As already established, I am an extrovert. This means that, like many extroverts, I have a wide circle of friends (as pointed out by Brighde).
In my circle of friends, there is huge variety. I like this; I like it a lot.
Today was a day spent with friends from quite an array of backgrounds and histories.
- I met a former student for lunch who is now studying in Singapore and routinely stops by my apartment to play with my cat, swim in my pool, or just hang out. She’s still a teenager, but she’s kind and lovely, and although I’m definitely more of a female role-model figure to her than a buddy, I’d still call her a friend. She’s super sweet and it was just so nice to catch up with her and hear all about her upcoming academic landmarks, as well as her recent holiday at home with her family (who are also friends).
- I went to meet two new friends, who I have been put in touch with via mutual friends (friends like family, really) who currently live in Peru. The mutual friends (a couple) are some of my favorite people EVAR and I’ve shared many good memories with them in a variety of countries over the last decade plus. So when they told me that friends of theirs were moving to Singapore temporarily, I knew we had to meet. I hung out with them and their toddler for a good part of the afternoon, swapping stories and making play-dough mustaches. It was highly entertaining; lots of smiles all around. It will be fun having them in town for a little while.
- A colleague friend — who has, over time, slipped more and more into the personal friend category (if there are any categories?! hah. I don’t think there are) — came over for dinner just for a catch-up, as we hadn’t seen each other at all during the week at school. We share similar professional philosophies and a few personal interests, and she loves to come around for dinner…. and I am happy to cook. 🙂 She also loves the kitteh queen, which always helps. It was great to check in with her — we always have some laughs and deep breaths.
- Another friend like family who I’ve known for 7 years now pinged me on G-Chat asking on behalf of another friend what I knew about a particular school. Her friend was out recruiting at an international schools job fair, and he was sniffing out this particular institution. Of course, I shared with her what I knew (and added my own op-ed) and offered my contact details if he wanted to be in touch. Unsurprisingly, this quickly led to a longer conversation between my friend and me — we hadn’t spoken since Christmas Day when we Skyped and I got to see her toddler boys all dressed up in their best clothes for the occasion. It was great to hear how she’s doing and what she’s been busying herself with. I left that exchange grateful for things like technology that makes it possible for her to chat with me via IM on her phone while I’m on my laptop eight time zones away.
Days like today, spent with friends, make me happy. I am blessed to know so many kind, generous, funny, diverse, and thoughtful people. They keep my life interesting, focused, supported, and grounded.
The nightcap? A brief video chat with my Mum… with a wee bit of Dad too. And they are friends, too, of course — of a very special kind. 🙂
