Socialized Out After DC

The week in DC went well, but kept me extremely busy, which is why I didn't have time for posting on here. I went to DC to "audition" to be part of this training class. My presentation was Monday afternoon, literally the last topic of the day, which is the second-to-worst time slot in my opinion. The worst is right after lunch. So I went through my topic, cracking a few jokes here and there, and was through. I did REALLY well as I was complimented on my presentation several times throughout the week by other instructors and students. I won't know if I made the teaching panel for a bit I guess, but I look forward to seeing the class evaluations.

The class went out to eat and drink every night. Some people are used to that kind of interaction over and over, but I was beat by Thursday night and begged off early. I'm not much of a drinker and I have had more beer this week than I have had in a very long time. Socializing like that can be very draining for me.

I got home around 7:30 PM last night. Milo the Cat was overjoyed to see me and has been in my face, on my lap, and around by legs almost constantly since getting back. I went out for a quick dinner and shopping last night. I needed to put together my Pride shirt for this year, get a birthday present for a coworker, and a birthday card for my sister.

If I had my druthers, I'd crash the entire weekend at home, but that's not an option. The Cincinnati Pride Festival is today and a 60th birthday party for said coworker is tonight. I guess I still have tomorrow to do as little as possible.

Cincinnati Pride 2016

After being gone all last week, I have to admit that I was not necessarily looking forward to going to Pride this year. Not that the "open carry" gun nuts or religious blowhards would deter me from going, but because I was so tired of being social, that the idea of being around so many people seemed potentially draining.

I stayed up late last night getting my Pride shirt for the year done. I didn't have a lot of time to draw something new. I wanted the shirt to have two bears kissing, so I used the image of Grizzly and Colour Cub kissing from the engagement story and dressed it up. I loved how it turned out.

I got up and went to see the parade this morning. Once I was in the middle of all of it, my worries of being socially exhausted faded quickly. It felt so good to see everyone. There is a group identity of pride attendees in a way, there is an energy, the feeling of community. The environment of everyone celebrating love, pride, being out is very satisfying. I saw several of our old LJ crowd in the parade, a coworker or two, and friends I'd not seen in a while.

After about three hours, I was wearing down. Not from the social aspects, but from the heat, the lack of sleep, and the recent traveling. I drove home, showered, and napped. I got up and went to a surprise 60th birthday party for a retired coworker, seeing former coworkers, current coworkers, and their spouses. It was a good night.

Now I'm home and sleepy. I'm looking forward to sleeping in tomorrow. Hopefully, Milo the Cat will let me.