Writing this now, I’m sitting in Chicago waiting for the last two hours to go by so I can jump the train and head out to the airport for my ride home to LA. The work part of the trip has been excellent. And the play parts excellent too. I’ve learned that I know how to “miss” someone again (see previous post) and learned that I no longer “miss” Chicago as my home. Pride in NYC was awesome, with energy, openness, the embrace of soooo many religious groups, and the meeting of numerous new momentary friends…maybe even a permanent one or two. Seeing Tommy was again was great. He’s become a great NYC host. And seeing PJ was awesome too. I found myself wishing for Rusty to show him around, but that time will come if it’s meant to be. And now I’m ready to go back home to my kitties Quark and Clyde. Overall, a good and productive time.

So…about three months or so ago (three? already?), I made a new friend. Since then, it has transitioned into what I suppose in high school I would have called “dating”, and seems to be well on the way to “boyfriend” status. At 35 years old, and after a 6 year hiatus, all these labels seem kind of ridiculous. But yet I’m struggling with my innate human need to organize and classify. And in doing so falling into the same stupid pitfalls I’ve dealt with in all my past relationships.

But even while I watch for those traps, I have to say, so far, so good.

We don’t see eye-to-eye a lot, but these days, that’s nice.

We disagree on what makes a good movie, but now I find that difference life expanding.

We already fight over money, which is trying, but in the end, comforting to know we work through it.

He challenges me, he thrills me, he makes me smile, and he can even make me sad.

So…is it love? I’m still figuring that out. But I’m happy he’s there to figure it out with. The friendship will last forever. And we might even both find something more.

Interesting idea…sign up for world peace: http://www.worldpeaceclock.com/