You don’t look like Ken!
These were among the first words spoken to me by TheAnimatedWoman, J.C. Little. For months the AimingLow staff has been referring to me as Ken (of Barbie’s harem), probably because I took the only hunky photo of me and plastered it everywhere online. Just Google one of my stories and you’ll see it next to the search result. In person I’m quite normal looking. I have virtually no muscle definition and my skin is ghostly pale. I’m not a monster, but nobody’s plucking me out of obscurity to dance with Thunder From Down Under.
One of the reasons I get ribbed a lot by AimingLow writers is that they’re simply not a lot of dudes over there. Plus, I do silly things like show up to BlogHer where it’s five thousand women and twenty guys. The other reason I get my balls busted is that these women are ball-busters. They do it to everyone, not just me. Tonight I heard several inappropriate jokes and social references. And, nobody seemed to be offended. If they did, screw ’em. This is AimingLow, for chrissakes.
I’m amazed at my forgetfulness about how important physical interaction is to my well-being. I chat with many bloggers online and I really enjoy our virtual friendships. In person, however, relationship and connection deepens. I’ve written about this several times, but the idea of finding a tribe and then being with the tribe is so self-nourishing.
I planned our last high school reunion. Most likely I will plan the next one. It’s actually not that much work, and, while I’m not an organizer, I really like the process. I don’t enjoy making to-do lists or assigning tasks with deadlines. What fuels my drive is the vision that being together with my old classmates will feel good. I want to spend time with them. Maybe I’m more desperate for human interaction than others. Either way, I know what I want (people hanging out having fun), and it’s worth putting in the time.
I’m assuming this was Anissa’s plan as well. She’s the fearless leader of AimingLow and this is her baby. If you’re not familiar with her, you should read and follow her blog. Her story is inspirational and a great lesson for what can be accomplished through will. She’s also one of the coolest and lewdest woman I know who rocks a wheelchair. (I only know one woman who rocks a wheelchair, to be frank. But still!)
Okay, I have to go and prepare for my talk tomorrow morning. Will be live tweeting over the weekend and sending lots of photos. My girlfriend is joining us tomorrow morning (with her chihuahua, not mine) and everyone is excited to meet her.
Sitting in a conference room with pals is my idea of a vacation. So glad to be here.
