I just spent a couple of days in Las Vegas, visiting, losing money and wandering around looking at all the changes. Of course I spent all the time possible presenting as Sarah and enjoying the experience. But at times my self-confidence begins to suffer and before long I'm considering retreat, feeling as though I look like Frankenstein's monster in drag.
Then as I was taking one of the two or three loads of stuff to the car I shared the elevator with a married couple. We chatted a little about how the slots were not being kind this trip but the weather was great. As I headed toward the parking structure the husband went toward the casino and the wife joined me taking their rolling suitcase to the cars. As we walked she commented that it was just the way things are that "we" had to load the car while the guys did their own thing. Since she had totally surprised me with that acceptance I fumbled for something to say. Finally I replied that "At least we know where things are when we get home." She agreed, validating the competence and organizational abilities of women.
I'm still smiling as I think about that moment from a couple days ago and it makes me remember I can be my own worst critic.