#TheGinger&TheGaggleofGays

A week ago little Jim left us to start his adventures in New Zealand, but not before having a few drinks and a dance in the dusty streets of Sydney. We gorged on fried vegan food at Bohdi before hitting some clubs on Oxford street.

It was a sad farewell and it made my upcoming departure seem closer and more real too. Plus Eric on many occasions shouting "WHY ARE YOU LEAVING?!" at me contributed somewhat. Unfortunately, after a while my stupid high heel'd feet started to hurt and my salsa dancing became more of a wounded penguin waddle. They placed a stool down for me and danced around me like I was a tribal queen...I am very regal!

We all said our goodbyes but I wasn't done with this gaggle of gays yet! (Maybe watching too much Queer Eye atm)
We arranged to meet the following week and this time, I would wear flats!

#TakeTwo
Friday night and I had created a Facebook group entitled "Party People!"

Steve objected and asked for it to be edited to moderate party people (rolly eye emoji!)
I refused but we compromised on "Party People and Steve!"

Eric and I met and made our way to Steve's with Chuck joining us later, Steve plied us with copious amounts of wine while we argued over which music videos to watch and I attempted to use voice-activated technology.
Press button and talk.
Me: Hello!
Steve: You don't have to greet it! Also, it's not a microphone, you don't need to talk into it.
Me: (talking into it like a microphone because it's not witchcraft!) Play ... pink, beautiful trauma
TV: I want a chicken Korma
Me: (Now yelling!) No! Play beautiful trauma
TV: No results for ballerina sauna
Eric had worse trouble due to his American accent, don't think Steve's TV likes anyone that's not Australian!

The rest of the evening was spent eating dinner and watching funny youtube clips... not very 'party people!'
Now what happens next has caused me great anxiety and guilt. It was discussed that the following evening Chuck and Eric's friend Nate was coming to Sydney for his birthday and they were doing dinner and drinks.

"Ah! I have work :( "
And then..., "Call in sick!" The Gaggle suggested.
"You mean lie?!" Instant panic! My mind went into turmoil, it was my last weekend after all, I would much rather spend time with my friends than work... but ...I've never called in sick before! Surly they'll find out and I'll be branded as a skiving liar forever more!
"Okay..." I swallowed hard as I gingerly typed out a message to send.
[Not feeling well, not sure I'll make it in this weekend]
Eric had to send it and then I stared at the white screen awaiting texts branding me as a liar and a phoney. But they never came!
I'm in!!

So the next day, Steve and I got a hangover breakfast, watched a movie and then got ready to start all again.

We met at Cherics (Chuck and Eric's) and were greeted by Buddy jumping excitedly on my feet! We had some snacks (I've put my 1.5kg back on btw!) and then headed to the Thai place with their friend Nate. I demanded a table with balloons as it was only a week until my birthday. We ate and ate until I felt sick. All around us people were being sung Happy Birthday to, Steve exclaimed how much he hated it and how awkward it is which immediately made me want them to sing to me!

Soon after, a glimmer of fire was heading my way, a sparkler and candles sizzling

brightly above a scoop of coconut ice cream.
"Yay!" I clapped excitedly!
Nate had one on his end of the table too which meant Steve was sandwiched between the two of us; being forced to sing along and share our birthday cheer!

Once full, it was time to dance! We started in Newtown and then went back to Oxford street. This time, my feet were going to survive the night and I would salsa my way through the clubs and eventually onto the stage of Broadway! Well... broadway didn't happen (their loss) but we did make it into a club that played Britney songs and the Spice Girls and after watching the videos I took, I think we deserved a standing ovation for our incredible voices and dance moves.