+4 & countingDay 4 was a big day! We had a major work function, about 130 invited guests (including politicians, NGO CEOs, media, plus a whole bunch of people who only knew me as dude-me) at a significant public venue. Last time we held something similar I remember posting in "What made you both happy and sad today?" that being at the event in guy mode made me sad, I really wanted to be there as Grace but thinking that maybe next time I could be there as Grace made me happy. And to be honest, it was this event which was a major factor in me going full time at work sooner than planned. If I hadn't gone by the start of this week then I would have been feeling the same way as I did at the previous event, possibly worse. So I leapt early in part for today. And I'm so glad I did. All that "blah" I was feeling the last time? Gone. I didn't feel awkward or nervous, I felt great. I was there as me and it felt so utterly natural and normal. I blended in nicely, and those people who only knew dude-me? Most of them didn't even recognise me! I had to get right in their faces before they realised who I was. And they were all so accepting, and the women in particular were very complimentary.
I have to admit I still can't get over the fact women talk to each other in the rest-room. Had a work colleague come in while I was (literally) powdering my nose and she struck up a conversation as if we were standing in the kitchen at work. It's nice though. Just find it... different. And I felt thrilled she was relaxed enough around me to chat like that and not rush straight into the stall and lock the door!
Back at the office one of my colleagues later remarked that my whole body language and demeanour had changed, she added that she felt she was reacting differently to me, that she felt more at ease with me. Admittedly we had an antagonistic working relationship when she started some 5 years ago, but I had thought it had been fairly amicable for the last couple of years. Apparently she see's things are even more amicable. She remarked that she felt I had made it very easy for her to accept me as a woman. That was pretty cool.
So I'm pretty happy with how the first week went. I have Friday off and will be working from home on Monday - here's hoping next week goes as well if not better!