{Gratitude Challenge} Day #4

Today I am thankful for the Internet. 

I discovered the on-line world shortly after I started staying home with my boys. I feel that it may have literally saved my sanity. And I'm dead serious.

I went from working 40+ hours a week, chatting with people, seeing what's going on in the world, to being home alone - a lot. I didn't have a network of other stay-at-home-moms to call for play dates. 

I find it hard to make new friends - those who know me in-real-life are probably scoffing right now. I really am an introvert and being in social situations is hard. Although, over the years I've learned to adapt and adapt well enough that most folks don't know how hard it can be for me. Here's a hint...if we are at a large social gathering together and I disappear occasionally, it's because I need to find a quiet spot to regroup for a moment or two. 

Anyway, back to the Internet...

I discovered this great place called "Yahoo Groups." (To be honest, it wasn't called groups then, but it's been ten years and I can't remember what they were before they were groups...anyone??) I soon joined a bunch. One that stood out was called "Christian Scrapbooking Friends." I loved  that group. Not only did I meet some ladies there who I am still friends with today - but I learned a lot about just everything. I was a member there for quite a few years until my situation changed and life got busy with three boys and homeschooling. 

But to you gals who helped me through those rough first month of being home - you know who you are!! - thank you. I do consider each one of you a friend even if we have never met in-real-life. But the biggest blessing is that many of us have met and I'm so thankful for that as well.