I know what you mean. The other day I picked up my camera with that lightweight lens mounted and was surprised to find it was an f/2 zoom, I thought...
I live in Utah, where I was raised. In the last year I have developed an unbelievable passion for photography. It has definitely enriched my life and the only thing I can describe the change as is a complete paradigm shift. The type of thing that just completely changes the way you see the world around you and how you choose to interact with it. I credit a big part of this change I'm seeing within myself to this website. So.. thanks. :)