It’s been a few weeks since I’ve blogged, for the most part because I was a little fearful that so many things were going on and Bernadine might go a bit too far in reading people for their crazy actions. Well, I’ve missed the writing so much that I just can’t stop doing what I do best, right?
And I must say, if I’ve ever seemed like a bitch, this blog is going to make me seem like an absolute asshole to some people! Now I would apologize in advance, but as Mama always said, “Once you get to be a certain age, and have so much life under your belt, never apologize for anything you say – you’ve earned it!”So, here goes.
Crazy is as crazy does
There’s this guy who hangs around Asbury Park every now and again, and most people might know who I’m talking about if I say the word “jukebox junkie.” He always plays the jukebox, and forces everyone to listen to his type of music. Some bartenders just can’t take it, and to be honest, some patrons as well.
Now this guy is a good person and he’s alright, but you just never know what you’ll get from him or how he will act in a situation.
So a couple of months ago, this person tried to get into an altercation with me (or should I say Bernadine) about the jukebox, and once all was said and done, Bernadine won. So this person not only cut off all connection with myself, but my good friends as well. To be honest, I wasn’t upset. In fact, I was slightly relieved.Well all of a sudden, he’s back and acting as if nothing ever happened! He talks to us like the last couple of months were some sort of dream and he’s picked up like nothing has changed. It creeps me out a little – hell, a lot. I have no idea what to make of it all. So I try to steer clear of him as much as I can.
People are just weird sometimes!
We miss you Christy
As many in the community already know, Georgie’s drag superstar Christy Girlington decided to not continue her Classic Drag Show at the bar a couple of months ago. There’s a distinct reason that Christy is one of my favorite drag queens … she not only entices the audience with her slapstick comedy, but she puts on a damn good show.She enlists great drag performers to strut their stuff on the stage. She makes the crowd feel like they are a part of the action. And she will read us bitches in the crowd and actually make us laugh at ourselves.
Christy will be missed, and I’m just that sort of patron who likes to watch the drag shows that aren’t the ordinary. Christy has been replaced by former Miss Paradise, The LadyMarisa, a talented performer in her own right.
Okay, I’m just going to say to check out her performance for yourselves. Now as for me, for someone who likes the type of drag performance that Christy brings to the stage, I don’t want to see the drag at Georgie’s become just like all the other drag shows around Asbury Park.
I’m not saying that it will; I’m just saying that I want to see a little more. So I’m hoping that The LadyMarisa will bring us a little more than what we see at the other places. Actually I’m hoping that we still get to see some “KiKi for the Coin”, a little lip synching for their lives to see who wins the night.
Let’s just hope we get more than the norm. I’m sure she can do it. And speaking of performances …
Put in your dues
When I started my career life in the world of journalism, I started at the bottom. I started as a reporter, then investigative journalist, then copy editor, then graphic designer, then associate editor, then night desk editor, then digital editor, to news editor.In brief, I put in my dues.
There have been a number of performers, artists, writers, etc. who have just started in their craft and then (PUFF) – instant stardom. The only problem is – some people like to see the path that some performers take. It’s so interesting; it makes the performer more enticing for the audience. We root for them.
When a performer seems to have the expected rationale to feel like they have the ability to catapult past all those who have climbed the ladder – step by step – and put in their dues, it leaves a sour taste in some people’s mouths.
All Bernadine is saying is that make sure to climb that ladder – step by step – so your audience will root for you and give you much more support in the community. It will pay in deuces in the long run. But that’s just one person’s opinion … no, actually, that is a lot of people’s opinions. I just said it.
Word of caution – date in your generation
I’ve been a guilty person of this very crime in the recent past. I’ve had the distinct honor of falling into this trap. But as of late, I’ve come to the realization that it just doesn’t work out in the long run.It’s funny – my Mama used to make sure that I always knew that if I tried to date someone who wasn’t a part of my generation, it wouldn’t work out. I miss her so very much, if for no other reason, than her keen knowledge that she knows me inside and out.
Now to clear it up, when I say dating in your generation, I don’t mean to date someone your own age. Not at all. What I mean by that phrase, courtesy of Mama, is that you can date someone not in your age category. A guy 50 years old can date someone in their late 20s, early 30s. That's not what I’m saying.
What I’m saying, when referring to generation, is the same mindset. For me, I will give up my seat to an elderly woman. So I need to date someone who will do the same. For me, I ask a person out on a date or some event. So I need someone in my life who will not only do that, but will also follow up if they are asked. If they wait too long, I lose interest. Time is of the essence with me, and life is too short to dilly-dally around. For me, I put others’ needs above myself. So I need to date someone who does the same.
That’s the “generation” to which I refer. I just don’t know why I’ve forgotten that. That’s me! I never settle. But I’ve done that in past years just to have someone near me. Mama drilled self-respect into my being, into my self-esteem. When she passed away, it seemed to be as if I’d forgotten that part of me. Suddenly, it has become clear all over again.
I guess because of events such as the prom, I’ve let Mama’s knowledge about myself, the man that I am and have always been, fall by the wayside. After all, who wants to attend a huge event solo? But it’s okay … my brain is working again. This weekend I had a dream where she told me “Stop chasing guys who just can’t keep up with YOU!” Thanks Mama, message received!
2nd Annual Pink Prom
Speaking of the prom, the fundraising event of the season will take place Friday, May 2nd. Tickets are $75 each and go on sale March 1st. A blog will be forthcoming in a few days.Details about the prom can be viewed at the following Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/#!/events/1456540244569037/
But courtesy of myself and Ryan Jimenez, general manager of the Hotel Tides Restaurant & Spa, we will be giving away free tickets to the prom this Thursday at The LadyMarisa’s “Glitter and Glam” drag show at Georgie’s, the premiere of “RuPaul’s Drag Race” Season 6 viewing party at Hotel Tides on Monday, Feb, 24th, and at Stephanie Hunnell and Peter James Calafiore’s fundraising event “Charity Begins at Home @ Cameo” on Sunday, Feb. 23rd.
Center of attentions need not apply
I love to be the life of the party. Who doesn't?But one type of guy who is never a match for this guy would be those who just have, just must be the center of attention. I've seen a couple of those guys out and about, and rest assured, I lose interest fast!
Those people don't get too far with me. In a crowded room, with a wide array of people who know me and who I love to interact, if someone ever needs for Bernadine to pay all attention to them ... safe to say, that's not gonna happen. And plus, I wouldn't want the guy to treat me like I was the only one in the room. To be honest, for me, it gets to be way too much.
Oh, and by the way ... Happy Valentine's Day everyone! Just consider this my Valentine's gift to you all!
