bowling for friends
I want to talk about the Inauguration and Obama, I do. I like him, but don't think he's the Second Coming; I have insider information from my time in Illinois politics that shows just how human and flawed he is. Just because he is better than Bush doesn't mean he's going to completely revolutionise this country, either. So like I said, I want to talk about him, but right now isn't the time. I want to talk about making friends and how fucking hard it's been for me, a first in my life since like high school when no one wanted to talk to me because I was too different and too bright to be easily categorised. Most of you know that my coming to Philadelphia has brought a new set of circumstances and sacrifices. Adjusting to the East Coast with its suspicous attitudes and closed mindsets has been a challenge. I try to accept people for who they are, rather than what I want them to be. I'm learning lessons in patience here.

Since meeting and making new friends has been so difficult, I have been finding friends my own damn way. I'm paying into my community garden come spring. I posted a little ad in the platonic section of Craigslist and became subsequently horrified at how many Americans lack the understanding of what the word platonic means. I even joined up a bunch of groups on Meetup.com. You can find a club or group for any dang interest under the sun, and it's pretty neat. Some of the groups are very exclusionary, like the book club that I joined that somehow has all its meetings filled minutes after it posts a new meeting and where no one tells anyone new hello and everyone has their own insider conversations happening. Trying to join any of that club's activities is like being a puppy and seeing "No dogs allowed" everywhere you go. I want to play, too, guys! (wiggle wiggle)

The friendliest group so far is the queer group. They have a whole host of gatherings, and not just your typical theatre stuff. Everyone has been very kind and warm. So the gist of this post?

I'm going bowling with a bunch of gays in a few weeks, and I am very excited. Jazz hands optional. Now if only I could find a local gay boyfriend, I'd be set.

on-her-way-to-work jewel

P.S. For the newcomers, I am a member of the queer community. In the past, I've had romantic relationships with both men and women (not at the same time, mind you; I am not polyamorous). I consider my sexuality to be open, and know I was born this way. I recall having crushes on girls (and boys, too) in my class when I was five. Those seeds weren't planted by anyone. This is just how I was made. Lest anyone think I am making fun of gay people, know that I poke fun at myself and stereotypes. It's part of what makes being a button-pusher grand. Pay it no real mind.