Have you ever been thankful for a hailstorm? I have. Sounds crazy, right? Here's why:

Last May, a tiny, but powerful thunderstorm blanketed a North Carolina town with golf-ball-sized hailstones. That swift-moving storm set off a chain of events that culminated in a new job in a different state.

Those hailstones shredded our home's roof, turned our vinyl siding into Swiss cheese and gave our new minivan hundreds of dimples. Suddenly, I needed a great roofer and a quality auto body shop. 

I had heard of this outfit called Angie's List and decided to  give it a try. Thanks to the List, I found an excellent company that installed a top-notch roof and new siding. I also discovered an auto body shop that returned our van as good as new. The List worked, and worked well. I was impressed.
 
Then two more unexpected things fell out of the sky – thankfully, not literally.
 
First, I came across a publication in the mail I wasn't familiar with  – Angie's List Magazine.  As a journalist and avid reader, I had to check it out and immediately became a fan.
 
Second, I stumbled upon a job listing for the exact position I was looking for – a high quality magazine featuring topics that help readers make informed decisions. I applied.
 
Now, 10 months after that fateful day in May, I find myself working in the Blue House. That Carolina hailstorm is a distant memory, now replaced by the snow and bone-chilling winds of Indiana. At least it's nice and cozy here in the House – right where I want to be.