There is something...

... to be said for collecting friends and family from all over the globe. Makes travelling so much more fun and in some ways more economical.

One is from Paris. He's charming, sweet, and entertaining. Provided certain things pan out, he should be back in Calgary for another visit once the visit here is up. He showed up as part of a work term at the Health Sciences Centre and by an interesting twist of events, ended up being friends with him. So when we are out by Paris, perhaps we'll give him a shout and he can be our tour guide and translator. :) I have seen a few things in Paris already, including the Arc de Triomphe. But I would like to go back again.

Another one is from Denmark. He, like standard European men is also charming, sweet, and entertaining, not to mention keeping me on my toes. Somehow out of the entire computer lab I dug him out and he landed on my lap. Of which from that point he charmed me and stole my heart before I knew to blink. I'm thankful he's home now, but I also know he gave up a lot to come here. As for visiting Denmark, there are now 2 visits under my belt, and there will be plenty more to come to visit family. That, and I adore Denmark. Even if living costs are painfully high.

Another one lives in sunny Melbourne, Australia. She's my "second half", or as I like to say, I stole her name. I'd say she stole it but she was born 1/2 year older than I am. Our correspondence has died down for now seeing as sometimes dealing with quite a time difference (13 hours) makes it hard to chat on MSN. That, and we both take after each other - we're lazy people. But we used to correspond rather regularily when we were young and I'm thinking perhaps to start that up again... perhaps. That, or email... who knows. I know email's the cheaper way to go but nothing can beat the personal touch of a handwritten letter. That and I was blessed/cursed with beautiful penmanship. Her sister's getting married... if I could, I might've flown down to Melbourne this year to visit and be there at her sister's wedding. Oh well.

Another few uncles live in Hong Kong. That's a part of who I am - not necessarily the technology-laden hair-dyed variety, but it's a part of me. Life's different over there - the last time I went was 5 years ago. Both uncles are dear to me one way or the other. One of them lights into town when one of the kids graduates, leaves a grad present, and flies out. He spends about 70% of his time onboard some flight. The other uncle's kids, my brother and I used to play together quite often when we were younger. I also visited Hong Kong more often then. Then his son and I entered into a penpal relationship for a few years, of which terminated when he moved here. We chat on occasion, however... not as frequent as we would like.

Then there are my friends in Ireland who, I'm not sure how long will stay in Ireland...

Another dear friend of mine, dear enough to be considered my sister in heart lives in Burlington, Ontario. One of these days I do intend to go visit her and the house they've bought, as well as their two cats. I don't think I've ever met someone so special that would know me inside out and be there for me through thick and thin, but if I were to have a biological sister I'd ask for someone just like her. Since I don't have one, she's my sister in heart - for your family are the people that you hold and cherish inside your heart; bloodlines don't matter.

There are some in the States, but I've covered so far the world of friends that I know.

Decisions, decisions...

... cake, or fondue. Not entirely sure yet but if I don't decide soon methinks my Dane will choose for me. Thoughts, anybody? Although I would like to blow out candles and not that monster flame that someone constructed for me last year ;)

Another nice little point now that Andre's back home - he's gone out of his way to plan (or co/plan with Chirlene?) my birthday party!

I miss dance - quite a bit, actually. I used to love and I still do love dance. Why not dance with Andre? Well, for one thing he's not a big fan of dance but right now, there are also some issues as well he's dealing with, including a big move back to Calgary and away from his family. Yes, he's been here a while, but I can tell he misses his family back in Denmark.

I would love to dance again, so if anyone hearing of a partnerless person who wants to compete with me, let me know.

Possibility of... perhaps torture. Andre, Sandi, Julie.

Sandi seems to have a few additional ears with the help of Andre and Julie.

Everyone is lured out by the smell of food. Julie, Jeffrey, Chirlene, Omair, Binh, Ryan.

"We need to add a dash of..." Andre, Chirlene, Tony, Jeffrey.