August 20th, 2007
Despite my best efforts to panic, my dear friend who took me to the courthouse for my name change hearing kept me together and focused. I'm generally calm about things and it takes a lot to get me nervous and worried, but the hormones are making me a bit more emotional about things. Anyway, I was sort of a spaz about it, but the hearing itself went well. I was asked for a letter from my doctor, which fortunately I carry all the time, so there was not questions at all for me. However, it does make me wonder, if I'd simplyl wanted to change my name to 'Fred' would I still need a note from my doctor? What if I'd gone in looking like a guy, and just wanted to have Leann as a name. Would they care then? Whatever, I got it done and it's over.
I had started the day at work in my usual shirt/pants that I've been wearing, and changed in the car into a nice skirt & heals, to look my best for the hearing. Afterward, I returned to work dressed that way, as today was the switch day for me at work where I'm just presenting Leann from now on! I did kind of want to stay on the elevator and not get off, as I was worried about how every one else would react upon seeing me and whether or not my outfit was Ok. But I forged ahead and everyone was great about smiling and saying "Hi". All went well, and many come up offering support and encouragement. After work, I went across the street for a drink, and invited a number or coworkers to come celebrate with me, and many did make it over.
I've been impressed with how my work place has responded and taken care of me. I hope to work here a long time! I've already been here 11 years, so I do know what a good place it is to work. Ironically, I don't really know alot of the people here on a personal basis, but I'm hoping to change that now, as I feel much more like sharing my life and learning about others than before. Of course before, I wanted to stay off by myself, because that's what made my life function. I don't wish to just function, I want to actually live my life :)
