I think I’ve reached a new status in being a denizen of the web — I’ll be heading up north to the Bay Area for a few days, and a fellow blogger, SVB of The Digerati Life, has been gracious enough to let me crash at her place.

I’m sure her kids will love this abrupt visit from an online stranger.  I’ve been told by my mom that I’m super awesome and good with kids, so everything should be super spiffy.

This reminds me of the trip I took last year when I went to Houston via Amtrak (for kicks and giggles). While waiting at the barren Houston Amtrak station for my friend to pick me up, I started up a conversation with a family waiting for a cab.

“So is this your first time in Houston?” asked the nice lady with two boys and one girl.

“Oh no, I’ve been here before when I visited family.”

“Oh so you’re visiting your family again?”

“Actually no, I’m visiting my friend.” I told her nonchalantly, “I hope I can recognize her.”

“That’s very sweet of you. Has it been awhile since you guys have hung out?”

“Um… actually I’ve never met her before.  She’s a friend that I met from the Internet.” I told the nice lady as she noticeably shifted one of her kid away from me.

Momentarily of silence later…

“Oh don’t worry. I’ve talked to her for years — on the phone too.  I’m fairly sure she’s real and I won’t be robbed or murdered.”

Still some moments of silence…

“And it’s not what you think.  This isn’t one of those visit.”  I continued, “I’m staying at her boyfriend’s house, who was kind enough to offer me a night in his spare bedroom.”

“What was that?” I asked, “Oh, um… no, I’ve never met him before too…”

Sign of the times, I guess.  A few years ago, I wouldn’t have imagined myself making friends or working with people online.  Now I’m seeking lodging from fellow bloggers.

Zomg! Welcome to the 21st century?  Still not brave enough for CouchSurfing.com though.