First time out!

[TeresaCD]

Wow, what a night!
I have joined a TG support/social group, based in Adelaide (2 hr drive away) (Carrousel Club SA inc).
They have a meal twice a month at a pub (bar), so last night I took the plunge and went.
Scared, excited, nervous, elated - lots going on.
Knocked off work, found a quiet place on the way down to finish dressing and do my makeup (makeup is hard in the dark - need to work out a better way to do that..), then off I went.
Long black skirt, pink top and black shrug, with my new flats. Something casual, but pretty.. :o

Amazing to be driving, hard to focus on driving, mind spinning, hair feeling different, will my makeup be good enough, how busy will the pub be, can't believe the cut in my skirt goes that high: I could just go home, NO I'm going to do this!
Pull up at the pub, text as arranged and Geena came out to get me.
In we go, and a quiet pub awaits, with some wonderful people inside.
Had a champagne (worthy of celebration I think!), spent some time getting to know some people just like me!
Then head home, a bit sad on the way to change back to the male me.
Learnt a heap, for example makeup in the dark is no fun, I need to pack water, (until I am game enough to shop en femme) and I really like going out pretty!

[PaulaQ]

Congratulations Teresa! It really is the best feeling ever to meet others like yourself, and not feel so isolated, isn't it? And going out in public is a blast. I really enjoy it. I know what you mean though about changing back. It feels like Cinderella must've felt at midnight to me everytime I change back.

[Beverley Sims]

Teresa,I can picture you on one of those country roads trying to change.
I have had the same experience.
Get's very cold at night and is very dark too.
Did you meet any others that are on this forum?
I assume it is a small town where you live and everyone lives in each others pockets.
You do need to change before leaving home that always is the best.
Very handy to get an escort from your car, running the gauntlet through the car park or down the road on a weeknight is not the best.

On a different note I was with a group of friends walking across a paddock, stopped and listened to shuffling.
We were in the middle of a herd of cows. Very dark in the country that night too.

[TeresaCD]

I changed mostly at home, did the rest in a (regional) public toilet before dusk, and tried to do my makeup there (very hard in the dark..)
The rest on dusk on a side road (still quite regional.)
Calculated risk, thanks to this place I am acutely aware of the risks.
No-one from here that I am aware of is part of Carrousel Club, but you never know..
Next time, dress as much as I can at home, makeup in a similar way.
The trouble is time, this is a dinner meeting, and the best I can do is an hour late.
The regular monthly meeting I will stay in a motel, and have more time to be ready.
4 hours driving, 2 hours with some wonderful people. Worth every minute.

[Julie Denier]

Congrats, Teresa! So glad you had fun ;)

[Deborah Kaye]

First time I went to a TG social group it was the first time I got to actually socialize with people. I had been out before, just walking malls and shopping. It was wonderful walking into a meeting know full acceptance awaited me. I'd second dressing as much at home as possible. Just easier and feel more pulled together when I arrive at the other end.

[Jennifer Marie P.]

Congrats Teresa and many more to come.

[Tracii G]

Congrats Teresa well done!!

[linda allen]

Dressing in a car is difficult and putting on makeup in the dark would be very difficult. One possibility might be a "family" or unisex restroom. Sometimes you will find them in shopping malls or public places. You'll have light and mirrors to help with the dressing and make up.