As I started the journey a year ago I hoped to learn alot about myself and as well as people. I learned that we make quite a few assumptions about people based on how they are dressed when we know nothing else about them. I learned that while I had enjoyed male priviledge that there is also female priviledge and when you are a guy in a dress you get neither.
As I start my new resolutions for next year while I may not wear a dress everyday I still believe I will continue to wear them.
However with a new year comes new resolutions and one of my new resolutions is to lose 50 pounds and run a half marathon. I guess I need to get started I will periodically update this blog. To keep people apprised of my life but other than that I will everyone a peaceful and happy journey
Friday, March 20, 2015
Wednesday, November 12, 2014
Veterans Day and Two Funerals
While many of us got the chance to reflect, on our veterans yesterday, I attended two funerals, both were the funerals of veterans, so I guess it seemed fitting on to bury them on veterans day. Being that there were rules when I started this year and I said I would not wear dresses to weddings or funerals I didnt want to rule it out as this journey has taken me on a ride. I checked with both families and they asked me to be repectful which I assured them I would be. So I wore a floral dress that went to mid calf that I had worn to church a few times. I left the house around 8:30
The first funeral took place at 10am, Jake he is the younger brother of one of my childhood friends Chris. Jake died at the young age of 29. He had spent 8 years in the army. Upon returning he dealt with alcoholism which is unfortunately what ended up taking his life. He left behind a wife and 2 children.
I arrived at the church around 9:30 spoke with Chris and his family, they were courteous I was trying to stay out of they way and let them grieve because it was about them. They already knew I wore dresses so they were OK with me wearing them. They asked me if I would not mind being a paul bearer. I told them I would be honored and asked if I could stand in the middle as I didnt want to draw to much attention to myself and take away from while we are here. His wife and mother thought Jake would get a kick out of me carrying him wearing a dress and Jakes wife Kristen thought it could be a possitive memory for they 4 year old girl that you can be strong and pretty. I was so humbled I ended up carrying him.
I ended up getting away from Jakes funeral about 1 and had a second funeral about 1 hour away I had to be at by 3pm.
The second funeral was for my grandfathers friend Ed. Ed and my grandfather were in the Marine Corp 28 years respectively. They fought in WWll Korea and Vietnam. Both got in 1942 and both got out in 1970. Ed was able to beat the Germans, Japanese, Koreans, Vietnamese unfortunately he lost his battle with Pneunomia. My grandfather had passed away 15 years earlier otherwise he would have been there himself unfortunately I went there in his sted. I am a firm believer that greatness is not in about making presense known it is more about making your absence felt. Based on Eds absense and the people at his funeral it is safe to say he was a great man. I paid my respects to his children and sat near the back and watched people pay him a tribute. I thought about going up there but i didnt want the funeral to be about me I wanted to be about Ed. So I sat in back listen.
His daughter Grace asked me to come up and share some stories. So went up there and told this story about how Ed and his wife Margie met and My grandparents met. My grandpa and Ed were best friends and Ed was dating my grandma and My grandpa was dating Margie. So they ended up going on a double date together and Margie was like heah John tell me about Ed. my grandpa was like Eds the best, so she was like I think I smitten with him and Ed was smitted with her they broke up with my grandparents and started dating each other. The rest was 65 years in making. We met over at Graces house after and chatted alittle bit. I headed home alittle late.
I was saddened to have to go the two funerals on veterans day however, I was honored to be asked to be part of them
The first funeral took place at 10am, Jake he is the younger brother of one of my childhood friends Chris. Jake died at the young age of 29. He had spent 8 years in the army. Upon returning he dealt with alcoholism which is unfortunately what ended up taking his life. He left behind a wife and 2 children.
I arrived at the church around 9:30 spoke with Chris and his family, they were courteous I was trying to stay out of they way and let them grieve because it was about them. They already knew I wore dresses so they were OK with me wearing them. They asked me if I would not mind being a paul bearer. I told them I would be honored and asked if I could stand in the middle as I didnt want to draw to much attention to myself and take away from while we are here. His wife and mother thought Jake would get a kick out of me carrying him wearing a dress and Jakes wife Kristen thought it could be a possitive memory for they 4 year old girl that you can be strong and pretty. I was so humbled I ended up carrying him.
I ended up getting away from Jakes funeral about 1 and had a second funeral about 1 hour away I had to be at by 3pm.
The second funeral was for my grandfathers friend Ed. Ed and my grandfather were in the Marine Corp 28 years respectively. They fought in WWll Korea and Vietnam. Both got in 1942 and both got out in 1970. Ed was able to beat the Germans, Japanese, Koreans, Vietnamese unfortunately he lost his battle with Pneunomia. My grandfather had passed away 15 years earlier otherwise he would have been there himself unfortunately I went there in his sted. I am a firm believer that greatness is not in about making presense known it is more about making your absence felt. Based on Eds absense and the people at his funeral it is safe to say he was a great man. I paid my respects to his children and sat near the back and watched people pay him a tribute. I thought about going up there but i didnt want the funeral to be about me I wanted to be about Ed. So I sat in back listen.
His daughter Grace asked me to come up and share some stories. So went up there and told this story about how Ed and his wife Margie met and My grandparents met. My grandpa and Ed were best friends and Ed was dating my grandma and My grandpa was dating Margie. So they ended up going on a double date together and Margie was like heah John tell me about Ed. my grandpa was like Eds the best, so she was like I think I smitten with him and Ed was smitted with her they broke up with my grandparents and started dating each other. The rest was 65 years in making. We met over at Graces house after and chatted alittle bit. I headed home alittle late.
I was saddened to have to go the two funerals on veterans day however, I was honored to be asked to be part of them
A meeting in Wichita
With the ebola outbreak going on it is amazing to me that my job finally decided to take some proactive steps. So we created a proactive plan decrease the likilihood of an incidence of ebola in Oklahoma. We put forth a strategic response plan. However, I find that the state governments are alot like the federal government in that they close the barn doors after the cattle are out. So work with other state agencies and my boss asked to go up to Wichita on Monday to present on our measures. I asked what time the meeting was she advised 8:30AM
I was like, heah can I teleconference in, he stated we want to there so I the advised that it took 2 hours to get there from my house. So I would have to be up by 4:30 to leave the house by 6:30. He asked how long it takes me to get ready I told him about 1 hour. He asked me how long it would take back when I was still wearing pants to work. I advised I would shave and shower the night before so it took like 20 minutes to get ready.
I was unsure what the weather was going to do. So while I wore a knee length wrap dress I brought a skirt and blouse with me. The wind was gusting like crazy at 6:00 AM as I was leaving. The wind was cod as ice on my legs when though I was wearing tights I was still freezing. On my way up I stopped for gas, it was a Phillips 66 station going in the clerk was kind she was like you must be freezing I assured her I was. She asked me where I was going I told her about my meeting in Wichita and bought a cup of coffee some gas and away I went.
I got up to the location where they are having the meeting right at 8AM which means I was glad the meeting was starting till 8:30. I went in a few of the folks already knew me and my wardrobe change this year a few more were surprised by it. We chatted alittle bit they asked me if I was going to change my genders I was pretty sure not at this time I was happy with me. But now I got to be happy while wearing a dress.
I was like, heah can I teleconference in, he stated we want to there so I the advised that it took 2 hours to get there from my house. So I would have to be up by 4:30 to leave the house by 6:30. He asked how long it takes me to get ready I told him about 1 hour. He asked me how long it would take back when I was still wearing pants to work. I advised I would shave and shower the night before so it took like 20 minutes to get ready.
I was unsure what the weather was going to do. So while I wore a knee length wrap dress I brought a skirt and blouse with me. The wind was gusting like crazy at 6:00 AM as I was leaving. The wind was cod as ice on my legs when though I was wearing tights I was still freezing. On my way up I stopped for gas, it was a Phillips 66 station going in the clerk was kind she was like you must be freezing I assured her I was. She asked me where I was going I told her about my meeting in Wichita and bought a cup of coffee some gas and away I went.
I got up to the location where they are having the meeting right at 8AM which means I was glad the meeting was starting till 8:30. I went in a few of the folks already knew me and my wardrobe change this year a few more were surprised by it. We chatted alittle bit they asked me if I was going to change my genders I was pretty sure not at this time I was happy with me. But now I got to be happy while wearing a dress.
Thursday, September 25, 2014
The Outerbanks
My cousin Chrissy and her husband Jason live in Kill Devil Hills N.C., so when I was out in Wilmington N.C. on business I used the opportunity to go visit her. Earlier this year they had welcomed daughter number 3 into the world. She is Reagan So they have 3 girls Ryanne 15, Elizabeth 9, and Reagan, born in January. Chrissy and I were really close growing up so it was plesant to see her. I told her I had made some changes in my life this year so I would look different. So explained she looked forward to seeing me and I looked forward to seeing her as well. The drive from Wilmington to Kills Devil Hills took 5 hours which you really dont think it should take that long. So I ended up there around lunch time. I arrived at their house around 11:45 and it took Chrissy alittle bit by surprise she said I know you said change but this is a big change. The girls greated me and I was close to all of them but I am the god parent to Elizabeth to and honestly she is the best friend anyone could ask for. When Elizabeth saw me I thought she was going to be hurt but she hugged me the same and sweezedd tight. She asked me about the dress I let her know. She was completely ok with it I was releaved.
Shortley after arrived there it was lunch time so we headed out to lunch. We went to Dare Devils pizzeria. We shared a large pizza between the four of us. Chrissy and I ordered a salad ahead of time. When the waitress came by I asked the waitress where the restroom was and she replied which one. Beth spoke out and said the ladies of course. Beth offered to show me I advised the waitress I was not trying to cause any problems she said no big deal and Beth showed me to the ladies room. While I was in the bathroom Beth was talking to me through the door. I was listening and she let me know her concerns about me wearing a dress. She had two fears. First I would be her god parent anymore I told her she would always be my little buddy. Second she thought I needed I new name as I didnt look like a Joe anymore. So I asked her to take the lead and come up with some names. Beth came up with Kaylee and Madison because those were her two best friends. Ryanne came up with Aubrey and Bayleigh, I came up with Caitlin and Faith, Chrissy came up with Andrea and Julia. So Beth volunteered she liked her names the best but I told her to ask other people not just herself So we wrote the names down on a piece of paper and for thre rest of the day she would talk up to strangers and ask them what I should be called. She asked almost 60 people and I promised her that whatever the results were I would be okay with
In the finally tally it was
Kaylee lll (Beth was atleast one)
Gweneth lllll
Bayleigh llll
Aubrey lllllllllllllllll
Caitlin llllllllll
Faith l (My vote)
Andrea lllll
Julia lllllllll
Even though Beth wanted me to be a Kaylee, I hoped Caitlin or Faith would win and Caitlin almost did I ended up Aubrey.
So when we finally got back to their home after going to the beach. Beth wanted to make sure I have a girls swimsuit give I brought with me. Jason was home and Chrissy explained I had made some changes and he thought I lost weight so he was surprised when he saw me he was like Crap I am surrounded by women everyday and when I finally get someone to visit who may like hunting they turn out to like dresses instead. I promised Jason that it was not exclusive I still very much enjoyed hunting and fishing. Because because you were dresses and panties doesnt mean you dont like hunting. He told me about this deer he took and afterwards we headed to this seafood restaurant Sam and Omies. The entire time at the restaurant and the rest of my visit Beth kept introducing me as Aubrey
Shortley after arrived there it was lunch time so we headed out to lunch. We went to Dare Devils pizzeria. We shared a large pizza between the four of us. Chrissy and I ordered a salad ahead of time. When the waitress came by I asked the waitress where the restroom was and she replied which one. Beth spoke out and said the ladies of course. Beth offered to show me I advised the waitress I was not trying to cause any problems she said no big deal and Beth showed me to the ladies room. While I was in the bathroom Beth was talking to me through the door. I was listening and she let me know her concerns about me wearing a dress. She had two fears. First I would be her god parent anymore I told her she would always be my little buddy. Second she thought I needed I new name as I didnt look like a Joe anymore. So I asked her to take the lead and come up with some names. Beth came up with Kaylee and Madison because those were her two best friends. Ryanne came up with Aubrey and Bayleigh, I came up with Caitlin and Faith, Chrissy came up with Andrea and Julia. So Beth volunteered she liked her names the best but I told her to ask other people not just herself So we wrote the names down on a piece of paper and for thre rest of the day she would talk up to strangers and ask them what I should be called. She asked almost 60 people and I promised her that whatever the results were I would be okay with
In the finally tally it was
Kaylee lll (Beth was atleast one)
Gweneth lllll
Bayleigh llll
Aubrey lllllllllllllllll
Caitlin llllllllll
Faith l (My vote)
Andrea lllll
Julia lllllllll
Even though Beth wanted me to be a Kaylee, I hoped Caitlin or Faith would win and Caitlin almost did I ended up Aubrey.
So when we finally got back to their home after going to the beach. Beth wanted to make sure I have a girls swimsuit give I brought with me. Jason was home and Chrissy explained I had made some changes and he thought I lost weight so he was surprised when he saw me he was like Crap I am surrounded by women everyday and when I finally get someone to visit who may like hunting they turn out to like dresses instead. I promised Jason that it was not exclusive I still very much enjoyed hunting and fishing. Because because you were dresses and panties doesnt mean you dont like hunting. He told me about this deer he took and afterwards we headed to this seafood restaurant Sam and Omies. The entire time at the restaurant and the rest of my visit Beth kept introducing me as Aubrey
Skull Creek Boathouse
After swimming I headed over to the Skull Creek Boathouse. As it was close to dinner time so the place was packed I took a number as they stated it would be a 45 minute - 1 hour wait. I asked where a good place to wait was and they advised that down by the channel there is an outdoor bar, so I went down there the company there was kind. However, being there were people already drunk at 6 pm they wanted to take my picture,which I am usually not OK with. While I was at the bar the two female bar tenders asked me what I wanted I ordered a reds apple ale I wished I had ordered one of their mixed drinks are seeing them but a Redds is what I ordered. Jennifer was one of the bartenders names took my order I asked her if I could order off the menu she said I could and I asked for a recommendation and was recommended the Sevechie. I ordered the tropical sevechie. The two female bartenders were nice and the married couple from Virginia next to me were kind we chatted up alittle bit they live near the beltway and recently bought a house down in Hilton Head and were enjoying it. While waiting on my food customers came and went but pleasant overall. One of the locals decided to sit next to me and chat me up wow what he drunk. We chatted for 45 minutes while I was eating and exchanged random conversations. He explained he was a fishing captain and took people out on his boat to go fishing. Tried to get me to go out but because I did not know him and was only there for 1 day I declined he swindled me into buying him a beer which was fine because his company was worth the price of the beer.
Overall though the visit was fun and should I go back I plan on eating again at the skull creek boathouse.
Overall though the visit was fun and should I go back I plan on eating again at the skull creek boathouse.
Hilton Head South Carolina
While in Georgia on business a few weeks ago I was fortunate to get to do some sight seeing one of the locations I ended up going was Hilton Head South Carolina. A place known for their beaches and heat. It was summer so it was extremely hot so I decided to wear a sundress. I only brought two with me so I ended up buying another one when I got there it was a short blue one. It was modest however it still was designed to be knee length so when you are 6 feet tall knee lenth usually means mid thigh. But like I said it was summer so it was a welcome change. My first stop was the Staples as I needed to mail a package home and the experience was okay no big deal. I took a small drive through the area and wanted to take advantage of the beach to do some swimming. I found a beach that was not as crowded are another beach which really means it was still crowded and went for a swim. I brought a two piece tankini which thankfully covered well. Getting to the beach was a little bit of a walk but not to bad. However upon arriving on the beach I got more than a few stares which I have kind of gotten used to. The water was slightly warm but refreshing. I was probably out there for 2 hours and really had a great time. I chatted some people however most really didnt want to chat with me and after swimming I headed back to change into my dress again as I was getting hungry and it was around 6 pm. The changing rooms at the beach have always been a sticky subject for me as I am unsure which one to use as either one will draw attention to me but only one will get me arrested so I used the mens changing room. going in there I first rinsed off i was still wearing my swimsuit so it was understandable why I got more than a few looks. However, I minded my business and they minded theirs for the most part.
Not a bad experience
Not a bad experience
Monday, August 11, 2014
A Drive in the Blue Ridge Mountains
While in Georgia for work I wanted to take a few extra days and go sight seeing. I had heard about the Blue Ridge Mountains and decided to take a drive up from Gaiseville through the blue ridge mountains up towards the North Carolina Border and the Chatahoochie River. The trip did not disappoint since I knew that is where I was going I decided to stay in Cornelia GA sunday night. It was a very lovely Hampton Inn and Suites and the front desk person as nice.
I got up Monday morning, Iwas avised it was going to be hot so I decided to wear a sundress it was full length to perhaps not be so freaking hot and headed over to the Blue Ridge Mountains. It is beautiful up there are while there was not a diverse group of people. People are people so I ran into to the spectrum of all the different people.
I stopped in the Bavarian town called Helen and had breakfast it was delightful. After tht I headed over to Spring Mountain which is the head of the Appalachian Trail at Spring Mountain. I learned that while I was there. The hiking trail is well definted but they falsely lead you to believe how far it is. I changed out of my sandles and put tennis shoes on for the walk. When you start they tell you, you are only 600 steps away when you make it the 600 steps there is a sign that says congrats half way there. You dont want to give up you just went 600 steps so you finish. The sight was beautiful.
After leaving Springer Mountain I headed over to Ellijay. It is amazing there, they have an orchard that grows its own peaches, apples, strawberrys. While I was there I decided to try an Apple donut it did not disappoint. The cashier I could tell was uncomfortable but the food wass still delicous. In addition I tried Muscadine Grape freezy made with Muscadine Grapes and ice. It was delicous. I also tried their Apple Cide, Peach Cidar, and Strawberry Cidar., I mailed Apple and Strawberry home.
After my trip through the Blue Ridge Mountains I needed to head to Atlanta I had a conference to prepare for and a Braves game to catch.
I got up Monday morning, Iwas avised it was going to be hot so I decided to wear a sundress it was full length to perhaps not be so freaking hot and headed over to the Blue Ridge Mountains. It is beautiful up there are while there was not a diverse group of people. People are people so I ran into to the spectrum of all the different people.
I stopped in the Bavarian town called Helen and had breakfast it was delightful. After tht I headed over to Spring Mountain which is the head of the Appalachian Trail at Spring Mountain. I learned that while I was there. The hiking trail is well definted but they falsely lead you to believe how far it is. I changed out of my sandles and put tennis shoes on for the walk. When you start they tell you, you are only 600 steps away when you make it the 600 steps there is a sign that says congrats half way there. You dont want to give up you just went 600 steps so you finish. The sight was beautiful.
After leaving Springer Mountain I headed over to Ellijay. It is amazing there, they have an orchard that grows its own peaches, apples, strawberrys. While I was there I decided to try an Apple donut it did not disappoint. The cashier I could tell was uncomfortable but the food wass still delicous. In addition I tried Muscadine Grape freezy made with Muscadine Grapes and ice. It was delicous. I also tried their Apple Cide, Peach Cidar, and Strawberry Cidar., I mailed Apple and Strawberry home.
After my trip through the Blue Ridge Mountains I needed to head to Atlanta I had a conference to prepare for and a Braves game to catch.
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