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…..
Wednesday, January 31, 2007
Tuesday, January 16, 2007
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.
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.
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.
Thursday, January 11, 2007
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!
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!
Sunday, January 07, 2007
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....
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....
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