Today, I had the opportunity to meet someone who, to date, I'd only known online. Kristi works at AOL, and although we worked pretty closely together while I was still employed there, we'd never actually met face-to-face. She was in Texas visiting family over the holidays, and she graciously set aside some of her precious time (she's a new mom!) so that we could officially meet.

It's always rather strange to meet someone with whom you've developed a relationship online: it can either go swimmingly well and the person turns out to be exactly what you'd imagined; or it can be crashingly disappointing when you discover that the person is nothing like their online persona. I'm thrilled to report that the experience of meeting Kristi in person was really great: she felt like an old friend, and I found myself rather disappointed when time came that we had to return to our families. I feel like I've made a new lifelong friend.

The day has had me thinking how lucky I am to have met some truly wonderful people online who have turned out to be even lovelier in person -- in addition to Kristi, Martha, Kristin, Laura and Georgia immediately come to mind, but there are so many others. It's amazing how friendships and a strong sense of community can develop from something as seemingly impersonal as the internet.

And so, I couldn't let the year come to an end without taking a moment to thank you -- all of you -- who've taken the time to make your presence known on Chookooloonks, either by leaving a comment or dropping me an email. Know that your sharing your thoughts, opinions and kind words means so much to me, and has really made keeping the site going such a joy. Although there are still two more days left in 2007, here's wishing you all only good things for 2008. May the year bring you all much peace and love.