Despite a mess of applications and resumes sent out for summer teaching jobs I haven’t found anything. As a result I’m home all summer. Focusing my attentions on writing and finding a full time teaching job come the fall. I was talking about this with a friend of mine and she replied with the title of this post. “But you’re still wearing your uniform.”
Yep.
It’s not just what I wear to go to work. It’s what I wear for living. Although honestly I’ve been more lax about suiting up right away each morning. Usually I get up and do some chores or work in the yard, then I shower and suit up. So if it’s before about 2 you’re likely to find me in a white T-shirt and my yard-pants.
On days when I’m particularly depressed it’s harder to get myself motivated enough to get out of bed let alone shower and put on the uniform. It should be noted however that routine is good for depression, and I usually do feel remarkably better once I manage to get into the uniform. A Uniformed Glen is a happier Glen.
But sure enough, when I go out of the house it’s in uniform. I will occasionally run to the hardware store in my yardwork attire, and I was surprised when a student recognized me the other day sans uniform.
Another recent topic of uniformed discussion has been the weather. “Do you really where a suit when it’s this hot out?”
Answer: Yes.
The Uniform, like the deeply complicated writer who wears it, has layers. Too hot? Take off the jacket. Still too hot, loosen the tie and open the top button. I can roll the sleeves under.* I have options.
“What about the pants?” What about them? I don’t wear shorts. Haven’t for years. I own one pair that I occasionally wear when it’s really hot and I’m doing yard work, but that’s it. If they made a bathing suit that was pants I would buy it. In fact, someone get on that. I command it.
Yours in Uniform,
Glen Tickle
