Well the story begins a few weeks ago when I made plans to go out dressed for the first time with a girlfriend of mine who has always been supportive. We have made plans, and had to then postpone them countless times. Well we finally set a date this past sunday to meet up, have a quick lunch, then do a little shopping. Since I'm still quite rusty with doing my makeup, and hair I found a company that specializes in those fields, and they even come to your house!
The whole week leading up to this was just so nerve racking. As anyone who has ventured out can attest to. Around 11:30 saturday night I get a text that says she has to cancel due to a family emergency. After deliberating for a while I decide I have been so excited to dress up this past week, I might as well go through with the appointment. Even if I do just sit around the house. At least I could pick up some tips.
Sunday morning comes and I become more nervous by the minute not knowing what's in store for the day. My wife leaves for work around 9am which leaves me an hour before my appt to get ready. Good thing I had planned for this or else an hour wouldn't have been enough time for this girl to get prepared. I spent the next hour rushing around shaving, moisturizing, getting dressed, painting nails, etc. I finished with about 10 min to spare, whew. The girls show up to make me over, in which I pretty much give them free reign on what they want to do. It's just more fun that way I think. They spent about an hour and a half pretty much pampering me, so nice btw, in which time they tried to convince me to venture out somewhere, since according to one of them, I was looking fierce. In any case it worked. Coincidentally the girl that did my makeup, also does side work at a MAC counter in Ft. Wayne. A little over an hour drive for me. She said if nothing else drive out there, and go pick up some makeup. After deliberating for an hour, I print off directions and head out. The whole time I'm driving I was so worried I might see someone I know, and be busted as I'd have know where to hide. Thankfully that didn't happen. Unfortunately I was so focused on that, that I didn't have a gameplan for when I got to the mall where the MAC store was at. When I finally arrived at the mall I basically went into panic mode as this was one of the biggest malls I'd ever seen. I ended up parking/driving around for almost an hour before my sister and makeup girl convinced me that I'd gone that far, I might as well jump the final hurdle, since I was in communication with them the entire time. After finding a parking spot as close to the entrance as possible, I shut my car off, waited for the least amount of possible exposure, and slowly made my way toward the door. As I neared the entrance 3 younger girls came out of nowhere going in the same direction. I thought to myself I'm busted. But thankfully, they were either too caught up in their own world, or I was passing better than I expected to, because they followed me right in the mall without saying a word about me. And we all know how loud early teenage girls can be if they want to be heard. As best I could to blend in, I walked towards the counter, heels clicking with each step,(such a relaxing, yet invigorating sound to hear being as nervous as I was) I tried not too hard to make eye contact with anyone, just kept my head up toward my destination. I get to the counter to find them extremely busy. So I browsed their selections as I waited anxiously for my turn. It finally came, and nervously I asked for some lipstick, liner, and gloss. While she was pulling my order she complimented me on my makeup, and so I told her who did it, and we had a really nice conversation for a few minutes, as if I was one of the girls. I payed for my makeup, and headed towards the door, breathing a sigh of relief as I'd accomplished a major milestone in my eyes. Once back in my car, I couldn't stop smiling, as this adventure out was quite the success, and a real confidence booster.
Since I had not ate in almost 7 hours I decided to run through McDonalds on my home. I placed my order in my girliest voice possible, drove up to pay for it, and as I was being handed my food by the young girl working, she, without skipping a beat said here you go, have a nice day ma'am. I gave her the biggest smile I could, thanked her, and drove home on cloud nine.
This endeavor was definitely a win in my book. I know not every time will go that smoothly, but if you don't go out there, and try you will never build up the confidence to truly enjoy this side of yourself. At least that's the way I feel. Unfortunately now I can't stop thinking when is the next time I'll be able to go out. It's definitely an addiction that just brings more challenges to the mix now that I got the courage to venture out. Good luck to anyone contemplating this same decision. Just remember to be careful. Sorry for the long post, thanks to all who read it.