Dear Ruthie,
We recently moved a third roommate into our South Side flat. She’s cool, and we’re cool and things are cool except that she spends anywhere from one to two hours in the bathroom we all have to share. She admits that this is crazy and says that she “gets lost” reading in there or drinking coffee and stuff but come on! Two hours? That’s insane, especially in the morning when all three of us girls have to get ready for work or school. Her apologizes aren’t cutting it anymore, and she’s not changing her bathroom habits. What do we do next?
Thanks Red, Impatient Emily
Dear Emily,
As the experts say, “When ya gotta go, ya gotta go.” Tell your latrine-loving roommate that her days of pirating the porcelain are through. Create a morning schedule for the thunder-box if you must. Let her know that she can sit on the thrown all she wants, but not when others need to populate the potty. Don’t give her an inch, either. The minute she’s in there past the agreed upon time, bang on the door and remind her that her time on the loo is up.
RUTHIE’S SOCIAL CALENDAR:
July 27: MishMash Fest (intersection of Burleigh and Fratney streets): Don’t miss the free block party that’s become quite a diamond in the Riverwest party hat. Featuring two stages of live music as well as food, beer and booze, the festival runs 5 p.m. to midnight. Stop by and check out the craziness, including a fire show at 9:30 p.m.
July 27: Pokémon Hoe Marvel Comix Party at D.I.X. (739 S. First St.): It’s cosplay a-go-go when this popular LGBTQ watering hole celebrates Pokéman and related themes during this 10 p.m. event. A drag show kicks off the nerdy night while a DJ rounds out the extreme fabulosity of all things great, gorgeous and geeky.
July 28: Fox Valley Pagan Pride Music Fest at Pierce Park (1035 W. Prospect Ave., Appleton): Celebrate summer and learn about the misunderstood world of paganism during this 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. celebration. Music, more than 20 vendors, workshops and more make this a change-of-pace party in the park. Stop by foxvalleypaganpride.org for more.
July 28: Brady Street Festival (at Brady Street): Four stages of fun, beer, bites, and hot boys and babes make this annual street fest one of the reasons Milwaukee rocks. The craziness kicks off at 11 a.m. with everything wrapping up at midnight. Truly a summer celebration not to be missed, the details can be found at bradystreet.org.
July 28—GM HIT Classic Annual 9-Pin Tournament at Classic Lanes (5404 W. Layton Ave.): An afternoon of good old-fashioned bowling is in store when you grab your balls and strike out! The noon to 4 p.m. games involve cash prizes, raffles and more. Not a solid bowler? No problem! The emphasis is on having a great time and meeting new people. The $25 entry fee is payable at the door but preregister at hitmke.bowling@yahoo.com.
July 28: Disco Drag in Menasha at The Attic (200 Main St., Menasha): Join me and a few of my gal pals as Milwaukee invades the Midwest Sunsplash Music Fest. Our 10 p.m. drag show (doors open at 9 p.m.) honors all things disco with a ’70s showdown of epic proportions. Get your $30 ticket at midwestsunsplash.org/other-events and come join us!
July 29: One-More-Pint Party at Walker’s Pint (818 S. Second St.): Have a Sunday Funday when The Squeezettes bring the house down during a free polka concert. Dance your keester off, sing along or simply toss back a few cold ones and take in a memorable slice of summer at this awesome Walker’s Point hot spot.
July 31: Out in the Kitchen at Discovery World (500 N. Harbor Drive): Yummy, yummy! The Wisconsin LGBT Chamber of Commerce fires up this fourth annual nosh fest, offering tastings from the city’s favorite restaurants, caterers, pubs and others. Cash bars round out the 6-8 p.m. sampling, where $30 tickets are available at the door.
July 31: ‘Life Without Pockets’ Book Reading at Boswell Book Co. (2559 N. Downer Ave.): Author Carla Anne Ernst reads from her new autobiography and hosts a Q&A about her journey transitioning from a man to woman. Enjoy the 7-8 p.m. reading and discussion where books are available for purchase.
Want to share an event with Ruthie? Need her advice? Email DearRuthie@Shepex.com and follow her on Instagram @ruthiekeester and Facebook at Dear Ruthie.
