I've accomplished another milestone tonight...I got out of the house, and out of the car!
My fiancee wanted some Starburst, so I, still dressed in the outfit I had taken photos in, went to get them for her. I put on my cardigan, packed up my purse, and braved the 30-degree outside temperatures to get to the car.
I drove to a supermarket somewhat distant from my home, but in a decent neighborhood and with which I was familiar. The store was open 24 hours, and there was an empty parking space right near the door. So I calmed the butterflies in my stomach, parked the car, put the keys in my purse, opened the door, and stepped out into the public eye!
Two minor bobbles ensued. As I was getting out of the car, a group of youths was exiting the store and passing me. I might have heard a derogatory comment or two, but I couldn't swear to it, it may not have been directed at me, and it wasn't my concern in any case. Then, as I walked into the store, my heel slipped on what must have been a recently-cleaned floor, and I stumbled for a second before catching myself on a nearby shelf. No hurt, and nobody apparently noticed, certainly no store employees.
From there, it was all the way across the store to the candy aisle, where I searched for a couple of moments before finding a package of Starburst, and then all the way back to the self-checkouts. The "click, click, click" of my boots on the tile floor was reassuring as I proceeded at a measured pace. At the self-checkout, I set down the bag while I dug my clutch wallet from my purse and retrieved my shopper's card to scan. For some reason, my nerves were creeping up on me.
Scan the Starburst, drop it in the bag. Tap the "Pay Now" button on the screen. Tap "Card." Dig out debit card, swipe it through the terminal. Several taps to enter the PIN. No, no cash back. Yes, this is the correct amount. The receipt printed; I picked it up and dropped it in the bag with the candy, put my cards and wallet away, and turned to leave. The attendant at the self-checkout lines looked my way. I said, "Thank you," in a somewhat dry-mouthed but still proper Amy-voice. "Have a good night," she responded. I walked out to the car, found my keys again, unlocked it, got myself in, and departed. It took a few blocks before it sunk in what I had just accomplished...Amy had stepped into the "real world" on her own, and returned unscathed!
Now, I'm sure the first time is the hardest, so next time I won't have all those jitters to deal with. But this is a great accomplishment for me, one which I'd never have dared even as recently as three months ago!
- Amy
paula
Originally Posted by andrea lace
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I totally spaced on that! You're right, a GG would think that way, so I have to think that way, too. In this case, though, the car was close to the store entrance and right under a parking-lot light. But I will remember next time!
) I do want to visit the local Lane Bryant as Amy sometime though!
