This is my second John Oliver nod here. Love this guy (check him out for the great combination of high level intellect and low brow comedy) and am inspired by the show title with my obvious twist here. Let’s recap what happened last week after we reported in regarding our evening with our beloved Jocelyn.
As you read last week, shit goin’ on. I am restructuring a lifestyle allowing me to get back a bit to more frequent Kandi outings. Oh, to pay the bills and get my girl on…getting there…
March 6, 2025 was an ILEA (International Live Events Association) networking opportunity. I am essentially no longer in that business but am always looking to do for pay what I often do for free. I spent the morning getting some things wrapped, some new things set up and getting a workout in. I took a very, very rare three-day workout holiday and needed to get back to some self-discipline. It would be very easy for me to get lazy. Food on the table, bills paid, no immediate pressures until something happens. Until one or both of us can no longer work. Until heath suffers, if it does. Life is full of uncertainties and my self-discipline keeps me focused on my role on this planet. That rock you see to my left cannot roll backward…
The event was very nice, I chatted with people the entire time. No great story, but people saw me and sought out conversation.
March 7, 2025, Mix: Dancing Queen at The Cleveland Museum of Art, back to my regular post.
We got one more wearing out of the bridal do and it was by no means easy! Time to take the thing apart and see if the wig can be saved. I wish I could tell you a whole bunch of stories. But the truth of the matter is at this event, I am a magnet. Friends around me throughout. People making sure they come over to see what I wore and to say hello. Many, many acknowledgements of my constant presence at the event. This dress has a 70’s vibe to it which is why I wore her.
I danced with various friends (many ladies sought out a dance with me, go figure) and I headed home about an hour before the event ended. I treated myself to a Galley Boy from Swenson’s (local hamburger chain) which I chowed down while getting all cleaned up. THAT was amazing!
6 Responses
A great week for you Kandi.
I too am rethinking my life, as I explained to you in person last Tuesday. Introspection is a good thing from time to time.
I love you so much.
Jocelyn
Hi Kandi,
First of all congratulations on the forthcoming grandchild , I hope it all goes well . They can be life changing for everyone , your children are becoming parents and you will have a young generation to think about . I played my part while still married , they are still part of my life but not as much as I would hope for , time will tell !.
Try not to beat yourself up over Keystone , your life is moving on and realise it won’t play such an important part , you will be missed as I am but life will still go on for the others with or without you . I miss some dear friends , they know where I live but they choose not to visit even when I offer an open door to them .
It’s good that you are comfortable with everyone , CIS friends appreciate you for different reasons , they either like you or not for the person you are and not because you’re transgender . The majority of my friends aren’t aware or care about my history which is a wonderful feeling , it allows me to get on with my life as Teresa .
If it’s not always possible to take a holiday a good diversion is finding a pastime or hobby you can both share , gardening is a saviour for many couples . Sadly I couldn’t share my love of art with my ex but it has been a saviour to me , opening doors which otherwise wouldn’t have done . The one thing that works well for me is taking day trips with a local coach company , the times I’ve boarded with a group of strangers and left with many friends .
Do we overthink things ? I guess it’s a trait for our community , sometimes I wish my brain did have an , ” ON-OFF” switch , living alone can be difficult at times when we have no one to bounce ideas and thoughts off , in that respect you are lucky having an angel for a wife .
Kandi, I love the print dress you wore to Mix. As a child of the 60s and 70s, I saw similar prints on many outfits.
As for Keystone and your decision, I have never been to any CD/TG conference, but my situation is the reverse of yours. I couldn’t care less if my wife took a trip by herself, which she is doing in late April. If I wanted to do that, there would be an uproar, getting even louder if it was known to be a trip to this type of event. Even when I am assigned to a National or International competition, she is always looking to join me by volunteering at the event. She says she gets lonely when I am not at home, even if I am less than 50 miles away.
I had been thinking about trying to get to Keystone next year (2026), even just for the weekend. But I cannot justify the cost to myself, both monetarily and otherwise, at this point in my life. I will find a way for us to meet in person, that is my pledge to you. The rewards of a “Kandi hug” are sure to be worth the effort! ❤️
The hug voucher for you never expires!
I know it’s a tough decision but I’m delighted to hear you’re going. I can’t wait to see you again my dear. I get there later Wednesday afternoon so I’ll see you Thursday. See you soon!
Fiona
Grandchild! Wonderful as I remember you once told me you thought you would never have a grandchild. I am really happy for you and your family and it shows the continuity of life and family. Have a great Keystone.