September 15, 2025

Mondays and Milestones

By Joe

It was a busy weekend, and it’s shaping up to be a busy week ahead. Saturday was spent watching college football (Roll Tide!), and yesterday I went clothes shopping. That may not sound like much, but for me, it was a little milestone.

I haven’t really talked about this here, but I’ve lost some weight. My clothes just don’t fit the same anymore, and shopping has become a necessity. I don’t often bring up my weight because in the past it has sometimes led to rude comments or unsolicited advice. The truth is, I’ve struggled with my weight my whole life. Now, for the first time, I’m no longer overweight. I still have a way to go before I’m fully happy with my body, and with my back issues, I haven’t been able to get to the gym the way I’d like. Hopefully, that will change soon.

Yesterday’s shopping trip also meant a lot of walking—something I haven’t been able to do in months. By the time I got home, my body was completely exhausted. I used to love shopping, and if I only need to go to one store, I still enjoy it some. But going to half a dozen crowded stores is more than I can handle these days. Still, it was worth it to find clothes that fit and look nice for the events ahead.

As for this week, today is just a regular Monday at work—and Mondays are never fun. The bigger push comes later in the week with events Thursday, Friday, and Saturday. That’s part of why I needed those new clothes. I like to dress nicely anyway, but as the public face of the museum, I feel like it’s even more important to look put-together. First impressions matter, and I want to give a good one not just for myself, but for the museum as well.

It’s also a big week for my back. On Wednesday, I go in for an MRI of my lower back. I’ve been feeling much improved, so I’m hoping that the prognosis will be good. Between that and the long hours later in the week, it’s going to be a full schedule. Thankfully, I have tomorrow off as a bit of breathing room.

Here’s to a good week ahead—for all of us.

The picture above is not me, but like him I also need some new shoes—though that might not happen this week.

About Joe

Unknown's avatar
I began my life in the South and for five years lived as a closeted teacher, but am now making a new life for myself as an oral historian in New England. I think my life will work out the way it was always meant to be. That doesn't mean there won't be ups and downs; that's all part of life. It means I just have to be patient. I feel like October 7, 2015 is my new birthday. It's a beginning filled with great hope. It's a second chance to live my life…not anyone else's. My profile picture is "David and Me," 2001 painting by artist Steve Walker. It happens to be one of my favorite modern gay art pieces. View all posts by Joe
This entry was posted on Monday, September 15th, 2025 at 6:00 am and posted in Fashion, Health, Miscellaneous. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed.

One response to “Mondays and Milestones”

  • Sharky's avatar Sharky
    September 15th, 2025 at 9:33 am

    Congrats on needing the clothes shopping trip! A great milestone.
    You may not talk about it much on here, though you do say just enough for those paying attention and if they read regularly… sometimes it’s in your responses to comments, like when you told someone you need to do a new sleep study and why.
    Have wanted to encourage and yet wasn’t sure about drawing attention to the unsaid.
    Glad for your progress. You’ve got people quietly cheering you on. Keep up the effort!

    Reply

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