Well, she will notice changes in other ways, like maybe people you know in common will tell her they saw you doing something. Or if some changes are appearance related or attitude related, she'll notice when you exchange your daughter!
As for friends, I was told about meetup.com awhile back and it has tons of different groups you could join for all kinds of hobbies. Check it out!
She actually told me today that she knows I'm trying. But I have a feeling I still have my work cut out for me.
Thanks for the website suggestion. I'll check it out.