A few months ago, I “met” Rachael from Rainbow Fish. She stopped by one day and commented about being from Small Town, Indiana just like me. It turned out to be the same small town! I contacted her last week to see if she’d like to get together for lunch before she goes back to school. I hesitated at first because I didn’t want her to think I was some psycho stalker, but she had apparently wanted to ask me the same thing. I just got home from our dinner.

I can now officially say “my friend Rachael” rather than using the term to mean “this girl whose blog I read.” We spent 2 1/2 hours at dinner and never lacked for things to talk about. I had a great time (of course, having an evening out with no kids was a huge bonus for me!) and got to know Rachael a lot better. I’m glad to call her a friend.

This was my first experience meeting someone from online. It was also the first time I have ever considered it. The blog world is so different from anything I’ve ever been a part of. I call many of you “my friend” because it’s easier, but also because I truly feel like I know you—and you know me—as well or better than people I know in real life.

2004 was one of my most difficult years, but it was made so much easier just by having other people to vent to and read about. It turns out I’m not all alone. I’m not strange. Okay. Maybe I am, but so are you! This blog has been like a diary with feedback, and I love it. Thanks for sticking by me, even when all I’m doing is whining. Thanks for giving me something else to think about besides my own chaotic life. Thanks for letting me into your lives.