participate

I have really been working hard on saying “yes” to social invitations, so I think I’ll cross this off.

Tomorrow night, I’m going to participate in a table read of a screenplay that my friends Keely and Spike wrote. I’ll be assigned one or more characters to read. I haven’t read the script yet, so I don’t know what I’m in for. It should be fun, though.

what Kim N is doing with this goal. I use being tired or being “too cool for school” as a cop-out way too often. I’d be happier and more successful if I cut the BS and participated more.

Saturday Night Music Club was fun! I hosted it at my new house. It doubled as my housewarming party. Pictured is me singing my song “Space Needle” with my friend Bill.

I made guacamole and bought cupcakes, pretzels and cashews. My friend Keely brought homemade pesto (with basil from her garden). It was great!

This is the first time I’ve ever hosted anything like a party. It’s a little different from a regular party, though, because we’re all focused on playing tunes.

I’ll host again sometime!

This weekend, I’m doing much more than participating. I’m hosting Saturday Night Music Club at my new house. We thought it would be fun to jam in a near empty dwelling. It’ll be BYOB and BYOC (bring your own chair). I’m excited about it now, but as it approaches, I’m sure I’ll get nervous and wish I hadn’t agreed. I’m sure it will be fine, though.

One bad thing about hosting at my house is that I can’t leave if I get tired. heh

I went to a luncheon today for the IABC (International Association of Business Communicators). Two ladies on my team were going, and they asked if I wanted to join them because the topic of discussion was how to deal with management on communication issues. That topic is relevant to me.

My first instinct was to say no, but I stretched myself and decided to go ahead. I knew the food would be marvelous, so if all else was bad, I’d at least have a good lunch. And maybe I’d meet a nice man… that’s always on my mind.

There were 8 seats at my table. All filled with women. Typical. The thing that saved me was that I was able to sit in between the two ladies I knew. I didn’t have to make small talk or *shudder* “network” with strangers. I know that’s what these things are for, but I hate that networking crap.

Anyway… I participated in a sheltered way. I got 1 hour of training credit and a good lunch. And one of the ladies I was with won 2nd place in a haiku contest they had. That part was great fun. :)

I went to a birthday lunch today. The good was that I was there supporting the birthday lady. The bad was that I didn’t have a very good time. I was my quiet self, listening to the conversations around me. Then someone turned to me and said, “You’re being very quiet.” The people at that end of the table stared at me. It was very uncomfortable. I just responded with a smile, “I’m a very quiet person. It’s when I’m talking up a storm that you should be worried.” I’d rather avoid moments like that.

I won’t give up on this goal yet. Maybe I just need to keep trying, and I’ll get used to it. In this case, I need to remember that participating wasn’t supposed to be about me having a good time; it was supporting the birthday lady.

I usually avoid the social activities at work. I’m going to make an effort to participate, though. This week, my section had a pot luck lunch to celebrate two birthdays this month. My first thought whenever I get an invitation for a pot luck is “how can I get out of that?” I want to change that to “What should I bring?”

I brought a quiche and some green beans. I didn’t make them myself because I didn’t plan ahead well enough. Next time, I’ll do better.

I didn’t enjoy the event so much, but I did feel a part of the group instead of a grouchy outsider for a change. The jury’s still out, but I think that was worth it.

I’m done being a lurker damnit.