Another day out!

[NatalieMN]

A couple weeks back, my partner and I went out again to the Mall. It was super fun to get all dressed up again and walk around being "normal". And she is definitely making everything so much easier.

I wore the sweater I got from Chico's in Chicago and a bodycon skirt that I thought went really well together. And I got two different people in Lush complimenting my outfit! Though, one thought it was a dress but I still appreciated the sentiment.

I had a few pictures but I think I am going to hold off on posting them for now. I did think I looked good but I am thinking a quick summary of the day to let the girls here know is probably enough :)

We didn't stay at the Mall long. We walked around and I got a few glances but I am starting to wonder if at least some of them are people trying to get a better look to try to clock me. And, to be honest, the small sliver of doubt they may have is enough for me for now. I checked out Chico's (I think at the Galleria in Edina) and we found a super cute outfit that I really wanted but it would have been nearly $200 for the skirt and sweater so I reluctantly said no. The saleslady was super nice about everything and let my partner in the room with me.

We went to Southdale in Edina and we went to Soma since I still love that store. I did buy a new bra since I needed a black one and we had a nice chat with the saleslady. We found out that Soma is closing soon :(

We went to Ulta to check out a few things as well and I think she got some new makeup. I am going to need some more foundation eventually so maybe the next time Natalie makes it out, we will get some.

To end the night out, we went to a nice Italian restaurant to eat. It was intimate and the waitress was very professional and one of the best interactions I've had with waitstaff as Natalie. We were sitting next to a table of 8 high schoolers who looked like they were there for prom night. None of them seemed to look over or acknowledge us which was good to me.

I did find it interesting that even as Natalie, the waitress still put the check down in front of me :) Probably because I asked for the check but it is still something interesting. I didn't read anything into it; just a funny little interaction that made me feel like the "man" on the date for that briefest of moments.

We are hoping to get out again in a couple weeks but we are not sure where to go. The Maill is getting a little overdone and we want something maybe a little different. Shopping is still fine but we are having a tough time trying to figure out the best plan for a day out. Any suggestions are certainly welcome!

[Suzie Petersen]

That is awesome Natalie! What a wonderful story, thank you for sharing.

Regarding the waitress handing you the check. If 2 women are at the table, you would always hand the check to the one asking for it, so I think you yourself caused that. In any situation, if someone ask for the check it would be seen as very strange for the waitress to hand it to someone else :)

[Marketa]

That sounds like an awesome day, Natalie :)

I'm working on my look so I can go out in daylight and pass as well, but my guess is if it's in July, I'll feel lucky. More like August at best.

[ColleenA]

Natalie, glad you had a good time out.

When I go out with my SO, she usually takes the "lead" role, such as driving. At a restaurant, she will pull out her card for our joint account so that she takes care of the bill. Your partner might not even have thought about this if you are always the one to do so. Ask if she might support you in this one small (yet to you significant) way.

[kimdl93]

I agree with Suzie. You asked for the check, so it?s logical that the server brought it to you.

As for things to do, what would you do together at any other Saturday? A couple ideas come to mind. visit the zoo, a museum or arboretum. Bicycling or hiking. Attend live theatre or a street fair. Get a mani/pedi together. Go grocery shopping. Or be really bold and plan a meetup with a few select friends.

[Connie D50]

Soumds like a very nice afternoon at the mall. Maybe you could include going to a movie (chick flic), or get dressed up and go to a play.

[chrissy111]

What a nice day you had. You could try a Museum or concert.

[Beano980]

Natalie,
I also live in Minnesota and second the idea of going to some museums. Minneapolis has some truly spectacular ones! I'm very jealous you have a supporting spouse to share these moments with.

[NatalieMN]

Thank you all for your kind words. I agree that I am very lucky to have a partner who not only tolerates Natalie, but encourages her.

A museum trip is one I have thought of and I know we are doing pedicures next time we are out. Which should be fun. A movie is another activity we have thought of. And some more "mundane" things like grocery shopping could be on the table. Eventually, I do want Natalie to make an appearance whenever and not necessarily on special occasions.

[NatalieMN]

Thank you all for the suggestions. We decided to keep this weekend somewhat lowkey and we are going to get pedicures together (not my first ever but my first en femme), do a little shopping (Old Navy and Kohl's I think are the main two), go out to eat, and watch a movie.

I am excited for what this weekend will bring and for going out as a Natalie again. I will probably make a new post, if the weekend warrants it, to expand upon what we do. I can't wait :)