Going Commando

Stop! I am not referring to what you think I am referring to. I have started to use this term to refer to sending emails, posting blogs, or writing letters without letting others proof my work. I must admit, I like using this term in this way. Because, knowing that someone else has looked over my writing is reassuring. Just like…

Let’s begin by defining the term for those who are not familiar with this unique piece of phraseology. “Going commando” is defined by Wikipedia as the practice of not wearing underwear under one’s outer clothing. I could take this in many different directions that would lead me to the gutter. Please, this is not my intent.

Everyone has gone commando at some point in their life. Whether it is while attending a party as a Sweet Potato Queen or just in a hospital gown, you have experienced going commando. I would like you to consider the comfort in knowing you are well covered. Think of it this way, remember your mother packing extra undies when you would go off to camp… just incase. It is comforting knowing that if something would go awry you would be covered. Or your mom asking if you had on clean Fruit of the Looms before going out, just in case you were in an automobile accident.

I refer to posting a blog without editing as “going commando” because of the comfort level. If you know me, you know I can’t spell. Let’s imagine I posted a blog without editing it and Dr. Sarcone of the English Department at Delta State finds my blog and grades it. I would be horrified. So to me there is no greater fear than to be caught with a horrendous blog post, with crazy grammar or obvious spelling errors.

So, I want to introduce and thank my army of editors… three to be exact! They have helped me write and have laughed at my mistakes. But it is wonderful to have friends that can help a poor learning impaired kid like me.

Chief Editor and husband, Chris Key, he is a consultant for PricewaterhouseCoopers in their Advisory practice; he is just a computer geek, not an accountant. He has been helping with job resumes, grant proposals, letters, and blog postings since we began dating in 2001. He can decode Ruth better than any other human. However he sometimes makes me sound smarter than I truly am.

Editor and Yankee Girl, Charity Nehls Stewart, she works in HR at the U.S. Space & Rocket Center. She has been editing and inspiring me since Alumni Andi. Charity will be the first to point me in the right direction if I am uncertain of what to write about. I can not only use her as a spell check, but can bounce ideas off of her. Big thanks!

Chief speller and aquatics goddess, Wendi Scott, she works with me at Aviation Challenge. She does the majority of my OTSS (on the spot spelling) in the rail car at AC. She helps out all the poor spellers in the office. Heck, everyone needs a Wendi around their office or home. She is really good at the really long words like, floccinaucinihilipilification. Check me this is a real word and I spelled it correctly!

So I hope I didn’t shock you with the title or the new meaning for a somewhat naughty phrase. But think of your comfort level in a hospital gown and your comfort level when you are in your favorite pajamas. Now can you see where I can make this comparison? I can’t spell worth spit! Having an editor handy is better than packing extra undies.