[ABG0819]

...Not that you care but...

On Saturday my wonderful wife-to-be and I wear preparing to go out for the evening to celebrate her birthday. We were going to see our favorite local band (My Three Kilts) in Raleigh, at Tir Na Nog Irish Pub (Great joint if your ever in the Capital City and need a drink, which you probably will because of the traffic downtown) My fiance mentioned to my mother that I wanted one of Rocky's kilt's for my birthday, to which she responded that she thought kilts were ridiculous and stupid. She went on to say that one of my closest friends had worn a kilt to our house on Christmas and she found it totally distasteful. My mother has yet to see me in my kilt, and from the looks of it my never. Her comments were hurtful on many levels including personally, on behalf of my friend, and on behalf of my family (both clan and kilt wearing types). Coming from anyone else and I would have blown it off, but my own mother....

Regardless, I donned my kilt and my beautiful wonderful woman headed to the pub. While we waited for a table a couple came in carrying a kilt. They said they had found it in the attic of there home and wanted to donate to the pub, they use kilts in much of their decorating. I tried to insert myself into the conversation, while it was obviously to small for me I would have purchased it for my fiance to wear. Alas, the waitress found us a table much to quickly, but it was next to the stage so I didn't complain. My Three Kilts was awesome as usual, even if they were a little less rowdy than I have seen them. It was an earlier time slot and there were small ears about...No blame to the band. While at the bar I received several comment/compliments on my kilt, and throughly enjoyed myself. I forgot to mention there was a wedding reception being held at the pub while we were there...and you guessed it the groom was wearing a PC. (good for him)

In the end my day was one of ups and downs in kilting. I realize it is part of the adventure, and I am sure that one day I will appreciate it for just that. If you are ever in NC and can catch a "My Three Kilts" show please do, and if I am not in prison you will probably get to meet me and my betrothed. Thank you for your time and attention...I now return you to your regularly scheduled kilting already in progress.

Graham

[Inchessi]

It is those closest to us that have the most power to hurt. My oldest brother feels the same way as your mother. While I served in the Marines, he is going to retire Air Force.

For those of you in the military, please feel free to assume that I have several quips about the Air Force, since many have not served, I don't know that they would understand the military humor and internal ribbing.

I can not pretend to fully understand his position, but I get the impression that he is emasculated by wearing a "Skirt." What could I say? There is a long history of Kilted military encompassing heroic deeds and honorable service. Do to our service, we have rarely been in the same country at the same time, hence, I see him about once every three years.

[The Barry]

So what happened to the "too small" kilt?

I, for one, would like to see pics of the pub (if they are cool with you taking them), sounds like an interesting place.

[ABG0819]

Originally Posted by The Barry

So what happened to the "too small" kilt?

I, for one, would like to see pics of the pub (if they are cool with you taking them), sounds like an interesting place.

pics are on the way...photobucket.com was being a pain earlier...I'll try again later. The too small kilt was donated to the pub and ended up in one of their display cases by the door

Graham

[Nick the DSM]

Great band.

I understand. I have the same issue with my dad.

[ABG0819]

Ok since photo bucket doesn't like me tonight...check out the pics at...

http://www5.snapfish.com/mmsplay/sli.../preview=true/

I'm in the green shirt/blue ball cap and black kilt (not pictured), The beautiful woman is my soon-to-be-wife, Danny, my cousin, is in the green plaid shirt (it's not a tartan), and Carl, my cousin's friend is in the grey ball cap. I doubt I need to tell you who the band members are (Scott, the comedian, on bass, Robert, the singer, and guitar, and Shane, the serious musician, on guitar, drum, mandolin, bagpipes and on and on and on) or that the art work is painted directly on the brick walls...oops I told you all that. And please refrain from asking "How did you get that good lookin girl to hang out with you. The honest answer is that I have no earthly idea and to tell you our full story would take to long...Suffice it to say that I am one lucky kilted duck.

Graham

[seanachie]

Originally Posted by Inchessi

I can not pretend to fully understand his position, but I get the impression that he is emasculated by wearing a "Skirt." What could I say? There is a long history of Kilted military encompassing heroic deeds and honorable service. Do to our service, we have rarely been in the same country at the same time, hence, I see him about once every three years.

I saw the Irish Guard and and the Royal Regiment of Scotland in concert the other night. The Argyll and Sutherland Highlanders had guys doing Highland dance kilted. I would dare most to question their manhood, the PA announcer said they had served in Afghanistan.

[ForresterModern]

Besides my wife, which is another long story oft told here before, one of my older brothers, the one with no computer, internet, cell phone or even cable tv, mocks me incessantly and quite cuttingly with the usual skirt and masculinity questioning comments when he sees me in a kilt or it comes up in conversation. Although he is extremely bright, this is one to chalk up to ignorance and insecurity and the need to be the center of attention, when obviously a portion of that attention is being spread onto the kilt and wearer instead.

If you are man enough to wear the kilt be man enough to take the grief to an acceptable point, but take your stand thereafter and take it strong and hard then. When my brother commented he didn't know I was going to a family function dressed as a woman I responded with the easy comment that I saw more women at the event wearing pants like him than skirts like me, so who was dressed more like a woman? Tossed him off his feet for only a few minutes before he was back at it again. I ignored him, as I have for 40+ years, when he starts acting like a self-centered jackass, and everybody else in the family realizes it too at that time. Just go your own way, follow your own path, and be comfortable in your manhood and in wearing the kilt, and you should be fine.

Sounds like the night went well otherwise, good music, good drink, and otherwise good company.

Jeff

[Riverkilt]

Even in the last stages of her life my mother talked to me like I was 8 years old. It never ends for mothers. Sons do become adults and if we remind ourselves how old we are and what year it currently is then those motherly put downs seem silly.

Kilt up proudly. Confront Kilt Shame!

[Canuck of NI]

Ha! You guys want to know what kilt-related 'jocularity' really is, try the first time wearing one in front of a bunch of French-Canadian relatives- by- marriage. Then we'll talk.