Great post Laura,
We felt the same way about "hanging out" with the podcast crew. That is the main reason we went to the ICOT 15 weekend and have met and really enjoy hanging out with everyone. Great bunch of people.
I am so happy I found Intercot and very happy whenever a new podcast is uploaded(by the way need a new one soon, going through withdrawals.)
Hope things get better for you. Intercot podcast and boards are a great distraction from life.