Old world style (life)

I had an epiphany about last night. I was, and continue to be, surrounded by old world style men in my current life. I listened to a man tell tales about the Soviet army (a father of a friend) to a younger man who once said, "I understand the pregnant part...but, why barefoot?" (a friend who is an English language learner and doesn't understand some idioms). They are both wonderful. I have been a recipient of kindness from both of them. I actively solicit my friend's interaction in my life. But, I think it's messing me up. I think that I may be buying into some crazy gender roles a little too much.

Where is the me of years ago? Have I let go of the Ani DiFranco listening, argumentative, do something for the sake of doing it me? Have I become the first grade teacher archetype?

I know that it's not that easy. My days of feminist chapstick are gone. But, there are ideals that I hold central to my self. Part of me feels as if I have let some things slip too far away. I need to be the punk-rock teacher...well, really I just need to not care too much of what other want/expect and do what I think is right. That's the liberation of it all....

I'm off to WV (it's really the western part of VA--my mistake) for new years. DC folks are getting together and I will be happy, in the happy johnny sense of it all.

much love.