The last few days have been low key and lovely. Just hanging out, meeting up with old friends, making some new ones. San Francisco this time around seems like its old welcoming self. The last time I was here I felt slightly disconnected from the city and its people, but this time I could imagine coming back here to live. There is something nice in the air, something new and old at the same time. Because of the brouhaha over our new marriage rights, I am also keenly aware this time of how many of the gay couples I know that have been together a long time are getting married. People seem settled into mostly comfortable patterns of love and support for each other, something really sweet to see.
Ten minutes ago the FedEx guy knocks on my door with the replacement bankcard that WaMu told me this morning was misprocessed and never went out. Not being one to hold a grudge and happy to have the card, I tried to activate it, but alas, they canceled it this morning in favor of the new one that will be here “in two days” (right). When I called them they said, “sorry”, but offered no other help. Ugh.
On the other hand, this has really shown me how sweet my freinds can be. George gave me a little money last week to tide me over, and Rocco did the same today. In addition, Gerardo offered to loan me as well. These guys give me the warm fuzzies. Thanks!
My buddy Mo (Maureen) has come for a quick visit before she starts her new job in LA on Monday. After a great dinner last night in Condesa with Julio and Mauricio, we are heading out to discover the neighborhoods of Coyoacon and San Angel.
By funny coincidence two of the amazing people I met in the past year (Jaume from Mumbai and Jeff from KL) are both going to be in LA in the next few days. It will be interesting to see them here in another place and time. Will they be different, or will I? Will the fact of being back in this (my?) culture and surroundings make our interactions different? The answers to these questions are always both yes and no. Why do I even bother to pose them? I guess because I find fascination in our changing natures through time and place.
I have realized a few things since coming back to the US that involve the “stickiness” of what I have learned over the past year. Some lessons, once learned, will stay with you for all time. But others need tending to like a plant, or they will wither. A way of being and a presence is a precious and somewhat fragile thing if not looked after. It needs constant practice to keep it real.