It's Not Just Me....

I woke up this morning with an impulse to call a good friend back in CT to see what she was up to for the day.  On some level I must have forgotten I was in Thailand  - either that or old habits really do die hard.

Instead of making the call, I sent her an email and explained it like this: 

I love it here, but still prefer old friends like a comfy pair of well-worn walking shoes. Meeting new people can sometimes feel like stumbling around town in a new pair of heels, trying to present yourself well on an unfamiliar route - you just hope they don't end up rubbing you the wrong way.  I'm sure I'll eventually grow to love them too, but it takes time to break them in. 

Yes, I’ve been lucky to meet lots of great, new people here, but there’s always something about old friends. I just wish they’d hurry up and commercialize the rest of that old Star Trek gear so I can zap some friends in for a day. 

Speaking of visits, it has been a really good week for that.  I now have my first confirmed visitor, plus a few other promising guests. I’m also excited at how many of my friends seem to be taking big leaps of faith and cashing in on long-time dreams and new beginnings.  One friend finally took the plunge to uproot and live out an oft-wished for life in Denver. No job, no plans, just a car full of possessions and a longing for the Rockies. Another just closed on some tough times and a long-desired beach cottage in Florida. She needed a change and I’m so happy she’s setting out on some sun-filled adventures down-south. I’ll miss you both in CT, but hell, this is exciting!!

My favorite though, is an old-friend who I met twelve years ago on a trip to Ecuador. Although we’ve never lived closer than a thousand miles apart, we’ve logged four continents, nine countries and dozens of local brews together. For years and years, (maybe even the entire duration of our friendship?) we’ve planned and catalogued her dream of quitting corporate America, selling her high-rise Chicago condo and leaping into the wonders of an extensive round-the-world trip and more spiritual life.  Suddenly, it’s happening. Bravo!

This is the type of ballsiness and risk-taking I love (even more so when each involves a visit to Bangkok!) Life is for living and having friends like these makes me proud and inspired. Do what makes you happy, people. Get out of the hum-drum and monotony. Have faith, have courage, have me as your biggest cheerleader.

So, congrats to all and, remember, if your company is looking to send you to Mexico for two years on a delicious expat contract, please, please, please get up and go!!!  I might just see you there….