The phone list.

I’ve recently joined a semi-regular catch-up of colleagues who worked for the New Zealand Insolvency Service. These former colleagues meet for coffee and breakfast every few months.

I’d bumped into a former colleague in town and he mentioned the meet-up and sent me an invite. It has been wonderful to reconnect with these fine folk. I only worked briefly for the insolvency service, I started and ended my government career as a Companies Office person. Both were units of the Commercial Affairs Division of the Department of Justice. The insolvency service was interesting work and exposed one to the reality of experience for people who have large debts. This was in the days when the office routinely carried out ‘house inspections’ and a bankrupt’s property and possessions were inspected.

At our most recent breakfast, one of the participants brought along the old telephone list that we used to use in the office (this one from 1989). I have been amazed at how it triggered such strong and positive emotions in me.

It was a very happy time in my life. I had a great job, good friends, and most importantly I got married in March of that year.

It was also, it seems to me, a more simple time. Life was slower. We didn’t have the ubiquitous internet, social media, and the culture of immediacy that is now so pervasive.

When I look at the names on this list (sadly at least nine have died) I can recall them all and the laughter we all shared at some point. Well mostly, there are one or two who probably didn’t appreciate my humour at the time.

I think it’s good to take time to reflect on the things that have helped shape us as people. My time at Commercial Affairs was brilliant, and I think it’s true for others too. Thus the breakfast catch-ups.