Of Course. in Open Diary 2001-2018 (Pre-Prosebox)

Of course, after I wrote all that on Friday, I heard from both Speed Daters #2 and #3. SD#2 called while I was trying to get ready to go to MM’s place, and SD#3 sent an e-mail Friday night. I had to kind of blow off SD#2 because I was running late. He sounded a little put off, but what could I do? I haven’t written SD#3 back yet, but I will later in the weekend. He’s busy all weekend anyway.

Of course, it had to happen. I am in love with MM’s friends. These are the kinds of people I’ve been craving to meet since I’ve moved here. They are all artists and musicians and theater people. Quirky, quick-witted, and fascinating. I was completely enraptured all night. And even though we never made it to the galleries, I had the most amazing time. We hung out at MM’s all night.

The whole thing made me see MM in a whole new light because the dynamics of this group are so complex and everyone has their own odd little place, and they all complement each other so freaking amazingly. MM is the most gracious host. He is quiet and hangs back quite a bit, but that doesn’t mean he fades into the background. He spends his time making sure everyone is happy and taken care of and having fun. Everyone loves him dearly. That’s very obvious.

And yes, they were checking me out. They all seemed to know who I was (and there were a lot more people there than I’d known were coming). MM must’ve talked me up quite a bit, and it really made me feel good. I felt horribly clumsy most of the time, and there were times when I rambled on nervously. But they welcomed me with gentle banter. They were extremely easy on me when I left myself wide open time and time again. I was grateful.

The ex-girlfriend/best friend is perfect. Beautiful in every way. Very protective of MM. Curious about me in a friendly way.

And before I left we all shared this goofy group hug that made me feel giddy and warm.

Of course, I’m behind on my Thanksgiving preparations. I’m still getting my apartment together. I had to adjust the daybed yesterday to get it to the right height for the trundle and the bedclothes. It’s finally complete, and I like how it turned out.

Now I’m working on painting some seagrass storage boxes that will be used as a sort of coffee table type thing in that bedroom. It’s turning into more of a sitting room, and I like that as well. I ran out of paint yesterday, so I need to get more today.

I still need to create the mirror collage in my bedroom, hang the drapes in the “sitting” room, get the kitchen in some kind of order, hang more pictures on the walls, and string lights in the sunroom. Then I think my apartment will be in order.

After that, I have to figure out the food and drink situation.

Ugh. I think I’ll be happy when this is over. But I’m really excited to have everyone here. This is going to be fun. I don’t want to overly stress.

Of course, there are a million things I want to get done today and the weather is nasty and cold and I just want to crawl back in the bed and dream the day away. At least the tea is on and my apartment is warm and I have a happy cat lying at my side. Sunday mornings don’t get much better.