I’ve been trying to get out of my shell and live a little. I accepted a Halloween party invite in Leavenworth from one of the girls in the server. I was nervous for so many reasons. I’m still fighting my fears of being in a car for a long time, and it was an hour and a half drive in an area I have little experience in. She’s the level of pretty that my deep-rooted experience says will bully the ass off of me. Her costume was top-tier cosplay level, including photo shoots, and I had a bag from Spirit. Lastly, it was a tax bracket difference I haven’t been near since 2019. Nevertheless, it was so fun! Sure, the party vibes were a little off, but she made it fun. We shared a THC drink that went TOO HARD on me and I was asleep in 2 hours- but so was she.
The next morning, we went to brunch with the party guests, which ended up being mostly a load of adopted/chosen family. Everyone was lovely and nobody made me feel like I didn’t belong. I feel silly for having worried. After we ate, we went back to the house to look through her photoshoot pictures, then we went to shop on our own. We talked so much about everything. Despite our differences, we feel so similar. She was right all along that we would be. She feels like sisterhood is meant to feel. Her family gave me career advice, as well. They are very successful and a bit higher up the chain in another company, but similar ladders.
Things seemed to get better in other ways, too. Prior to the party, I also took my coworker to the doctor. He didn’t end up getting the procedure done, sadly. Prepping for it is hell. I’m still glad I could do that for him. I like being there for people. Community feels so nice, and I feel like I’ve been starved of it for a long time.
Lastly, I also just.. went out and lived. I enjoyed my pho and embraced the rain. I even bit the bullet and went out for a local breakfast solo, where a cute waitress called me “my lady” with a smile and didn’t charge me for my mimosa.
I avoided taking pictures for so long, but I think my friend made me realize that photos can also be a gateway back into feeling those moments.
Today, I’m here having coffee with this lovely gentleman. The elderly folks getting a kick out of it and hollering from across the shop to ask me funny questions is as funny as it is embarrassing, given everyone else goes quiet and watches.
“”What a nice partner you have!!!”
“Handsome, isnt he?”
“Does he talk your ear off?!?!”
“He’s been a little quiet lately”
I love this little place.
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