Like attracts like.

I was doing payroll this week and was gobsmacked when I got a timesheet from one of our new part-timers.  She was supposed to work 18.75 hrs/week, she handed me 46 hours for the week.  46 people.

I looked up at the Director and said, I just don't understand how you did this!  How did you find so many overachievers??

She smiled beautifully at me and said, "Like, attracts like."

Then I talked to the part-timer and it was keeping track of ALL her jobs, at UVic and VIHA.  I breathed a sigh of relief.  I mean, I can't justify OR afford to be paying a part-timer that many hours!

The "like attracts like" really again, stuck with me.  All day it sat on me.  I am one of the over achievers that was hired, most of the people I work with all have that work ethic.  Like attracted like.

Today, I spent the day cleaning, and cleaning and cleaning.  I was prepping salad for dinner tonight, when my phone rang.  Private Number.  I picked it up and it was Val, I had been expecting her call, but to hear her voice brought a lump to my throat.

Val and her daughter were in Victoria for the day and they wanted to spend it with me.  With. Me.

We laughed, talked, caught up, probably could have conquered all the worlds problems if given enough time...arranged for some girl time in Vancouver, then before I knew it--it was time to go. 

I got in the car and holding the memorial service notice for our beloved friend Vicki, I cried.  What great friendships that dragon boat had in it in 2007.  Who would've thought that years later--we'd be mourning the loss of one of our own, a devastating blow to a marriage, and a kinship brought about by how terrified we were to be in that dragon boat for the first time.

I have never, ever forgotten, the first night.  I was partnered with Vicki, in the 5th row.  Behind me, Michelle, behind Vicki, Val.  The four of us, (me being the newbie to the friendship circle), shared fear, nerves, candy and a love of dragon boating.

Today, my tears were over loss of a friend, but also, I have learned a very hard and valuable lesson.  I didn't spend enough time with those ladies and others in the Okanagan while I had the time.  I spent my time wrapped up in Youth Ministry, Work, Soccer games and practices, all important, but I had time that I could've nurtured a friendship and I didn't.

Lesson learned.

Val, I adore you and Michelle.. I am so thankful for you ladies.

<3