It’s the eve of my birthday. I spent the past few nights wide awake thinking, “What’s next?”

One of the best pieces of advice I ever got from my Dad was: choose the option that opens me up to the most options. I’ve taken that to heart all my life, and thanks to him I have before me, millions of possibilities.

This past year I decided I was going to come out of the closet as May Ling Su. Facebook was instrumental. I kept finding old friends there! People I spent my childhood with, whom I hadn’t seen in over a decade. I already had an account, but I was tempted to start a new one, with my childhood name – a name that didn’t lead to all my porn. Instead I took a deep breath and clicked “Add as Friend.” I hoped for continued friendships, but I was ready for the cold shoulder of the “Ignore” button. And you know what? I was surprised by people’s kindness and acceptance and love!!! I am truly blessed!

Over a week ago, Typhoon Ondoy flooded my hometown, Quezon City. It was a huge calamity, but it brought out the best in my people. I witnessed my friends using Facebook and Twitter to coordinate rescue and relief efforts all over the world. It was an amazing display of what social networks in the hands of caring people can do. I felt like I was back in the Philippines again, going out to political demonstrations, helping feed the hungry and clothe the needy. There’s so much that needs doing.

A while back I wrote about meeting some people about a singing gig. Music is my first love. I was thrilled to sing for an audience, but the owner of the bar wanted to suck up more time from me than I was willing to give, at first offering me a weekly gig, then wanting four nights of my week. Ultimately I had to decline. It wasn’t the option that opens me up to the most options.

Tonight, I have dreams of the future in my head. Asia. The Philippines. Music. Art. Porn. Sex. Love. Family. Friends. I’m going to bed, hug my wee one and hug my man. I’ll be thankful and full of love.