On Girlfriends

I am going home in a few weeks for a short but very-much-looked-forward-to visit. As I counted down the days tonight, it occurred to me how very much I miss my few favourite people.

My two closest friends and my sister -- all home in Halifax, enjoying the prettiness of the city and the kindness of the people within its walls. Then there's me -- here all by myself, not really knowing many people despite many efforts to get to really get a few. And I love the city, it's not that I'm not happy in my new home. Truly, it's been so good to me -- I don't know how I got so lucky with the progress in my academic and professional lives. And I've met some really great people here that I feel pretty lucky to know. It's just that... no matter how many times I try, I just can't seem to get to know anyone like I know those girls from home -- clever, interesting, charming, and just basically wonderful in about every way possible.

My most brilliant friend -- we used to get beers after philosophy class, mock boys who recited bad poetry, and talk way into the night. We would go see bands and flirt with the boys in the worthwhile ones. We would hang out in cigar bars so we could smoke cigarettes for hours on end while chatting about everything under the sun. She would talk about things I knew nothing about and was spectacularly knowledgeable about everything that mattered. She's still it, baby.

My most darling friend -- it wasn't a night out without giggling, mocking, and sharing a plate of nachos (and beer with lime cordial). She is probably the sweetest person ever made and everyone I know loves her endlessly for that guileless charm. There are few people in the world you never want to let out of your social circle -- this kid is definitely one of them.

And of course, the sister -- it started with harassment over Barbies and moved into the terrain of cheap pink champagne. She's more sensible, honest, ethical, and brainy than anyone else I know, yet miraculously just as fun as I am (hah). Truly, there wouldn't be anything worth doing without her around and if she'd just move here, my life would be complete.

So? Only 22 days 'til I see the lot of them again. And what a weekend it will be!