The old and the new.

Dear Friends,
(That greeting seems to be becoming a thing. Not yet sure if I like it, but will extend the trial a little further).
Today has seen a few firsts, including first experiences of changed things, and some simple old things/loves.
Firstly, I had my first ever interview today! Muchos excitement, I know. I was surprised to find that I felt more confidence than nervousness (although nerves were definitely present), and I think that's probably a good thing. The interviewer seemed to like it anyway. He was pretty cool and vastly improved the whole experience for both of us by being friendly and honest, and I remain hopeful because he gave me good feedback. All in all, whether or not I actually get the job, a good new experience!
Whilst in town post-interview I went to get my helix piercing changed for a smaller size, and simultaneously met up with an old school friend. It was slightly strange to see an old friend like him under new circumstances, but it was actually quite nice. We were interested in the directions the other had taken, but not over-interested in a way that some old friends can be when you meet for the first time after a year or two and they want to know everything that has happened to you. It was chilled, and it was fine, and I probably wouldn't mind meeting up for a catch up again.
Later in the day, I saw another familiar face in a new situation: George, as a friend. It was a little odd to chat with him without the relationship context, but it was actually (to be honest, surprisingly) nice to see him and talk alone for a little while, as our only communications since breaking up had been a few short text messages. I also saw his parents, which was painful because I absolutely adore them and am still sad to have let go of the privilege of calling them my 'second parents'. But George and I are both okay, neither of us regretting the decision to end the relationship but rather respecting it, and seem to have no negative feelings towards one another.
Since coming home, I have mostly just been continuing to reread The Fault In Our Stars by John Green, which continues to be as brilliant as I remember. Another oldie in a new context. I do understand some of it slightly better than when I read it roughly two years (?) ago, and appreciate the fantastic writing/language even more than I did the first time, which is saying something. I swear to god I have more sticky notes and scraps of paper marking this book than any other book I have ever read. But I can't help myself, because there is at least one delicious sentence on every single page of this wonderful book. I cannot recommend it enough. As I told my mum this evening: such an abundance of pink sticky notes is a sure sign of my love.
I also had a conversation with mum's new lodger this evening, and never before has the statement that 'books recommend people' been more true. The woman loves Shakespeare, and like me mistrusts people who say that they do not read, or do not carry books with them in some form. She studied and later taught English, and just totally understands my book feels. Incredible! Mum sure picks people well.

I am now typing this in bed, and, once I have tired my eyes with reading, will be off to sleep. All this has made for a rather exhausting day. Sleep well, friends. Dream magnificent dreams.