figmo | Old Things; New Meanings (Reply)

Last night I got all excited when I heard my garage door opening. "It's Warren!" I joyously thought to myself.

I then realized how much my life has changed since I first came out to California.

When I was married, the sound of the garage door meant:

My husband was home.
Kiss all privacy goodbye.
If online, get off as fast as possible before he decides to cut my computer access permanently.
If his dog is with me in the kitchen or on the bed, rectify the situation before my husband finds out and punishes him

When I was in junior high school, the question, "Are you `Lynn Gold?'" meant I was about to get beaten up. Today it's usually a friendly inquiry.

When I was married, my husband used to use the term "sport" to refer to my dog as a "runt" because she was small (even though I liked and wanted her that way!). After I left him "sport" in reference to her meant sleek, speedy, and economical.

My ex wouldn't eat quiche because he was a "real man." My boyfriend doesn't eat quiche because he's allergic to eggs.

My ex referred to me in his bio in the original Hacker's Dictionary as an "aspiring broadcast personality." I don't have to "aspire" any more; I'm there.

Some things really do get better with time.