cool (weather and evening)

[mellowtigger]

I was supposed to spend this weekend camping. Unfortunately, recent cold weather (and 2-3 inches of snow last Monday, pictured here) caused private campgrounds to close early for the winter season.  *disappointed sigh*

A coworker had a birthday party this weekend, so I could have gone there too.

But then I learned about the OctoBear Dance and fundraiser for District 202 (a queer youth center).  In addition to other things, they were also selling tickets for a chance to win an HP Netbook.  Count me in!  So that's where I went last night.

Not only did I initiate conversation with a complete stranger (does that happen more than 3 times in a decade?) but N. even seemed to enjoy listening to unzeugmatic and I ramble on about shape note music, Sacred Harp singings, and Morris dancing.  Hopefully we didn't make him late to catch the last metro bus of the evening.

Oh, if only the "religious right" knew how sedate the gay lifestyle really was.  I spent much of the night at a gay bar (I didn't win the Netbook) at a dance where nobody bothered dancing because they wanted to talk with each other instead, while discussing shape notes and American musical traditions of the late 1800s.  I didn't bring enough cash with me, so I didn't bid on one of the 1965 cookbooks by Vincent Price (donated by Half Price Books).  I went home soon after midnight when they finally announced a winner for the Netbook.

They'd just be aghast at our debauchery and the destruction of all things good and wholesome, wouldn't they?  If only my social life were even half as glorious and exciting as they imagine it to be.  What social conservatives oppose really doesn't have anything to do with homosexuality.  It has to do with the choices that people make within their lives.  I suppose that's what the Log Cabin Republicans intend to teach the larger Republican party.  How frustrating it must be for them (the gay Republicans) that after all these years, there's still nobody listening.  We make such good bogeymen, don't we?  *strikes a fear-inspiring Saturday Night Fever pose*

Anyway, I heard that they raised nearly $4000 for District 202.  Congratulations!

Comments

[anziulewicz.livejournal.com]

I know that "shmoozing" doesn't come very easily for you, but it sounds like you had a good time, and even if you weren't able to drop a LOT of money, you still contributed to a good cause. Good for you!

[mellowtigger]

Yeah, it was unusual for me to approach someone new. :) It'd be nice if we crossed paths again soon, but it seems unlikely. It sounded like he doesn't get out to bars very often, and he relies on public transit so I doubt I'll see him at Bear Coffee. :(

There was an episode of "WKRP In Cincinnati" about fundraising for a homeless shelter. In it, they talk about the seeming disconnect between having poor people schmooze with rich people to beg for money. They pointed out that for the rich people, it was an enjoyable experience to be able to help out by giving money. I kinda felt like that last night, wishing I had the money just so I could give it away. (But with money, I wouldn't have been hoping to win that Netbook.)