Travel and clothes thoughts

I honestly can't remember if I've mentioned it here before, but in January, I am going to Montreal. And as usual with all my interesting travel, I'm going on someone else's dime.

I met Glen when Stuart and I first moved to Calgary. He worked with Angela and came to Friday night dinner and games. I liked him well enough; yet another geeky friend for the collection. However, in a slightly less usual plot turn, I hadn't known him long when Glen became Michelle. It's hard to know for sure, since I knew Glen such a relatively short time, but from this perspective, I like Michelle much better. Probably because she's finally in a personal space that she's much more comfortable with.

At any rate, I was a bit surprised and very honored when she asked me if I would go with her to Montreal as her "aide de camp" (my words) when she has her GRS (gender re-assignment surgery.) Of course I said "yes" - it's a project that appeals to me on a multitude of levels: personal and professional curiosity; awareness of my somewhat unique qualifications for the position, in both training and attitudes; the satisfaction of being helpful to someone; and fresh croissants delivered to my hotel room every morning!

Michelle recently sent me a link to the blog of another woman who is going for surgery at the same time. She had an interesting post about her clothing choices and how they are changing. She talked a bit about "age appropriate" clothing, which is a subject that can really get me going. As a mid-30's woman, I definitely feel that there really isn't much clothing available at a decent price-point that is "appropriate" for me. I either have to buy younger pieces to dress up or older pieces to dress down. And don't get me started on sizing - I think I've covered that here already!

Must win lottery.

And when I do, I think a trip back to Singapore with Stuart in tow is in the works. I recently reconnected with Tony, owner of the Betel Box, on Facebook and it's made me... hmmm... I don't think home sick is the right word. Nostalgic? Nah. Whatever the word is for "I had fun and I want to go back and see the people I met and show Stuart all the stuff I thought was cool." That's what I am!

And in overdue Ursa updates, she is now 83lb and about 70cm at the shoulder. Growing like a weed and slowly learning some manners. Thank goodness her natural disposition is so sunny and easy-going.