Old Friends

This last week was spent traveling for work. And being selfish, I combined it with catching up with people and places.
It was one of those weeks where way too many things happen for me to realize the full impact just yet. Seventeen random things in no particular order:

1. Read an article in the paper written by an old classmate from high school. She is currently living in Sri Lanka and working for an international aid organization. However, she is on maternity leave and her husband, also an aid worker, had to work through the Tsunami disaster. She left with the baby for safety reasons. It made her feel out of place and relieved at the same time. I admire her.
2. Bought a t-shirt with the word Lapland printed on it.
3. Spent lots of time with two of my sisters. Both were born in 1985, but they are not related. They are discovering the world. I felt younger and older by being around them.
4. Had a dream Tuesday about a high school classmate who died a long time ago. In the dream he turned into another classmate whom I haven't seen for 13 years. That "then-boy-now-man" turned up at a restaurant I was at last night. Neither were close friends of mine.
5. Found out my step dad got engaged.
6. Met very interesting people who tickled my interest.
7. Fell in love with a scent. A cheap one.
8. Bought knee high socks with the word Helsinki printed all over them.
9. Saw men with very small towels wrapped "around" them congregating in a hotel corridor. They were discussing their plans for the evening, such as when to eat the ham left in between the double window panes.
10. I met with a friend whose father has just passed away. I wish I knew how to deal with death. I am completely incapable of consoling people mourning.
11. Spent a night at sea lolling about in a small bed feeling ever so slightly sea sick.
12. Was incredibly impressed by my friend's 22 month old baby. She is very smart and organized. Wish I were smart and organized.
13. Was also impressed by the baby's mom who is almost ready to pop out baby number two and holding up remarkably well.
14. Finished the Saturday crossword puzzle, bar one word. Argh.
15. Had dinner with four friends from high school. We do not seem to have much in common, but I have something in common with each and everyone of them.
16. I had pizza four times.
17. I had chicken twice and lamb once. I thought I was a vegetarian. Apparently not.