So, either my conversations at work are incredibly circuitous, or I've blocked and/or forgotten an entire world of stories that document my childhood (or both, maybe).  I have discovered that a handful of my dear co-workers seem to be able to honestly say, "Yeah, we've talked about that" nearly every time I attempt to offer an anecdote that seems relevant to the topic at hand.  But, the thing is, they're the strangest anecdotes.  Under no normal circumstances would they be the first bits of information that I'd volunteer about myself (though it might be fun to offer a first impression that went something like, "Hi. I once drove under a semi, I'm not ashamed to admit that I like "High School Musical", I think olives are disgusting and Neil Diamond, NSYNC and Aerosmith put on equally--if completely different--awesome concerts when I saw them live.  Also, I love the Browns, hate Notre Dame and once had a pencil thrown in my eye during 7th grade gym class."

Anyway, I have been thinking about how friendships develop.  I often wonder, "would I be friends with this person if we met under different circumstances?"  It's interesting how context can determine, or, at least, suggest a level of relationship.  I've asked a few co-workers, for example, if they think that I would've been friends with them if we'd gone to high school together, rather than meeting at this point in our lives.  One has said that I absolutely would not have been (surmising that I was far too much a goody-two-shoes to hang with his high school self), while the other said that, probably, we might've hung out some.  And now, at this stage in the game, they're two of my closest work buddies.  I'd even venture to say we're actual friends, not just "work friends" (and there is a difference).  I love that.  It amazes me that the close proximity that making coffee requires can create friendships that are lasting.  In the case of a former co-worker, it even led to marriage.  I actually love my job, frustrating as it can be at times, because my co-workers feel like family to me--off-the-wall, bizarro family to be sure--but family, nonetheless.

This has been on my mind over the past week, in particular, because I have been called on to temporarily defect from my normal work place to help out another location (in the mall...during all of December).  I know that I'll meet, and get along with plenty of people at this new place, and that's all well and good.  But I am struck by how much I am going to miss working with my current Work Family.  The things that I take for granted--like the fact that I know I am going to experience belly-aching laughter at least once a shift (and three times if I'm working with both Jims)--and the fact that I no longer have to explain why my partner numbers are so old/who my son is and why he's so awesome/what I believe), etc., are all unfamiliar in this new place.  In short, I'm just going to miss my friends, and, at least as it relates to my employment, I can't wait for January! :0)