Road to Nowhere

I’m surprised he’s still awake to surf

One of the guys is from a town near husband's hometown. After undergrad and dental school he moved back there and no one has seen much of him over the last thirty years. As has been the case with several old friends, now that kids are grown he has reconnected and seems to value it. I liked chatting with him and it was interesting to hear a little about his family, but I'm feeling cautious.

What ends up happening on our end is quiet discussion afterward as to whether it feels like the old friend fits in to our group that has stayed close for the duration. Not in an exclusionary, "you can't sit here" way. More in keeping with the practice we've all adopted which is to not force or perpetuate relationships that don't feel good. While it's nice to welcome new old friends, there's not enough time left to put up with shitheads.

That also means that if someone brings in some conservative energy they get called out. The dentist hasn't said anything yet but given where he lives and his middle-aged whiteness, it's probably coming; likely in the form of a "jokey" comment not a slur or aggressive political stance. I'm sure he'll be around more this summer and I really hope he doesn't disappoint us. Then again, one of our close friends relishes the opportunity to GO OFF on peers, especially ones who make transphobic or homophobic remarks so that could be entertaining.

26 and her BF walked through it on Sunday. Instead of agreeing with me that the stairs and the layout are not right for us, she said, "hey, I can live in the downstairs!"

😑

There's a lot going on at work right now. There always is. I'm feeling confused about my future there. Not because they don't want me, although that would be a blessing. Like, if the consultant advised a pivot in operations that rendered my part time consultant role obsolete, I would be relieved. The directors are having a big meeting with the consultant this week. It may be the time to let my director know that this could be an opportunity for all parties to transition away from what I do. I suppose there’s a chance that they decide to double down on my area and hire a full time person which would probably mean I would have to create some transition materials instead of shutting things down. Not sure if I have the bandwidth for that.

For the record, I'm not worried in the least about them feeling let down when I quit. There are definitely personal and emotional connections to the people and the mission but I know they're not going to be mad at me. I know I've set them up well no matter what the best direction is for the organization. And if they feel otherwise, that's OK too.

I'll miss the people and the purpose and the tiny income, but the responsibility is getting old.

Eventually we were able to get out of there and the five of us went to my parents' house (where we're staying) to watch the baseball game and visit with one more beverage. It was very pleasant.

Friends shared the various noteworthy things said by Best Man's GF last weekend. Along with saying she got "bad oysters" at my daughter's wedding, BMGF also complained a lot about her shitty life, called her youngest kid "so weird" multiple times, and said that Best Man is the only good thing in her life. She also loudly proclaimed that Best Man "won't marry her" and talked about the long to-do list she has for him at her house. Yikes. While I do feel bad for her because her life really does suck and the only good thing in her life is not behaving how she thinks he is, I truly hope I never have to see her again. Best Man knows this.

Friend also told me that she's giving her notice at her job on Monday and retiring. So happy for her!!! I'm looking forward to celebrating lots of good things with them when we come together in July.