Perfect!  Excited to follow your posts and updates.  Who's on your list to contact?  I still love receiving cards in the mail.  Whenever I get an actual letter or card in the mail (as opposed to a quick e-mail note), it always reminds me that someone really cares.  

so...day 1 (yesterday) was a success...sent an email to a friend in Australia that I have lost touch with. I heard back from her today. so good to play catch up!

Day 2 - today was serendipitous, for sure! bumped into a good friend of mine who I have not seen since I started my new job...she happened to be in my office building for a meeting, and we ran into one another in the elevator. As it was around lunch, and we were both free, we headed to a restaurant for a quick bite and a great catch up!

It went even further, when I received a text from a former colleague of mine wondering if I was free for dinner...SURE! So, we met one another for a great meal and enjoyed a fun and leisurely dinner, catching up on each other's work and life.

its amazing when you put something out there what can happen! Can't wait for tomorrow...and who I will connect with!

So...over the next 21 days I am going to reach out to friends far and wide...find out how they are doing, see what is new. Some of my outreach will be by snail mail...always fun to get letters! others may be a phone call and then there will be those where an email may be the best way to reach out.

I am loving the idea of snail mail...taking the time to write a letter/send a card to those who I love and miss...let the letter writing begin!

I also love to see people in person...not always easy with so many friends around the world...i think I need to get my Skype back up and running!

so excited for this challenge...will keep you posted on the conversations and how well the reconnections go!

 Great goal!  Good luck in the challenge!

This AM was a super special reaching out to friends far and wide...I woke up a little earlier, so that I could call one of my best friends in Italy (at her lunch time) to wish her a Happy Birthday! She is someone who I love dearly, and although we do not get to see one another very often (fingers crossed once a yr), so to hear her voice is always an exciting and wonderful feeling. Such a great conversation...felt like we were sitting on the couch together with a pot of tea...laughing and smiling and enjoying one another's company. Her laughter is still ringing in my ears...loving it!

It really is amazing when you put something out there...when I got home this evening I have not one but two voice mails from friends who I have not heard from in what seems like forever! And to think that I wrote both of their names down on my list last night. I have returned their messages and look forward to chatting with them in the coming days.

I have also picked up some cards...I am excited about sending out some snail mail! I missed doing the Christmas cards, so I am looking forward to jotting down my thoughts and sharing my ideas with my friends and family.

 This is such a wonderful goal! I think I'm going to follow in your footsteps, because you're so right- the feeling of getting in touch is just that good for both parties!

Heather, I'm loving reading your updates.  They are giving me a warm fuzzy feeling.  My friend Robin did this goal for the 21 Day Challenge last year and she had a rewarding experience too.  It is amazing how things kindof fall into place once we open ourselves up.  I think that has to be one of my favourite words too:  serendipitous.  Perfect.  

awesome.  I loved reading this today!  I think I'm going to email someone now.  :o)

Let the letter writing begin!  As I mentioned in a previous post, I purchased some fun cards that are humourous and fun...and I have decided to send them along to a few friends from my cruise ships days, who I have disconnected with. One card will be going to a friend in Montreal and the other will be going to a friend in Orlando. Each were very special friends for me during my travels/work abroad...but as with many, we all get caught up in our own lives...some with families and other responsibilities. Always great to say hello...and send a smile! I had fun writing the cards, and look forward to a possible response.

 had a great lunch with a friend...always great to catch up! 

 Sounds like you are having so much fun with your goal. Keep it up!!!

 It does sound like you're enjoying yourself Heather.  I think I'm having as much fun following your goal.  

today was an impromptu dinner party/golden globe watching with some girlfriends who I have not seen is SOO LONG! I made butternut squash risotto, pesto chicken and a lovely green salad. the girls brought bubbly (to get us in the mood for the Golden Globes) and an ooey gooey chocolate dessert.

we had so much fun...lots of laughs...and the score cards for which outfits we liked best! Some stunning gowns, and some god awful ones as well. Can't wait to do it again for SAG and the Oscars!

 That sounds soooo awesome Heather.  Your menu sounds mouthwatering too.  Gearing up for the Oscars.  Cheers.

today was reconnecting with former colleagues. I received an email this AM from a former colleague, saying that they are all going for drinks this evening to wish another colleague well on their next adventure. It was great to see my colleagues and friends, catching up on the gossip from my old company, and finding out on how everyone is doing.

We have actually made a pact to have dinner once a month, so that we can keep in touch.

That's a wonderful agreement, and one of the best ways to keep in touch.

serenpidity strikes again!!! On my subway ride home, I was thinking who I was going to connect with tonight. As I am walking out of the subway steps, there was my friend who I was thinking of connecting with, just ahead of me!  I called out her name, and we then spent a good 10 minutes playing catch up. She had to head to a meeting, but we have made a coffee date for this Saturday. Yeah!

 Love it.  Are you kidding?  I'm thinking... SECRET...  I reconnected today too.  By chance, I ran into two former collegues from 18 years ago.  Crazy, eh?  

that's awesome Andrea! r they by chance personal lines brokers...? looking to hire an experienced one...lol!

 Hi HeatherClare...thanks for your nice comment on my crazy Tough Mudder goal I have. It helps inspire me!  I hope you can count this connection we have in the quest to reach our goals as a "win" for you today!  PS - Continue to watch for updates on teh Tough Mudder!!

 What a great goal! I love the updates!

wow...what a day! The stars really are aligning when it comes to reconnecting with friends! This morning, on my way to work I bumped into a friend (who is on my list of 21), who I had yet to get to. We chatted on the subway, and then grabbed a quick coffee before heading to our offices. I have been going through an overwhelming time at work (newly created job...however also taking over another person's job as well...so lots going on), and she was there to provide me with some sound advice and helpful hints to get through it.

And then, on my way home, I received an email for another friend, who I have lost touch with...they found me on Linked In, and reached out, I will be sending them an email, or maybe even a phone call in the coming day to say hi and reconnect!

looking forward to this weekend...a soiree with the ladies that I golf with...have not seen them since our Tees n' Tiaras tourney in September, so it will be nice to reconnect.

Wow!  How cool that once you set this goal and had re-connecting on your mind you are running into friends on your list and receiving messages!

 Hi Heather, no sorry - they are not PL Brokers, one Bookkeeper and one Accountant.  If you're after someone though, I can recommend others. Toronto?  Happy weekend to you - looks like you have a fun one lined up.  I'm amazed once again that you keep reconnecting or connecting with these people.  Another example of the power of the list.  

so today was more letter writing...I chose three more people on my list that I wanted to connect with...two of them I chat with all the time, but thought that a little snail mail would be fun to receive :)

This has been a fun and heartwarming experience, and one that I look forward to continuing, even after the challenge! Looking forward to a wkd of reconnecting as well! Stay tuned for further details!

Snail mail is so fun!  I'm sure the recipients will be super suprised and happy to receive the letters!

Just checking in to see what reconnecting you're doing over the weekend :)

today was a great day! I had my coffee date with my friend who I had met on the subway the other day...we caught up on one anothers' lives, and are looking forward to connecting again for our weekly scheduled coffee date.

And then it was re-connecting with my golf ladies at a friend's 40th! I have not seen many of them since Sept/Oct...so it was great to catch up and dance on the dance floor. It was also wonderful to celebrate a good friend's birthday with such an amazing group of women. there was also a very nice surprise...one of our friend's is, unfortunately, battling cancer, and the big C is winning; however she put on a brave face, cracked some jokes, danced up a storm and made the most of a great night out. She is a true inspiration to us all.

I am loving this goal!  So far today, I have reconnected with a few people...including an out of the blue phone call that has put a smile on my face! It is amazing how the people in our lives can touch our heart or inspire us in so many different ways. My phone call from my friend Nat did just that. Nat and I have known each other for years (1997)...starting our communications through a family connection...over the phone. We have chatted on the phone for years, and know lots of the same people, from working on cruise ships, to other random connections. And yet...we only met face to face last year! It is crazy...but our friendship is very strong and supportive. Our conversation was filled with laughter and love. Can't wait to chat again!

Your updates are so fun to read, Heather!

 Why am I just hearing about this now Heather!!! I love your goal....when I think of how this past year we reconnected through facebook, it made me do a double-take....was it really 20 yrs ago since Bishop's? Oh boy! So happy for social media though, because of people like you, who I met on my first day there of frosh week! I still remember us dining at Dewey's with our parents :-) Raise a toast to good friends for life! Have a great night Heather, will be checking in often.

Tami - yeah...you are actually on my list to touch base with - stay tuned, you will be hearing from me soon!!! :) It is pretty crazy how long ago it was...and I totally remember standing in line and then having lunch together. WOW! the memories ;) Raise a Toast to you my dear!

So, today's re-connection was all about me! I reconnected with my friend GYM! LOL!!! I have not been to the gym in almost a month, as I have been feeling worn down from this nasty cold that just does not seem to want to leave, and busy with my new job. So...my connect with the gym had fallen by the waste-side...but we have now re-connected, and had a great time together! It was wonderful to see my friend the rowing machine, and my other friend the Reebok step! I also loved re-connecting with the ladies at the front desk, and seeing some of those acqaintances that you always see at the gym, but never anywhere else...or if you do, you cant for the life of you remember where you know them from because they are not in their lululemons and do not have their hair in that messy ponytail.

it was a great reconnection, and one that I am looking forward to doing again tomorrow!

 Ahh, the good ol' gym ~ a love/hate relationship that goes on and on :-) Always there for you when you need him! FYI I'll be in NYC from March 15thish-20thish.... half marathon baby! If you've got the time, and inclination for a Big Apple/St Pattys, send me a PM! Cheers

the re-connections continue to happen. Today was a couple of long emails to some friends who, though I would love to send them snail mail, I did not have their addresses. It is always fun to re-connect and share news with friends. It is also nice to hear back from them.

I also had another serendipitous moment...I happened to be on-line (not a normal occurance) and a friend reached out to say hello. We have set up a coffee date for later this week...I have not seen her for a number of years, and yet we live only a few blocks away, so it will be a fun time for sure!

Tami...I am going to check into it...and see if I can swing NYC in March. will email you :)

I'm loving all the serendipitous moments!  Long emails are great.  So often it's just a quick email or a forward you get from friends, when it's a long email it's so much better!  I hope your friends write back with long emails packed with great stuff :o)

 Hi Hi! I completely get this goal! I love it! I've lived in 15 states over the course of my life and I can completely relate to wanting to reconnect! Good for you! Glad to hear you have so many great people in your life, near and far :) I 'm enjoying your updates!

This evening was Ladies night out...my mom, sister and a good friend of mine (who I have not seen in forever!) joined me for a Canadian Living Advantage - Vacation 101 evening. We enjoyed some great wine, some caribbean style foods, information on photography, information on keeping healthly while on vacation, info on packing and info on how to keep those nails looking fabulous for the whole week! It was a fun evening out, and we all had a good time. Of course, I bumped into someone who was (once again) on my list of people to reconnect with...so it was even better. Always fun to hang with my sis and mom...and the gift bag at the end was pretty awesome as well :) Happy Hump Day everyone!

 hi heather! sounds like it was an awesome night! we all need one of those once in a while! way to go!

Sounds like a great evening Heather!!  Can't wait to see what's next!  I just noticed in the comments - you went to Bishop's too?

 It's so nice to bump into people. Sounds like a great time!

so...this evening was an industry event that I attended. The event was being hosted by my old company, and my new company was one of the sponsors. It was a little surreal to be on the other side...being the guest rather than the one offering assistance.

I reconnected with a number of people who volunteered for the program that I used to run, as well as reconnected with fomer colleagues. It was so exciting and fun. I was able to make a couple of lunch dates with a couple of people...and even had dinner with a few friends.  So much fun to reconnect!

Dawn...yes I went to Bishops - '92 to '96. I was in Business...lived in Pollack first yr and Abbott 2nd yr...and then moved off campus. When were u there?

Wow, you are making CRAZY progress on this!!! O_O I can't believe I haven't read it until now. I am speechless. Good job and it's so amazing that you are having so much fun!

Heather you're doing so well with this goal!  Do you think you'll keep it up after the challenge?  I was at Bishop's from '02 to '06 but I was in town when you were - I'm a townie ;) 

Dawn...that is hilarious...I am sure that we know each other, we just do not realize it :) One of my close friends is a townie as well - Christine Connelly...now Haesler...we went to summer camp together (Ouareau), and then lived together in Toronto for  a number of years. I am guessing that you would know her and her family, as well as the Allens? Such a small world!

Foley - I am having fun with this...and it really is crazy the connecting/re-connections that I am making. This evening I went to the Toronto Rock game (lacrosse) with a friend/coworker...and had the opportunity to reconnect, outside of the office...which was wonderful! On my way home on the subway I bumped into yet another friend from my past. Someone that I had gone to summer camp with. we played old home week on our way north, and have come up with the idea to host a mini reunion in the coming months with camp friends. will be a lot of fun for sure!

so today was a letter writing and email writing afternoon. While watching a movie, i wrote fun cards and sent a couple of emails. I also had a lovely chat on the phone with a friend in New York...always wonderful to hear her voice, find out how the kids are doing, and what her life is like. we chat every 3-4 months, but once again, it is like we just had coffee the other day.  I love that about friends!!!

 Is Christine's mom a teacher? If so I know her mom!

What a nice way to spend a Saturday! Chats like that are so great - like no time passed at all between visits. Looking forward to your last few connections of the challenge!

 Heatherclare, it looks like you've been doing a great job. In your description of this goal, you said you'd make a list of 21 people. Have you covered them all yet? How many more than 21 have you seen or called or heard from?

Hi Jo...yes! Allison Connelly is Christine's mom. Love her!!! Had the opportunity to stay with her when I was at BU this fall for a career fair. So good to catch up...she has been like a second mom for me.

As for my list...the list of 21 have been reached out to...whether it was by phone, by email, by letter writing...and as mentioned, some reached out to me before I even had a chance to reach out to them! So...I guess I can say that I have acheived my goal...but want to continue to see how many more I can reconnect with over the coming days.

Today I met up with a friend for drinks...it was a quick visit, but one which was filled with laughter and stories. I am now hosting a fun evening with a viewing of the SAG awards. A couple of girlfriends are over, and another one who skyped in to be with us through our commentary of "what are they wearing?" on E!

Congratulations on reaching out to all 21 on your list!

OK.  I don't think I've checked on this one since the beginning.  Really impressive.  This is just great.  This coming weekend, an old friend and I decided to get some of the girls from our graduating class together for a game of Bunco (silly dice game, for those that don't know).  One of the girls coming was my absolute BFF in HS (only, I guess the 2nd F didn't actually take).  I'm excited and actually a little scared at how this event is going to go off. 

You did great!  Goal accomplished!  And, I love the one about your friend "gym"  =)

 Congratulations on reaching your goal this month, Heather.  How was you SAG party?

 Heather, that's awesome! Congrats on accomplishing your goal! 

Zinful - I have heard about Bunco...but never played it...I hear that it can get a little wild and crazy...lol! I can totally relate to your dilemma...I was recently invited to a book club meeting with one of my former roommates and bff...though once she got married, we really lost touch. I was so nervous and apprehensive leading up the the meeting, but I so glad that I went...I reconnected, not only with her (we now have chats over the phone, send emails, etc), but with some of her friends (who were my friends many moons ago when we lived together!) . Go with a good head on your shoulders, and if you are meant to reconnect, then you will...just know that friends do come and go, and that is OK, because it makes us who we are.

So...this evening I reached out to my cousin, which was so great. She and I have never been very close, but when we do chat, the conversation is great. She is currently pregnant and on bed-rest, so she is quite bored. It was going to be a quick chat, but we ended up chatting over the phone for well over an hour. It was great! good to reconnect, and to share stories and insights. Looking forward to seeing her in a week or so...belly and all!

Andrea...the SAG event was great...we all had a good time...and it was fun to have my friend skype in from NYC, even if it was for only an hour or so. We laughed a lot as we commented on the dresses and hair, etc. Looking forwrd to hearing what Joan has to say this evening on Fashion Police...lol!

 Hi Heatherclare! Congrats on your last day! Glad to see you've done SO much for this challenge! So great to reconnect! Life gets in the way too much too many times...thanks for reminding me to take a moment and call an old friend. Best of luck to you and your renewed friendships this year! ;)

so...the final day has been, once again, a great success! I had a coffee date at 7:30 AM (i know...crazy...and I dont even drink coffee...lol!) with a friend. I then received a phone call, just as i was leaving work, from someone who I have been trying to connect with for the past 21 days, and never heard from...left messages, sent emails and even did the funny card. I was almost going to cross her off the list...and then the phone rang! unfortunately, I was heading to a charity event meeting, but I said that I would call her back this evening, on my way home.  At my charity event meeting, I was able to reconnect with some of the folks who have helped to make an event a great success over the past years. Now, the last time any of us saw one another was probably just after the event in June, so it was good to be able to play old home week...lol! Once the meeting was done, i then went for dinner with a couple of people, which was great...and then a friend drove me home. He has been such a great mentor for me over the years, so it was wonderful to have some one on one time with him...even if it was just for a 15 min drive. That time together was awesome!

This has been an amazing challenge, and I can honestly say that I am happy that I have reconnected with some fabulous people...and connected with some great supporters...THANK YOU!  Time to say...GOAL a SUCCESS!!!

 You did so great with this goal! Congrats!

No resources were added to this goal.