No earth-moving news here, just more anecdotal evidence that we have nothing to fear but fear itself. Last week I had a rare opportunity to dress freely at home, and to come and go as I please (hurray for the kid's spring break at mom's house), and I made the most of it. It was truly luxurious to be able to be a homebody in a skirt, but I also went out several times, which brings me to the reason for this post.
My first night out, I left the house fully dressed, heading for the city. Thirsty for a coke, I stopped at a convenience store on the edge of my small hometown, the first time I've ever done so here. It was just me and the sales clerk, who didn't bat an eye. I even engaged her in a bit of light conversation, to which she responded pleasantly. So I'm racking up a couple of merit badges for that one.
Last night, the weather was horrible so, figuring that shoppers would be staying home, I ventured back to the city determined to make a foray into the mainstream - for the first time, I might add. First stop Target, in my pink tee and baby blue hoodie, denim mini, pantyhose and heels, breastforms and blonde wig. I didn't find what I was looking for, but I did buy a cute pair of pink sandal heels. I spent about 45 minutes there, browsing around acting like I owned the place. I even used the women's restroom. I'm sure I was clocked while I shopped but I didn't notice it, except for the girl at the register.
Another notch on my belt.
Next stop WalMart for some makeup and stockings. This one got the adrenaline running. I had to make myself get out of the car, but once I did I didn't look back, although my heart was racing. This time I was clocked immediately by an employee in the makeup section, who kind of kept an eye on me, but I ignored her. I shopped the makeup and clothes sections for a long time, often side by side with other women, without event. I had a face to face when I went to the customer service desk to make a return, but the woman was courteous and efficient. I noticed a cute young cashier watching me with surprise as I was leaving, so I gave her my brightest smile and a little wave.
I'm claiming major kudos for this one.
After WalMart, I popped in the club for a beer, but I really wasn't in the mood for that kind of thing. It seemed kind of tame after Discount America. Time to head home, but back on the interstate the Denny's sign reminded me that I hadn't eaten all day. Took the exit, cruised the parking lot, only a few people there, so in I went. The host and waitress fell all over themselves welcoming me, chatting me up etc. The waitress even noticed my new pink shoes! I eat at Denny's maybe once a decade, but the coffee and pancakes tasted great. In the booth next to me were a young latino couple, the guy a macho-looking type, the kind I usually avoid at all costs, but we locked eyes for a second and he gave me a big smile; they both said hi.
What a brave girl I am.
Back out in the cold wind to the car, I decided another coffee would be good with NPR and the drive home, so I stopped in at my favorite espresso bar for a latte to go. A young foursome at a table were eyeing me and whispering, but the wait staff didn't miss a beat, even complimented me on my skirt. Very nice.
All in all a great outing, very informative and reassuring. Going to the club is all well and good, but it's really not me - it's just been somewhere I dared to go all this time. I much prefer the mainstream environments, although it does make me nervous in spite of the positive experiences.
Which is kind of fun.
And oh yes - kudos to everyone I was around last night for being cool.
PS - by the way, this was my first time to wear pantyhose. I've always been adamant about the preferred sexiness of thigh highs, but I gotta admit, it was nice not having to worry whether my stocking tops were showing - and they felt good. It's a sexy feeling in a different way. But I ripped them in the Target restroom trying to pull them back up with my long fingernails on. How does one manage that successfully ?!?
. I'm still trying to get up the nerve and shop for simple femme stuff while in drab.
