Joanne Davis
03-12-2009, 09:33 PM
I have been reading the adventures of all here and slowly screwing up the courage to finally get out of my closet and let the world meet Jodilyn. So yesterday I made up my mind to do just that. With my wife was working until the early evening I decided to get dressed, although somewhat conservatively, and venture into the world. With all the support everyone here to those who have gone before me, I figured the worst that could happen was a bit of embarrassment.
I dressed in my favorite grey dress slacks, white cami, satin blouse and a cute bolero jacket. Stepped into my ankle boots, lightly applied a bit of makeup to hide the dreaded shadow , lipstick, blush, mascara a, added a bit of bling with some rings, necklace and bracelets and stuffing my purse with a good amount of fear and regret, drove into town.
Venturing out in the home town was a bit risky, so I drove 45 minutes north to a larger city hoping that more people and activity would add to the distraction I so hoped for. The drive was almost too long and several times almost turned around and returned home to sanity and safety. I finally arrived at a mall and after doing the “head-on-a-swivel” routine my hockey coach so insistently drilled into me, opened the car door, gave the last chance last glance inspection in the side window and headed for the door of one of the many women’s wear shops that lined the mall. I was constantly evaluating my walk, short steps, nice slow pace, swing the hips, bend the knees, back straight, it was a wonder I could think at all. When I reached the door I realized that I must have passed 4 or 5 people and not one of them gave me a second look. I almost walked through the glass doors. Was it true, for sure I thought that my almost absent confidence would give me away. Not so far.
Now with a terrific boost in confidence, I entered the store. It was almost empty. I took a few steps inside and thought I was now pushing my luck and was just turning to leave when two more ladies walked in behind me, so I kept on going. A great decision, although it didn’t seem that way at the time.
I casually weaved my way through the rack of clothes, dresses, jackets, tops. One of the SA approached me from behind and asked if there was something she could help me find.
In my best practiced voice, I replied I was looking for a pencil skirt, about knee length…..and I don’t think I stopped talking for 5 minutes. She led me through the store, showing me skirts, matching tops, some sexy camis, and oh gosh I can’t remember what else. She eventually talked me into trying on a cute grey pin-striped skirt, exactly what I was looking for, and if fit perfectly. She also brought me a few tops to try on as well. I was admiring myself in the mirror when another shopper passed by and mentioned that some short heeled pumps would probably be better than my shorty boots. We all had a giggle.
Well, I bought the skirt. As the SA handed me my purchase, she said, “ It was a pleasure helping you Ma’am, I hope you visit us again soon.” I said thanks and headed for my car……was that a smile and a wink she gave me?? I am not sure. The pink fog still hasn’t cleared. Thanks everyone for helping me in this important first. And you know, Roosevelt was right, there is nothing to fear except fear itself.
I dressed in my favorite grey dress slacks, white cami, satin blouse and a cute bolero jacket. Stepped into my ankle boots, lightly applied a bit of makeup to hide the dreaded shadow , lipstick, blush, mascara a, added a bit of bling with some rings, necklace and bracelets and stuffing my purse with a good amount of fear and regret, drove into town.
Venturing out in the home town was a bit risky, so I drove 45 minutes north to a larger city hoping that more people and activity would add to the distraction I so hoped for. The drive was almost too long and several times almost turned around and returned home to sanity and safety. I finally arrived at a mall and after doing the “head-on-a-swivel” routine my hockey coach so insistently drilled into me, opened the car door, gave the last chance last glance inspection in the side window and headed for the door of one of the many women’s wear shops that lined the mall. I was constantly evaluating my walk, short steps, nice slow pace, swing the hips, bend the knees, back straight, it was a wonder I could think at all. When I reached the door I realized that I must have passed 4 or 5 people and not one of them gave me a second look. I almost walked through the glass doors. Was it true, for sure I thought that my almost absent confidence would give me away. Not so far.
Now with a terrific boost in confidence, I entered the store. It was almost empty. I took a few steps inside and thought I was now pushing my luck and was just turning to leave when two more ladies walked in behind me, so I kept on going. A great decision, although it didn’t seem that way at the time.
I casually weaved my way through the rack of clothes, dresses, jackets, tops. One of the SA approached me from behind and asked if there was something she could help me find.
In my best practiced voice, I replied I was looking for a pencil skirt, about knee length…..and I don’t think I stopped talking for 5 minutes. She led me through the store, showing me skirts, matching tops, some sexy camis, and oh gosh I can’t remember what else. She eventually talked me into trying on a cute grey pin-striped skirt, exactly what I was looking for, and if fit perfectly. She also brought me a few tops to try on as well. I was admiring myself in the mirror when another shopper passed by and mentioned that some short heeled pumps would probably be better than my shorty boots. We all had a giggle.
Well, I bought the skirt. As the SA handed me my purchase, she said, “ It was a pleasure helping you Ma’am, I hope you visit us again soon.” I said thanks and headed for my car……was that a smile and a wink she gave me?? I am not sure. The pink fog still hasn’t cleared. Thanks everyone for helping me in this important first. And you know, Roosevelt was right, there is nothing to fear except fear itself.