Running into people

When living abroad you very rarely run into people you know...let alone people that you know and have history with.  Today I was in the Quintiles office here and ran into a bunch of people  I know...many of which I haven't seen in quite some time.  It was great to see them and to catcth up with them.  A few of them are relatively new friends so we just chatted for a bit...a few of them are old friends...histories of 11+ years...so we spent a bit more time catching up.  These are all people that I used to work with on a regular basis and we have since drifted into different roles and departments within the organization.  Regardless, we all remember where we started and the paths we have taken to get where we are now.  It made for an unexpected evening of catching up with old friends.

I have had a very busy social week...I planned it to be so busy so that I could make the most of my time here in Durham.  I have no issues with my schedule and with meeting with those that I have seen...both arranged and those that have been unexpected.  Friends are the family that you choose so these are all very important people to me.

A huge part of me has really been enjoying these visits...how couldn't I?  Another part of me...maybe the more reserved part of me is really a bit sad about these visits...I miss my friends...it is really hard at times to be half a world away...I am blessed with the people I have in my life but it would be dishonest of me to not say that I do not get sad and lonely without all of you.  I think it just becomes more obvious to me when I'm in the thick of things and so physically close to everybody.

Ugh...enough of my complaining...just know that I appreciate you all and am going to enjoy our time together until the 27th.