"16 Tons," a depressing oldie. So here I am on my birthday, watching the yard guys mow my lawn, enjoying a lazy day, and I hopped on over to GA just to see who wished me a happy birthday (and who didn't, so I know who to be mean to in the future). I'm just kidding. Anyway, I was thinking about this community and how vibrant it is, and how glad I am to be part of it again.

The last few months have been a wild ride for me. I posted my first story ever on GA, in e-fiction, on September 18 of last year. Actually, Sharon had to post it for me because I didn't even have author's status then. And now, some eight months later I've published 7 stories (and a new chapter in the new book in the Bridgemont Series should go up shortly), plus two short stories here, and achieved hosted status. That's pretty cool.

But what's even cooler is all the friends I've made along the way. Some of you I knew when I hung out here BK (Before Kitty), back when I first discovered GA by following DomLuka over here. I'm like Vic; I'd follow him anywhere. But most of you I've gotten to know since September. You put up with my rantings in the Soap Box, and my blunt style on the other forums, and you're even nice to me anyway. Some of you read my stories, making it rewarding to publish them. Some of you post hot pictures of yourselves, making me dream of the days when I was young, and wishing there were sites like this around back then. Damn, I'd have been so hitting on some of you. Now, though, I get to hear your tales of glee and woe, and live vicariously through your trials and tribulations. Or the new boyfriend, or losing the existing boyfriend. You help keep me young.

My real life is pretty good, but there are always challenges, and it is never totally satisfying. For me, my online life fills the voids that are there, and the people of GA are a big part of it.