Gold, Glitter, and The Gays

Crafty cuties, rejoice -- the One of a Kind Show returned to the Direct Energy Centre in Toronto as of November 25th, and eager Christmas shoppers are turning out to experience the tinsel-shock firsthand. I had the chance to attend with my Mom and my sister this evening, and who would I happen to stumble across but.....

THE GAYS. IN MASSIVE, WELL-IDENTIFIED NUMBERS.

I still get a buzz off seeing large numbers of queers gathered in non-bar settings. It sets these lesbo-heartstrings aflame with the excitement of it all (which would indicate I am in need of doing what is called, "getting the 'eff out more"). The giddiness compares to my experience with the annual Green Living Show thus far. Concerns over the environment and organic/vegan cookies never fail to coax out the queers, but a craft show adds a whole new level of gay right in time for the holiday season.

The gents represented with all manner of elaborate, glitterized jewellery for sale, and edible-smelling soaps for all the ladies making the rounds of the booths. I admit, the queer gentlemen representing in the craft circle know their wares and produce stunning work.

But I still managed to spot quite a number of cropped haircuts and thick-rimmed glasses around the painters, and I noticed some earthy, flower-child types with hand-sewn clothes for sale. I even spotted two adorable lady-couples strolling about, hand-in-hand, eyeing up the knitted purses and the quirky treasures.

Make the yuletide gay, indeed.

Will need to share some finds with you tomorrow -- at the moment, the clock is hovering over midnight, and I am in need of some rest.

Poppin' In

Right -- I've not got much time here. Alas, lovelies. I admit, I'm a tad startled -- I mean, the official last post on this blog was Friday and I have missed writing here ever since.

I'm in the middle of compiling Christmas gifts and wading through the unbelievable amount of "GREAT IDEAS!" I had while planning out said presents. What I didn't take into consideration was the time frame to complete said ideas. I tend to underestimate work and it always surprises me last minute.

But, OH GOODNESS -- I've got some pretty wicked ideas this year, not gonna lie. I can't even go into detail about it all because three of the kids who read this blog regularly are receiving one of these brilliant packages. Muahaha....

Anyhow, weekend recap:

• Saw Ship Sharp in another Fly By Night Theatre production; She represented for queer girls everywhere and took on the role of a somewhat cynical porn shop cashier who just so happens to like the ladies. Brilliant performance, as always (though, that was never in question)
• Laughed like mad at the company's take on This is a Play by Daniel MacIvor. If you want to check out Canadian theatre at its finest (come on, I know you do!) then check out MacIvor. He commands language with such sharp humour and has such an off-beat, strange view of the world. Love it!
• Was caught out for maybe, sorta, kinda crushing just a little on Ship Sharp's co-star and "Gay-for-Play" theatre friend.... *Blush* I know, I can't help it -- I always take a shine to the straight ones. In my defense, Ship Sharp informed me that even she has a "girl crush" on her co-star, so, I am absolved as far as I'm concerned. *Wink*
• Tucked into a huge plate of nachos with a great crowd of kids and relaxed with an excellent pint of beer. Oh yeah, indulgence at its finest.
• On Saturday, went for the second fitting for my bride's maid dress. Need it cinched in a tad at the chest, otherwise it is flawless. Operated on little sleep -- got to bed at 3 am and was up and active at 9 am. Ha, I am a trooper. Or, I have an illness...
• In the evening, had the Moffatt clan over to celebrate my Dad's birthday. I assembled a Caesar salad (complete with homemade croutons) and we ordered some pizza. Had an awesome time joking with the crowd and then hanging out with the Brother, the future Brother-in-Law, and the Youngest Cousin. Yeah, Miz Moffatt hangs out with the lads at family gatherings.
• On Sunday, I tackled Round Two of Christmas shopping. Oi. I am spending so much cash. I haven't updated my Excel spreadsheet all month because I am pretty sure it will induce vomiting and weakness in the wallet. Oh, and occasional fainting spells as well. Mmm hmm.

So yes! Lots going on. And I've got a Ladies in Writing meeting on Wednesday. And also, Chantal returns from Scotland this week.

I seriously will not have a moment to breathe until January 2nd, more than likely.

I will channel all the holiday cheer I can and submission wrestle the season.

Mark my words.

Christmas Season Kickoff: The Office Shindig

So, yeah -- it is still November and I have attended the first Christmas/holiday party of the 2009 season. What can I say, we tackle projects early at our office. Overall, I would define it as a successful show. There was booze, LOTS of booze, and there was an excellent meal and quite the raucous gathering of office drones suddenly brought back to life.

I tell you, there's nothing better than watching the "professional" guise slip away and seeing people as themselves. Well, as alcohol-augmented versions of themselves. Perhaps that is a little more accurate.

I had quite the bit of drink, considering it was a Tuesday night. I started with a beer and I think I might have had about three full glasses of red wine throughout dinner...? Maybe more. We were at one of those restaurants with the magical wine glasses. You know the ones I'm talking about -- right as you're about to take that final sip, you discover that the wine has doubled in volume out of thin air.

In all seriousness, the waiters were attentive when it came to alcohol consumption. And, since I am not allowed to drink at home, I indulged a bit more than I should have. Did I mention this was a Tuesday night? And that I still had to wake up at 6:30 AM this morning? Yeah? Yeah.

I tried to orchestrate the seating arrangement a little to my favour -- yes, I tried to score a seat next to the Office Crush herself. I came close, though. I had one co-worker between us which is still too much distance, if you ask me. Though, I can always get giggly and starry-eyed over the idea that the second I walked into the restaurant, she bee-lined over to me and said, "Oh, please take my drink tickets, [Miz Moffatt] -- I know I'm not going to have anything and I want to make sure you have an awesome night!"

I'm sorry, an attractive woman who's trying to liquor me up? ... Like, serious, did I do something to please a higher power?... because I'm pretty convinced that someone/something out there is rewarding me.

And I will gladly accept.

Had a decent conversation with this one guy who's known as The Asshole in our office. Apparently a copious amount of alcohol transforms him into an inspiring person...? We talked about travels and post-graduate school and he basically said to me, "Do it. Go to London. It's an amazing city and so full of exciting, new ideas. You're not going to find that creativity here in Canada, I can tell you that now. Even if you're doubting yourself or unsure what path to take, go to London. You'll more than likely figure it out there."

I still can't believe it was HIM who said that. This is the same man whose has been a complete and horrid bastard to my Mom on more than one occasion and he's encouraging ME to pursue my dreams? ...... It was a bit of a mind-job, let me tell you.

Got home at around 10 PM or so and promptly called O'Neill. Am more than certain he was thrown off-guard to hear a drunk Moffatt on the line. I miss getting drunk with him, so.... I was acting as a... reminder? No, we actually had an amazing conversation last night. What can I say, we are astounding kids. *VANITY*

But yeah, I went to bed with a dream-like sense of serenity. Now, I didn't quite wake up in that same state, but the remnants were there and that's more than enough for me on a Wednesday morning.

It's official -- the Christmas season has begun. From here on in, I am in full celebration mode. Coincidentally, that also means I am in intense workout mode to counteract the caloric spike I will experiencing in the next few weeks.

BRING IT.

Drunk 'N' Dandy

Ladies -- I am quite trashed at the moment. Went to the company Christmas party, drank a WHOLE LOT of red wine.... cannot form sentences....

Am talking to O'Neill at the moment. Like, right now -- we are talking queer issues and politics and plots for December. I am still so drunk. And I have to wake up for work tomorrow.

Life is good.

I am tired.

And I will update with numerous entries tomorrow evening, lovelies.