This morning, I woke-up late.  Possumdaddy was supposed to wake me at 11:30 so I could help moderate a radio pod cast forum.  I woke myself up at 12:00.  Interestingly, though, I found my thoughts drifting to this afternoon's meet-up.

I know that I might come across - on these blogs- as a very militant atheist: bossy, take-charge, and overly opinionated.  Woof-woof and I have had conversations about the fact that we're both slightly isolated by the circumstances of our lives.  So...it's not often that I get out to meet others.  So...as I was moderating the podcast forum, and tying up loose ends with a work project, I kept toggling back-and-forth about whether I should attend the Meet-up.  To most of you, this will sound silly and dramatic.  But,... I can't begin to express how nervous I was.

My eldest daughter and I approached Dagny's and my heart was pounding in my chest.  I'm a successful, happy, content mother-of-four.  But... I was as nervous as someone going on a job interview.  I think a lot of us feel a certain amount of anonymity posting on these forums.  We may, at times, rush to judge a person based on their brief commentaries here.  As I pushed through the doors at Dagny's, I noted that I was one of the first to arrive.  I saw Jason and his absolutely adorable daughter.  And...all of the sudden...that anxiety disappeared.  Then, I was briefly introduced to a man whose name I wish I could recall.  Then, Steve and Mary.  DELIGHTFUL people.  After the crowd gathered, I was over-whelmed by this feeling of peace.   There we were, these people who have, because of my circumstance, become people who I look forward to. 

By meeting, I realized that Jason is just a dad.  Steve and Mary...just parents with kids who are grown-up and gone.  Woof-woof,...the closest thing I have to a sister.  My heart skipped a beat when I saw the name badge on a person who I've sparred with in these forums...but, when faced with the man himself...there was no instant dislike.  In fact, I feel bad (now) that I didn't take the time to really avail myself to him and say, "I'm so glad you came."  RandomFactor and wife arrived and, having seen them before, it was like seeing a neighbor.  Then, Camswife and the motorcycle man himself.  Their daughter, a delightful young lady who I am looking forward to getting to know better.  On the way out the door...it dawned on me: THIS is what this blog is about.  We, the ones who put ourselves out there, are the community.  We are building something great!  We are doing what a lot of our brothers and sisters, on this earth, can't, or refuse to, do: We are making connections and bonds.  For an afternoon, we identified as parents, residents of Bako, and people who share a passion in building something worthwhile; a connection amongst people we might normally pass in the grocery store without a hello.  Life is so busy, these days... I don't think many of us appreciate those moments when humans set our differences aside and just chat. 

All of this rambling to say... I had a great time today!  That was fun!  If anyone is scared or uncomfortable about coming down for the meet-up.  Don't be!!  Today I met a wonderful group of people...and I hope that friendships blossom and our commonalities outweigh our difference (and, I suspect they do!). 

Thanks to the Californian for sponsoring the meet-up.  Thanks to Dagny's for allowing a rag-tag group of bloggers to congregate and pontificate. *thumbs up*

It was a pleasure meeting all of you that attended.