Please have some cake

[DeterminedJuliet]

I've been on online forums since I've been a teenager; there's a local Newfoundland forum I used to help moderate. I've been on wedding forums, fertility forums, baby forums, parents of only children forums. A year ago, I decided that I needed a change. I didn't want something transient, that I'd outgrow, and I wondered where I could go that'd have a bit of "staying power", as it were.

Then one of my (Christian) friends started complaining about people disrespecting Christianity by calling Easter "Zombie Jesus Day"; he was all "roawr - you guys can't say that about my sacred religion!" and I realized that I could use a place where atheist views are the norm for once. I googled a few Atheist forums, but this one seemed the nicest; the most balanced. A bit silly. It even sounded pleasant: Happy Atheist Forum. Yes.

And it's been a lovely online home for me. I've been challenged and supported. I've had a lot of laughs and a few misty moments. This community has some stunning intelligence and a whole lot of humanity; in just the right parts of each, I think. My personal litmus test for having something in my life is "does this make me a better person"? And I think this forum does, which is a lovely gift. So thank each and every one of you, and keep being awesome. You are all very dear to me.  

Please have some cake.



Now, only one piece each. Asmo, I see you over there shoving extra pieces in your pockets - put those back! And stop growling at the N00bs, the cake is for them, too!

There's also some tea for those of you so inclined, I know I can never have cake without some tea  

[The Magic Pudding]

Well thank you, even though it's almost cannibalism I will take some cake.
The place would be a lot less fun without you.

[Buddy]

It's been really nice knowing you, DJ. Here's to another great year!

[Ali]

Thank you, and happy one year ani!  This place would definitely be emptier without you; you always have something thoughtful and insightful to say. 

[Guardian85]

...and many more!

[Tank]

Gosh I'm all choked up now. Thanks DJ

[Sweetdeath]

I'm really glad you're here, DJ.

this place has become such a great home to many of us, i'm sure. And it feels more like a family to me  than any place. I've never stuck around a forum so long.

[Crocoduck]

Yay cake! I'm tired of jelly beans.

[Sandra Craft]

There's also some tea for those of you so inclined, I know I can never have cake without some tea  

Sweet thoughts from a sweet person!  And thank you for the tea and kiwi tart, I was wondering what to have for lunch.

[ThinkAnarchy]

Thank you, I took a piece of the green cake. Could I have coffee instead though, I'm not a huge fan of tea?

I searched around for other atheist forums as well before settling on this one. What I learned is that a lot of atheists are condescending dicks. This is the best forum I have been a member of too, and it is because of members like you.

[Siz]

Cheers DJ - I'll just have a jasmine green tea to help me detox after my Easter excess. My red wine hangover (by 8pm) is probably a little uncouth for a tea party, but I'll stay for a slice of battenburg.

Always nice to have your company DJ. HAFfy Birthday!

[McQ]

A year already? Wow! Thanks for the cake and know that you've helped make HAF the great spot that it is..

[xSilverPhinx]

It's been a year already? I feel like it was only yesterday when you signed up!

You're cruel, posting pics of cake just when I've eaten well over what I can bear of chocolate, I'm having a bit of an overdose feeling here that isn't made any easier by this thread...

[OldGit]

It's lovely to have you around, Juliet, you brighten the place up.  Thanks for cheering me up so much!

Cake can be naughty for diabetics - please send alcohol.  

[Gawen]

Awwww...for all those wonderful sentiments, I'll let you pet my toad...*winkin'*

Not just anyone can pet my toad...