Funny Story

1989

We all have stories.  This one goes back to late 1980’s. The photo above is from that period and was taken after a panel discussion at UCSD, about 1989.

   

My first group meeting ever was with “Neutral Corner” in San Diego.  There I meet wonderful friends and took my time perfecting a public image.  This was the first time I had allowed myself to be out at cultural events, elegant restaurants and I was a participant in several university panel discussions.  I had always been comfortable as Rhonda but needed to build my confidence.  While there I came to the realization that it is not so much how we look, but how we project ourselves.  If we are friendly and confident then others see that, and act accordingly.  I never considered what I was doing as something negative and never thought of the clothing as a costume or disguise.  I wanted to be accepted and I built my confidence by going out, smiling, being seen and meeting people.  

Here is my funny story:   I had just landed a great contract in San Diego and without returning to Florida, I elected to stay over a weekend and attend my first group meeting ever.  I had none of my Rhonda stuff with me, so I was going to need to purchase everything from hair to heels.  Going in male mode was not going to be an option.  Up to that point, I had been somewhat cautious buying female items, always keeping a cover story close if someone asks, “And who is this lovely gift for?”  After a whole day of shopping, I decided to throw caution to the wind and shop for “the cosmetics” at a discount, one stop, has everything, boutique store.  There I was, with a basket full of lipstick, blusher, eyeliner, mascara, and everything else.  As I putting all this on the checkout counter, the cashier looks at me, then looks at all my stuff and without hesitation asks “What are you doing - building a woman in your garage?”  We both lost if laughing and I had to admit to him “You have no idea how close to the truth you just came”.

Please feel free to share your stories so we can all learn and laugh with you. E-mail yours to rhondawilliams at bellsouth . net.  I will e-mail you back when I will publish.  Preference – short, G and, PG stories only.  Thanks.

Celebrate

All metamorphosed and no place to go.

I have been following a wonderfully fun blog Fit, Not Frumpy.  It celebrates woman’s “Second fifty years.  We may be over fifty, but we are fighting frumpy all the way.”  Therein I have seen some of the most wonderful and classy fashion outfits and tips I have seen in many years.  This woman’s classy taste shows all of us “over 50”, how to look great in our clothing.  Being over 50 (ok well over 50), her advice is wonderful not just for the outfits but as a life challenge.

Why not be active?  There are plays, concerts, museums, gallery opening and wine tastings.  Just to mention a few.  We have all said, “There is nothing to do” - but there is!  Much of the time, we limit ourselves.  It is GREAT to develop new interests and be open to new experiences.

   

As I have gotten older, I have noticed that it is so much earlier to blend in and that is a positive.  However, why just blend in when we can be vibrant, colorful, interesting and eccentric/eclectic.  Celebrate our life. 

I have joined a business group primarily for the purpose of the social interactions.  We have cocktail receptions, and business presentation and I have had the wonderful opportunitie to meet similarly eclectic people - Inventors, entrepreneur, artist.  

  

Here is our challenge - Caitlyn Jenner is 65 and is transitioning with the whole world watching. So, is it really that hard for us to eat dinner in a restaurant alone?  In the face of her courage, isn't it time for the rest of us to stop being afraid to make a change and break out of our routines.    If not now, when will we finally do the things we say we have always wanted to do?  For us baby boomers, this is the “Second 50 years"!