Old dog seeks new trick 8

[Vanilla]

GAL OD!

What about that music festival?

Sounds great to me.

V

[Old Dog]

Yes, there's that too but I would prefer to be with people rather than on my own.

[Vanilla]

Is there no cool dude who would love to go with you? Or are they all coupled?

Go anyway if you love music, there will be thousands or hundreds of fans.

Remember a stranger is only a friend you haven't met yet.

I go dancing on my own to Ceroc and always find people to talk to. Will be going tonight in fact to a new venue, won't know anyone there but will likely chat away until I do. If I feel it's not for me then I will move on. I suspect music fans are a little like Ceroc fans, easy going and have the same interest in common. Easier to relate, easier to talk about common interests, easier to network, easier to find out if there are other events, much much easier. If people want solitude then I can chat to someone else. Same at the gym, joining the boot camp has introduced me to new folks, tomorrow will be interesting for me, plenty of new folks at a different gym. Only looking for friendly faces not a new bestie!

Besides the upside is that you enjoy the music like I enjoy the dance.

V

[Old Dog]

I would be more than happy to go with my flatmates (a couple) but they doing workshops this weekend and may not be available.

I used to go to gigs on my own all the time when I first moved down to London in the early 80s. I know I can do it, but it so much more fun if there is someone else.

From what I've read about Ceroc, it's normal to ask everyone else to partner up - which sounds ace. There's a weekender coming up not too far away actually which I think I'll look into.

[Sotto]

Go for it OD! And if your W says, hey you spoiled my V Day and birthday by not being there to babysit? You can say W - I love spending time with our boys. But, I draw the line at looking after them whilst you conduct a R with another man.

[gan]

So I have a volunteer gig at music festivals. We act as an intermediary between the crowd and first aid - lending a hand to people who need a mate but don't quite require medical assistance.

Anywho, last festival I went to (40 yr birthday for a local radio station) was an all afternoon affair. Final act was a pretty popular hip hop act. Wandering around in the crowd, I came across a ~55 yr old lady, bopping away, KNITTING. She was so awesome I had to go up to her and say excuse me, but I think you are AMAZING! Got back to our tent and found out other people had done the same.

Point is twofold: (1) Have a look into opportunities to volunteer with a music festival (great GAL opportunity for people who like music) and (2) People who go to festivals by them selves are AMAZING!

[Vanilla]

would flat mates have a chum who might like to go? Not meaning lady chum but single music fan who also in similar sitch? Or any close work mates?

If you do go to Ceroc weekender, get a couple of beginners sessions in first before you go. There are lots of classes on the weekenders. I usually go to them and travel from my flat, stay over one night, accommodation at venue is at best functional, but I am hardly there in the chalet. Can be cold so take extra blankets. But such fun. You will get to dance with all age groups too, from 17 to 90. I am a blues dancer so spend a lot of time in the blues rooms. Mind you I am larger than I was last year so probably less blues dancing until the weight is off. Beware very tiring. Also if you go a few times to a regular venue then you are likely to meet up with a guy who would like to share and I recommend a chalet share, easy to clean up and rest, plus makes it even more fun, as usually some eating and drinking, GAL points in the stratosphere. Please get some smooth soled shoes, old leather comfies, try charity shops and get the shoes soled in leather.

If you do decide to go, V can tell you what to take with you to cut the cost.

V

[Old Dog]

I feel bad this morning that I'm missing WAW's birthday and haven't even been able to send a card as its so short notice.

It's the right thing to do though, staying away. I laid down a boundary and she gaily stepped over it straight away whilst also claiming that it was for the boys sake. Obviously I don't want to be upset around the boys, and I don't think I would: they help my PMA enormously.

So, today's plan in no particular order:

• Do a bagwash / launderette run as the washing machine in the flat has broken. Oh joy! It's been years since I did one of those. The very first thing I bought when I got my own pad was buy a washing machine.
• Have nice relaxing soak in the bath.
• Go for a run.
• Read about boundaries. Wonkas cheat sheet and The Al Turtle site.
• Phone a couple friends to see if they're free today - I phoned one yesterday who isn't but we agreed to meet up soon probably at a gig a week next Monday.
• If not, go out to the music fest with or without my flat mates.
• Call the boys to make sure they've got a card for WAW. They've wrapped the present already.
• Practice mindfullness with the Headspace app.
• See if there's a shop in town that knows about running shoes.
• Go to the bike shop for a new saddle: one of the supporting 'rails' (underneath) broke this week.
• Tidy up a bit
• That'll do for now

[Maybell]

Have your boys ever come down to your work flat/town? What do you think of that?

Sounds like you have a great list planned. Enjoy your weekend!!!

[Old Dog]

Yes they have. They've all come down a few times and the boys have stayed with me for a few days when WAW had to back to work.

List items done so far:

• Called home. Wished WAW a happy birthday. Spoke to S12 who said they'd got and sined a card.
• Bagwash.
• Called the friends. One is away from home and the other not answering for the moment.
• Bought a bass guitar neck from the junk shop for £20. (Not on th list).
• Read Kieron's thread. (Also not on the list, but a jolly good read.)

I'll have a bite to eat and either go for a run then soak or watch the England v Italy rugby match.