Ptown Fairytale

So in just two weeks I will be headed off for vacation to Ptown, MA for Carnival week with some of my very dear friends from NYC. Below are some pictures of the house we stay in. These next two weeks are going to go by so slowly.

Keith Olbermann is my new hero. From his show "Countdown with Keith Olbermann" on MSNBC on Tuesday night...You must watch!!!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xozYFUIvHQM

Mr. Washington - Are You Fucking Kidding Me?

I have to say a few things about Mr. Isaiah Washington and his recent interview on Larry King. See an excerpt from the article below.

"I said several bad words," he recalled, quoting himself as telling Dempsey: "There's no way you're going to treat me like the B-word, the P-word or the F-word."

He said that the "F-word" was not meant as an anti-gay slur, but implied "somebody who is being weak." Washington also strongly denied he ever directed the word at gay costar T.R. Knight.

"I am not homophobic – in no way, shape or form," said Washington.

Faggot is a word used way too easily in our day in time. Excuse me Mr. Washington, but as a gay man...if in my workplace I heard someone call another person a faggot to imply they were weak...I would be absolutely be offended and consider that a homophobic (as that is the closest word to describe discrimination against GLBT) remark. It was rude, insensitive and highly inappropriate for the workplace and demands consequences. That kind of insensitivity creates an uncomfortable working environment and if he is the cause, then he deserved to be fired for his behavior, plain and simple. I will not even dignify his claims that he was fired because of his race. What a joke!

He also spoke about his friends that were "completely gay". Below is a funny IM conversation my friend Tonya and I were having about that.

[16:41] TonyaNS1975: I am curious about his "completely gay" friends... how is one "completely gay"
[16:41] TonyaNS1975: no cooter finger?
[16:41] TonyaNS1975: what is the criteria
[16:42] tdprestridge: yeah...i don't know how some are partly gay
[16:42] tdprestridge: i'd like to meet these completely gay people and see if I am one of them
[16:42] TonyaNS1975: yes - I hope I haven't gotten the shaft here and only have "sorta gay" friends
[16:42] TonyaNS1975: that will piss me off
[16:43] tdprestridge: for real....after all the time you have invested
[16:43] tdprestridge: what if you got defective gays out of the deal?
[16:43] TonyaNS1975: I will be SO PISSED
[16:43] tdprestridge: is there a test D and I can take?
[16:43] tdprestridge: i'm nervous now
[16:43] TonyaNS1975: We'll have to look into that - I am so confused
[16:44] tdprestridge: jerk

it's a brand new year......

it's been almost two months since my last entry....let's see if i can recap...

I started my new job as Manager, Performing Arts of Everyone at the KC in April. In the past two months its been quite a whirlwind. Managing a department that produces 365 shows a year, plus other events on top of that is unlike anything I've ever had to do before, including a huge concert with Wyclef Jean, Shaggy, Jimmy Cliff, the Ska-talites, and Plunky and Oneness. It's been a big challenge, but one I think I am learning a lot from and have finally settled into the job I think. Now having worked for both Donna and Garth, I can't imagine having to deal with a bad boss anymore. Both are so extremely supportive and teaching. I hope that I can be that kind of a mentor/boss to any/all employees that I work with in the future.

May brought our PAFE retreat at a private club Garth belongs too called Sycamore Island. We spent the day strategizing about our mission/focus as a whole and then went canoeing, played on a zip line and just generally relaxed with some Mediterranean food. It was so nice to get away and feel like I was in the country again, if even for just a day. Sitting and looking out over the river with no sounds but birds, etc was so incredibly peaceful. Made me miss Nannie's house a lot.

Also, we got to go see Tonya and Kate for Kate's recital. She was soo good and it is always incredible to be able to see them when we can. Our visits are always way too short. My Mom aside, those two are probably two of the most important people in my life right now. They are the kind of friends that become family.

At the start of June, D and I found out that our apartment was being sold and we needed to be out at the end of our lease. (July 31). We later found out that our landlord changed his mind and we didn't have to move, but the place is riddled with problems and the management company is completely unresponsive, so we decided to carry on with the move. We found a really great 2BR basement apartment, still on Capitol Hill, that will end up saving us quite a bit of money in the long run. It's a really great space with a working fireplace, free wood, free cable/internet, new microwave and practically new fridge, working disposal, dishwasher and washer/dryer, etc. It's such a better place than where we are living now, for dramatically less. It's good times. I have added some photos at my flickr site so you can get an idea of the place.

The move will take place on the 21st of July, right when my Mom is here to visit. I'm sad that her visit will be so hectic and in the middle of all this mess, but it will be so good to see her that I don't really care when she comes. I miss my Mom so much. Distance is such a hard thing for someone you care so much about. So many times I feel like I am not there for her since I am so far away. We depended so much on one another for about four years and I feel in some ways that I abandoned her after we both got on our feet. Luckily she married a great guy in Tommy so I feel much better about not being so close to her. Still, I miss her.

Tricia is also coming for a visit in July. It's been awhile since she and I have spent time together. I have no idea what she has really been up to lately, so it will be good for us to catch up on life, etc. Plus, the next Harry Potter movie comes out that weekend so that will be fun!

And that about wraps it up....only 6 more weeks until Ptown vacation.....

Bali Ha'i....

I did it....D didn't think I would....but I did...this morning I went to the gym before work...Now, let me tell you about the four good and bad things about this morning's experience...

#1 - I remembered how great it was to run/work-out and then have energy to face the day. GOOD

#2 - Walking to work, fresh with energy, I made the resolution to be healthier in all aspects of my life, including food...which is kind of a given I think when getting back in shape, but whatever. VERY GOOD

#3 - I forgot my belt - BAD

#4 - L Street Bally's didn't have hot water this morning. VERY BAD

I guess if those are the two worst things about going to the gym, I should just be glad. Now, to get rid of my little pudge and get that flat stomach back.....

i love you elizabeth taylor....

okay so not elizabeth taylor...lol...i love my husband...let me tell you why....

Tommorrow May 1st marks four years that Derek and I have been together, not married, but together. We only really celebrate our married anniversary now, but when living in Boston we always marked the May 1st date by having dinner at the restaurant where we "got together". This is a chain italian restaurant, Vinny T's of Boston, with only a few restaurants in the chain. After we moved, we realized that our tradition would have to come to an end because the nearest Vinny T's was 2 1/2 hours away about 5 miles out of Philadelphia.

When I got home today I found out my wonderful husband had left at Noon today and drove all the way up to PA and got food from Vinny T's and drove all the way back in time to have it ready for us tonight. (He has to work tomorrow night so he couldn't go tomorrow.) This was by far one of the sweetest things he has ever done for me. It made me smile and made me so happy. It made me realize what an amazing husband I have.

sunday in the park with...Beau.....

Dog owners have such a unique relationship with strangers and fellow dog owners. We have become such a society where a hello from one stranger to another on a sidewalk is generally unheard of. This all changes if you have a leash attached to your hand with the canine member of your family at the other end. Strangers will walk up to you to pet your dog, tell you how cute he is, or simply smile and say hello as they laugh at your wiener dog trotting along beside you. This becomes even more the case when the person you approach is another dog owner. In a way our dogs force us into these conversations. They see another dog and instantly rush to sniff and greet each other, leaving the owners to start a sometimes awkward situation while my dog sniffs the privates of the other dog and vice versa. Sometimes you chat, sometimes you sit in silence while the dogs do their thing, and sometimes if you are in a hurry, you just simply keep walking. I think this is just another reason why I enjoy having Beau so much. It is the highlight of my day when we go to the park after work and he happily plays and meets other dogs and I get to meet random people in the park. I mean, it's usually no more than a hello, a goodbye, and some talk about our dogs in between, but at least we say hello. No longer do I keep to myself and just walk, I've become a friendlier person. I think that's a good thing.

here alone....

We are now in Day 7 of Derek's extended work trips to Seattle, WA and NYC. He got into NYC from Seattle safely yesterday and at least he is safe and no longer on the other side of the country. Only a few more days and it will be Friday night and I will have him home. I know what I am about to say may seem a little silly, but I miss him so much more than I thought I would. I was watching TV last night and this woman died and left her husband alone and I just started to cry. Not having D there next to me, my mind started to go places it shouldn't and it just made me cry. Slightly overdramatic I know, but I'm a senstive guy, lol.

Derek being away has all been made easier by my friends, Tonya has kept me company via phone as we yelled at the TV over the Wed. night stress that is LOST and planned our upcoming vacation (YEA!!!), Gregory has hung out for dinner and bread making and we've met friends out for drinks and then Scott was in town with his show so I got to hang out with his roommate for a bit, and one of my good friends from BU, Meredith, will be in town for a conference later this week and we will have dinner this coming Wed. night. All these people help me to feel less alone, but when your soul mate is away, you can be surrounded by people and still feel so alone. I miss him :(

how did we come to this....

I will say it again. I think I live a bit of a semi-charmed life. Don't get me wrong, I have my problems. I have a lovely dog who constantly has to go to the vet because he was treated poorly as an infant. My family is miles away from me and I never get to see my Mom. However, all in all...my life is pretty damn good....

Which leads me to the reason for this post. As of today, I have offically accepted a transfer/promotion here at the Kennedy Center. In three weeks my title will become Manager, Performing Arts for Everyone. I will be taking all of my background and educational training and take one more step toward my ultimate goal of being a GM or ED of a theatre company. (I think I've always been a little scared to admit that's what I really want, but it is.) I feel so incredibly fortunate to have this opportunity this soon after joining the Kennedy Center family. I would be responsible for managing the operations including working with the Director on budgets, planning, etc. for the department. In a lot of ways it is basically becoming the general manager of a small arts organization, which is incredibly exciting. I am thrilled that I was able to have this opportunity and remain at the Kennedy Center. My only sadness is leaving the amazing people that I work with in Devo. They are very much like a family and I am so sad that I won't see them everyday like I do now. But I promise there will be many a time spent hiding up here when things get too busy! :)

Everything was beautiful…at the ballet….

Tonight I am going to my first professional ballet. I shouldn’t say that. I saw the Boston Ballet twice while in MA and they are quite professional, but not on the same level as the New York City Ballet.

Tonight, Derek and I are meeting Gregory and Shane to see NYCB’s production of A Midsummer Night’s Dream. While not my favorite of Shakespeare’s works, it ranks pretty high. My knowledge of ballet is so very limited so I am eager to see it with Gregory (an ex-ballet dancer) who can shed some light on terminology, style, and quality. I feel a bit like a clean slate ready to learn about a new art form.

I have to say that the benefits of working for the Kennedy Center are far and wide, but the ability to expand my arts knowledge with world-renowned companies is one of my favorites. In the past few months I have had the opportunity to see touring theatre productions from Roundabout in NYC, two operas from the Kirov company in Russia, a Michael Bourne piece from London, and now the New York City Ballet. This is all a bit new to me. I am/was a theatre geek. I love seeing both musical and straight theatre and have learned quite a bit in the past few years, thanks to Derek and Tonya, about the history of and current players on Broadway. I enjoy having a niche that I know and love.

There are days when my job seems a little overwhelming, when all the paperwork seems daunting and the actual arts that I am raising money for…so far away. However, it only takes one night of seeing a really great production and I fall in love with my job all over again. I know how much the arts means to me and what a relaxing escape it can be. My job allows me to bring that experience to more and more people everyday. Not a bad 9-5 if you ask me!

I’ve got a friend…..like Carole King, or was it Carly Simon used to sing?…

Anyone who knows me, knows that I like meeting new people and having close friends. By that I mean I like being able to call someone up and go out at a moments notice, or have people just drop by for dinner and watch movies and drink wine, or go shopping on a random Saturday, etc. I do all these things with my husband and I love it. But I see him all the time, and it’s always nice to have other people to hang out with too. It has been since I lived in DC five years ago that I had a circle of friends to hang out with on a regular basis.

When I was in MA, it was hard to find those kind of friends because I was so busy with work and grad school, but also because I was in the beginning stages of my life with D and wanted to spend all my time with him, etc. I was able to get to know a couple of great people, including Meredith, who I can’t wait to see again when she visit in DC this year, but for the most part, the only circle of friends I had were D’s friends. By the end of the time that we lived there, they were just as much my friends as they were his, but you get my point.

Since I moved back to DC and started working at the Kennedy Center I have had the opportunity to meet/come back in contact with some great people that are becoming that circle of friends again for me. Let’s take a look…

Jim – Jim and I became friends about 5 years ago when I was living in DC the first time. I was so glad to find out he was still around and see him when I moved back. He loves to laugh and is as sarcastic as I try to be, so we get along great. He also likes to play Jeopardy on our Playstation…even though he will never beat D…

Mandy – It only took a few days of being at work until I knew she and I would be great friends. She loves musicals/theatre and she has an addictive laugh and she likes escaping work at lunch to get food. Mandy is one of those amazing people that just makes you laugh and feel comfortable hanging out with…I can't wait to have her over for dinner next week!!

Robert – One of those charismatic people who knows many people in the industry and is more important than he would ever let you know. Completely down to earth and is always ready with a great story or advice on where to eat and shop. One of these days I will actually go to Peppermint here in DC which he insists on every month, but I always bail at the last minute.

Adriana - She's one of those friends at work that is like a sister to me. If a few hours have gone by without us making fun or picking on one another, I get bored.

Gregory – Just moved to DC about 2 ½ - 3 weeks ago to join us here at the KC. I was excited to see another young gay join the ranks. We have gotten to hang out a few times since then and the more I get to know about him, the more he fits in with me and my friends. I envision many more dinners at D and I’s place and nights out on the town with him.

There are a myriad of other close friends that I love, but just live way too far away for me to hang out with on a regular basis…move to DC okay?!

Basically, it’s just nice to have friends in DC again…one can only sit at home watching TV for so long before you get the itch to go out with friends…..

THE LIST...

So I was inspired by Mandy to write 100 things down about myself...She did 124 (cause she's 24, but its hard and so I stopped at an even 100.) I apologize in advance for the length of this post, but I hope that you will find reading it as interesting as I did remembering them.

1. My mind wonders when I walk and I find myself practicing how I will say the most random things. (ex. How I will order my drink at the bar in Chicago at the conference that is two months away.) Yep, was just doing that as I walked back from the bathroom to my office. Sad, I know.

2. I have an addiction to fruit snacks.

3. I enjoy being gay.

4. I spend way too much time on IM, Friendster, Myspace, Google, and Facebook trying to find people.

5. I love my dog way more than I should.

6. I have problems and get easily frustrated when dealing with people who are too emotionally immature and needy.

7. I wish that I had a much more active social life.

8. My husband is the best thing that EVER happened to me.

9. I enjoy getting new cell phones.

10. I am shy to a crippling point in certain social situations.

11. I found myself to be more attractive after accepting that I was gay.

12. I still enjoy being flirted with in bars, makes me feel attractive.

13. I like sushi.

14. I sometimes miss being an actor.

15. My mother is the most important person in the world to me.

16. I miss my Nannie, it still hurts.

17. I have a problem with anxiety, ask my former shrink.

18. I love yoga.

19. I miss my family of friends from undergrad. (Alan, Jimmy, Steve, Alex, etc.) It was the last time I remember feeling carefree and having the feeling like the world was whatever I wanted it to be.

20. When I was three years old, I almost bit off my tongue while riding in a car. I still have the scar from the stitches.

21. Being a theatre major at JSU opened many emotional doors for me.

22. I’m scared of being old.

23. I worry too much and so my neck and shoulders always hurt.

24. Nothing beats sitting at a sidewalk café in Paris on your honeymoon.

25. As I have gotten older my spontaneity has faltered. I hate that.

26. I enjoy staying in hotels.

27. Alec Baldwin once touched and complimented my tie, and Hugh Jackman winked at me once.

28. One of my first jobs was as a touring actor with one other person. It was one of the hardest things I’ve ever done.

29. I fully believe that the people that are your true friends are just as much a part of your family, and in some cases, more so.

30. I hate most photos of myself. I have a lazy eye in photos and always hold my head so that I have a second chin.

31. Kissing in the rain is very romantic.

32. Most of my favorite people live way too far away for me to see regularly.

33. I’m moody.

34. During the work week, getting up in the morning is the second worst part of the day to me, the first is turning off the hot shower and actually admitting to myself that I can’t go back to bed.

35. More people need to work at being aware of their surroundings in crowded places and escalators. I want to kick those people.

36. If I have an issue or have embarrassed myself with a person I close off and begin to ignore them.

37. I give in to other people’s wishes sometimes in order to avoid confrontation.

38. I think that people should be able to leave work when they have accomplished their day’s work, instead of a regimented time.

39. When I was 20 years old, I had a medical scare and the first doctor thought I might have had a heart attack. Turns out, it was just pericarditis, but scary nonetheless.

40. The nice lady at the coffee shop near the Kennedy Center knows what I want in the morning and never asks. I like that.

41. Sad movies, TV shows, and musicals/plays make me cry…easily.

42. I am not very good at writing business letters for other people.

43. I wish I were more creative and entertaining when I write in my blog.

44. Sometimes I still get scared of the dark, if something wakes me up at night, I have to turn on lights and fling open doors before I will go into a room.

45. I think Guitar Hero is quite possibly one of the best games ever, and I think myself quite the rock star when playing. Don’t judge.

46. I hang my diplomas over my desk at work to remind myself that school was worth the job that I have now.

47. I miss being more fit and toned, but am currently too lazy to find time for the gym. And yet I’m still paying for it…Bally’s…I want a refund.

48. I enjoy the scented anti-bacterial gels from Bath and Body Works…again, don’t judge.

49. I think drag queens are fascinating.

50. I cry every time I watch my wedding video and listen to what D and I said to each other.

51. As much as I don’t want to admit it…I’m kind of a dork. (Ex. When home alone, I dance and sing in my kitchen with as much emotional fortitude as I can muster. Also, see #1)

52. I was Salutatorian of my high school graduating class and graduated with honors from college. See #49.

53. My favorite mixed drink is Vodka/Tonic (preferably Ketel One or Grey Goose), wine is red…usually Pinot Noir, and beer is a hefewizen. Buy me one and we’ll be friends for life.

54. I’m very competitive when playing games with my friends, I’m much better at hiding it now, but I hate to lose.

55. In undergrad, I once drove 6 ½ hours from AL to FL to watch the sunrise over the beach with a good friend. We promptly turned around and drove home afterwards. See #24.

56. I don’t like our President.

57. When I go to a food court in a mall, 99% of the time I will eat Chinese.

58. I am not a big fan of chocolate, I would much rather have something fruity for dessert.

59. Once during sex, the cell phone in my pocket accidentally called 911. Luckily, I heard it and stopped anyone from being dispatched.

60. When I was 12 years old I traveled with my Dad to South America (Suriname and Guyana) for his yearly mission trip for church.

61. I shave the tops of my feet and my toes.

62. I’m allergic to cats, and slightly allergic to dust and pollen.

63. I carry my lunch to work in a Peanuts lunchbox.

64. Every once in a while I like to light some candles and take a nice long tub bath. Gay much?

65. I say “fuck” too much.

66. My favorite Girl Scout cookies are the Tagalongs. (The chocolate covered peanut butter filled ones.)

67. As an actor I did a show here in DC that required me to wear nothing but a dance belt and green paint. (Iguana – Night of the Iguana).

68. I think all people, married or unmarried should have innocent, fun crushes.

69. I miss living in the country on clear nights. It’s an amazing feeling to lie in the grass in a big open field and see all the stars.

70. When I fly on an airplane, I always get the cran-apple juice as my beverage.

71. I love to cook…especially good recipes that I see on the food network.

72. I think philanthropy, on any level, is a worthy investment. Even if you can only afford $25 a year, find one good charity that you believe in and support them, they need your help. If you are unsure who to donate to, I’ll give you plenty of suggestions.

73. I’m a democrat. And a slightly liberal one too.

74. I listen to a lot more musicals than I used to; I blame Derek for this. (I recommend Ragtime and Side Show as two of my personal favorites.)

75. I also watch way more TV that a normal person should. (24, Lost, Desperate Housewives, Brothers & Sisters, Grey’s Anatomy, The Class, The Amazing Race, Big Brother, Top Chef, Survivor, Project Runway….are all Tivo’ed). It’s wrong, I know.

76. I usually have either AIM or meebo running most of the time (tdprestridge). I’m not always around it, but I like being accessible. Random messages make me smile.

77. Every winter my skin gets dry and forces me to lotion my legs and arms when I get out of the shower.

78. Office supply catalogs are fun for me. I enjoy being able to order fun pens and other new toys. NO, NOT THOSE TOYS!

79. I hate the phone. I don’t even like talking to friends and family on the phone, I would much rather email or just see you in person.

80. I miss having friends that like to play board games. I grew up with Monopoly, Life, Clue, Trivial Pursuit, etc.

81. Sleeping in a bed other than my own is hard for me. I will make a special effort to get to my own bed after a party or after a vacation just because I know I will sleep better.

82. When I sit at a restaurant, I like to sit facing the door. I’m a big people watcher.

83. I am a very touchy feely person. I think an honest hug between friends can heal a multitude of transgressions.

84. I don’t drink enough water every day. Actually, I rarely drink actual water. My fluids usually come in the form of juice or tea.

85. I wish I remembered to take more photos. I always regret not having a camera when I go places when I see the great candid shots that other people have.

86. I am easily addicted to certain songs and will usually have one album or particular song that I listen to consistently for a few days/weeks. (ie. Sandi Thom)

87. I check my email excessively. When I go on trips and am not able to get on my laptop, it drives me nuts.

88. I am trying to become better at making simplistic decisions. For example, when D or friends ask where we should eat, my usual response is “I don’t care” and truly I don’t. But I realize that indecisiveness is annoying, so I’m working on it.

89. I wish that my relationship with my sister and dad were better, but I refuse to change who I am anymore to appease them.

90. If you want to surprise me with a great dinner, find a good BBQ place and add some corn on the cob and baked beans and I’ll be your friend.

91. Every time that my boss calls me into her office, I think its bad. I do my work, and really have no reason to think its bad, but I still do.

92. I am pretty sure that I still want children someday. Having Beau has been extremely eye-opening, but one day I think being a parent would be amazing.

93. When I eat French fries, I like to open the ketchup packet and individually add the ketchup to each fry as I eat them.

94. One of my favorite things to do is have people over for dinner/wine at the apartment, but I am bad at actually inviting people over. I want them to just call and say “hey, I’m coming for dinner tomorrow”.

95. I still get very star struck by people I admire, (ie Dolly Parton when she was at the KC for Honors in Dec.)

96. Hair stylists who take the time to give you a head massage as they wash your hair are special people.

97. I have a stuffed animal from my childhood that I will never get rid of….his name is “Puppy Dawg” and I sometimes still sleep with him if D is away.

98. Fourth of July is my favorite holiday. Not because of what it actually symbolizes, but because of the fun, relaxed, picnic atmosphere in which most people celebrate it.

99. Camp bonfires are a great way to relax and get to know people. Just add a beer and some smores and the fire creates the most amazing aura for just hanging out with friends. Where is there a place to have a bonfire in this city?!?!

100. I appreciate the fact that I was actually able to find 100 things about myself that I consider interesting or at the very least, entertaining.

We're all in this together....

Yes, I know it’s from a cheesy teenage musical, but bear with me and I’ll explain….

This weekend I had the chance to sit and watch the final day of the Junior Theatre Festival that D was a part of this weekend in Atlanta, GA. It’s very easy to simply say…kids doing theatre…that’s cute…and leave it at that. After watching these kids work and perform for each other and listen to their stories, you realize it is so much more. There was one particular group who was awarded the “Spirit of the Festival” award that made me teary. These kids were all set to come to the festival and three weeks before they left, the school pulled their funding and informed them they couldn’t go. Their dedicated teacher pulled his group together and for three weeks they worked and raised money and made it to the festival.

At one point the teachers all came up on stage and performed, “It’s a Hard Knock Life” for all their kids. These underpaid teachers have a special place in heaven for all they do. In a society where we value athletic prowess above the arts so many of these teachers do not have the funds for a quality program and simply make do with what they can and many spend their own money to give this arts students the education they deserve. So many of these kids aren’t good at sports, maybe aren’t the smartest kids, but they love the arts. Without these teachers and their hard work these amazing kids would not have a place to belong.

That day the kids were all treated to a surprise guest, Zach Efron (Troy Bolton from High School Musical) and were taken to the opening night of High School Musical at the Fox Theatre in Atlanta. This is a once in a lifetime weekend for these kids and I am so happy that I was able to be there and see it.

It makes my job of raising money for the arts seem so much more important when I see something like that. Kudos to my friends at ITheatrics and MTI for the amazing weekend.

We are a family like a giant tree....

The title is appropriate for the post, but also a nod to Dreamgirls. If you haven't seen it yet...GO, it's really a great film of the musical.

Derek and I board separate planes tomorrow to head down to Atlanta, GA. He is flying down as a workshop leader for the Junior Theatre Festival and well, I'm going to take a mini-vacation back in my old stomping grounds. Throughout undergrad my gays and I would get dressed up and go dancing at the now closed Backstreet in Atlanta for an exciting night out. We had some great nights there, including my 21st birthday when the drag queens fed me shots, brought me up to the stage and stripped me naked...nothing between me and the audience but a washcloth being held by a queen. Ahhh, the memories.

I'm excited to go back to Atlanta for many reasons. On Saturday, my Mom is going to drive over so that we can go shopping and spend the day together without the stress of the holidays. I miss her so much and being able to see her again, so soon after Christmas, will be nice. Also though, I am going to be able to see Steve, one of the above mentioned gays that I used to go out with. The last time I saw Steve was when he flew up to MA for my wedding (I still can't get over the fact that a few people actually got on a plane for me, it meant so much more than they know). Steve is one of those friends that always makes me smile and makes me feel right at home. We are going to grab dinner on Friday night and then find our way to one of the local watering holes/dance clubs for the remainder of the evening. Should be good times.

I'm also going to be able to see more recent friends. Marty, Steven, and Tim will all be in Atlanta for the festival. They are part of the crew that I spent a week in Ptown with over the summer and will, if everything works out, be headed back there with this summer. It was Carnival week in Ptown and I had one of the best vacations ever. We spent most days on the beach, would nap or go shopping, somebody would cook an amazing dinner for everyone, then we would walk down to one of the bars for adult beverages with the rest of the gays. It's a very liberating and amazing week. I highly recommend. Those guys have become quite special to Derek and I.

Also there for the weekend will be Cindy and Al Ripley. They are a great couple from the Buffalo area of NY, that will also be there as part of the Festival (Cindy is a teacher/administrator at a school that helps to launch the Broadway Jr. shows). We spent a weekend with Cindy, Al, and the above gays at Stage Door Manor almost two years ago. (For those of you who saw the movie, Camp, Stage Door Manor is the theatre camp it is based on and filmed at.) Anyway, we were stuck at this retro resort that freakishly reminded us of Kellerman's from Dirty Dancing. Seriously, it still had the same appearance and daily classes from that time period. Freaky, but hilarious!!

I talk about all this to show that just like my friend Alan said in a recent posting, your family is not just blood, they are the friends that you choose, or rather those that choose you. My family truly is a giant tree that branches in all directions. From my wonderful mother, my strained father and sister, to all the friends both from undergrad to my friends in MA, DC, NY, AZ, and FL. They all make up my family, as dyfunctional as it may be. I've said it before, but I'll say it again. Thank you for making me laugh and cry, and to those I've yet to meet...I can't wait!

Your the one that I.....umm..no...

I would just like to start this off by saying that "Your the One That I Want" is ill conceived and wrong....and that's all I'm going to say about that....

On a separate note, I have recently found myself reading other people's blogs a lot more. I think it all started when I met Mandy and started reading
her blog. I think it has something to do with my voyeristic nature. I enjoy, when allowed, looking through a window into other people's lives and personalities. I especially like it when they show a piece of themselves that is slightly awkward and I share that trait. Gives me a sense of community, I guess.

If you have any good blogs that you think I should read....send them along....