Robin's Day Out

[Robin]

A couple of weeks ago I had a chance to get dressed while working at home. (see post in "what are you wearing") After browsing the net and the forum for a while I decided that I would like to get out and go for a drive, (in broad daylight). Since I had an appointment in Austin that afternoon, I put a change of clothes in a bag, make-up remover, etc. Loaded my license, money etc in my purse and left the house. I live on a fairly busy street in a town about 10 miles from Austin, but there is a school across the street and only neigbors on each side of me. One neighbor works all day the other is a retired single lady who seldom comes out during the day. Anyway, I felt that is was safe to walk out in femme, especially since it was the slower part of the day. I went to my car and started off on my adventure. I considered going to the mall and going in for a walk but chickened out. I did go and check it out and felt like I was way overdressed for a summer day at the mall. I continued on my drive and began to want a soft drink. I had already decided that it was not a good idea to go into a store, and I did not want to go to a drive through, so I went looking for a vending machine. I think the truth is that I did want to get out and walk, but not close to other people. With that idea in mind, I remembered that Home Depot has vending machines outside near the door. I drove up to the front of the store, got my change out of my purse and walked over to the machine. I got my drink while casuallywatching a man and woman come out of the store from about 30 feet away. They paid no attention to me, thank goodness. As I was returning to my vehicle I saw some others pulling in and looking my way but there was no reaction that indicated that they thought any thing but that I was a lady getting in her car. Wow!
I continued down the road and realized that if I did not get some gas I would be a lady sitting on the side of the road, needing but not wanting any help! Well I am glad for convenience stores with gas pumps that take credit cards. I went to one that I knew would be kind of busy, thinking that I would be less likely to be noticed where there were other people. I pulled up to the end pump, put my card in and filled my gas tank, just watching other people come and go, and getting only a couple of casual looks my way as people went by. Boy, I was starting to feel brave now! As I went on into the city I decided to drive over to another mall and check it out. Upon arriving, I went to the back entrance of Dillard's and thought about a quick pass through the store. I finally decided what the heck and got out of my car and started across the parking lot. As I neared the store, a man in a SUV parked near the back door and watched me walk in. I took a short jaunt through the ladies dept. which happened to be where I came in. I exited and started toward my car, noticing that the man was still there and was watching me. I tried to act as normal as I could but the butterflies were huge! When I got into my car I saw that his wife was getting in to their car. I left the parking spot as quickly as I could, trying to remain calm and appear that all was normal. As I drove around toward the front of the mall I saw them coming the same direction, as though they were following me. I entered some traffic and was able to leave them behind. To settle my nerves I pulled into another parking spot in the front of the mall. While I was there I saw them drive past on the main drive in front of the mall, then he turned down one of the parkining lanes and looked my way. He cut across the lot and headed my way. Seeing him coming I picked up a paper from the seat of my car and pretended to be reading it as I watched him from the corner of my eye as he drove slowly by. He went on after taking a good look. Afterwards I thought to myself, what the hell. What are the chances of him knowing me from adam! I took a few minutes to collect my self and left the mall. Being a glutton for punishment, and still having an hour before my appoitnment, I continued to drive around. I did not venture to anymore stores, but I did go to a large city park. I found an empty parking area near some shade trees and got out and went for a short walk. The few people that drove by paid little attention to me, as I expect that they often see ladies taking a walk during their lunch break. After enjoying the time that was left, I returned to my car and underwent a transformation back to guy mode. When I got to my appointment the receptionist (whom I see often) ask if I was ok as I looked a little flush! (I had just finished washing my face with make up remover pads, etc. I had also gone into the men's room and washed my face again before entering the office.) I told her that I was fine and it was good to see her. I kept my appt with my boss, went home and put all of my stuff away and thought, what a great day! I guess the best lesson to be remembered is to dress appropriatly for where and when you are going. If I had been wearing casual pants, slip ons, etc. I probably would not have caught as much attention at the mall. I guess need to practice dressing more in a casual mode, but I just love dresses and skirts!
Love to all,
Robin

[Barbara]

First let me confess that I am not the most "passable" CD on the planet, but, as some of you may know, this doesn't stop me from going out and enjoying myself every so often.
One night last month I was at a nearby restaurant/bar, enjoying some music and friendly chat, when I noticed two 8-or-9-year-old boys (who may have been brothers, i don't know) nearby. They had been talking baseball (I later learned they were part of a Little League team having a celebratory dinner with some of their parents), but they saw me at the bar and suddenly stopped talking. Not wanting to add to the awkwardness of their situation, I said nothing. But the manager, a dear GG friend of mine, stepped in to break the ice. She introduced me to them, we chatted for a moment or two, and that was that.
A few minutes later, the manager told me that when the boys went back to their table, they told one of their fathers, "There's a man at the bar dressed like a woman." The gist of the father's reply was "And?"

[Virginia]

Great story Robin,
I got on my wife's bad side several weks ago when I told her about going to an afternoon movie matinee and that I had waved at a couple of my neighbors, one cutting his grass (next door) and a lady down the street who walks her dogs all the time. When I told my wife that several days ago the neighbor next door had mentioned to me about "the pretty blonde" driving my SUV and all I had said was "OH, that was Deborah, pretty girl, huh??" He wholeheartly agreed. My wife said that she did not want me going out in the daytime anymore ( yeah that's going to happen).
My wife has never seen Deborah and does not want to - for what ever reason(s).
Keep the faith, honey!
Deborah

[Beauty]

Hi Robin,

Fantastic story!!!!

Beauty

[Marda]

Hi Ladies,

I *LOVE* Happy Beginnings :-)

Love / Marda

[Lorna]

Go Robin!!!

I'm real proud of you, girl!!

[Kersten Lee]

Robin,
What a great account of your day out. I did the same this last Christmas. Everything was going so good and then one person look strange at me, I thought, and I about paniced. My heart was racing. I got to my car and went home. Telling your story brought back my feelings then. I have still gone out another four times since. My confidence is building that I have the right to be me. I am not at 100% yet.

Thanks for a great trip out recount,
Kersten

[Merinda]

Well done Robin ,

Its funny how after the first moment in public your nerves settle and you are overcome by confidence and when that happens you want to take on the world . EERR! shopping centre.