I met someone recently. I'm not going to divulge much, mainly to protect his privacy; but I do wish I could write everything down! I also must be very sensitive about which details I mention because others don't quite see him the way I do. I'm not the type to listen to others much for relationship advice, however, I did ask for opinions, and I got opinions I didn't quite want to hear. Anyway, I appreciate the fact that my friends think highly of me, and I understand that they are hoping I'll wait for someone perfect to come along; but I see a lot of goodness in this person, and I want to explore a bit further.
I felt a little insecure at first because of our substantial age difference. That went away today. I offered to take him to the DMV this morning so that he turn in his Florida license, get a Georgia one, and register to vote all at once. I had some things I had to do today, but I got up really early (very unlike me), and I wanted to spend time with him. Not to mention, this upcoming election is extremely important, because of how it relates to me, of course. If the republicans happen to win again, I'm moving to a resort town in Mexico, probably Puerto Vallarta, because of how gay it is. Once I'm confident about my Spanish, I'll move to Spain to marry a beautiful man
and live happily ever after, and the United States can suffer at the hands of the oppressors!
Okay, back from my tangent! Before we went to the DMV, we stopped for a bite at Flying Biscuit, and I felt as though the age difference only matters if I let it. It's actually extremely refreshing to spend time with someone younger, and I certainly don't have to act my age around him! It's kind of like an escape. I'm also learning a lot about video games and music; and I certainly don't think it's a waste of time because there is so much going on today that I can't keep track of that is really shaping our future. If I didn't have such experiences, I'd grow up to be an ignorant old geezer who can't work any new gadgets. That would be a nightmare! I must keep with the times!
After the DMV, we went to the FMLS office in Sandy Springs because I needed to activate a couple of lockboxes on my account that I bought from eBay. He's so laid back as young people are, that he was happy to accompany me. I thought we should do something fun after that, so we stopped in at the costume shop next to Gravity Fitness to get ideas for Halloween, which is in only one month. He's an extremely gifted artist, and he brought along a sketch of a woodland nymph he wanted to be. I've seen some of his work, and the sketch was very detailed, like his other drawings. We tried on several things, and we had a really fun time figuring out what we might dress up as. I don't always enjoy the whole Halloween production because, in the past, I've felt that the holiday overshadows my birthday, which is the day before. But this year, I'll go with the flow and embrace Halloween by having a masquerade birthday party, which Ernesto is going to plan, possibly with the help of Sparkles.
I guess that's what I'm doing with Nymph, just going with the flow. I don't know what to expect, and I'm not even sure what I want. I've been happily single for many months, but the passed couple of weeks have been fun, and I've enjoyed getting to know him. In the past, I've needed to be in control of every situation, so it's new and different to have a more passive attitude. It's nice! It's cool! It's also really wonderful to not be with someone who's trying to control me!! Wow! He doesn't mind what I do with my time, and he respects my privacy. This is still very early on, and expectations are low, so things may progress. I don't know. Regardless of what happens, I'm going to have fun exploring!
Tuesday, September 30, 2008
Wednesday, September 17, 2008
A Very Worthy Cause
Labor Day Weekend is over, and I'm about to head back to Atlanta. I spent the weekend with my family in New York, and the highlight was meeting and spending time with my new niece, Nicole Sofie Malin. She was born on July 15th to my brother, Bill, and his wife, Margot. Nicole is really beautiful; she has naturally tanned skin thanks to her Latin influences from both parents, dark brown hair and eyes, chubby cheeks from her Mom, and a prominent forehead from her Dad. I held her and fed her several times over the weekend, and it seemed to me that maybe taking care of a baby would be pretty simple. But before I start making assumptions and plans to adopt a small bundle of my own, I remember that I'm not home with her at night, and that my life allows me the freedom to spontaneously hang out with friends when I want or take a weekend trip somewhere. The thought reminds me to be grateful for my self-cleaning kitties at home who require no special attention, but who provide me with plenty of unconditional love, nonetheless.
The other reason for my visit was to attend the wedding of a childhood friend and neighbor. I grew up in Port Chester, New York, next door to a Filipino family. The two kids, Geralynn and Joe were very close to the ages of my brothers and me, so the five of us would play together and grow up alongside each other. While I lived in Boston during and after college, Geralynn and Joe also lived there, and I'd randomly run into one of them out at a club occassionally. Geralynn returned to Port Chester a couple of years ago to save money and figure out where in the US she wants to live next. She's a successful pharmacist, and can move anywhere she wants after her parents retire in Las Vegas next year. On my last day in New York, she and I had lunch together, and I asked her to take a weekend trip to Atlanta so that I can show her around for her consideration. It would be nice to have another Northern friend close-by.
Joe also left Boston and moved to Norwalk, Connecticut, with his then-fiance. So, this passed weekend, the two tied the knot at a Catholic Church (shudder) in Norwalk, and then had their reception at the famous Surf Club in New Rochelle, New York. It was an awesome wedding! The food was fabulous, and the guests were a wonderful mix of Filipino, American, and Latino (the bride is from Central or South America; I can't remember which country). But the best part of the reception was Venetian Hour, which was an extravagant montage of desserts, including everything from apple streudle to chocolate fountains to chocolate chip cookies to cigars! And what party would not be complete without some good old-fashioned, Malin-family drama! My little brother, Jim, brought his ex-girlfriend, Paula, who the rest of the family doesn't think much of. So, at my table was Bill and Margot to my left, and my Dad, Jim, and Paula to my right. Billy and Paula are both seasoned drinkers, and they commenced their talent immediately. Occassionally, Paula would return to the table with no less than two drinks at a time! And every time Margot and I would wonder where Billy was, we would turn to one of the bars and spot him. It was so funny! And we thought it was only a matter of time before Billy and Paula got into a fight. Much to our dismay, there was no confrontation, however, both of them left the reception quite intoxicated.
Instead of returning to Atlanta on Monday, I stayed a few extra days to spend time with my parents and brothers, and to hang out in Manhattan. I visited a couple of friends in the city, but I didn't go out to any gay nightlife venues on this trip. I was fine with that, and I had a great time just kind of relaxing.
--
I returned to Atlanta on Wednesday night thinking about the up-coming weekend. Saturday night would be the famed Atlanta Cotillion, which is an annual fund-raiser for AIDAtlanta, a non-profit organization who helps people with HIV and AIDS. While I was in New York, my friend, Jeffrey, called me asking me to help with the event. I had already wanted to go, but I didn't think I could afford the $150 ticket, so this opportunity to volunteer could not have happened to a more willing person.
The Cotillion has been going on for years, and last year, my former husband, Jeremy, was a debutante. The "debs" raise money for four months prior to the event, and the drag queen who raises the most wins, and is crowned queen of the Cotillion. The debs have pool parties and other fun fund-raising events throughout the summer leading up to the Cotillion. I've known several passed-debutantes, even a few winners, but I've never had the chance to go until this year.
I decided that although I'd be "working" at the event, I still wanted to look appropriate for the black-tie event. However, I was asked to help at the last minute, and when I went to rent a tux, it was too late. I went to Men's Wearhouse to check out their tuxedos for purchase, and I ended up getting a great deal on one. So, I blow-dried my hair (which I'm currently growing out), got all decked-out, and headed to the function.
Those with decision-making power decided that this year's event would be a masquerade. So, during a break from my shift at the gym, I walked into the costume shop next to Gravity Fitness on Faulkner Road and purchased a mask for myself with a flaming look to it, and one on a stick for my friend, Chris, who was going in drag. Chris is a very tall man, so when he does drag, he's quite an immense woman. My new friend, Julio, who works at Helmet (inside Gravity Fitness) was also asked to serve a purpose for the event. My friend, Jeffrey (famous for the character, Jeffrey Blooms on tv's Who's Wedding Is It? created a Marie Antoinette look for Julio. But Jeffrey took the costume a bit further with his creativity by hollowing out a round table for Julio to be in the middle of. The costume went over both of them, and that allowed the table to serve as a dress that served drinks. Julio was a "living table." Very cool!
My friend, Patrick and I were asked to help out by wearing head-set microphones so that we could be the communication between back-stage and the sound area out among the dinner tables. It was all very interesting and fun; in fact, it didn't feel like work at all! The show itself consisted of my friend, Jeffrey as Mistress of Ceremonies (in a gorgeous, silver-screen ball gown), and debutantes and queens of passed years. The importance of AIDAtlanta's mission was a theme throughout the night, and I became slightly emotional as they spoke of how much good the Cotillion does for people living with HIV. Because of AIDAtlanta, people who would otherwise be inelligible for medical care get the help they need to continue their lives as normal human beings. People are treated with respect and dignity at AIDAtlanta, and living with HIV no longer has to be a nightmare. So, when they announced that this year's debutantes raised over $104,000, tears formed in my eyes, and I felt as though I was a part of something so much bigger than me, and it was something very, very good.
The winning debutante raised by herself over $27,000, so they passed her the crown, and she did her little runway walk. The whole show seemed to move along very quickly, and before I knew it, it was after eleven, and people were waiting to get their cars from valet. A gentleman teetering next to me told the valet that he was too drunk to drive, and that he just needed his keys. I thanked God that moment that I was sober, and that my night was just beginning! The after-party was taking place at WETbar, of course, so Chris, Julio, & I piled into the Rodeo, and headed off.
The Cotillion people were the night's VIPs at the club, so we walked in ahead of a line of people waiting outside and all the way around the corner. I caught a glimpse of Seth & Nathan, along with their own coterie, waiting in the long line. We walked into a club full of drag queens, handsome tuxedo-ed men, and club kids, all mixing and conversing as though it were any other night at the world-famous WET. I tried to greet as many people as I could, and then I hung out with Seth & Nathan for a bit to catch up. They recently got married in Piedmont Park at a wedding ceremony that was one of the most beautiful I've been to.
At around a quarter to two, we decided to take our mobile party to Blake's. Chris, Julio, and I were the only Cotillion people there, so the drunks at Blake's were quite taken by our lavish outfits. We did a "fruit loop" and then had our pictures taken by the photographers who frequent the bar. Unfortunately, Julio had to call it a night because of work the following morning, so we said "Goodbye" to him. But Chris and I were far from done. We're both alcoholics in recovery, so we can go all night, if need be! Jeffrey told us of a hot-tub party that was going on off Cheshire Bridge Road, so we headed in that direction. As we arrived, we noticed that nothing naughty was going on in the hot tub, so we quickly left. Just kidding!! The guys lent us a couple of swimsuits (mine was a little, skimpy number), and we joined them in the hot tub for some innocent chat. After a bit, we decided we were hungry, so Chris and I ended our night at, where else?? Waffle House. Nothing's better at six in the morning. What a wonderful night!
I awoke the next afternoon, not hung-over, but refreshed and so very happy that I was a very tiny part of a really huge, and wonderful thing. And all the attention I got in my new tux wasn't so bad either. :D
The other reason for my visit was to attend the wedding of a childhood friend and neighbor. I grew up in Port Chester, New York, next door to a Filipino family. The two kids, Geralynn and Joe were very close to the ages of my brothers and me, so the five of us would play together and grow up alongside each other. While I lived in Boston during and after college, Geralynn and Joe also lived there, and I'd randomly run into one of them out at a club occassionally. Geralynn returned to Port Chester a couple of years ago to save money and figure out where in the US she wants to live next. She's a successful pharmacist, and can move anywhere she wants after her parents retire in Las Vegas next year. On my last day in New York, she and I had lunch together, and I asked her to take a weekend trip to Atlanta so that I can show her around for her consideration. It would be nice to have another Northern friend close-by.
Joe also left Boston and moved to Norwalk, Connecticut, with his then-fiance. So, this passed weekend, the two tied the knot at a Catholic Church (shudder) in Norwalk, and then had their reception at the famous Surf Club in New Rochelle, New York. It was an awesome wedding! The food was fabulous, and the guests were a wonderful mix of Filipino, American, and Latino (the bride is from Central or South America; I can't remember which country). But the best part of the reception was Venetian Hour, which was an extravagant montage of desserts, including everything from apple streudle to chocolate fountains to chocolate chip cookies to cigars! And what party would not be complete without some good old-fashioned, Malin-family drama! My little brother, Jim, brought his ex-girlfriend, Paula, who the rest of the family doesn't think much of. So, at my table was Bill and Margot to my left, and my Dad, Jim, and Paula to my right. Billy and Paula are both seasoned drinkers, and they commenced their talent immediately. Occassionally, Paula would return to the table with no less than two drinks at a time! And every time Margot and I would wonder where Billy was, we would turn to one of the bars and spot him. It was so funny! And we thought it was only a matter of time before Billy and Paula got into a fight. Much to our dismay, there was no confrontation, however, both of them left the reception quite intoxicated.
Instead of returning to Atlanta on Monday, I stayed a few extra days to spend time with my parents and brothers, and to hang out in Manhattan. I visited a couple of friends in the city, but I didn't go out to any gay nightlife venues on this trip. I was fine with that, and I had a great time just kind of relaxing.
--
I returned to Atlanta on Wednesday night thinking about the up-coming weekend. Saturday night would be the famed Atlanta Cotillion, which is an annual fund-raiser for AIDAtlanta, a non-profit organization who helps people with HIV and AIDS. While I was in New York, my friend, Jeffrey, called me asking me to help with the event. I had already wanted to go, but I didn't think I could afford the $150 ticket, so this opportunity to volunteer could not have happened to a more willing person.
The Cotillion has been going on for years, and last year, my former husband, Jeremy, was a debutante. The "debs" raise money for four months prior to the event, and the drag queen who raises the most wins, and is crowned queen of the Cotillion. The debs have pool parties and other fun fund-raising events throughout the summer leading up to the Cotillion. I've known several passed-debutantes, even a few winners, but I've never had the chance to go until this year.
I decided that although I'd be "working" at the event, I still wanted to look appropriate for the black-tie event. However, I was asked to help at the last minute, and when I went to rent a tux, it was too late. I went to Men's Wearhouse to check out their tuxedos for purchase, and I ended up getting a great deal on one. So, I blow-dried my hair (which I'm currently growing out), got all decked-out, and headed to the function.
Those with decision-making power decided that this year's event would be a masquerade. So, during a break from my shift at the gym, I walked into the costume shop next to Gravity Fitness on Faulkner Road and purchased a mask for myself with a flaming look to it, and one on a stick for my friend, Chris, who was going in drag. Chris is a very tall man, so when he does drag, he's quite an immense woman. My new friend, Julio, who works at Helmet (inside Gravity Fitness) was also asked to serve a purpose for the event. My friend, Jeffrey (famous for the character, Jeffrey Blooms on tv's Who's Wedding Is It? created a Marie Antoinette look for Julio. But Jeffrey took the costume a bit further with his creativity by hollowing out a round table for Julio to be in the middle of. The costume went over both of them, and that allowed the table to serve as a dress that served drinks. Julio was a "living table." Very cool!
My friend, Patrick and I were asked to help out by wearing head-set microphones so that we could be the communication between back-stage and the sound area out among the dinner tables. It was all very interesting and fun; in fact, it didn't feel like work at all! The show itself consisted of my friend, Jeffrey as Mistress of Ceremonies (in a gorgeous, silver-screen ball gown), and debutantes and queens of passed years. The importance of AIDAtlanta's mission was a theme throughout the night, and I became slightly emotional as they spoke of how much good the Cotillion does for people living with HIV. Because of AIDAtlanta, people who would otherwise be inelligible for medical care get the help they need to continue their lives as normal human beings. People are treated with respect and dignity at AIDAtlanta, and living with HIV no longer has to be a nightmare. So, when they announced that this year's debutantes raised over $104,000, tears formed in my eyes, and I felt as though I was a part of something so much bigger than me, and it was something very, very good.
The winning debutante raised by herself over $27,000, so they passed her the crown, and she did her little runway walk. The whole show seemed to move along very quickly, and before I knew it, it was after eleven, and people were waiting to get their cars from valet. A gentleman teetering next to me told the valet that he was too drunk to drive, and that he just needed his keys. I thanked God that moment that I was sober, and that my night was just beginning! The after-party was taking place at WETbar, of course, so Chris, Julio, & I piled into the Rodeo, and headed off.
The Cotillion people were the night's VIPs at the club, so we walked in ahead of a line of people waiting outside and all the way around the corner. I caught a glimpse of Seth & Nathan, along with their own coterie, waiting in the long line. We walked into a club full of drag queens, handsome tuxedo-ed men, and club kids, all mixing and conversing as though it were any other night at the world-famous WET. I tried to greet as many people as I could, and then I hung out with Seth & Nathan for a bit to catch up. They recently got married in Piedmont Park at a wedding ceremony that was one of the most beautiful I've been to.
At around a quarter to two, we decided to take our mobile party to Blake's. Chris, Julio, and I were the only Cotillion people there, so the drunks at Blake's were quite taken by our lavish outfits. We did a "fruit loop" and then had our pictures taken by the photographers who frequent the bar. Unfortunately, Julio had to call it a night because of work the following morning, so we said "Goodbye" to him. But Chris and I were far from done. We're both alcoholics in recovery, so we can go all night, if need be! Jeffrey told us of a hot-tub party that was going on off Cheshire Bridge Road, so we headed in that direction. As we arrived, we noticed that nothing naughty was going on in the hot tub, so we quickly left. Just kidding!! The guys lent us a couple of swimsuits (mine was a little, skimpy number), and we joined them in the hot tub for some innocent chat. After a bit, we decided we were hungry, so Chris and I ended our night at, where else?? Waffle House. Nothing's better at six in the morning. What a wonderful night!
I awoke the next afternoon, not hung-over, but refreshed and so very happy that I was a very tiny part of a really huge, and wonderful thing. And all the attention I got in my new tux wasn't so bad either. :D
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