Hard Work Helps

Tuesday, July 22

Put a hole in the ground just to bury your poor uncle. Let him settle down, gettin' ready for the savior. If his heart is light as a feather he'll just float right in. It's a shame it's heavier by the burdens of his sin.

I'll tell you this: California is being presented with an alternative! I found a resource that will allow us to have a rather significant portion of the information we need for the school districts, and therefore the remaining information will not be nearly as much of a hassle to deal with. This is exciting!

GLSEN had it's monthly all staff meeting today! We heard from Community Initiatives about Camp GLSEN and how amazing it apparently was. The idea was to train a national intergenerational team to enter their community to start a plethora of localized JumpSTART teams; it's something that East Tennessee GLSEN is going to debut with (hopefully!). Next we heard from Communications about Sirdeaner Walker testifying on behalf of the Safer Schools Initiative Act. Her story and compelling testimony enchanted the congress people, and had a few of us in the office tearing up: http://www.glsen.org/cgi-bin/iowa/all/news/record/2449.html.

It struck me how important GLSEN is to the lives and support of LGBTA youth around the nation. Though at times our struggles with GSA or Spectrum Activities may seem futile and wasted, I know that just by providing a space, by existing, we are what makes the difference for some young people. Many youth feel isolated and alone; a presence and visible charter of folks can be what saves that child from self-destruction or violence from others. We have to keep working! I'm going to keep working.

After my day at GLSEN was over, I trained to the Center to meet George for the last time: he'll be on a plane tomorrow for Myrtle Beach. We stayed for a discussion group around Gender and Gender Identity; it eventually turned into a slight argument about whether the term Metrosexual is derogatory or not. I'm of the persuasion that it is merely a way for narrow minded people to maintain the stereotype that A) The majority of straight men aren't consumed by maintaining a clean appearance and B) That all gay men are. The term metrosexual encourages the hierarchy that places gay men below straight men because the general feeling that metrosexual men are closeted implies that a metrosexual man is below a straight man, and therefore gay men are below straight men, which is just totally heterosexists!

I learned that some people don't have boundaries, and cannot understand others' boundaries. George and Marcus left me to fend for myself with this gay boy from Yonkers who could not stop trying to touch my butt! I mean, I know I have a nice one, but it's really uncomfortable when I don't know you and you're either trying to take a squeeze (or punch? I don't know. He's obviously crazy!). By the third or fourth time of politely and , I finally said, "You cannot touch me there. Get yo' fuckin' hands off me!" George made him leave.

I helped George get ready to leave by cleaning his kitchen from last night, and then cleaning and organizing his entire kitchen area like I usually do. We walked back to the subway and said our goodbyes. It's interesting to know that all the people I establish connections with here in NYC will all be out of my immediate life very shortly. I'm sad.

CONRAD'S MUST-DO'S:
** ESTABLISH BOUNDARIES WITH CREEPERS.
** LISTEN TO OTHERS' VIEW ON HOW GENDER AND SEXUALITY RELATE.
** BE ENTHUSIASTIC WHEN YOU PRESENT YOURSELF TO A ROOM FULL OF PEOPLE.

CONRAD'S MUST-NOT'S:
** EAT CHIPS LOUDLY DURING A MEETING.
** SUGGEST CULTURING ROLLY-POLLIES AS A CRAFT FOR YOUR DEPARTMENT.
** BE IRRITATED WITH PEOPLE WHO DON'T KNOW YOU'RE TIRED.

Movie Night And Indian!

Monday, July 20th
I feel it all! I feel it all!

Today the anticipation for Jake's arrival really kicks in. I wake up and start counting the days, hours, until he comes. There's a dynamic change coming, and I'm interested to see how it plays. On one hand I'm more than enthusiastic to see the love of my life for the first time in a month, and spend a week together in my new city. On the other hand, I'm so used to being independent and free of consideration or thought for other people around me. The shift shall surely be noticeable -- at least to me!

GLSEN Research work is pretty much coming to a culmination. I don't want to say I've worked to fast, but I have. I've compiled a seven spreadsheets, completed any side projects, and really just blown it out of the water. I suppose I'm still working on California, but that's so daunting that no one wants to deal with it! It's too big!

After work I trained to George's for a relaxing evening. We ended up almost taking a nap, but then I woke up. I was going to just leave, but Marcus called and said he was coming down. I decided to make Indian food for my new friends! Although, George's kitchen is about the size of a closet; there was a little bit of frustration among SOME of us. Regardless, the meal was cooked, and everyone seemed to really enjoy it. I find that cooking for people is something I really enjoy; the act of providing is a good one, and so is sharing. Maybe it's the Montessori in me, but I feel that interactions on a more basic level (communion) do signify a deeper connection between people.

Afterward we watched Saw V and ate chocolate chip cookies. I nearly vomited. I think I've reached the point in my life where gore and blood no longer excite me as so much terrify and emotionally scar me. Of course, as an old person, I have to say, "When I was younger these movies didn't have so much violence!", which is true, but still only old people say it! I'm gettin' old, y'all!

CONRAD'S MUST-DO'S:
** TAKE A BREAK FROM WORK AND EAT 100 CALORIE COOKIES.
** OPT OUT OF WALKING AROUND FOR LAYING AROUND.

CONRAD'S MUST-NOT'S:
** TAKE THE SUBWAY AT 11:30 AFTER WATCHING SAW V.
** DELAY WRITING BLOGS.

A Short Reprise of D.C.

When the wind starts blowin' from the east to the west, maybe you'll be who I like best!

Tomorrow I mark a short adventure to D.C. for the Planned Parenthood Youth Initiative Conference. I've been invited to speak on a panel to talk about what it means to be a young person talking to people of power, and what it means to be an advocate. Basically, I'm going to be telling my story, and relating it to these students that anyone can do this! For me, it all stated with being provoked, and then I just couldn't stop! Whether it's talking to people who are trying to shift the balance of power, or when I want to do the shifting, I find I am empowered by my own sense of being and identity to clearly articulate myself; that's all it is!


The people that make me most nervous to talk to are people that it's most inconvenient to harbor those feelings for: prospective friends and folks I think look interesting. Someone inevitably tells me I'm "so outgoing", but I always had the sense that I'm pretty shy -- it's always such a huge leap for me to start a conversation. But golly, when I get started... You can attest to that!

Speaking of people who can talk your ear off, I'm cultivating an appreciation for limits and boundaries by working at GLSEN. Some people want us to save the world! Some people just don't seem to care. Some people just want to be fair. We just want to have a good time (while making schools safer for all students regardless of sexual orienation and gender identity/expression)! As people begin to ask us for more than we can chew, I become very aware that even the beheamouth that is GLSEN has limits to what it can do. Like any entity, there are just certain things that are beyond it's means. I wonder about myself: What is beyond my means?

My day was filled with wandering around the lower east side with a possee of friends and aquaintences. We eventually made our way to the Highrise Park, which is an above ground park! They converted an old railway to a greenspace, and I'm absolutely impressed.

I came home today and had a good long chat with Ron about all sorts of things. It was very relaxed, but I am happy to hear that my perfect old-lady friend is far from perfect; I like to hear that people who are beyond friendly and hospitable do have some "quirks" of their own that other people deal with. I'm especially interested in how she treats women, her daughter -- Weezie --, and what her dynamic was when she was younger. As I understand it, there's a lot to know about.

Other than that, I have manuevered myself out of Marie's apartment into a lovely place in Brooklyn. I wont tell where out of respect for the even lovlier person who has helped set this up for me (she's a saint!), but I will say that my comfort level is already rising! I haven't seen a cat in NYC at all until I saw her cat, and I didn't want to stop petting it! I miss my cats, and today I spoke on the phone with my dog.

CONRAD'S MUST-DO'S:
** STAND OUTSIDE THE CENTER AND MAKE MORE FRIENDS.
** MAKE A SOUTHERN MEAL WHEN YOU'RE FEELING TIRED OF ETHNIC CUISINE.
** REMAIN POSITIVE WHEN THINGS SEEM INSURMOUNTABLE.

CONRAD'S MUST-NOT'S:
** WAIT UNTIL THE LAST MINUTE TO PACK.
** BUY/DRINK RASBERRY SODA (UNLESS YOU LOVE COUGH SYRUP).
** DWELL ON HOW AWFUL A PERSON IS.

Built Like I

Built well you're a strong letter I, with the feet on the ground and the head to the sky. Now and then you can bend, it's okay to lean over my way. You fear that you can't do it all,and you're right. Even diligent day takes relief every day from its work making light from the night.

I've been wondering when this would happen. I was slightly curious as to how I'd made it this far.

"Why have I not crashed? Why have I not burned out and deflated fast like a balloon popping in a quiet room?"

My expectations for a sudden slip failed; I caught myself with that all to familiar ache you get when you've done too much. I took the day at GLSEN easily; trying not to exert myself mentally, I performed some preliminary research on facebook for an outreach project I'm working towards. Additionally, a major slam to the gut came today when we realized how much of a behemoth California is, and exactly how much time it would take to successfully untangle the mess that is the 971 people I need to know contact information for. Hopefully an alternative will appear.

At 3:00, I made my way for 14th street to meet with George and friend Sergio for Sushi. I reminded myself that I was hungry, and ordered a Dragon Roll. Zoning in and out of conversation, I sat relatively quietly thinking about my brother and Maria. They're so perfect together, and I want them to have a house in the Palisades I can go visit and retreat away from the hustle and bustle of this place: NYC.

Afterward, we hopped over to Union Square where a hideous rendition of some church song echoed above the street vendors and tourist pedestrians. I was more concerned with buying my Harry Potter tickets and getting out of there; my ankles were about to pop beneath me, and I think George had an idea or two about running around the East Village lomo-ing it up!

6:30 and I'm home! Marie and I chatted for the first time in a day or two. She's still in mad adoration for me, and I her, and it's as if I've caught up with a dear friend. She truly is amazing, and if you ever have a chance to meet her, please do yell at her that I said, "Hello!"

Beyond that, I can only tell you the simple joys of relaxing, sitting, and letting time past is beyond healing. It's a soothing experience; taking a moment of quiet in the midst of noise. Centering yourself while allowing your body to balance. "Napping while awake" as I say. The time taken let me reflect on exactly all that is happening, and what I'm learning:

When you're building friendships, learning about the dynamics and complexities of the world, and challenging your boundaries to do both, you can make any place fun, adventurous, and exciting -- even New York City!

CONRAD'S MUST-DO'S:
** CAT SIT.
** MEND MISTAKES BY THROWING INDIAN FOOD AT IT.
** TAKE SMALL NAPS ON THE SUBWAY.

CONRAD'S MUST-NOT'S:
** LET YOURSELF BE SNAPPY.
** INTERRUPT SALES PEOPLE.
** ALLOW BROWNIES JUST SIT AROUND. NOT BEING EATEN.

Glamor

Thinking outrageously, I write in cursive, I hide in my bed with the lights on the floor... Oh, I am not quite sleeping. Oh, I am fast in bed. There on the wall in the bedroom creeping, I see a wasp with her wings outstretched.

Last night was one of the few nights I think I might have actually slept. Perhaps it was the way I rolled; inducing some strange deep sleep with my feet tucked just right, with my mouth only slightly open, and with the wooden frame jutting into that space where my waist should be. My dreams were far from pleasant, but not enough to wake me. I appreciate it so much that I ended up sleeping in, and being 15 minutes late out the door. Luckily, that means I was at work on time.

Another sizable success at GLSEN today! I know I keep reporting this, but the fact of the matter is that I've been assigned 6 states to deal with, and for whatever reason I'm just natural for it. Maria and I joke that perhaps we're not Project Runway, but instead True Blood: I seem to possess some sort of glamour (as in the affect Vampires have on people), which induces even the most apathetic and unconcerned voice to guide me to what I need.
"I don't want to help you, but I feel compelled to. I must give you what you want," Maria and I joke when an older man from Arkansas hands over the goods.

I suppose that makes sense: I'm tall, thin, and pasty -- and I have sharp canines. However, I think it's the sharp tongue that does the trick! Naive, yet assertive. Passive, yet... aggressive. I am Diana, and these are my game!

In all actuality, my biggest revelation today was that perhaps I am growing up. I told Jake earlier that I felt as if I am perceiving myself differently, and feel that others are seeing me as more mature and acclimated to life. I still feel silly, goofy, and foolish -- and I still laugh like a child. I'm still fascinated by bugs, and I love to eat cookies. I feel like I've balanced simplicity and complexity very well: Innocence and experience seem to fit hand in hand. I wonder what the draw backs to this dynamic are.

I left work early (30 minutes late), and trained to The CENTER again to meet and have myself a good ole' orientation. I ended up reading the latest issue of the advocate and playing a swell game of taboo. Though I don't think I made a lasting impression or any solid friendships, the mere presence and ability to laugh and be open with other LGBT youth was such a treat. I'm so thankful to have a real place to go. Tomorrow, I'm going for a real orientation, and then I'm going to Rated Q: Queer Youth Movie Night. The special guest is Jack, from Project Runway, who was the first openly HIV positive person on the show. Unfortunately he had a staff infection, and dropped out of the competition.

This will be the first HIV positive person that I've met and identified their HIV status. I'm excited, yet I feel bad because I have a twinge of nervousness. I know that's wrong, but I'm looking for that anxiety to dispel tomorrow when I see how amazingly normal he is.

I've also been invited to the beach on Saturday by YES. I think it will be nice.

CONRAD'S MUST-DO'S:
** MAKE BROWNIES. THINK THAT YOU RUINED THEM. SURPRISE YOURSELF WITH PERFECT BROWNIES.
** SLEEP IN A BED.
** BEAST AT TABOO.
** MAKE LIGHT OF A STRESSFUL SITUATION.

CONRAD'S MUST-NOT'S:
** DWELL ON THE IDEA THAT PEOPLE ARE JUDGING YOU.
** HAVE A LAUGHING FIT ON THE SUBWAY WHILE READING THE ONION.
** ASK TO PLAY TABOO IN ANOTHER LANGUAGE.
** PRETEND TO BE ALLERGIC TO FOOD YOU DON'T WANT TO GET OUT OF PAYING FOR IT.

New Jersey Housewives

In my family, we know how to get things done!

3:00. Ready to go home and change before going out this evening.

"Conrad, are you going to stay for the department meeting?"

The highlight of the day was towards the end for a two hour department meeting. The Research department is, without a doubt, accommodatingly hilarious -- while getting important things done. The meetings go like this: Important business, witty comment, laughter, non-sequester, conclusion, witty comment, laughter, TV show analogy... and so forth and so forth. As many of you role your eyes, I'll have you know that the train of thought in these meetings generally make sense, and the witticisms and laughter tend to spark some innovative or new way of looking at something. If not, the comical relief may keep us from crying. We've apparently been deemed the Real Housewives of New Jersey; go figure.

After work, I quickly trained from South Ferry to 14th Street -- The Village -- where I set foot in New York City's LGBT center. It was not glamorous by any means; roughnecks and street people littered the lobby, and urban teens drifted outside waiting for something. Directed to the back, I found comfort in the wholesome yet queer youth space created by the Youth Empowerment Services (YES). There, groups of queer teens (13-21) congregate to enjoy one another's presences, and engage their community. Excitedly, I introduced myself with enthusiasm, and listen attentively as the calendar and protocols were told to me. Tomorrow I go into register as a participant. On Friday, I'm meeting someone famous. On Saturday, I've been invited to the beach. It's all a lot to commit to, especially when my newest Brooklyn friend, Deenah, sent me a calendar of everything going on that she knows.

Ron is making me mango ice cream.

I bought deodorant and shaving cream today.
Tonight I get an air mattress.

Life is generally ok, but I'm bitter about homework.

Also, I'm a little anxious about not being in control of whether or not I get to see Jake. That's never a pleasant feeling, but I'm trying not to make a big deal of it. If it happens, then that's grand. If it doesn't, I'll be disappointed. We have our whole lives ahead of us to go to NYC together. That makes me happy.

CONRAD'S MUST-DO'S:
** LAUGH UNTIL YOU CRY WITH YOUR BOSS.
** ENCOURAGE YOUR CO-WORKER AND OFFER TO HELP MORE.
** ENGAGE THE COMMUNITY YOUR IN.

CONRAD'S MUST-NOT'S:
** SOLICIT STRANGERS ON CRAIGSLIST TO SEE IF YOU CAN STAY WITH THEM FOR FREE.
** FORGET WHERE YOU ARE ON THE SUBWAY.
** DRINK SODA.

Workin' 9 to 5!

It's a way to make a livin'!

Another success at GLSEN! I really don't know how much I'm aloud to say, but here's what I do know:

My supervisor and I met for a one-on-one, which all the staff have, to discuss any issues I might be having. She assured me that all my concerns are very valid, and that I should feel very comfortable asking for help; I'm not expected to jump right into it doing everything right. I then assured HER that I will. I will learn how to navigate these offices and official types. I will be comfortable in my outreach. I will master excel spread sheets. Oh yes!...


"Have you been to the Center, yet?" she asked as if this ominous Center loomed in my memories.
"The... CENTER?" I replied. Obviously I wondered if it was some testing facility. We'd just been talking about the concept of ethics and requirements for using humans as subjects in a test (for the National School Climate Survey, which you must take if you are an under represented young person.
"Yes, the Center. [pause] The LGBT Center in Manhattan. You have to go!" My heart jumped. According to the Youth Program on the site, there are weekly meetings and discussion groups, movies -- and people! And... Free Popcorn. I'm a sucker for butter and salt.

Like I said, this city seems strangely detached for as many people that live here. It's amazing how many people I see in one day, and the proportion of conversations I have with them! My ideal moment is to be on the subway, reading my book -- Nice Big American Baby -- and have someone comment on how they've read it before, and for us to discuss how amazing and inspiring these stories are!

In the mean time, I'm trying to finagle a way for Jake to come visit. He's never been to the city, and I'm excited to see how he takes it all in; for a man who's traveled the world, I wonder if he'll feel right at home. In a way, Jake being here will give me an excuse to indulge in some of the touristy things I've been wanting to do, but not alone.

I desperately need to do my homework. I'm thinking about taking it to work and then going to pier after work and working on it. Work. Work. Work. It's certainly a way to make a living. Dolly Parton would be proud of me.

CONRAD'S MUST-DO'S:
** WATCH 30 ROCK AND VISIT THE ROCKEFELLER CENTER.
** ORDER A BACON CHEESE BURGER TO INDULGE IN YOUR CARNIVOROUS SIDE.
** LAUGH WITH YOUR CO-WORKERS.

CONRAD'S MUST-NOT'S:
** PRETEND NOT TO NOTICE SOMEONE LOOKING AT YOU.
** CARRY AROUND A LEAKY WATER BOTTLE.
** FORGET YOUR LUNCH AT HOME.

Harry Hay My Hero!

Today my fingers cramped from typing. I promised myself, "Finish it and I'll let you go eat!" I ate. I ate splendidly!

I embark on my first full week at GLSEN. The notion scares me because I cannot gauge whether they have too much work for me, or not enough! I'm unsure of whether or not I qualify to be working on the projects that they are working on, and yet again find myself stumbling in my grassroots feet - bare and free of formalities, methods, and protocols. The opportunity, though magnificent, is making me anxious; can Conrad really get down and dirty with real non-profits, and contribute to a movement of calculated steps? Do it!

Fortunately the people at GLSEN are amazing! Today I slightly niedered away from my work to chat with Lauren and Matthew about oh-nothings and this-and-that. Real people interactions are not being taken for granted, and will be reported as stupendous occasions in this blog!

While at GLSEN, I received an email! "What kind of email?" you might ask. An email from my Brooklyn friend, Dan. He so generously invited me to come to a free screening of "Hope Among the Wing", a biographical documentary on the life and work of Harry Hay, the (in)famous founder of the Mattachine Society. I want to show this feature to Spectrum, and revel in the similarities that groups founded years ago mirror the mission and aspirations of groups today. What I loved most about this film was Hay's own favorite: young people approaching him and reaching out to him for love, and confiding that his work, his activism, saved them. Hay responded in an awkward way by receiving it as a compliment. However, my mind immediately jumped to when people say similar things to me, and all I can think to say is, "You saved yourself! I'm glad you're here."

The experience was overwhelmingly fantastic. Though my sandwich I made Dan was rejected (he cannot eat wheat), a chance to bond with a small intimate group of like minded people (or at least be around them and listen to what they have to say) was rejuvenating. It's funny. I don't think about things like this happening in Knoxville as all that emotionally fulfilling or somehow groundbreakingly refreshing, but I will.

My last revelation of the day is that I'm not famous. No one knows me. How weird! Knoxville has created this tight knit little bubble around me that makes a lot of everyone approach me and want to know me, and it's overwhelmingly. However, now I want to seek comfort in that omnipresence of someone. Here, you take what you can get, but NYC, how do you give back? If that's one thing missing in this place, it's the sense that I am able to give back or create something for the community. I'm but a breeze blowing through the city. Sigh.

CONRAD'S MUST-DO'S:
** HELP OLDER WOMEN WHO CANNOT DEAL WITH THEIR NEW CARETAKER.
** SHOW OFF YOU'RE DESK PHOTO OF YOUR PARTNER TO YOUR CO-WORKERS.
** EXPLORE SIDE STREETS YOU THINK ARE SHORTCUTS, EVEN WHEN THEY'RE NOT.


CONRAD'S MUST-NOT'S:
** IMPULSE BUY: BROWNIE MIX.
** ACT LIKE A RATTLE SNAKE ON A SKETCH STREET WITH YOUR KEYS AND WATER BOTTLE.
** GET LOST ON CRYSTIE STREET/ CHINA TOWN (AGAIN).

Christopher Street Nostalgia

When I came home today, I put curry powder in my black beans, and it really spiced things up. I mean, it was still black beans, but I had the distinct impression of eating something from Sitar.

Waking up to construction sucks. Especially when your alarm goes off and you can't hear it because the jack hammers are just that cool. I was not enthused.
On a positive note, GLSEN work is going great! I have to admit, this is serious business. I like to think my strengths lie in grass roots organizing and youth outreach. However, this job has me outreaching to high-ups, and... researching. It's definitely a great learning process. At the core of which are some fabulous people: Liz, Sam, and Maria are phenomenal, and very patient. I was able to pull through for the team relatively fast, and made two connections in our project that we were having troubles making. Go Conrad!

After work, I trained to Christopher Street. For those of you acclimated to NYC, you'll know the first thing I saw when I walked out of the station: Stonewall Inn! Unfortunately, it's 21 and up. An older gay man helped me figure this out, and then helped me figure out where the Christopher Street Pier is. I feel kind of bad for ditching him, but I'm not gonna' lie -- he was lookin' for something more than the Pier.

Hanging out on the Pier was an especially moving experience. The controversy around gentrification and kicking LGBT youth of color out of the neighborhood is such a local problem, yet I felt so connected to the those feelings as I enjoyed the brief sun and rumbling water. Where else are we supposed to go when there's no where else to go? Interrupting my thoughts was a massive rainstorm, which lead to a condensed group of people under one awning. As I huddled with patrons of the pier under the small white pavilion, I felt a sense of comradeship with my New York brothers and sisters; being LGBT really is more than the individual: we are a community everywhere. Maybe that's why they're scared of us!

CONRAD'S MUST-DO'S:
** DO WHAT'S EASIEST FIRST; IT MIGHT SAVE YOU A TON OF TIME.
** WATCH THE HUDSON WHILE IT'S RAINING.
** LISTEN TO SAM WHEN HE TELLS YOU WHERE TO EAT. MEDITERANIAN FAJITA!

CONRAD'S MUST-NOT'S:
** ALLOW YOURSELF TO BE OBJECTIFIED BY GAY MEN STANDING OUTSIDE "THE RAM ROD" BAR.
** TAKE SHELTER IN A SEX SHOP.
** WORRY ABOUT OLD PEOPLE.

There are No Fireflies in the City

The black night breeze blows through my window. I'm redirected to the skyline of a city with everything imaginable; a city full to the brim of opportunity and chances and dead ends and endless nights. I'm staring into the twinkle of adjacent apartment lights and street lamps and the occasional air plane full of people ready to be on solid ground.

Where are my mountains? Where are my oak trees taller than the buildings? Where are the porch swings and the ropes hanging from trees? Where is the chirping of Cicadas and the glow of fireflies? These too are life experiences worth having; completely removed yet present with yourself and your surroundings: carefree.

I cannot tell you about the content of my GLSEN internship due to confidentiality reasons, but I can tell you that this opportunity will not go wasted; I'm utilizing my presence in the office, and making myself very useful, I hope, to the Research Department. To say the least, I'm excited to see a spread sheet of everything I'll have worked on and completed.

Tomorrow I'm planning on going on a walking tour in the East Village and befriending some hipster kids. Wish me luck!

CONRAD'S MUST-DO'S:
** SPEND THE EVENING WATCHING 30 ROCK.
** HAVE YOUR FIRST DEPARTMENT MEETING.

CONRAD'S MUST-NOT'S:
** EAT NON-STOP: CRACKERS + PEANUTBUTTER, COOKIES, BAKED PASTA, BAGEL + CREAM CHEESE + JAM
** TAKE THE WRONG SUBWAY EXIT.

NYC: A Complete Mess!

Today I woke up to my first full day in NYC! How exciting! My routine at Marie's is simple: wake up, deconstruct my bed and reassemble the couch, take a shower, change clothes, eat breakfast, and head out the door! Thanks to the help of a dear family friend, Joel, I'll be walking a short distance to the Columbia University Station and taking the 1 train (local) all the way down to South Ferry.

Unbeknown to me, lower Manhattan is extremely small! What seemed like five blocks on a map turned into less than one in real life; GLSEN (90 Broad Street) is within eyesight of South Ferry! Sorry to sound super excited, but the truth of the matter is that the easier this city becomes for me, the more I appreciate the complexities that really exist.

For instance, I'm sitting in the one train. The train stops and all of a sudden a Mariachi band boards and starts singing and playing guitar - and it's perfect! Seeing as this never spontaneously occurs in Knoxville, I burst out into laughter and applause while all the locals seem more entertained by my response; interesting dynamics that the tourist becomes the attraction!

Another example is when your very own Conrad Honicker enters the financial district. When I say the financial district, I'm talking Wall Street's finest! Suits, ties, the works. I'm present in a cute combination of teal H&M short shorts and a white button V-neck with thin navy stripes - you'd have thought those people were about to lose their cool!

Finally, when I exit the subway at 125th from the D train, it's pouring rain. Apparently, when it's lightening and thundering and raining cats and dogs, pedestrians are still treated like wild animals trying to cross the street; taxi's honking, buses honking, and even real live people in cars honking at you when you're being drowned by a storm!

Fortunately, GLSEN is amazing. Today I did some follow up work with Eliza Byard, the Executive Director, and Daryl Presgraves, that involved writing three thank you letters explaining my gratitude and giving my spiel one last time to the Obamas and one of his senior advisers. With Daryl, I worked with an amazing intern named Kyle who interviewed me about the White House event.

Afterwords I adventured to this wonderful little bookstore called Bluestockings in the Lower East Side where I peruse DIY books and found a comfortable queer radical safe space.

Tonight I came home and bought groceries. After I cooked my meal, I went to return something to the refrigerator and my stuff was moved to the icky nasty bottom part and a sign was placed over the other food saying, "DON'T EAT FROM HERE!!!" I calmly cleaned out the shelf, organized my food, and wrote a sign that said, "Conrad's Nook (Please ask before using)" and then replied to the earlier sign with, "I wouldn't dream of it!". The roommate here is a little territorial and protective of Marie. I think he's lovely, but I'm getting some slight tension. To his credit, Marie did not speak with him about me coming, and he has family coming in, which he was going to have sleep where I'm sleeping. Let's just say I'm going to make no extra trouble for him, and even take up some chores like walking the dog and "contributing to the Marie family" as he explained.

I cannot wait for tomorrow: wish me luck!

CONRAD'S MUST-DO'S:
** BEFIREND THE CARETAKER OF THE WOMAN YOU'RE STAYING WITH AND MAKE HER SUPPER.
** RUN IN THE RAIN.
** SMILE AND NOD WHEN INCONVIENCING PEOPLE.
** SUPPORT LOCAL MARIACHIS WITH QUARTERS AND DIMES.

CONRAD'S MUST-NOT'S:
** SIT NEXT TO LOUD OBNOXIOUS GIRLS ON THE CROWDED SUBWAY.
** GET LOST IN CHINA TOWN.
** CROSS FOUR LANE TRAFFIC AGAINST THE LIGHT.
** ASSUME EVERYONE IS FROM HERE.