I’m at work with a little time on my hands, so naturally, I decided to write. And we need to talk about my Halloweekend because, baby, I was outside. Literally. In the cold. But we’ll get to that.
I kicked off Friday celebrating with the Social Queer. I’d never been to one of their events before, so I was a little nervous about the crowd and what the vibe would be. Safe to say, I had a good time. I met two really dope souls, and now we’re forming connections. I love that. There’s something so sweet about showing up somewhere unfamiliar and leaving with people you want to see again.
Next up was Girl Therapy’s Halloween party at the Fremont Social. It was a chill vibe, although I would’ve appreciated a little less chill in the actual air. I’m not a big fan of outdoor venues when it’s 30 degrees outside. Nevertheless, I enjoyed myself.
My last stop Friday was Garment Radio’s Halloween party, and this one was definitely more my speed. These were my people. You know when you walk into a room and can just feel it? Yeah. That. I love being in spaces where I feel comfortable showing up as myself.
Saturday started with my coworker’s Halloween housewarming party. It was so cozy! A sweet way to celebrate both the holiday and a new home before heading out for one last round.
I ended my Halloweekend at Pono Ranch. And once again, I have to ask: what is with these outdoor venues? It is cold. I want to show off my costume, mingle, and enjoy myself without shivering through the experience.
Five parties in two days. New connections, familiar faces, and a few reminders to check whether a venue has walls before committing. I’d say it was a good Halloweekend.
I also had a perfect third date with a pretty girl. She’s such a joy to be around. And she got me a gift.
Inside the gift bag was a brown paper bag, and I could instantly feel that it held a record. Before I even opened it, I told her, “If this is Channel Orange, I am going to cry.”
On our second date, I’d mentioned wanting Channel Orange on vinyl. And she remembered. I love someone who listens. Someone who thinks of me and remembers the little things I say in passing. There’s something so sweet about realizing that someone is paying attention.
She also made me a tea blend. If you know me, then you know how I feel about my tea and my herbs. On our second date, I let her raid my herb cabinet. I think she was pleased. Clearly, we were both having a good time.
Anywho, I’d told her that I’ve been dealing with nausea and vomiting from the GLP-1 I’m taking, so she made me an “upset tummy” tea blend. It tastes delicious. The fact that she took the time to make something for me, with something I already love, makes it even sweeter.
I am thoroughly enjoying this slow burn and the intentionality of our connection. I like having the time to get to know her. To notice the little things about her, too. To be excited about seeing her again and let that excitement have its moment.
And it’s quite nice getting to know another water sign. I have to say, pretty girl is giving me something sweet to write about.
We are exactly five days from my 28th birthday. And I am so excited.
I’m learning that I have the strength and courage to go to a party alone. To walk into an unfamiliar space and trust that I belong there. I’m learning how to hold someone in my hands without possessing them. How to enjoy a connection as it unfolds. And I’m learning how to be my whole self, even when a little fear or anxiety comes along with me.
I wanted to end this blog post on a reflective note because who would I be if I didn’t?
2026 has been one hell of a year. Just like the phoenix tatted on my arm, I went through the fire, and I’m coming out on the other side. For most of this year, I felt like I was spiraling. There were moments when I couldn’t imagine feeling the calm I feel now. Yet here I am, writing about parties, a pretty girl, and how excited I am for my birthday.
Time has given me room to grieve, to grow, and to discover what still feels good. Somewhere along the way, I started making plans I looked forward to. I started letting new people get to know me. And now I get to pause and notice how much that means.
Five days from 28, I’m grateful to feel this excited about my life. There is still so much I want to experience, so much I want to write about, and so much of myself I’m getting to know.
And I’m looking forward to meeting her.
