Wisdom to know the difference

I'm challenged in the "planning ahead" department. Or, as my dear departed mother would say, I can't pour piss out of a boot with instructions on the heel.

So, for my big trip to NYC, I had not done the research and made definite plans to do X, Y, or Z. Not having things planned out, and arriving in the big city, I started to go over the edge.

Oh, I'm not frightened or intimidated by the City (well, not too much). I can use subways fairly well, which I did. I can handle crowds. And, it comes in handy being rather large and ugly, giving off a "don't mess with me" sort of air.

Thinking about what I should have done, the plans I should have made, the thinking and packing I should have thought about, I plunged into shame and self-doubt. It it goes downhill from there.

But I didn't let it happen. I got it together. Knowing I didn't have time to see "everything," I got real. I decided to go with what I could do and not sink into the morass of blame and shame about what I could not do. A real life example of finding serenity to accept what I could not change, the courage to do what I could. For once, I had the wisdom to know the difference.

Big Apple Lust

I'm back from my brief visit to the Big Apple. Though short, it was great fun.

Some time at the Metropolitan Museum. Sitting in St. Thomas', Fifth Avenue, while someone practiced on their magnificent pipe organ. And, importantly, a pilgrimage to Christopher St, where I visited a leather shop (oh, it smelled so good), drank and chatted with folk at Ty's, and danced with a new friend at the Monster.

I met the friends and colleagues for which I'd made the trip for supper on Wednesday at Osso Bucco. We had a great meal, talked, laughed, ate, drank, and then went for drinks at local bar.

And, another first: I had a Cosmo! One of my friends had to take a picture.

So: fun, friends, and at least two punches in my gay card. Oh, I want to go back!

I'm going to NYC!

Tomorrow I'm off to New York City! I'm only there till Thursday morning, but what excitement. This is a big adventure for me.

I am in a support group of colleagues that formed at a professional conference about three years ago. The members of each support group were urged to "stay in touch with each other," but of course, most don't. Our support group has defied the odds and held a telephone conference call each month for three years!

Two of the four members are in NY/CT. One is in Ohio. She has a meeting in NYC this week, so we all agreed to meet there for a face-to-face and dinner. Except I couldn't swing the money.

The group surprised me with the gift of a trip to the City! They all pitched in saying it just wouldn't be a party without me! YEAH!

SO, if any NYC bloggers read this, I'll be arriving on Tuesday afternoon and leaving Thursday morning. At this point, only Wednesday night is scheduled. I'd love the chance to meet some folk face-to-face. Just send me an email and I'll get back with you ASAP.