My special NRC friends

Last night I had dinner with the original crew from my first programming job. They all remember me when I was wild and crazy and 18. I stood on my head in the office. I hid under my desk. I pretended to be someone's coat when I was in a cubicle and didn't want to be found.

We all had such good senses of humor during that job that I have never let go of the friendships formed.

Some of my favorite memories are of Jenny balancing a pencil on her nose during a particularly long and pointless meeting. Jenny slinking down in her chair until she was under the table and finally crawling out of the meeting we were in. I remember how much I wanted to follow her. She has guts. She has brains. She always has the perfect thing to say in stressful situations.

Cathi is another really close friend who I admire. She's compassionate, and funny, and embodies a lot of what I wish I could be: wise, friendly, and giggly. She sat next to the twins and helped them actually get along while dinner was served, and I talked with all of my friends from the good ole days. Really I've never found a work place with so many wonderful people after that one. It was never the same as NRC.

I was sad to say goodbye, but glad that email will keep us close.