A few years ago, I announced that Twitter is my friend. And why not? It was because of Twitter that Aiden and I received personalized autographs from one Coach Tom Crean.

Since then, Twitter has opened up many doors for me. I’ve been able to interact with people all over the world. I even learned about major news events (like the killing of bin Laden) before they were announced via the cable news networks. And I’ve gotten some pretty cool free stuff thanks to sites like Klout. And even though I was slightly disappointed that I wasn’t picked to participate in the #Social46 at the Super Bowl, it’s been amazing to see how that tool has helped make our fine city look even finer with their ability to connect visitors with important information (once the brouhaha about who was “in” and who was “out” finally died a death that was much too slow in my opinion). And I got over my disappointment in about 5.3 seconds.

I’ve also had the opportunity to do some pretty cool things, yet I had to pass them up for one reason or another. It was Twitter that gave me the opportunity to watch the last-ever landing of a Space Shuttle (still kicking myself for passing on that one). I also won two free tickets to the ChaCha New Year’s Eve party in Indianapolis. I hear it was the hottest party in the region. At least, that’s what the organizers and promoters said.  Had to pass on that, too, because of a variety of reasons.

But my appreciation for Twitter has been taken to a much deeper level during this, the first month of 2012. A few weeks ago, I read a tweet from someone I’ve been following for several years. Because of that tweet, I sent in an application.

Because of that tweet, I have a new job.

Because of that tweet, my first day as a team member of an Indianapolis-based SEO company is a week from today!

Social media gets all kinds of criticism. Some of it is warranted (like when CBS “broke” that Joe Paterno had died…even though he hadn’t…yet). Some of it is from people who just don’t get it. But there’s some pretty redemptive qualities to social media. It helped save a man’s soul. It also helped get me a job.

Thank you, Twitter. A few years ago, I declared you my “friend.” I should probably announce that you’re my new BFF now, huh? I’m looking forward to what other magic you might surprise me with in the coming year(s).