A couple of days ago I had the biggest adrenaline rush of my time as a CDer by hitting one of the biggest shopping malls in my area. I had the day to myself and as usual out came the makeup kit. I usually just go for a drive around, but after being out in the car for about half an hour I toyed with the idea of entering a shopping mall.
This is totally unchartered territory for me, but encouraged by some of the out and about stories, and particularly by the comments of some of the members here on my presentation, I was determined to take this step further.
So I drive into the carpark, sit there for a minute to gather the thoughts and then in I go. The automatic doors opened for me like they did for everyone else, and the escalator didn't throw me off so it's off to a good start.......then enter the main arena!
It was mid morning and the place was pretty packed, as in hundreds and hundreds (this is the biggest mall in North Brisbane) of shoppers. Whoa......another deep breath and start walking. What a surreal experience walking amongst all the other shoppers. I was acutely aware of my surrounding and constantly looked out for reactions, but it seemed I was hardly noticed, and there was nothing remotely negative. Bear in mind that due to my height and size I don't think I am fooling anyone who really looks at me.
When I did get a reaction (that I noticed) it was mostly an "oh my god" wide eyed look. I'd smile, and almost always get a smile back. There were two reactions I wasn't expecting.
1. A couple probably in their 30's walked past me twice deliberately. I heard him say to his partner "I can't tell - could be"
2. In a supermarket, one of the male workers, after studying me for a minute, went out of his way to say hi, good for you.
All in all I was in the shopping mall for maybe an hour. Am definately going to do that again.
Here's a photo as I was stepping out the door that day.
Originally Posted by CD Tasha
Tina
