Lesson Learned

When I lived in Rose Park, it was very easy to make Pride meetings. Right after work at 4500 South, I'd drive north on I-15. The exit to my apartment was the same exit I had to take to get to the Gay & Lesbian Center where the meetings were held.

Now that I live in West Valley, things are a little more complicated. Right after work at 4500 South, I have to drive back home to let Titus out. Then I have to get on Highway 201, then I-15 to get to the Center.

I arrived at my 6:30pm meeting at 7pm.

After the meeting, I met privately with Troy, the person in charge of beverages. He looked at me and said, "I know you from somewhere." I didn't remember him until he said, "Now I remember you! I yelled at you last year!"

My blog entry from Pride 2005: I arrived (to check on the volunteer) just as she ran out of tickets and was at the mercy of a crowd that wanted to get drunk. I immediately requested more tickets on my radio and told the crowd that they would have to wait momentarily. Most people were nice and laughed about the whole thing; I grabbed a case of water and handed water to these people and thanked them for waiting. One guy, who the water did not appease, got in my face and started making irrational suggestions (You better have 50 stations selling beer tickets next year!!). As I was about to suggest he write up his concerns in an email, he walked off. Lots of people yelled at him saying, "Be nice at Pride!" It was great.

I immediately recognized Troy because you just don't forget people who yell at you like he did. He apologized and said that his temper got the best of him that day. I laughed and said I totally understood. I also told him that all my friends know the story of our interaction. He looked very embarrassed.

I have to say that Troy is the kind of complainer that I have respect for. He hated how the drink lines were long in 2005, so he decided to sign up to be in charge of them in 2006. How many times do I complain about something and not try to change it? How many times do others say that this or that could be better but do nothing? I've learned a valuable lesson from Troy.

After the meeting, I went over to Megan's and made Ross Romero buttons with her and Adam. I had a fun time hanging out with them.