There are few things I hate more than when friends tell me, "Oh, you'll love this" or "This seems like something you'd like". It's like a blind date, not only could I hate the person I'm being set up with, but I'm left wondering of my so-called friend, "Is this what you really think of me?" But sometimes a buddy will recommend something and I'm left pleasantly surprised. As was the case earlier this year when I was introduced to the delightfully charming (nearly) daily web comics of the young Melinda Tracy Boyce.

While comics usually conjure up images of superheroes fighting crime, Melinda's is a peek through the window into the life of a recent college graduate. It's less adventure-packed and more of a subtle and honest look at the adorable, awkward, and often funny moments of her week. Melinda lets you follow her daily life as she tries to navigate the waters of early adulthood. I root for her as she describes going on job interviews, I relate to her recounting the best moments of a weekend spent in bed eating snacks, and I find myself letting out an audible "awww" at the almost sickeningly sweet relationship with her boyfriend (with a comic of his own) Aaron.

That's why this year I'm thankful for the web comic diaries of Melinda Boyce for giving me nearly daily entertainment and another place to stop on the web when I'm looking for a way to procrastinate.