Seeing a pattern

I was just looking at the Flickr groups I have joined and noticed a pattern: I love the idea of bees or swaps but am too big of a chicken to actually participate.  So I am starting out with quilt alongs (notice the buttons on the right).  Nice safe way to build my confidence (and scraps!).  Between these QAL's and the BOM for a couple local quilt shops I should stay busy.  Wish me luck!