Old Friends

In the tundra for a few days before heading back to the desert for the remaining holidays. Took a call from a friend from another life; turns out he’d be in town for the weekend and wanted to know if I was around.  Of course I changed plans and made myself available. A great afternoon with VB and family; long time since we’d last connected, parent’s/grandparents anniversary of a couple years ago I believe.

Ages of time can sift through and yet we reconnect as if it was a weekend away.  Conversation flows easily; albeit sometimes a little bumpy until we’ve worked through the catch-up period. I’m continually amazed at the divergent paths two people with essentially the same upbringing can take. Similar experiences, activities, boundaries, education, even somewhat unique family structure. Fast-forward a couple years and completely different paths and probable end-points.

For years the nature/nurture studies have agreed on one thing–to disagree. Some have said we behave as we do as a result of genetics or animal instincts; on the other side an equal number say our environment has more of an influence. I’ve concluded for years that it’s a split right down the middle–of course based solely on personal experiences.

We had a good chat; I’m hopeful it picks up again tomorrow. 

Coincidentally I bumped into two other acquaintances in the last couple of weeks—both somewhat related.  One, BL, was responsible for the start of my long runs—-he is terrific company, knowledgeable about enough to last for years of long runs.   I’ve heard he seems to be doing well, it’d be good to step it up and stay in touch a bit more. GT on the other hand is all me. My negligence at nurturing that relationship has bordered on ridiculous and I started the process of mending this week.   We’ll have some updates on that~~~

AniMal