Old Things; New Meanings
Jan. 30th, 2002 05:49 pmLast 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:
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.
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.
no subject
Date: 2002-01-30 09:33 pm (UTC)A couple of years ago at Baycon I was chatting with some friends who I've known for many years. We we talking about our homes, cars, trips to worldcon, etc, etc. Not bragging, but just mentioning them in passing.
I suddenly stopped the conversation and said: "You know, essentially this same group, was sitting in the same spot 10 years ago, we were pooling our cash to buy a few McD burgers to share, working as gophers to have crash space and searching for a ride home that doesn't leave at Noon on Sunday."
Everybody just sort of looked at each and said "Cool" with large smiles all around.
no subject
Date: 2002-01-31 07:27 am (UTC)Periodically I contrast Wolf with my ex-husband, just to remind myself how lucky I am.