Rejuvinating

I don't want to forget anything about this past weekend because it was so damn revitalizing.  I went to DC.  I had some cool stuff happen that was work-related, but I want to focus on the more personal stuff first.

Friday night I saw The Normal Heart, written by Larry Kramer.  You should look him up.  The play was beyond moving, and I was affected.  I'm still thinking about it and how it is changing how I spend my time and how I approach certain life issues.  I'm a better person for having seen it.  Really.

My darling Kurt brought me backstage and introduced me to some cast and crew members.  I found myself utterly star struck upon meeting Patrick Breen, and acted quite the fool gushing over him.  No regrets there.  He was splendid.

Another cast member met was Jon - a sweet and brief encounter.  I was informed that Jon is the kindest of the cast, and I soon learned this firsthand.  But I'm getting ahead of myself.

Saturday was brunch with a dear old friend in Dupont, then a stint in the American History Museum (where I learned more about gay rights in history), and back to the theater for The Music Man.  It was more charming than I remembered, and it warmed my heart.  I had a lovely theater companion in the comp seat next to mine as well - bonus.

After both shows Kurt and I went back to his place to catch up, gossip, and generally enjoy life.  It was good and fun and easy.

Sunday: slept in, lollygagged the early afternoon away, and spent the rest of the day at the pool at Traci's.  Her husband's buddy (womanizer, but nice enough dude) gave me a ride back to my hotel and paid me some extra attention.  I kept it super platonic, but extra attention is what it is - and it feels nice.

Monday was tough on my ego, so Kurt and I went out for drinks, dinner and drinks, and then more drinks.  Jon joined us, and we hit it off like gangbusters.  Here's the thing.  I'm lucky to have found several really strong friendships, but as you age, new strong friendships are rare.  This was one of those instant kindred spirit connections.  Someone who you respect, who validates the qualities you love about yourself.  I can't properly express how good this made me feel.  This is the feeling I don't want to lose.  And the fact that it was mutual made it that much dearer.  My last text from him was, "... And let's be real friends.  Please."  He lives in California, so I might not see this person again, but it might not matter because his effect on me by being a friend to me in just that one night was so important.  I know that sounds like I was in a bad place and needed a certain kind of friend, but that's not how this started.

Don't get me wrong.  I can't imagine having stronger or more loving or more unconditional friendships than those I have with Kurt, Steph, and Emily.  It ain't gonna happen.  But for some reason this instant connection with this sweet man swept me off my feet, and apparently I needed it.  I found myself spouting dating advice while simultaneously thinking, "you need to take your own advice, woman!"  Everything made sense that night, and I was so confident and content.

Now that I think of it, this was reminiscent of when Uncle Bill came to DC for a trip and we had breakfast together.  I don't remember what we talked about, and we didn't get to visit for too long, but we had conversations about life.  I walked away from that breakfast feeling so good about who I am, who I choose to be, and the life opportunities that were there before me.  This was the same feeling.  I'm not sure what about this encounter prompted it, but I'm so grateful for it and I so don't want it to go away!

The next work day was much better, and I went home on a happy note, still on an emotional high from my night out with those swell fellas.  I was airsick and carsick, but couldn't stop smiling from my lovely, real-life-filled weekend.  I'm trying to stay on a roll of positive thinking, easy confidence, optimism, and faith.  It waned a bit tonight when I hung out with Geno.  He's sad and lonely, and I don't know that I am helpful.  I want to be, but each person has to find their own way, and I don't know what his will be.  That was a bit of a downer, because in some ways he's so proactive, while in others I can see him spinning his wheels.

Just writing this post has already been immensely helpful.  I hope I can look back time and again and resurrect that feeling, that perspective.  It's the perfect medicine.  For everything.