Object lessons, Vol II, Part I

[sherri]

Seems as though my outings of late are nothing if not anecdotal. Some of you may recall my story a few weeks ago about changing clothes in my car in full view of the club's parking lot surveillance camera, ample evidence that I am not the sharpest tack in the box. One would surmise from an incident like that that Sherri had learned to exercise better judgement. Well, one would be wrong.

Last night I had a chance to go out again and I devised a better plan for the old changeroo. Before leaving the house, I dressed as much as I could wear under my street clothes — stockings, panties, garter, breastforms and bra and top — then donned baggy jeans and baggy sweatshirt. I packed my makeup, wig, purse, sweater, skirt, etc. in a small duffle and headed for the city. Halfway there, I pulled into a rest area along the highway, parked and went about finishing dressing. It was well after dark and there were no other cars in the rest area. I doused the headlights, but left the parking lights on and the car running as the evening was cool and I wanted the heater and the radio. I removed my street clothes, put on my mini-skirt, opened the illuminated vanity mirror on the visor and began applying makeup. So far so good.

As I foofed, I noticed that a highway patrolman had pulled over a motorist on the far side of the divided four-lane highway, directly across from the rest area. Boy, those swirling red lights and white floodlights really pop at night, don't they? I felt a pang of anxiety, but the highway has a wide median so I knew the trooper was too far away to see what I was doing. Besides, I reminded myself that I wasn't doing anything wrong, so I continued my makeup. In a few moments, the trooper's flashing lights went off and he drove away. So far so good.

[sherri]

The plot thickens
In a few moments, I caught a glimpse of red lights in my side mirror. The trooper, who had been traveling east, had spotted a hapless west-bound lawbreaker, turned around and pulled him over on my side of the highway at a point I estimated to be near the rest area entrance. I didn't like this at all, but I was almost finished and thought I could be rolling again before the trooper was through with his victim. I did my lipstick, then put on my jewelry and wig, checking the rearview mirror all the while. Only my nails left to do. The inside of my car looked like a tornado zone, so I took a second to put my street clothes and duffle into the trunk, put on my sweater, then got back in the car. So far so good.

I began swabbing my real nails with polish remover (so the press-ons would stay on) as I watched the trooper in the mirror. That's when his flashing lights went off, the motorist drove away and the patrol car began moving ... into the rest area! Ooohhhh shit. The trooper made a bee line for my car, pulled up behind me and hit his lights. A whole bunch of really bright lights. In seconds there were two troopers at my window, shining their big ole flashlights into my car. What they saw was a crossdressed man in white tee-top, open-front pink sweater, 40D breasts, black 13" mini-skirt, black sheer stockings, strappy sandal heels, shoulder-length brunette wig and a really first-rate makeup job. Without preamble, one of the troopers asked to see my license and proof of insurance.

Now one might assume at this point that Sherri is about to wet her panties. But strangely enough, I felt reasonably calm. I was concerned, to be sure, and intensely curious as to what was about to transpire. But I've always had this sixth sense about when shit is going to hit the fan and when it is not, and I just sensed that this situation was going to be okay. But I was far from certain that my instincts were accurate. At the very least, I expected to be questioned about what the hell I thought I was doing out here ten miles from anywhere on a Saturday night dressed in drag, and I wasn't at all sure what my answer was going to be. What would your answer be, looking up and batting your lashes at a highway patrolman (who was kind of cute) as two high-powered flashlights beamed at you?

My billfold was on the dash, so retrieving my driver's license was easy. I keep my proof of insurance in a neat little plastic sleeve thingy in the glove compartment, but there's lots of other stuff in there too and the damn thing doesn't have a lightbulb in it. Why the hell doesn't Toyota put a light in an Avalon glove box? Rather than fumble and panic, however, I simply asked the trooper to shine his light at the glove box, which he did without comment. I handed him the documents and he and his buddy retreated to their patrol car, telling me he'd be back in a moment.

[sherri]

The dust settles
It was more like five minutes. I'm guessing these two guys are gonna run every check they can think of on me, but I also know they ain't gonna find any skeletons. Not so much as a parking ticket. I'm Ms. Clean. No worries there, mate. Still, ya never know, ya know? And I'm wondering if they're gonna want to do a sobriety test of some sort. No worries there either, but I don't relish the prospect. I don't want to start fretting myself into a tizzy, so I turn the radio back up just a scooch and resume putting on my nails. I kid you not. I have them all on with time to spare before the trooper returns.

I look up to see that he is tearing out what appears to be a traffic citation from his little clipboard. What could he possibly be ticketing me for?!? He hands me my license and insurance card, then hands me his little form, explaining it's just a record of his stop to check on me. "Just checking to see if you're okay" was his explanation. I thanked him, and without further comment or ado, he was gone. Just like that.

I'm pretty sure my mouth was hanging open as I watched him drive off. That was waaayyy too easy. After the trooper was out of sight, I actually got out of my car and stood there looking around, replaying the scene in my mind. What just happened here, or more importantly, didn't happen here? There had been no harassment, no ridicule, no third degree, no lecture. Nothing, actually. Just a few heart palpitations and five minutes of my time — long enough to do my nails. They hadn't been friendly, but they hadn't been hostile either. In fact, the whole thing was damn near a silent movie, with almost zero interaction good or bad.

Of course, I have to also think that if they had turned up anything on me back there in their patrol car, the incident, and maybe the whole evening, could have turned out differently. You have to wonder what kind of head-scratching, joking or worse went on back there, and what was their conversation with headquarters like? But did I really care? Um, no, I didn't. Okay, maybe I was pouting a little because that cute trooper didn't flirt with me, but he's probably married, right?

Shivering in the night air, I got back in my car, fastened my seat belt, hit the road and set the cruise control on 65, no more, no less. In 30 minutes, I was at the club, sipping a vodka tonic and chatting with Frankie the bartender. So far so good.

[Sweet Susan]

Very interesting.

[spaskinstyle]

You are a great story teller. That wonderful account of events really gave me a warm feeling. Made me feel good that they didn't hassel you - not such a bad world after all. Thanks for that.



Love, Theresa

[ChristineRenee]

Quite a story there Sherri...nice to hear it went without a hitch. Sorry you couldn't get the cute trooper to flirt with you...though it mighta saved you a ticket however! Keep sharpening those feminine wiles...and those nails!;)

Thanks for sharing your adventure with us!:cool:


Love,
Chrissie:)

[Priscilla1018]

Hi Sheri,

You are a great story teller, I can't wait to hear more.

Love and Hugs,
Priscilla

[DanaJ]

Wow Sherri - you handled that superbly! Way to go, I am proud of you!

DanaJ

P.S. I can see it now:

Gestapo (in a menacing teutonic tone)- "Your papers please"

Sherri (handing them over) - "Here ya go sweetie..."

Gestapo (disappointed) - "Your papers seem to be in order - move along" :D

[Jen_TGCD]

That was a great story, Sherri. Thrilling! Provocative!! And a happy ending!!!

One thing, though... you have to be careful at rest stops. Many of them are frequented by prostitutes and pervs... and the State Troopers are aware of this. Your clean record got you though this one.

I live in a house without a garage, so I have to walk out to my car, too... in front of the whole neighborhood. What I did was buy a long trench coat. Kind of androgyeous although it's a womans coat. I dress fully except for my wig and lipstick and slip on a pair of loose pants, which are easy to take off in the car. I just have to put on my heels, wig and lipstick... and I'm in femme mode. Since it's still cool weather, you could even wear some gloves to cover your nails.

Anyway... your stories are always compelling!!! :eek: :D

[Sharon]

Great story Sherri! Is there a Part IV?
I would have been doing you know what in my panties if I was in your situation, so all I can do is admire your cool.
This story has the makings of a terrific serial.

[christine55]

Sherri, I don't know how many vodka tonics you usually drink but seems to me it was a good thing he got you before you went to the club. It only takes two or three to put you over the limit ( I speak from experience). Would have certainly been no fun to have been carted off to jail. Be careful.
Hugs, Christine

[Georgette]

Great story Sherri I can still see the flashlight in the eyes, It almost happened to me on one of my earlier outings before mySO met Georgette, I would dress in the afternoon when she was at her card club and go cruising on the freeway with my sunroof open and a short minnie and hassel the truck drivers one almost rear end me trying to get a colser look that could have been catastrophic.
I am glad every thing worked out OK.

[Melissa A.]

Hi Sheri,

The proffessionalism of your local law enforcement officials is impressive, and heartening. After all, is that not what we want? To be allowed to do what we want and be left alone?

I once had a car accident when dressed and did something stupid. the story is here somewhere, I think the thread name is "car accidents?". Any way, I did it because I was petrified of the police seeing me dressed. But that was another place and time in my life. Today, I would do what you did, and expect to be treated like any other motorist.

I'm glad it went well for you, and that you still made it to the club.

Hugs,

Melissa :)

[Amelie]

That was some story Sherri. It's good that you kept your cool. Most times the police are just doing there job, checking out things that seem out of place.

Years ago when I was driving, I had to sit in my car and wait for my friends to arrive at a club. I had to meet them outside, I was the one that could get people into clubs that had a strict door policy. One night I was waiting in my car and a police car pulled up along side of me. They wanted to know what I was doing, sitting in my car on a deserted street in a factory area of the city.
I explained to them I was waiting for my friends so I could get them into the club. They told me not to go that club, they said this club sucks. They then gave me info on a better club I should check out. They didn't care how I looked, they were just doing their job, checking out something that didn't look right to them. they didn't laugh,, or check my papers.

By the way, they were right, the other club was better. NYC cops know everything that is going on.
Amelie

[sherri]

Thank y'all. I'm glad you enjoyed my boneheaded misadventure. :p


not such a bad world after all. Thanks for that.

Love, Theresa Well, it still can be bad, but I know what you mean. In fact, I pretty much felt the same sentiment last night, and wondered if I haven't been overly paranoid in the past.


Keep sharpening those feminine wiles...and those nails! Chrissie, I felt about as wiley and Wile E. Coyote — after he realizes he just stepped out over the chasm!


P.S. I can see it now:

Gestapo (in a menacing teutonic tone)- "Your papers please"

Sherri (handing them over) - "Here ya go sweetie..."

Gestapo (disappointed) - "Your papers seem to be in order - move along" :D Dana, you crack me up.


One thing, though... you have to be careful at rest stops. Many of them are frequented by prostitutes and pervs... and the State Troopers are aware of this. Your clean record got you though this one. No, I didn't know that. This isn't one of those full-blown rest areas, just a little one with a couple of picnic tables. But your observation throws a new light on the incident. Now I can understand their attention, and I wonder if I'm "on record" now (hmmm, would that be a "possible prostitute" or "possible perv" notation?).


This story has the makings of a terrific serial. No serials, Sharon! I can do without that kind of excitement. I figure it's kind of like being a soldier in wartime — wondering if a bullet has your name on it every time you go into battle. Okay, maybe not quite that serious, but you know what I mean. Life has loosened enough of my teeth that I don't enjoy tempting fate. :)


The proffessionalism of your local law enforcement officials is impressive, and heartening. You're absolutely right, Melissa. Those two guys get all the credit.


Thank the rest of you for your comments. I love hearing about other people's experiences. I think that sharing them helps us all be better prepared to handle whatever comes up.

xoxo

[Maria2004]

I loved your story and Amelie's reply, it reaffirms, what I'm finding out, your experiences are not the exception, but the "RULE".


Love :p

Maria

[Vallari]

Wow Sherri! Im glad the whole situation went OK for you! I always wondered what it would be like to be stopped by the police, and it's a scary thought. It must've been even more scary for you considering the part of the state you live in. Well I'm glad everyone was cool about everything and that you're ok.

BTW, I love the way you tell your stories! :)

[Tristen Cox]

Sorry Sherri, that must have been a horror for you, but it was sort of funny to hear it from someone else and not me. First time for everything. Glad you got out of it ok though. My worst fear is getting busted and asked "do you have anything to declare?" - "Why yes sir, you look real good in uniform, can I get your number when we are through here?" :p

[racquel]

Great story Sherri,I had to smile all the way through it.Police are usually pretty good I've found.May I use this line of yours,
"Life has loosened enough of my teeth that I don't enjoy tempting fate".
That cracks me up.

[sherri]

BTW, I love the way you tell your stories! :)
Thank you very much, sweetie.


I always wondered what it would be like to be stopped by the police, and it's a scary thought. It must've been even more scary for you considering the part of the state you live in.

Sorry Sherri, that must have been a horror for you
It was an anxious moment, and one I don't wish to repeat, but on balance it wasn't bad at all. I think we load the scenario up with fright because policemen can take us to jail, but unless we're (un)dressed or behaving indecently, we're not doing anything illegal and they have no grounds for harassing us. It might be naive to assume a "bad cop" experience isn't possible, but I believe Amelie and Maria are right, the odds are it will be okay as long as we keep it real. We probably have a lot more to fear from private citizens than from the police.

[Krissi]

Great story Sherri, everyone is right you have a way with words. :)

I know here in the DFW area, especially more in the Ft Worth area, there seems to be a lot of arrests made and stings set up at rest areas and such, so be careful in them. It seems that whenever its on the news that the police flush out a pedofile they're always meeting them at rest areas.

Being in insurance I've had several of my clients call about these "contact reports" that officers in some areas are giving out now. Apparently some parts of the state they are keeping track of all kinds of information about people that are pulled over. I'm just glad for you that the guys were nice. You hear soo many stories about Cops being jerks that it does make you nervous. Its hard enough to deal with them and be calm in guy mode, three cheers for you for doing it not only dressed, but getting dressed.

[paulaN]

You are a very good story teller. and were as everything turned out ok that was a great story. but please be carful.

[Ashleigh]

explaining it's just a record of his stop to check on me. "Just checking to see if you're okay" was his explanation. I thanked him, and without further comment or ado, he was gone. Just like that.

There had been no harassment, no ridicule, no third degree, no lecture. Nothing, actually. Just a few heart palpitations and five minutes of my time — long enough to do my nails.


See? We're not that bad.


That was some story Sherri. It's good that you kept your cool. Most times the police are just doing there job, checking out things that seem out of place.


Yes, apparently they were doing their job. In Arizona and Utah as well as other states there were, for awhile, a rash of murders, rapes, and armed robberies committed at rest areas at any hour of the day. It didn't have to be at night. I admonish everyone that reads this to make sure of what is around you even if you think there are no people or no cars around. Rest areas, especially the less populated ones, are targets for the human feces that preys on people.

[Ashleigh]

By the way Sherri, I'm glad things worked out well for you. I'm also glad that they were professional in their contact with you.

[Fallen Angel]

your a very lucky young lady, i got stoped at a DWI check point again i know that feeling of intensity but they again were polite cave me a check point card and i was on my way as well. know the possibly worst happend and you came out ok now you can walk your ground with even more confidence

[Julie York]

I've got a whole new impression of you now.
Sort of Clint Eastwood in heels.

While they were there in there guns and stuff being scary you just applied makeup and looked up slowly.......doodleoodleoooh dan dan daaaah.

[Wendy me]

truly un beliveable not only do you get out to the clubs but you have a veary intresting trp before you get there.......you go girl what's next???????

[sherri]

In Arizona and Utah as well as other states there were, for awhile, a rash of murders, rapes, and armed robberies committed at rest areas at any hour of the day. It didn't have to be at night. I admonish everyone that reads this to make sure of what is around you even if you think there are no people or no cars around. Rest areas, especially the less populated ones, are targets for the human feces that preys on people. Okay y'all are starting to scare me now. I had only been concerned about detection by the police, now I'm worrying about getting my throat cut, or of the police thinking I'm some kind of predator.

Seriously, y'all are right about being careful, and I will. But some of you back east might have trouble envisioning what it's like out here on the high plains. Imagine countryside flat as a pancake and almost totatly devoid of trees, where you can literally see 30 miles or more. The lights of distant towns twinkle on the horizon, and on a moonlit night, you can see cows and pump jacks in the fields. You can watch car headlights approaching for fifteen minutes. It's difficult for a coyote to sneak by undetected.

Still, things do happen occasionally. There's been talk lately at the gay club I frequent of the recent murder of a gay guy from a nearby town, a town I drive through every time I go to the city. The rumor is that he was killed by someone he picked up, presumably for sex, someone he didn't know. Sex can be a form of insanity, causing some people to throw normal caution to the wind. I shiver every time I hear someone talking about frequenting gay cruiser parks in big cities; my mind fills with images of shadows and knives and HIV. And I worry that maybe I'm being a little insane, too.

I sit at the club and visit with my gay friends Steve and Sal. We get to talking and Sal doesn't realize what he reveals about himself after he's had a few beers. Out of one side of his mouth he disses other gays for being promiscuous, he touts his own selectivity; and from the other side he points out guys in the club that he's had sex with; they barely acknowledge each other, the most casual and distant of acquaintances sitting there at the bar. How cheap, I think, how emotionally and spiritually bankrupt that lifestyle can be. Where is the heart in all that, where is the soul, the common sense? What are the values of these sexual practitioners, that they would clamor so loudly for respect and equality?

But then there's Frankie the gay bartender, so sweet and considerate, so real and down to earth. He's had the same live-in lover for 17 years, and you can hear the candid tenderness in his voice when he mentions his boyfriend. He serves me a drink on the house without fanfare or explanation when everyone is ignoring the lone crossdresser sitting meekly at the bar. He's never hit on me, and I wouldn't want him to, because I want to believe in his commitment to his mate. Sometimes Sal will slip his hand under my skirt and caress my derriere, and I have to admit I enjoy that, although I don't want it go any further than that. But when I experience down times, when going out loses its luster, it's Frankie, or the prospect of a Frankie, not the Sals, that make me brave the rest area dressing routine for another night out.

Good grief, how did I get off on such tangents? Sorry.

[sherri]

I've got a whole new impression of you now.
Sort of Clint Eastwood in heels. You are hilarious. What an image — Eastwood in heels. Too funny. Leave it to Julie.


While they were there in there guns and stuff being scary you just applied makeup and looked up slowly.......doodleoodleoooh dan dan daaaah. Actually, I did experience something like that. Almost an out-of-body thing, one Sherri nervous on the inside, another observing the proceedings with detachment. Who knows where it came from.

[Ashleigh]

Okay y'all are starting to scare me now. I had only been concerned about detection by the police, now I'm worrying about getting my throat cut, or of the police thinking I'm some kind of predator.

Seriously, y'all are right about being careful, and I will.

If I have saved a life of a sister by making them more aware than they were before and to be more cautious, then my day has been made. Fear was not the intent of my post, but sometimes the gruesome setails must be "outed" to make the point.

Sherri, I am sincerely glad you are okay.

[sherri]

Lol, I don't know about saving my life, but thank you Ashleigh. I never doubted your motive. You're right, if we're going to err, it should be on the side of caution. Still, it's impossible to avoid risk 100% unless we just stay at home.

[Linda-x]

Sherri, I can relate !! I've been pulled over twice in the last 4 months. The last time on the way to a CD party. When you said you were actually calm made me laugh, because that was my response. Almost numb. It's like " well you got me, what can I do". I have my license reg., ect. ready by the time they get to the car. This last pull over was for speeding, 85 in a 60, and I was changing lanes a lot. I was late to a girly party !! Can you blame me!!. I sweet talked my way out of both of them. I love being a girl,(when I can).
I have to sneak out from my neighborhood in the spring/summer months, also. I get fully dressed except for lip stick and my wig. I wear baggy pants, or sweats, and a hooded coat. I pull over just couple miles from my house, and pull off the cover clothes, put on my wig, and lip stick, and I'm done. This year I'm going with all my make up when I leave.

[sherri]

This last pull over was for speeding, 85 in a 60, and I was changing lanes a lot. I was late to a girly party !! Can you blame me!!. I sweet talked my way out of both of them. I love being a girl,(when I can).
I am seriously impressed. That's what I call negotiating skills. Exactly what did you do to get out of that ticket, hmm? :p Maybe the officer just admired your chutzpah. I know I do.

[Linda-x]

I think being in a dark rest area would be scarier, and put you under more scrutiny. I just kinda kept my head down, and handed my paper work to him. It was on I-5 (freeway), and he was an older county cop. He was at the passenger window, and kept bending down to get a better look at me. I was sort of switching between a girl and guy voice, also....LOL. I said I was pacing another car, and did'nt think I even did 85 mph, as I looked him in the eye. That was about the only time I really looked at him straight on. His parting words." slow it down, because YOU don't need to driving like that!!" I got the messg.

[confusionatitsbest]

I have been caught once, the police pulled me and ran checks, the closest I have ever come to wetting myself :eek: I told the policemen though that those bloody idiots from the rugby club had told me there was a fancy dress party tonight, I then asked do you by any chance Know were the rugby club is? to which he replied there isn't one round here, I answered little shits thev'e wound me up again, sos officer give me 5 minutes I'll be gone :D

bit corny I know, it worked though, the downside to it though, I was to scared to touch any clothing let alone to dress for the next six months afterwards. :o

Well done Sherri you kept your cool, love it :)

Chrissy xx

[sherri]

I have been caught once, the police pulled me and ran checks, the closest I have ever come to wetting myself :eek: I told the policemen though that those bloody idiots from the rugby club had told me there was a fancy dress party tonight, I then asked do you by any chance Know were the rugby club is? to which he replied there isn't one round here, I answered little shits thev'e wound me up again, sos officer give me 5 minutes I'll be gone

bit corny I know, it worked though, the downside to it though, I was to scared to touch any clothing let alone to dress for the next six months afterwards.

Well done Sherri you kept your cool, love it

Chrissy xx Aha, so lying was your tactic. :p Somehow I don't think your story is what got you off, dear. I'm still leaning toward the chutzpah theory. :)

Interestingly, the incident didn't put me off dressing or overly traumatize me, although I am trying to figure out a plan C for changing clothes etc. If anything, I feel a little more confident about being out and surviving such encounters. Nevertheless, I am mindful that the potential for a less pleasant experience is out there, and I'd just as soon avoid any repeats.

[racquel]

"I shiver every time I hear someone talking about frequenting gay cruiser parks in big cities; my mind fills with images of shadows and knives and HIV. And I worry that maybe I'm being a little insane, too."
--------------------------------------------------------------------------
Thats a real concern Sherri.We just had a trial for the last of five punks who chased a gay man naked,from the park to his car where they proceded to beat him to death with bats and pool cues.
They said they were hunting peeping toms,not gays and therefore avoided being charged under hate crimes laws.Two got off,and I think the max for the others was six years. :mad:

[Julie York]

Wow, that big long bit in frame 28....Add some reported speech and you've got yourself one hell of a writing style! I want to know what happens next!! I want to buy the book!

[sherri]

I think being in a dark rest area would be scarier, and put you under more scrutiny.
This rest area has a street light at each end, but some of the observations in this thread have definitely made me aware of some problems by association that hadn't occurred to me. I'm quite hesitant to use it again simply because I don't want law enforcers to even think I might be a suspicious character.

[confusionatitsbest]

Hi everyone,

My problem is I don't know if I could pass myself of as nearly a woman, I don't have the confidence in my make up or the rest of my looks, it looks ok to me but to others??? and I can't make up my mind if it doesn,t just look like a hairy arsed mechanic in womans clothes :D I only wish that someday I may be able to be as authentic as some of you girls, dam and blast another bloody ladder in the hold ups, new pair required!!! :(