)Scheduling my therapist appointment when there would be more folks in the waiting room. Going to drive thrus. The Tri-ess meetings allow me to come in contact with others while going to and from the meetings. I had started checking out while dressed to speak to a clerk while a fair amount of folks waiting to do the same. This past week end I drove over dressed and checked in with a male clerk. I had to show my ID which of course had my male photo and name. No reaction from the clerk. My room wasn't ready and I had to wait around for and hour and half. Lots of exposure. Check out was with a young female clerk. Nothing caused me any embarassment and I was pretty much accepted for what I seemed to be. On the way home I decided to push my luck and stopped at a CVS to get the Sunday paper. It was busy and I stood in line behind 4 people and in front of 3. I passed all of experiences or at least without incident. I'm finially FREE !!. There is only one more test and that is going to a restaurant and enjoying a meal. It's been baby steps all the way and staying in my comfort zone but the experiece of this past Sunday was great and forced me to be confident in myself and my appearance. A huge weight has been lifted off me and I feel wonderful.I know that for some of you this is old hat and you have been getting out for some time but we all have to start sometime. For me it has a been a long wait.
* * Edited to remove color text only. - SL * *
Karin 
