Let's play dress up

There's a lot of people dressing up as something they are not: Cosplay, medieval reenactors, zombie walkers, pirates, Civil War buffs -that's just a sampling. Then there's a Halloween. It was once a kids' holiday, but now it's an excuse for adults to dress up and party.

Ever wonder why it's so popular? Could at least of the reason be dissatisfaction with regular life? The most satisfied man in the world, when told to dress up as his favorite fantasy character would not have to change his wardrobe. Too few of us are living our fantasies.

A lot of little kids want to grow up to be Fireman. As someone who really did grow up to be one, let me tell you something. It's awesome. Now I wasn't all that turned on by the station uniform, but the turnout gear, the stuff worn to actually fight fires, is pretty cool. It's like getting dressed up in armor for combat with the red dragon. There's the adrenaline rush of life and death situations. Maybe it's a bit like the thrill of combat, but instead of trying to kill people, you get to save them. To top it all off, there are woman who think Firefighters are hot. It's good to live a fantasy job.

Now that I'm retired I don't dress up like that anymore. However, I am retired so I can dress up any darn way I want. Mostly, however, my garb is pretty mundane. Shorts, T-shirt, sandals, and a big hat to keep my balding head from catching fire in the sun. I don't have to impress anyone. My clothes are practical for my day to day life.

At least I don't have to wear the uniform of suit and tie that so many people have to put on. Many are so used to the uniform that they think it's normal. Some even like it. I think a tie is a kind of leash for a domesticated pet, but that's just me.

Now all I have to do is find a practical reason for getting a nifty pair of pirate boots. Those are pretty cool. They've got those rolled down cuffs that look so great. They can be rolled up to cover most of the leg. Maybe I can get a really well made pair, with some grip on the soles, and with soft waterproof leathers that can easily be rolled up. It would be perfect for landing on a muddy beach in a small boat. Yep, now I want a pair. Besides, they would go with my tricorner hat.

So if you ever down the waterfront and meet some weird guy in shorts, T-shirt and pirate boots, it'll probably be me, just living out my fantasy life.

-Sixbears