It had been a long time since those words were part of my vocabulary.
And some, like minkisi, privateer, cubby hole, and summer beam, never were.
So I found myself rather nervous about training a group of docents on an 18th-century house tour on Wednesday. It's been more than six years since I left the professional arena, save a few art-related sermons at church and a couple of conference appearances. And I haven't given a real tour since then. And never in a house museum. And here I was, acting the "expert."
I didn't even bother trying to eat (something I hadn't forgotten after several years' hiatus). But I was a bit unsure about what to wear, of all things. I guess when your notes are written and your transitions practiced, there isn't much left to worry about but your shoes, right?
I had thought of wearing my colonial costume, but much as I like it, I wasn't going to a). wear it out in the snow or b). risk my concentration with two petticoats. My other clothes are pretty careless, frumpy, suburban, and too big (but I haven't wanted to buy new here at the end of the season).
Mama came up with the solution, no surprise: my favorite suit, a long black vest over black pants, to wear with whatever shirt I have. As I put it on, comfort returned. I had defended my dissertation in this suit, interviewed in it, given papers at the field's big conference twice, spoken to 1000 educators in it (and I'll admit one of my most embarrassing moment--having dressed early in the dark, I put on the shell I wore with it that day inside out and didn't notice until after!), and worn it to openings. Remembering all that, I immediately felt more confident and less nervous.
But I still didn't eat.
Some things just don't change.
(And I double-checked the tag on the shirt!)
Did I ever tell you about going to work one morning, driving the 15 minutes while eating Texas Trash out of a bowl in my lap, only to realize, as I was about to enter the building, that I still had my red plaid flannel pajama pants on? Everything else was right...I just neglected that one little thing. I rushed back to my car, called the office to let them know why I was going to be late and drove back home to change. I laughed all the way home! It still makes me laugh when I picture it. How could I have missed it? I had to look down when I put my shoes on...my pj's were certainly visible when I was sitting in the car. I almost wish I had gone inside, just to see the look on their faces!
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