Unexpected Friendships

To say that John and I are anti-social is a slight misstatement.  Though we do not generally connect with people, or do the “small talk” thing very well, when we find people who think on the same level and understand personal space we actually socialize very well.  We just do not believe in wasting time if there is no direction to where conversation is going.  Maybe that will change in our personal lives once we figure out how to slow down a little.

In one of my more recent employee reviews I was reminded that I need to “Socialize” more, or connect with people at work to show them I care and am supportive.  I am sorry, but people who socialize at work, do not always get the job done, and you need a mixture of both types of workers to be successful.  I am one of the doers, so though I understand the intent of the advice I will be passing on it for now.  And yes, being a doer while others are the socializers can be very frustrating, but you know what, I am ok with that as long as they keep their socializing to themselves so I can do my part.  I realize that sounds kind of crabby but I just don’t have time for the small talk since I am usually doing part of their job, or am trying to make their job easier.  That is how I show I care.

All of that being said, we have managed to make some very unexpected friends while still being somewhat anti-social.  When we decided to make this trip, I was very humbled and surprised by the number of invites we received to come visit if we make it into the area.  Some of them I am sure are just kind gestures, but others are genuine.  One of them is another “anti-social” co-worker who has openly said he would not invite just anyone to his home.  Somehow we managed to make the cut as he has set a spot for our camper and pre-staged fire wood for our stay, which is in one of the most amazing locations with views of the Tetons!

Another unexpected friendship came through a co-worker to her dad and step-mom who own the KOA in Valdez.  I met Tim during the Women’s Silver Salmon Derby last year when I got to go out on his boat with his daughter Shannon, one of my best work friends.  She and I just somehow understand each other.

We were lucky enough to get to stay with them at their campground the last month we were in Valdez and spent another day on the water with him and Shannon halibut fishing, and John helped him build a dog park in the campground.  A good fish-fry later, they have asked us to meet up with them when they are back in Arizona and do some desert adventuring with them.

John has already talked about our unexpected friendship with the owners of Slide Mountain Cabins!  He didn’t mention that my first encounter with these fine folks was when I was traveling through late one winter night and decided to pull in and rent a cabin so Alex and I would not be on the road any longer.  I met Anna when she was fairly pregnant with their now 4 year old Silvia.  I knew right away they were some of the kindest people out there.

Of course I cannot forget the “Core Four” as I call us.  These three ladies are a mixture of personalities that I never would have bonded with if we didn’t all give two licks about others, especially those dealing with a cancer diagnosis.  We met each other through our dedication to the American Cancer Society and our participation in the local Relay For Life event, but that bond goes well beyond it now.  We are goofy together, we can talk serious without judging, and do not need to see each other regularly to know we are still friends.  I’ve not had really good girl friends like this in a long time.  Them and Shannon broke my trend of just hanging with the boys for sure.

After I left Valdez my final day of work I received the sweetest text from another woman Captain from the fleet of vessels I helped support for the last eight years offering for us to park at her house in Virginia when we get to that side of the country.  Though she and I have not spent much “off” time together, I know that our mutual respect for each others work has spurred a connection that might not be understood by some and only has room to grow if we cross paths again.

We have also received requests to let people know where we are and that they might meet us somewhere fun just to say hi.  And others to let us know if we change our minds and come back to Valdez or Alaska somewhere that they will make room for us to park for a while. I hope they all have big yards!