Letting It Come To Me

Lately, I have simply been allowing things to come to me instead of me trying to create experiences. This has resulted in my slowing down a bit and there having been a few longer stretches of time between outings. This past week I attended the quarterly mixer for the Greater Cleveland Film Commission, which I always attend, we had a June MIX at the art museum and I worked a pride event (not volunteered, worked).

June 5, 2024 was the mixer, so I made a day of it. I got dressed, loved the feeling this day in my dress, walking the mall, casually shopping, trying things on, getting a bite to eat and just being. I picked up two cute dresses at Dry Goods (clearance, of course) after trying on and considering five different dresses. I went to Express and tried on a few dresses, but none really worked. I went to Soma, looking for bargains. I tried on some bras at Nordstrom Rack. I sat at a bar while checking my email, with a cocktail and a flatbread. I have (finally, I hope) made the mental dedication to severely reduce my alcohol intake (having done so for four days prior to this day) and also reduce my food intake. I want to get my runners body back. I want a bikini body as I plan to not be shy about going to the beach.

The mixer was great fun, worthwhile networking and I saw many friends and made a few new ones. I really just enjoyed the pace of the day and being a girl for most of it. One of the fun things at the mixer was that I was identified by people from four different places. I reckon I am noticed…

June 7, 2024, MIX at the art museum, another Pride celebration. Because the lobby at the museum is being renovated, my position for almost ten years is now right where everyone walks in. So many, many walked in, right over to me and we proceeded with the hugs, many many hugs. The absolute highlight of my evening was as I was walking around before I left, my doctor came up to me. Reminder: I always dress when I see her, I am called Kandi by all staff (without ever asking they do that), she is a fellow runner, she is a recent breast cancer survivor and she is simply one of my very favorite human beings on this planet. I finally got my wife go to to her, so my doctor and I talked about my wife and so many other things. She knows I adore her and cherish our relationship. I never had the opportunity for an extended conversation as I always feel the clock ticking in my head when at her office. She joked it was the first time in a while she was able wore a bra (double mastectomy), asked my opinion on her outfit (huge thumbs up), a couple of hugs, I cried, it was so uplifting. I am one very lucky girl!

I got plenty of love on my outfit! I loved the interesting color combinations. I really had no idea what these colors actually were until my new boss (my old one sadly, for me, retired) said she loved my chartreuse and peacock outfit (who knew?)!

A busy stretch wrapped up with a job on June 8, 2024. We were hired to provide a photo booth for Brecksville-Broadview Heights Pride. A long day, but wonderful! I had two volunteer assistants, one of which is now already a good friend after many conversations throughout the day and afterward. The day was San Diego perfect and the event just a lovely gathering of love and acceptance.

My large ego was fed with so many compliments and thanks for being visible. I had a few meaningful conversations with a few moms of transkids. And see that wonderful woman above right, I collected quite a few Mom hugs all day!