Thursday, December 16, 2004

The Gingerbread Party

Last Sunday I went to Brian's place to attend a Gingerbread Party.
Brian was the director of Health & Life Enhancement Studio at FDAE and I
had the honor to work directly with / for him the past year. Brian was
definitely the most pleasant and fun person to work with. It is hard to
believe someday I will work with someone so flexible, funny and
open-minded (and I could not believe when he told me he was a republican...)
ever again. Sometimes I wish I had graduated in architecture (not
journalism) just so I could keep on working with him. Anyway, Brian got a
better offer and changed jobs. I was heartbroken, but we promised we would
keep in touch as friends other than co-workers.
So, three weeks ago, Brian sends me an e-mail inviting me to a
Gingerbread Party at his place... I didn't know what was that but promptly
accepted and asked if I could bring a friend. Randy joined me and we went
fashionably late getting there at 3pm, two hours after the scheduled
time. Oooops. At the door, Kate, Brian's wife received us with a sweet and
welcoming smile "You must be Gustavo". Brian's place was very comfy and
well designed, as expected. Brian came to greet us and we gave a big
hug. He introduced me to his old friends as someone that he really cares
about. His friends were just like him, bubbly, funny and silly. I loved
it and felt home.
In the living room, there was a table filled with candies, cookies and
colored sugar. Kids were building what would be a Gingerbread House. I
got excited and joined them. In the beginning I was a little lost and
didn't know what to do but soon ideas came popping on my head and I
completed the house with a gingerbread Santa that I did with icing, M&M's
and red sugar. For the hat I used a piece of red napkin... I was having
so much fun. I joined Brian in the yard for some chatting. We talked
about different things until he asked me about my friend... I asked him
if he knew I was gay and for my surprise he (very natural) admitted he
knew. Then I told him Randy was my boyfriend and showed him the ring he
had just gotten for us on Friday. Brian goes "ohhh Nice!!! Let me get
my glasses..." Anyway, I got very surprised and happy with the way Brian
treated us.
We left the house with a feeling that Brian and Kate were going to be
part of our lives.