Gretchen's week away is next week!!

[GretchenJ]

Ok.. So it has come to pass. I will be away at King of Prussia from Monday afternoon to Friday afternoon. Will be in work until 5pm, so with a hour or so of prep time, I have maybe 3 evenings to venture out from 7pm to midnight. I am extremely looking forward to the opportunity to go out again, but I am already getting cold feet and pulling out of my master plan. Need your support as always to bring be back from the ledge.

First of all thank you for all your wonderful advice, so as a result.
1) hip padded brief has been purchased
2) green sweater will not be packed - but will be kept as sentimental, the first outfit that I ventured out with for the first time
3) longer tops purchased to help hide the lack of hips as well and cover the leggings
4) new smaller pair of jeans purchased, fits much better
5) bought a waist belt to help reduce the torso.
6) bringing 4 of the 6 pairs of shoes that I own.
7) bringing more bright colors tops, no dark greens.

Now for my post for advice, here is my bucket list for the week, with the fear factor(Low,Medium,High) high the more possibility of me of chickening out. I will be doing all these by myself, which I have no issues with.

A. Shopping at the mall - huge mall, did it at Christmas, but will be less crowded this time. I think that this is a no brainer (Low)

B. Dinner - This is conundrum. If I have the nerve to do this, I want to wear a DRESS, (the one in the photo from the last trip) So places like Outback and Chilis are no-go's ( nobody dresses up there). I was thinking perhaps Maggianos in KOP or perhaps taking a 20-30 min ride to Phiily and combining it will a walk along Broad St as one of my friends suggested. Two major issues, one - I will have to speak, and two, once I sit, there is no backing off. ( Fever pitched high)

C. Movie- Figure that I can order tickets on line from Fandango, so avoid talking to cashier, just smile and sit. (Low)

D. Coffee at Starbucks - same as B , but less stress, if things go bad I can take coffee to go (Medium)

E. Museum - trip to Philly, another opportunity to get dressed up. Not Applicable due to time restrictions.

So that's it, if you can add any thing to the list ( I am not the clubbing, dancing kind of girl) , recommendations on restaurants for those familiar with the area, or just give it up and have a burger at 5 Guys - please forward.

PS I may be sending photos of advice of which outfit/shoes/makeup I should not walk out of the hotel looking like that may be needed.

Lots of love to all of you
Gretch

[DeeArel]

It matters not your voice. Definitely do dinner.

I am not a "clubbing" kind of person. However, I find it interesting to go to a bar on a week night and engage in conversation with some of the other patrons. Weeknights generally have no crowds. I always drink coke. No need for anything stronger.

[samanthasolo]

Hi Gretchen, I am sure you are going to have a FANTASTIC time in Pa. Be sure you pack your warm shoes so you are sure NOT TO GET COLD FEET! Lol! You can and should do everything you listed, I dare you to forget about getting movie tickets on line and just buy them at the theatre.

As far as suggestions I only have 2 sure shots for you. I believe KOP is in somewhat close proximity to the places I will mention so, if you are looking to have a really nice dinner and get all dolled up to do so I would suggest looking into the restaurant at the RAVEN in New Hope, they are VERY accepting and accomadating to all walks of life there and the food is above average.

The second suggestion is going to the Beagle Tavern in Norristown for the Thurs. Night Tgirls. It is a small, quiet, and friendly bar lounge. It is not a club atmosphere. You can get a bite to eat, the food is pretty good! Have a drink or two, and you will meet other girls. I wouldn't expect that the place would be over the top and jumping but without a doubt you will be very comfortable and you will definitely be able to touch base with others that can give you a better perspective on where to go and things to do the next time you get back to Pa.

Have a great time and if you decide to do any of the things I suggested, please let me know how everything went!
Enjoy!

Sami ;.)

[Beverley Sims]

Gretchen,
You have done all the prep work, now to give it a go.
All the best, do have a good time.

[Katey888]

Gretchen - sounds like you have it all planned down to a T (-girl.. :))
Stick with the plan - you'll look great, you've got some local tips from Sami and all those of us living vicariously the experience of going out are right behind you! Love and hugs back - you'll be fantastic!
Katey x

[MarisaRose.]

Go!!! Have a great time, explore it all!!!

[Lorileah]

unless you sound like Barry White, just soften your voice and relax, giving it a little lilt. Enjoy the meal,talk to the server when possible and tip well especially if they address you as ma'am

[njcddresser]

not sure if it would be of interest to you or not, but Valley Forge Casino is right next to the KOP mall is well. i've thought of going to a casino en femme.

[Leslie Langford]

I can't comment specifically about being out and about en femme in King of Prussia as I don't live in the area, but I do have some tips with respect to shopping malls in general...

If you've gotten to the point where you feel reasonably comfortable going to one of them in "Gretchen" mode, then go when it is busy such as during lunch times, immediately after work, or on weekends. You can then "hide in plain sight", as you will immediately get lost in the crowds while people focus on their own priorities, socialize with whoever has accompanied them to the mall, yell at their kids, or get lost in their own little worlds as they yak on their mobile phones or, alternatively, text or tweet whatever random thoughts cross their minds to whoever is willing to listen to them. This is especially true of the teen-aged girls who are our particular nemeses when it comes to being "read" and possibly outed.

If discretion is your preference, then don't go before, say, 11:00 A.M. on weekdays, as that is when the minivan moms hit the malls with their toddlers in SUV-sized strollers as they run their errands after dropping the older ones off at school. That particular group starts to dissipate around 11:00 A.M., though, and come noon-time, the lunch crowd starts to appear. That can last till about 1:30 P.M.

You then have a "sweet spot' from around 1:30 P.M. to about 3:00 P.M. when it is reasonably quiet, as the afore-mentioned tots are then all home having their afternoon naps. By 3:00 P.M., though, it gets busy again as that is when the schools let out, and the malls start getting over-run by teenagers.

Around 5:00 P.M. to about 6:30 P.M., things start to get busy again as the after-work crowd tries to squeeze in a few errands before supper-time. Quiet again between about 6:30 P.M. to around 7:30-ish as people are just finishing up supper, only to hit the malls again after they've gotten their second wind. By 9:00 P.M., things really start to get quiet again as not only do the kiddies have to be in bed by then, the parents are also pooped by now and need a bit of "down time" themselves before falling asleep in their Lay-Z-Boys in front of the television set, and just as the 11:00 O'clock News comes on ;) .

As for restaurants, I favor moderately-priced, family-type establishments such as Applebee's, Red Lobster, Kelsey's, Canyon Creek, Casey's, or Jack Astor's, or else independent pub-style restaurants. Never had a problem anywhere myself eating in one of those, but if the thought of that intimidates you, you can always try a Chinese food-style buffet restaurant where it's largely self-serve, and interaction with others - including wait staff - is minimal.

Either way, I try to avoid Thursday, Friday, or Saturday nights. That's when restaurants get busy, reservations are often required, and at the very least, one inevitably runs into line-ups where the possibility of close scrutiny by others rises exponentially. Not only that, but the drinking gets heavier, and you're bound to encounter to least one alcohol-fueled yahoo who has lost his/her inhibitions, has "made" you, and is not averse to loudly sharing the news of that momentous discovery with the immediate world...

Aside from all that, just let common sense prevail and go out into the world with confidence and as if you own it. Others will invariably pick up on that vibe and respond to you accordingly i.e. very positively.

Above all - just have fun!

[GretchenJ]

Thank you so much Dee, Sami, Beverley, Katie, Marisa, Lori,njcd dresser, and Leslie for your advice, your great tips, your knowledge and most important your words of encouragement.

It's means so much to me, and having nice people to talk to and share makes it much more enjoyable

Gretchen

[GretchenJ]

....here is my bucket list for the week, with the fear factor(Low,Medium,High) high the more possibility of me of chickening out. I will be doing all these by myself, which I have no issues with.

A. Shopping at the mall - huge mall, did it at Christmas, but will be less crowded this time. I think that this is a no brainer (Low)

B. Dinner - This is conundrum. If I have the nerve to do this, I want to wear a DRESS, (the one in the photo from the last trip) So places like Outback and Chilis are no-go's ( nobody dresses up there). I was thinking perhaps Maggianos in KOP or perhaps taking a 20-30 min ride to Phiily and combining it will a walk along Broad St as one of my friends suggested. Two major issues, one - I will have to speak, and two, once I sit, there is no backing off. ( Fever pitched high)

C. Movie- Figure that I can order tickets on line from Fandango, so avoid talking to cashier, just smile and sit. (Low)

D. Coffee at Starbucks - same as B , but less stress, if things go bad I can take coffee to go (Medium)

E. Museum - trip to Philly, another opportunity to get dressed up. Not Applicable due to time restrictions.

PS I may be sending photos of advice of which outfit/shoes/makeup I should not walk out of the hotel looking like that may be needed.

Lots of love to all of you
Gretch

Well my week has concluded, and am back home safe and sound. Came home today. I think I did a good job on the list

Monday evening: Went to the mall, did some browsing, did not buy anything. Wore longer top, leggings, and boots- no issues, very enjoyable

Tuesday evening: Went to the movies, 10pm showing, think I was clocked by one or two, but majority made no notice. Was not that crowded, so that was a disadvantage. On the challenge to some of my friends here, went up to the ticket counter, and ordered the ticket face to face. I think that the two people that noticed me, we ahead of me on line, and the voice did nothing to help me out. Wore top, jeans and boots

Wednesday evening: Went to dinner. Was scared out of my mind. Made myself 8:00 reservation, but the restaurant was still crowded. Don't think I convinced the matre'd or the waiter, but they were all polite and courteous. Saw two women at another booth possible staring at me, but maybe I was extremely self conscious. Wore a dress, sweater as a cover, stockings and matching pumps. First time wearing some pretty major heels, which at 6feet 2, may have made me stand out, but I wanted to wear the entire outfit.

Thursday evening - Went to the weekly get together at the Beagle, as per Sami's suggestion. Had a great time, and met some very wonderful and nice people. The hosts go well and beyond to make me feel both at home, relaxed , and welcomed. Wore a sweater dress and tights and black sling backs. Was thinking I was going to stay for about an hour, but stayed for about 3 hours.

Friday evening - too tired and I had to pack. Stayed in boy mode and grabbed a quick dinner out.

I took a lot of pictures, I wish I had the means the take them outside - but you can only do so much with a tripod lol

Thanks again for all your kind words, and more importantly the kick in the skirt!

Lots of Love
Gretch

[Stephanie Julianna]

Can't wait to see the pics. I really proud of you Gretchen. Lots of love, Steph.

[Marcelle]

Hi Gretchen,

Sorry I must have missed the original post but I am so glad things went very well for you and it sounds like you had a great time . . . CONGRATS! I cannot wait for the pictures. It is always nice when we can scratch a few things off our list of things to do and you definitely got quite a few completed in one go.

Hugs

Isha