t know how that happened, crazy!).  So considering KristiApplesauce’s 25 hour round trip drive for a four day trip and the fact she was visiting a city which had NO GAS, the decision was made she wouldn’t be able to hit Nashville this stateside trip.

Which brings me back to the package… remember the one I mentioned four paragraphs ago??  This package was painstakingly arranged for Pete and I by Tam and Mandy.  And since KristiApplesauce couldn’t’ hand deliver the package… she mailed it!  But it wasn’t as easy as receiving it and opening it, this package could not be opened until I had received an email from Tam.  The email included a password protected video that was so funny I almost peed my pants.  But no matter how much you beg, that video will only be for my little eyes, makes me feel special having a video produced, directed, and cast for just me (and Pete too, there’s another plug).

I will say the video sent privately to us was their best video work of the week!

Originally Tam and Mandy had wanted to re-gift a box of chocolate to Pete and I… but decided re-gifting might be considered tacky.  So they created a very original, yet NOT re-gifted “Date Night” box for us… take a look for yourself!

This totally original and extremely thoughtful date night package includes…

a manilla folder, Marriott Shopping magazine, two paper mugs, three coffee packages, two tea bags, a shower cap, body lotion, shampoo, mouth wash, conditioner, an Oklahoma state map, notepad and pen, hotel card key, and a privacy sign

It was quite the prize package.

So, the point of this whole story is to say how surprised I’ve been by my ability to make bloggy friends.  The relationship aspect of blogging totally took me by surprise!  And what a delightful surprise it has been.  I can’t wait to meet some of these ladies face to face.

Tell me about a bloggy friendship you’ve made!  Or tell me one blog you read that you’d love to meet the blogger behind the blog! (that last question kinda sounds a little E! True Hollywood Story-ish)