I leave for Oakland tomorrow to meet my partners in crime, Amie & Jared. Yes, we’ve talked on the phone and had Skype conversations, but this time they’ll be close enough to count my pores and grey hairs. Never mind that I’m a sweater. NO, stupid, not like an ugly argyle sweater your grandma gave you, like a person who sweats a lot. Usually when I’m nervous, I’m all like Molly Shannon in Superstar:
“Sometimes when I get nervous, I put my fingers in my armpits like this. And then I smell them. It’s gross!”
For me, meeting new people is kinda like the first day of junior high. Which was particularly rough because I had explosive diarrhea and no one to sit with at lunch. I mean, those two things were completely unrelated, but the combination just about put me over the edge.
Although I’ve been to several blog conferences, I’m still not good with the “buck up, little camper, it’s time to make some new friends,” thing. Social anxiety plagues me. I’m terrified Amie and Jared won’t like me IRL (an acronym for In Real Life, which I can assure you my gay dad is only becoming familiar with as of this reading).
Nerves aside, I’m excited. I feel like it’s finally time. My turn to do something big, and to throw myself headlong into The Gay Dad Project. It’s my calling. I’m not that little girl in the bookstore anymore, and I don’t want anyone else to ever feel the way I did.
No one has to. It’s that simple.
We are here and we want to help. We want you to share your stories with us, feel comfortable talking with us, and help us get the word out.
We can be out and proud, too:Â WE HAVE GAY DADS!
p.s. Today is my birthday. Don’t worry! You don’t need to buy me a present. All’s you gotta do is visit our Facebook page and click on the “Like” button. And follow us on Twitter @gaydadproject. And share this here post with all your fabulous friends!
~Erin
Happy Birthday! ‘Liked” you on Facebook (already following on Twitter)…hope you have a great day and a fun time with your new friends :0)
Happy Birthday darling. Of course you will do this honor and it is what you were born to do. I have no doubt.
Happy Birthday Erin! I love this post, and I am so proud of the work you are doing. I hope that Oakland is a smashing success!
Happy Birthday, Erin!! You’re going to rock Oakland and of course Amie & Jared will like you.
No, they will LOVE you.
Happy birthday. They’ll love you IRL.You’re awesome.
Happy Birthday, Erin. Good luck. I’m sure they’ll love you.
Following and liked!!!
Enjoy Oaktown girl and they WILL love you (though I know it’s hard to put aside that anxiety – totally get it even as social as I am). Love to you always and have a wonderful birthday. You are doing wonderful things and you are an amazing person Erin!
I’m so proud of all your accomplishment.
“Meet new friends!” I’ve always hated that, too. But they will love you! I have a feeling you’ll be all Three Amigos very, very soon. Happy birthday!
Happy birthday Erin! Something tells me that they already love you. You will be great!
Happy Birthday, Erin
As someone with (sometimes severe) social anxiety, I can completely relate to the nerves, but I’m sure it will be a fabulous experience and I can’t wait to read all about it!
NPRMommy, thank you so very much! I hope so too. Who knows, you might just see a vlog pop up over here….hmmm.
Angel,
Thank you, kind friend. I am nervous and excited. I appreciate your friendship so much!
Ashley,
Thanks for stopping by, sweets! It makes me feel all warm & fuzzy when you say you’re proud of me. I hope Oakland is smashing, too. I have a feeling it will be!
xoxo
Alison,
I hope you’re right! Too late to keep worrying. Boarding that plane in 11 hours—YIKES!
Alex,
You are awesomer. And I love you IRL. When do we get to meet up again? xo
Heather,
I wish you lived closer to Oakland. We will be busy, but it would be so cool to meet you. But I also know you’re pregnant and tired and I don’t have a rental car. But…if this thing takes off like I hope it does, it may mean a few more trips out to Cali! xoxoxo
Susi,
We really appreciate the like & the follow! And I do hope they’ll like me. Cross your fingers!
Dayle,
I hope you’re right! My social anxiety isn’t severe, but I think unfortunately it makes a lot of people think I’m a bitch when in reality I’m just painfully shy in certain situations. Stay tuned, we may even vlog if we’re so inclined….a-hem!
Thanks for reading and for the birthday wishes, too!
Bill,
Really glad you stopped by and thanks for your kind words. Praying you’re right!
Enjoy the long weekend!
Social anxiety is not my friend – hate it – but love you.
I would have sat with you at lunch no matter what.
Anyway, I hope you have safe travels, wonderful connections and inspiration.
(Also, hope you had a fabulous birthday.)
Good luck. And p.s. I already like Gay Dad Project. Hooray!
Pingback: Molly Shannon & Oakland | Erin Margolin
It’s only sometimes severe
Hope you’re all having a great time!
From what I could see, I think you had a wonderful time! Love ya!
I feel such confidence in this project, Erin.
I feel that this will be the place where people fumbling, confused, in tears, or in doubt, can come and get answers, hopefully a place to feel at home.
I feel so strongly this website will become a life of its own.
CONGRATULATIONS.
There are so many who are still SILENT just waiting, to feel safe. And that means not alone.
I personally think about the reason you named this blog post, “If You Loved Me, You Would Read This | The Gay Dad Projectâ€.
No matter what I really appreciated the article!Thanks for your time,Jeannie