While this week was not my first time out dressed, I was committed to actions that would push myself beyond what I have done before. While I got a manicure and went shopping as before, this time I went to a wig shop to get my wig cleaned and spoke with the owner about wig shopping and styles. Unfortunately, we couldn't make the time for a full appointment to try on wigs due to other circumstances. I went into a convenience store and a drug store, having to interact with the checkout people, and felt good. As part of my shopping trip, I went to Dress Barn, where I was warmly greeted by the SAs, who asked what I was looking for, started a changing room for me, and went looking for different sizes of dresses I liked. I also got unsolicited compliments from both the SAs and another customer on the dress I ended up buying.
After the shopping was done, I went to a restaurant dressed, sat at a high-top table with my legs crossed in a skirt, heel hooked over the chair rung, enjoying a salad. I even went to the ladies' room after my lunch and did my business in the appropriate manner (seated). No sirens, flashing lights, or angry bar patrons to be found.
The big deal for me this weekend was going for my first makeover. I called an Ulta north of Boston on Friday, asked if they did makeup for TG women, and they immediately said "yes". I was not feeling timid at all about making the appointment for Saturday afternoon, although I had a possible crisis when my wife (away on volunteer business) told me that my daughter might come home from college (in Boston) to get a few things for her senior week and graduation later this month. It would have meant cancelling my appointment to pick her up at her job, come home, then back to school. I texted my daughter late Saturday morning to find out, and she told me because of her projects and exams, she couldn't spare the time to come home. Crisis averted!
So I went to Ulta, was greeted warmly by the MUA (actually the salon manager), and I sat in the salon where at least three other women were getting their hair done, with mothers and friends all around. No one gave me a second glance, I was just another woman getting her makeup done. The MUA was wonderful, she even managed to apply false eyelashes (which I cannot do myself, I've tried)! I couldn't stop smiling the whole time!
With the makeover done, I went home to get dressed for meeting two other sisters from this site, Samm and Claire1d, at the Tiffany Club. We sat and talked with the other TCNE members at their open house for almost 3 hours. The three of us had all been there before, just not at the same time. It was great to meet them both.
Sadly, I had to go home, strip off everything (makeup and nail polish included), and pack Tina away for an undetermined amount of time. But I thoroughly enjoyed the days that I got, and you will see a number of pictures of my adventures in the Photo Gallery over the next couple of weeks. This journey has taken a surprising turn for me over the last few years, and I am much more comfortable with myself and my presentation to be able to get out and interact with people. Thank you all for your words of support, both directly and indirectly, and I love you all.
Toodles,
Tina
, Tina
...
