Long Post Alert!
For the first time in a long time, I am traveling for work. Today, I am in Florida and have a couple of meetings to attend. However, I had the fabulous opportunity to travel as Monica yesterday, and that was a lot of fun. Talk about pink fog overload! As soon as I got past the TSA checkpoint, I found my way to a restroom and changed into my travel gear. Comfy oversized sweater, leggings, and my favorite 4" pumps. Yes, heels aren't exactly comfortable footwear for traveling but there's something very intoxicating about the clicking of heels on those perfect, mirror-like airport floors. Plus, I look great in them. LOL. There's something quite scary and taboo about changing in an airport bathroom. My heart was racing and I loved every minute of it. With makeup and hair on point, and my drab wear safely put away in the carryon, I was ready to fly.
After spending a small fortune on a bottle of water and chips, I found a seat near the gate and sat there marveling at the opportunity to travel dressed - in the middle of the afternoon. The thought of bumping into someone I know was exciting but, alas, I didn't see anyone I knew among the throngs of travelers waiting around. The young woman at the gate who scanned my boarding pass gave me one of those condescending smiles that you often get when someone has clocked you. I smiled back.
Once on the plane, I ended up next to a very kind-looking older woman who started chatting the minute I sat down. Goodness! She simply would not stop. I spent the next 90 minutes hearing all about her kids, grandkids, kitchen remodel, opinions on Biden, vaccines, and the weather. She did pause once to ask me if I had kids, lol. When I was finally able to break free, after maybe 90 minutes, I went to the bathroom, took several deep breaths and headed back. She had a book open and I told her I was going to take a quick nap. I was able to fend off her verbal assault for most of the remaining flight time, although she did get in a few quips about all the lazy people who don't want to work anymore and the economy. Whew!
Once on the ground in Tampa, I was on my way to the hotel in an Uber when the driver, a guy my age with a heavy accent, asked me where I was from. I told him Boston and he went into a tirade about David Ortiz getting into the hall of fame, and then told me about the year he spent living in Massachusetts, blah blah blah. It was painful. Then came the moment of truth. It was clear from his facial expression in the mirror that he had wrestled with this one. He asked me if I was a man or a woman! I laughed and said, oh babe, I am 100% a man! The look on his face was priceless. He started fumbling with words, said that he did not mean any disrespect and that I looked very good. I just smiled and said, no worries love. It's all good! That quieted things down for the remainder of the ride.
After checking into the hotel, I showered and pampered myself, and changed into an off-white shirtdress that was so appropriate for the weather (mid 60s). Paired it up with my favorite strappy heels and headed out on the town. The guy at the front desk recommended a waterfront restaurant nearby, and it was wonderful to take a short evening stroll in nice weather while wearing a beautiful outfit. I was in heaven.
Solo dinner was nice. The drinks were nice, including one that was sent over by a particularly hideous man sitting at the bar. I smiled from afar in appreciation and left it at that. After dinner, I headed back to the hotel, exhausted.
As I write this, I am staring at my costume for today: gray suit, blue tie, and black oxfords. Looking forward to tonight!