(Aside - I went back and read the last few entries before I started writing tonight, and for the record, I did give Dumbass a chance to clarify what had happened, and he did, to a degree. Basically, his communication skills suck; there was more to the story than he presented, and had I had all the fact, I wouldn't have been nearly as hurt as I was. We're friends again; but I'm not pursuing anything more than that.)
About 6 moths ago, I stepped down from all the organizations I volunteer with except the Legion and the support group for families and soldiers/veterans living with PTSD and other OSI's.
I have been thinking about joining a local service group. I like what Rotary does, at least what I know of their international projects, but their meeting times totally don't work with my schedule (they meet for breakfast at 7:30, and I start work at 8:00, so .... not so useful).
A friend invited me to an information meeting about Kinettes; and when I was debating on Facebook between Kinettes and Rotary, another friend suggested Optimists. Then I spoke to someone who was involved in Lions ... Oy vey!
One of the things that concerned me about both Kinsmen/Kinettes and Lions/Lionesses is that there are separate clubs for men and women, and to be blunt - I don't tolerate groups of women well. I get along better, by and large, with men. I think this segregation by gender is a relic of previous generations. But I was willing to give it a try; I want to have information and be able to make an informed decision.
Off I went to the information meeting tonight. As I was afraid of, it was a bunch of women sitting around and behaving exactly as I would expect of the stereotype that sums up this city in which I currently find myself - judgmental exclusionary, clique-y; nattering on, all trying to be top dog (head bitch?) and generally disrespecting each other, and neighbouring cities.
Sigh.
A few of the women, like me, were sitting back not saying much; I spoke to them after and there may be some potential there. I am afraid, however, that the noisy, small minded ones will be the ones who win the day.
I think I need to find out more about Optimitsts ...
