It’s been a hard go. But like most hard things, it’e getting better with time. My spirits keep rising as more and more folks are eligible to get their vaccines. And guess what, it’s my turn. Stab me silly, Alberta Health Services. I’ve finally got somewhere to go so you bet your stilettos I’m getting all dressed up.

It’s been a long time coming. My closest friends treated booking our appointments like we were trying to get tickets to a Beyonce concert. Each of us cheered on the other when they got their confirmation of appointment. As the vaccinations have entered arms of beloved people, proof photos are sent and celebrated as if they got a fresh, 10 week old puppy.  

I haven’t been this excited about planning an outfit in a long time. That’s right, with my upcoming vaccination appointment, I am thrilled to plan my look. I will be extra AF from my tippy toes to the top of my head. It’s going to be an event for one, plus all the #sorrynotsorry suckers that have to deal with my forthcoming emotions of obscene gratitude that will leak out of me and all over the Telus Convention Centre floors. I may have to bring a mop. 

Planning outfits may be my most favourite combination of words in the English language. It combines organization and clothing where the wearer – at the best of times – is in total control of their own aesthetic. Deep, deep down in my bones MF-ing sighs over here as I type that out.

Let me be clear. Every day I plan my outfit. I try and make the most of every day I wake up and get going. Some outfits are based on my day, others based on my mood. But if I’m honest, there hasn’t been that something special out-of-the-house to get excited for.

Typically, when I over the top fuss over special event type outfits it’s for a trip away. Be it Vegas for a long weekend or seven days on a Caribbean beach, you know I have days of looks dialled in way before I step my pedicured and heeled feet on that plane. But that is so far in back in my memory now. It’s first world painful. I haven’t been on a plane since January 2020 let alone out of the country. My ass has been planted above the 49th parallel since December 2019. I missed family Christmas in Saskatchewan, countless births and birthdays, and haven’t hugged anyone who lives outside my own four walls.

Getting this vaccine is something extra special to be excited for. I want to celebrate the current pivot in this pandemic. I’m looking forward to whatever comes next. I want to share my gratitude for all of the hard work the community - especially medical workers - has done up to this point. It is not lost on me that I am so freaking lucky to live here. I’m so fortunate that in I’m eligible for the shot and have no pre-existing conditions that inhibit me to do so. I’m so lucky that I can take it and help the rest of my community just by showing up and rolling up a sleeve. We are so lucky.

Speaking of sleeves, that’s something I’m not going to wear to my big date with the magic needle. Nope, I want the medical worker to have unrestricted access and, straight up, I want to show off my stab wound. That’s right, I’m getting showy with my upper arm and I DO care who knows about it.

While I haven’t got my look set just yet, please know the following have been considered:

• A leather suit

• A velvet tuxedo

• Just the tuxedo waistcoat (with something else TBD, I’m a #nevernude)

• A sequin dress

• Another sequin dress but this one is trimmed with feathers

• A satin dress, but it has sleeves

• My beloved second hand fur coat

• Every other waistcoat, tank, and tube top I own

• Any I’ve even thought about taking the sleeve off a garment, or twelve, for quick access

• Ordering a custom shirt with message of thanks

• Pinning a message of thanks onto an existing garment

• A swim suit, snorkel kit, and flippers. Just for laughs. Too much, I know.

Basically, I have no chill and I’ve never been prouder. I’m treating the vaccination proof card as the third best piece of paper I’ve ever received. It will be winning the bronze up against my university degree and my certificate of incorporation. Yes, I will be framing it and then yes, I will also immediately take it out of said frame so I can carry it everywhere I go for proof of immunization. I can’t wait to get carded.

Watch my Instagram Stories Saturday May 22 for my big reveal. And please send me pics of what you’re wearing when you show your loved one, your neighbour, and our neighbours far away that you give a shit. I absolutely give and shit and love it.