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The weather was identical today as it was only 5 years ago, in 2004. A beautiful, breezy, practically Spring, sort of day. I skipped home, pink Old Navy lunchbox in hand. It was finally today, day zero. I had been counting down the days for what seemed like years.
I met the UPS man at the door, he was carrying our brand new computer. I squeezed by him, grinning from ear-to-ear. I could have let out a squeal, but I often throw my hands up in the air when I happen to make that wretched sound. I would have dropped the sacred paper. That special paper had all the websites I wished to join on it. Number one on the list, as you can guess, was Whyville.
Whyville! Yes! Sadly, I had more waiting to do before I could enjoy this wonderful world. After playing pinball for several days, my father finally figured out how Whyville worked and he approved. However, unlike Rairai21, my parents made me print off the parent permission slip, also adding to my countdown.
A week later, the wait was over. As soon as my permission slip went through, I visited every chat room, talked to every person possible, and practically spent 7 hours exploring the wonderful world of Whyville. It was exhilarating, I, like most all new users, was addicted to this safe haven.
Safe haven, addiction, whatever, Whyville doesn't match up to any other site; Whyville goes above and beyond. Much like real life, friends leave, new amigos are made, and each day you learn something new. Every single day I explore Whyville, I find something different to do and someone different to talk to.
Much like the different people, each year has also been surprisingly different from the rest. From the Cheetah Girls Concert to Scions to Prom, I've ventured them all. I couldn't be happier with Whyville. It is a unisex site, it does not discriminate if you are male or female. It doesn't care if you are black, white, emo, or preppy. It welcomes everyone. And for the most part, Whyvillians welcome everyone as well.
Some of us may be upset with the changes Whyville has created in the past year. I say this; suck it up. Whyville welcomed us, most of us are veterans here. We have all been taught that life goes on, and Whyville is adapting and evolving to do just that. Whyville is trying to stay above water so that we can keep using it. We are a sort of family here, a community. Let change come! It's much more fun that way.
Oh, how I hope the fun stays for years to come. I'm not quite ready to leave. It's been 10 years! I'm so happy I've been around to witness half of the wonder. Happy Birthday Whyville!
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