If I can find a place to change Friday and Saturday, I may go out this weekend. I have an event and I think the people there would welcome Meg.
I can probably get a room Friday night, which would solve most of my problems. I can leave work early, check in, change, and go to the Friday night events, which are mostly register and meet-and-greet.
Normally, I studiously avoid meet-and-greets. That's further out of my comfort zone than being Meg is. And I will know several people here, including some rather well-known ones.
Then back to the room and early Saturday I can change and check out. The main event runs until 2pm, and there are after-event events.
I picked out a few dresses to bring and I have all of my other Meg items put aside for quick packing. I've been shaving arms, legs, etc, and keeping my brows trimmed.
There are two problems.
The first problem is coming home Saturday afternoon. I need to have my son elsewhere and I don't know when it will end. I can probably say mid-afternoon and my family will be out of the house until 4 or 5 anyway. This is where the negotiating comes in. My wife is very against my attending, because there will be people who know me, and she's concerned I will be outed. Actually, it's more than that. I expect to see people I know and say "well, we've met."
The second issue is shoes. Last summer, I wrote about an ingrown toenail on my right large toe (why don't they have names like fingers do?). The podiatrist cut the left half of the toe off, down to the part under the skin and that seemed to solve the problem.
Seemed to. The nail is not growing back properly. There is a large, somewhat painful and hard lump under the skin which I think might be the nail not breaking through. With changing jobs and insurance and schedule, I haven't made it back to the doctor yet. But at the more formal events following my mother-in-law's death, I had to wear black sneakers. My shoes pressed down in a painful way.
So I'm planning on skipping hose (most women do once the weather gets warm) and wearing open-toed shoes, but I need to try them on first. My dress shoes had to come off within minutes. I need to see how the open-toed shoes I have fit and how they press on that toe. I don't have time to shoe shop; if I can't get some in-house shoes to work, I'll have to skip it.
I'll probably not have a chance to check out shoes until tomorrow night.
Showing posts with label crossdress adventures. Show all posts
Showing posts with label crossdress adventures. Show all posts
Wednesday, May 30, 2012
Tuesday, November 29, 2011
A Recap
This is a love letter to my good friends.
Six hundred posts in about eighteen months ~ a little under six hundred days.
What started as a way to tell about my upcoming "flying pretty" episode has gone on for a bit longer than I expected. I've made a few friends and picked up a few readers. I found an outlet for my urge to write.
And I've enjoyed every minute of it.
Where else did I stray to? There was my first clothing swap, dressed. My obsessive overplanning and obstinate underdressing. There were various Halloweens and one Mardi Gras. I wrote a few polls, which I haven't yet thanked you for: the polls are important to me. Growing up as a budding crossdresser, yet certain I was alone in this... it helps to see that there are others who are so like me that it's scary. And I find it really interesting to see what other paths my peers have taken. And I hope it helped others the same way.
I've talked about shopping, makeup, shoes, shopping, manicures, pedicures, jewelry, shopping, and fashion (see sense, fashion: has none). I've waxed philosophical about waxing. Did I mention shopping?
I've talked about my friends: my female friends and my t-male friends.
I've covered hinting at and teasing civilians and their (non-)reactions. I wrote about two Transgender Day of Remembrance ceremonies.
I've lamented that I am a current crossdresser (because I'd like to see how it feels for the first time).
I've written about going out and coming out and being outed.
I've covered stories and no more stories. I've gone from I care to I don't care. I think both of these are life-changing events and I shared them with you pretty much in real-time, as they happened; as they are happening. And I'm glad I had y'all to talk to. You are my therapists and my sounding boards. And your (over 1200) comments make me think, smile, and cheer.
I've shared some reader thoughts and influences readers have had on me.
I've talked about (and shared pictures of) my panties, socks, and camisoles. I still owe you some cami pictures, I think. I posted cartoons, and talked about them ~ and that's about as far off-topic as I've ever strayed!
I've met some readers and other t-gals and shared those experiences with you.
I covered my travels to and in Topeka, Dallas, Richmond, Tucson, Sierra Vista, Colorado Springs, Las Vegas, and I'm sure I'm missing somewhere. And there was a second clothing swap.
I talked about plans that were made and (sigh) never became reality.
I've told you more than I've told anyone else in my entire life. You know more about me than my closest family members.
Did I mention I've enjoyed every minute of it? It bears repeating.
I've been re-reading this, looking for a close, and I just realised it sounds more like a suicide note than a love letter. It's not. A long time ago, I looked at the number of visitors per day. I chose a round number a bit below that number and decided that if the readership went below that number for a week, or if I couldn't think of anything to write about for a week, I will shut down the blog. Since then I doubled the number and as long as all eight of you stick around, I'll keep writing. All seriousness aside, I hope to double it again someday. I know, it's hard to spread the word when most of my readers only know a few potential readers, but I seem to be doing OK, although nowhere near the Stana Stratosphere (did she say 6000 a day?).
I'll admit that I'm not sure what my next post will be about, but I have a big box of muse food ready and I know she'll come through. She gets her energy from you, and turns them into ideas and prose for me.
And while you're here, I know my muse would love it if you took the poll. After all, it was her idea!
Six hundred posts in about eighteen months ~ a little under six hundred days.
What started as a way to tell about my upcoming "flying pretty" episode has gone on for a bit longer than I expected. I've made a few friends and picked up a few readers. I found an outlet for my urge to write.
And I've enjoyed every minute of it.
Where else did I stray to? There was my first clothing swap, dressed. My obsessive overplanning and obstinate underdressing. There were various Halloweens and one Mardi Gras. I wrote a few polls, which I haven't yet thanked you for: the polls are important to me. Growing up as a budding crossdresser, yet certain I was alone in this... it helps to see that there are others who are so like me that it's scary. And I find it really interesting to see what other paths my peers have taken. And I hope it helped others the same way.
I've talked about shopping, makeup, shoes, shopping, manicures, pedicures, jewelry, shopping, and fashion (see sense, fashion: has none). I've waxed philosophical about waxing. Did I mention shopping?
I've talked about my friends: my female friends and my t-male friends.
I've covered hinting at and teasing civilians and their (non-)reactions. I wrote about two Transgender Day of Remembrance ceremonies.
I've lamented that I am a current crossdresser (because I'd like to see how it feels for the first time).
I've written about going out and coming out and being outed.
I've covered stories and no more stories. I've gone from I care to I don't care. I think both of these are life-changing events and I shared them with you pretty much in real-time, as they happened; as they are happening. And I'm glad I had y'all to talk to. You are my therapists and my sounding boards. And your (over 1200) comments make me think, smile, and cheer.
I've shared some reader thoughts and influences readers have had on me.
I've talked about (and shared pictures of) my panties, socks, and camisoles. I still owe you some cami pictures, I think. I posted cartoons, and talked about them ~ and that's about as far off-topic as I've ever strayed!
I've met some readers and other t-gals and shared those experiences with you.
I covered my travels to and in Topeka, Dallas, Richmond, Tucson, Sierra Vista, Colorado Springs, Las Vegas, and I'm sure I'm missing somewhere. And there was a second clothing swap.
I talked about plans that were made and (sigh) never became reality.
I've told you more than I've told anyone else in my entire life. You know more about me than my closest family members.
Did I mention I've enjoyed every minute of it? It bears repeating.
I've been re-reading this, looking for a close, and I just realised it sounds more like a suicide note than a love letter. It's not. A long time ago, I looked at the number of visitors per day. I chose a round number a bit below that number and decided that if the readership went below that number for a week, or if I couldn't think of anything to write about for a week, I will shut down the blog. Since then I doubled the number and as long as all eight of you stick around, I'll keep writing. All seriousness aside, I hope to double it again someday. I know, it's hard to spread the word when most of my readers only know a few potential readers, but I seem to be doing OK, although nowhere near the Stana Stratosphere (did she say 6000 a day?).
I'll admit that I'm not sure what my next post will be about, but I have a big box of muse food ready and I know she'll come through. She gets her energy from you, and turns them into ideas and prose for me.
And while you're here, I know my muse would love it if you took the poll. After all, it was her idea!
Thursday, August 4, 2011
See Emily Play
If you're not sure what this week's poll is about read yesterday's post and take a moment to tick a box. Thank you!
My wife and son will be at the beach Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesday of next week. I never know when they'll leave and when they'll return, so my best bet for a "going out day" is Tuesday.
My manager is trying to stress test me. He's piled on a lot of things that need to be done last April. There's a slight chance I'll have to cancel Tuesday. So far, when I've broached the idea of taking the day off, he's been fine with it.
And then there's Emily, which could cancel my wife's trip. It doesn't seem so, but....
Assuming all goes according to plan:
Monday night will be good to do final shaving or epilating or depilitating or otherwise de-hairing, pick an outfit, organise my closet a bit more, and maybe start finding things for the next swap. Maybe I'll have a bit of time to try different makeup, maybe find a new favourite blush or lipstick amidst the makeup bag. Wednesday morning will be for cleanup: make sure everything is put away and ready for the family's return. I'll go to work a bit later that day.
After dark, my eyes don't as well as they used to, so I'd like to go out during the day. Maybe I'll do something at night, but probably not, unless it's at a familiar venue or right off a usual highway exit or something. I don't plan to see any clients, although I would absolutely love to do that!
The problem is, I'm not sure what I'm going to do that day.
There's a lot to do around here. I started looking:
museums: Been there, and there are no special exhibits I want to see.
shop: I'm not sure I'm in the mood, believe it or not. I don't really need anything. Maybe I could go car or furniture shopping... just for fun. Or wedding gown shopping. :D
park: It's too hot to wander outdoors, although I might consider the zoo.
show: There's nothing going on that I want to see solo right now. Same for movies. I don't want to go alone.
other events: So far, I've found nothing for Tuesday. Today's paper has a section on local happenings for the next week. I'll check to see what's listed for Tuesday. And Friday's paper has a weekend section that may list things extending into next week.
class of some sort: or a nature tour, or something like that. It's kind of between sessions. The local adult ed has lots of listing for the fall, but the summer classes are over.
I even checked the church where they had the Transgender Day of Remembrance last fall. There's nothing going on that day.
I also considered going to DC and visiting my congressman. He knows me by my male name. I wonder if he'd recognise me. Alas, it's summer recess time. Maybe he'll have a town hall or something that day.
I'm not going to check my synagogue. It would be too tempting to go to something there, especially if it was Rosh Hodesh (it's not).
Hm.
Is anyone going to be around?
My wife and son will be at the beach Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesday of next week. I never know when they'll leave and when they'll return, so my best bet for a "going out day" is Tuesday.
My manager is trying to stress test me. He's piled on a lot of things that need to be done last April. There's a slight chance I'll have to cancel Tuesday. So far, when I've broached the idea of taking the day off, he's been fine with it.
 |
| TS Emily |
And then there's Emily, which could cancel my wife's trip. It doesn't seem so, but....
Assuming all goes according to plan:
Monday night will be good to do final shaving or epilating or depilitating or otherwise de-hairing, pick an outfit, organise my closet a bit more, and maybe start finding things for the next swap. Maybe I'll have a bit of time to try different makeup, maybe find a new favourite blush or lipstick amidst the makeup bag. Wednesday morning will be for cleanup: make sure everything is put away and ready for the family's return. I'll go to work a bit later that day.
After dark, my eyes don't as well as they used to, so I'd like to go out during the day. Maybe I'll do something at night, but probably not, unless it's at a familiar venue or right off a usual highway exit or something. I don't plan to see any clients, although I would absolutely love to do that!
The problem is, I'm not sure what I'm going to do that day.
There's a lot to do around here. I started looking:
museums: Been there, and there are no special exhibits I want to see.
shop: I'm not sure I'm in the mood, believe it or not. I don't really need anything. Maybe I could go car or furniture shopping... just for fun. Or wedding gown shopping. :D
park: It's too hot to wander outdoors, although I might consider the zoo.
show: There's nothing going on that I want to see solo right now. Same for movies. I don't want to go alone.
other events: So far, I've found nothing for Tuesday. Today's paper has a section on local happenings for the next week. I'll check to see what's listed for Tuesday. And Friday's paper has a weekend section that may list things extending into next week.
class of some sort: or a nature tour, or something like that. It's kind of between sessions. The local adult ed has lots of listing for the fall, but the summer classes are over.
I even checked the church where they had the Transgender Day of Remembrance last fall. There's nothing going on that day.
I also considered going to DC and visiting my congressman. He knows me by my male name. I wonder if he'd recognise me. Alas, it's summer recess time. Maybe he'll have a town hall or something that day.
I'm not going to check my synagogue. It would be too tempting to go to something there, especially if it was Rosh Hodesh (it's not).
Hm.
Is anyone going to be around?
Wednesday, June 15, 2011
Sonora Sage, Part 1
Saturday, I met Senora Sage. She had commented on my blog and I loved the name. I poked around a bit and found her blog. I read a few entries, went back to the beginning, read her bio, and I could find no obvious connection to the trans community. She did have a number of t-followers. Every blog of every reader I've had time to look at so far has been t-related. I wrote her and asked her about it.
It turns out she works at the Arizona-Sonora Desert Museum. She's British, from the Brighton area (SS ~ correct me if I misremembered anything) and has been in the states (various states) for a long time.
She also has a lot of friends in the lesbian and t-community. And now she has one more.
I don't know what led her to my blog, but it was timely. It was shortly before my trip to Arizona; she offered her opinion on my outfit options.
She offered to give me a "special tour" of the museum and perhaps go shopping. I took her up on her offer.
I did not get enough sleep Friday night. It took a while to write those posts you read over the past few days and longer until I felt like changing. Then, by the time I removed everything it was around midnight. I didn't put everything away, but I knew I'd have to do that before I go out Saturday so the maid service wouldn't trip over all my stuff.
One liberating thought: I had to remove everything, but I didn't have to remove everything. I removed my makeup but didn't need to make sure every drop was cleaned up. The next time anyone would see me, I'd still be Meg.
I was up, and not ready to fall back asleep, at 5:30. I was planning on getting up at 6, so I spent a futile half-hour trying to sleep for the quick minute I knew I needed but wouldn't get.
* Makeup should be repeatable. It never seems to be. My foundation did not seem to go on right. It seemed to cake in spots and not cover in others, especially my nose. Then... it did.
* My eye liner went better today than yesterday. Both eyes have thin black lines pretty much where I wanted them. Yesterday, from the line thickness, it seemed I had eye liner confused with ocean liner.
* My brows have looked better. Thank god for bangs!
* I decided to go with my "Christine O'Donnell" lipstick and gloss. Then I changed my mind and took it off and picked out something else.
* I considered getting coffee downstairs before leaving. Did I mention my classmates are staying here? I have not decided to do this, but I'm getting nervous about it.
At 745, I was ready to go, sorta. I e-mailed Sonora Sage and told her I was ready to lock up the computer and head out. But I forgot to put everything away. I quickly put away my makeup and clothes I wasn't wearing. I also put the top and skirt from yesterday in a bag, along with my new slip and my mules. I brought the mules so I could change shoes if the wedges became uncomfortable. I brought the clothes because I decided to get coffee in the hotel after all and wanted insurance against a spill on the road. I was careful and didn't need the extra outfit, but, well, that's why you have insurance, right?
I'll go into my visit with Sonora Sage tomorrow. There was one interesting event on the road.
About ten miles out of town the speed limit went from 65 to 55, then 45, then 35, then 25, then 15. The two-lane road became a one-lane road and a sign "all cars must stop ahead" followed the 15 miles per hour sign. That was followed by an INS checkpoint.
There were three cars ahead of me. Three agents were very interested in the car at the front of the line, opening doors, looking in windows, and so on. They then directed the car to a holding area.
My thought: I'm screwed. What do I say? "Hi. Well, this is embarrassing."
I didn't have a clue, really. The next two cars were waved through with a just a glance inside.
I rolled down my window. The agent waved my car to move up.
I looked at him through my sunglasses.
He said "thank you, ma'am. Have a nice day."
I drove on.
 |
| The Lovely Sonora Sage |
It turns out she works at the Arizona-Sonora Desert Museum. She's British, from the Brighton area (SS ~ correct me if I misremembered anything) and has been in the states (various states) for a long time.
She also has a lot of friends in the lesbian and t-community. And now she has one more.
I don't know what led her to my blog, but it was timely. It was shortly before my trip to Arizona; she offered her opinion on my outfit options.
She offered to give me a "special tour" of the museum and perhaps go shopping. I took her up on her offer.
I did not get enough sleep Friday night. It took a while to write those posts you read over the past few days and longer until I felt like changing. Then, by the time I removed everything it was around midnight. I didn't put everything away, but I knew I'd have to do that before I go out Saturday so the maid service wouldn't trip over all my stuff.
One liberating thought: I had to remove everything, but I didn't have to remove everything. I removed my makeup but didn't need to make sure every drop was cleaned up. The next time anyone would see me, I'd still be Meg.
I was up, and not ready to fall back asleep, at 5:30. I was planning on getting up at 6, so I spent a futile half-hour trying to sleep for the quick minute I knew I needed but wouldn't get.
Notes From the Vanity
* Makeup should be repeatable. It never seems to be. My foundation did not seem to go on right. It seemed to cake in spots and not cover in others, especially my nose. Then... it did.
* My eye liner went better today than yesterday. Both eyes have thin black lines pretty much where I wanted them. Yesterday, from the line thickness, it seemed I had eye liner confused with ocean liner.
* My brows have looked better. Thank god for bangs!
* I decided to go with my "Christine O'Donnell" lipstick and gloss. Then I changed my mind and took it off and picked out something else.
* I considered getting coffee downstairs before leaving. Did I mention my classmates are staying here? I have not decided to do this, but I'm getting nervous about it.
At 745, I was ready to go, sorta. I e-mailed Sonora Sage and told her I was ready to lock up the computer and head out. But I forgot to put everything away. I quickly put away my makeup and clothes I wasn't wearing. I also put the top and skirt from yesterday in a bag, along with my new slip and my mules. I brought the mules so I could change shoes if the wedges became uncomfortable. I brought the clothes because I decided to get coffee in the hotel after all and wanted insurance against a spill on the road. I was careful and didn't need the extra outfit, but, well, that's why you have insurance, right?
I'll go into my visit with Sonora Sage tomorrow. There was one interesting event on the road.
I'm Screwed. No, I'm Passing
About ten miles out of town the speed limit went from 65 to 55, then 45, then 35, then 25, then 15. The two-lane road became a one-lane road and a sign "all cars must stop ahead" followed the 15 miles per hour sign. That was followed by an INS checkpoint.
There were three cars ahead of me. Three agents were very interested in the car at the front of the line, opening doors, looking in windows, and so on. They then directed the car to a holding area.
My thought: I'm screwed. What do I say? "Hi. Well, this is embarrassing."
I didn't have a clue, really. The next two cars were waved through with a just a glance inside.
I rolled down my window. The agent waved my car to move up.
I looked at him through my sunglasses.
He said "thank you, ma'am. Have a nice day."
I drove on.
Monday, June 13, 2011
Nailed It!
Friday night, you may have gathered, I went out and had my nails done. The "after" picture is to the right. Click and you can zoom down to see my toes. I know one particular reader will zoom in to my feet and say "Not. Your. Toes." I'll talk about the picture and Rita, who took the picture, in a little bit.
I've only done this a few times. I've only had my fingernails done as Meg, and my toenails done in drab.
Manicures and pedicures are enjoyable. It's not just "clean up nails, put on varnish." I won't go into the details ~ you all probably know there are creams and lotions and massages involved as well. For a pedicure, you start with your feet in a warm whirlpool bath, while sitting in a massage chair.
I was a bit apprehensive when I walked in. There were eight techs that I could see, and half were male. A few people were waiting. I asked the man who asked if he could help me how long I'd have to wait for a manicure and pedicure. He said "no wait. Pick a colour." I asked who the technician would be. He said (exact quote) "that woman in the back." The key word in the right answer was "woman." If he said "man" I would have requested a female tech. I don't care how I'm dressed; I'm really not interested in holding hands with a guy for an hour or so.
The woman in question was maybe 35, and pleasant looking. That's fine. She prepared chair five for me, and she told me to put my feet were put in that little whirlpool bath, and the male tech working on the woman in chair four showed me how to turn on the massage.
Chair four was occupied by a loud, large woman who kept talking across the salon to her friend who was getting a manicure. I know the type. She says what's on her mind, she doesn't mind any attention she might get ~ she craves it. If she can get more attention by being crude, so be it. She also is entertained by her own act. She thinks she's funnier than she is. That's OK, really. All women are wonderful.
About the time I was wondering how long I was going to soak, a different tech came over ~ a pretty young woman who said she was 26, but looked 19.
While I was waiting, chair four made a couple of random comments in my direction, such as "don't mind me. We'll be gone soon." I assured her I was enjoying the pedicure with entertainment. She bantered with her friend about bangs ~ her freind wanted them and she told her that wasn't a good look for her. I was so tempted to jump in and say "should I take that personally?" just to see what she would say. She mentioned (shouted) to her friend that she can't wait to get to DC. I used the opening to ask if she was visiting or moving to DC. We chatted a bit. She was worried about making friends in the DC area and I said "I doubt you'd ever have trouble making friends." She said "I'm not a social butterfly; I'm a social bulldozer." She was entertaining. She was very talkative, and I tried to keep up my end of the conversation, asking questions and talking about DC and what she'll find there. The rest of the patrons ignored me. I looked around at them more than they did. There were a couple of men in the salon, chatting with wives, coming and going as their wives/girlfriends had their treatments. They ignored me too. Maybe they wished they could share the experience with their OH, but....
I chatted with the tech too, about the colour and what she thought of it, how long she worked there, and such. I mentioned that I have never had my nails done before. As I said previously, it's a little lie but a conversation starter. Plus, I have my nails done so rarely that by saying "never" I get more guidance from the technician. She assumes I know nothing. I told the tech I'd have to remove the polish in a couple of days and she responded with a shocked "why?" but she didn't wait for an answer. She scurried off to get these weird foam flip-flops so I could get up and walk to the fingernail station.
At one point, while she was doing my fingers, I asked if she ever had "a customer like me." She said "what do you mean, like you?" I smiled and said "thank you." She said "you're a client, no different from any other client." While my nails were drying, she had a problem. She came to me and said "ma'am, I accidentally voided your credit card payment" and she needed me to pay again. I told her I couldn't open my purse with my wet fingers but I would take care of it before I left. I asked if she would take a picture for me, and she said she had to leave and couldn't but someone else would.
The appointed photographer spoke way too little English. He came by and said "picture?" I said "after I'm dry." He persisted and so did I and eventually he understood.
About drying: I was placed at their little drying table, with the fans and lights to speed drying for hands and feet. It was right at the front of the shop, and you could sit on either side, facing in or facing out. She sat me facing out, next to the only other patron at the table. My first impulse was to face in, so I'd have a smaller audience. My second was to face in, so I wouldn't be next to someone else. I tossed both aside and sat down. My neighbor was on the phone; she only had a pedicure so her hands were free.
She ignored me, and made another phone call, apparently to her husband. At least I didn't hear any "you'll never guess what I'm sitting next to" comments. Eventually, she looked up from her phone and said "that's a pretty colour. It looks very nice on you." I thanked her and said it was my first time. She was amazed, like meeting someone who never had her nails done was more amazing than meeting a crossdresser! We started talking. She was down from Phoenix to be with her daughter who was getting a pedicure right over there and expecting twins Any Day Now. My fingers seemed dry and she seemed content to sit there, since she had to wait anyway. I mentioned that I had to take off the polish in a couple of days and she said "why?" as well. I told her I couldn't go to work like this and she laughed.
Her son-in-law and granddaughter (age 5) came in. He talked to her briefly, ignored me, and went to talk to his wife. I heard the granddaughter say: "I want purple. No, pink with glitter" and so on.
The man came by again to get paid and take my picture. First he was insistent on just taking a picture of my fingers. I said no, I wanted me and my fingers but he wasn't understanding that. I suggested standing in front of the rows of bottles but wanted to make sure my new friend wasn't in the picture. She joked "you don't want my picture?" I said "I'd love your picture" but didn't get one. That was stupid. Really really stupid.
I was trying to figure out how to hold my fingers and she came to the rescue. She introduced herself (Rita) and I, of course said, "call me Meg." She suggested the pose and insisted on taking two pictures, in case one didn't come out. I asked if she could get me and my toes in a photo. She did, taking two more. She handed me my camera and said "you know you're beautiful... absolutely stunning."
She must have been the one who was stunning, because I was stunned. I was speechless. I squeaked out a thank you, wished her and her daughter the best of luck and I haven't stopped smiling since. Hours later, I figured out the correct response.
A hug.
On the way out, I walked into the Dillards which was between my car and me. It was now about 8:30 or a bit later.
 |
| After (Photo by Rita) |
I've only done this a few times. I've only had my fingernails done as Meg, and my toenails done in drab.
Manicures and pedicures are enjoyable. It's not just "clean up nails, put on varnish." I won't go into the details ~ you all probably know there are creams and lotions and massages involved as well. For a pedicure, you start with your feet in a warm whirlpool bath, while sitting in a massage chair.
I was a bit apprehensive when I walked in. There were eight techs that I could see, and half were male. A few people were waiting. I asked the man who asked if he could help me how long I'd have to wait for a manicure and pedicure. He said "no wait. Pick a colour." I asked who the technician would be. He said (exact quote) "that woman in the back." The key word in the right answer was "woman." If he said "man" I would have requested a female tech. I don't care how I'm dressed; I'm really not interested in holding hands with a guy for an hour or so.
The woman in question was maybe 35, and pleasant looking. That's fine. She prepared chair five for me, and she told me to put my feet were put in that little whirlpool bath, and the male tech working on the woman in chair four showed me how to turn on the massage.
Chair four was occupied by a loud, large woman who kept talking across the salon to her friend who was getting a manicure. I know the type. She says what's on her mind, she doesn't mind any attention she might get ~ she craves it. If she can get more attention by being crude, so be it. She also is entertained by her own act. She thinks she's funnier than she is. That's OK, really. All women are wonderful.
About the time I was wondering how long I was going to soak, a different tech came over ~ a pretty young woman who said she was 26, but looked 19.
While I was waiting, chair four made a couple of random comments in my direction, such as "don't mind me. We'll be gone soon." I assured her I was enjoying the pedicure with entertainment. She bantered with her friend about bangs ~ her freind wanted them and she told her that wasn't a good look for her. I was so tempted to jump in and say "should I take that personally?" just to see what she would say. She mentioned (shouted) to her friend that she can't wait to get to DC. I used the opening to ask if she was visiting or moving to DC. We chatted a bit. She was worried about making friends in the DC area and I said "I doubt you'd ever have trouble making friends." She said "I'm not a social butterfly; I'm a social bulldozer." She was entertaining. She was very talkative, and I tried to keep up my end of the conversation, asking questions and talking about DC and what she'll find there. The rest of the patrons ignored me. I looked around at them more than they did. There were a couple of men in the salon, chatting with wives, coming and going as their wives/girlfriends had their treatments. They ignored me too. Maybe they wished they could share the experience with their OH, but....
I chatted with the tech too, about the colour and what she thought of it, how long she worked there, and such. I mentioned that I have never had my nails done before. As I said previously, it's a little lie but a conversation starter. Plus, I have my nails done so rarely that by saying "never" I get more guidance from the technician. She assumes I know nothing. I told the tech I'd have to remove the polish in a couple of days and she responded with a shocked "why?" but she didn't wait for an answer. She scurried off to get these weird foam flip-flops so I could get up and walk to the fingernail station.
At one point, while she was doing my fingers, I asked if she ever had "a customer like me." She said "what do you mean, like you?" I smiled and said "thank you." She said "you're a client, no different from any other client." While my nails were drying, she had a problem. She came to me and said "ma'am, I accidentally voided your credit card payment" and she needed me to pay again. I told her I couldn't open my purse with my wet fingers but I would take care of it before I left. I asked if she would take a picture for me, and she said she had to leave and couldn't but someone else would.
The appointed photographer spoke way too little English. He came by and said "picture?" I said "after I'm dry." He persisted and so did I and eventually he understood.
About drying: I was placed at their little drying table, with the fans and lights to speed drying for hands and feet. It was right at the front of the shop, and you could sit on either side, facing in or facing out. She sat me facing out, next to the only other patron at the table. My first impulse was to face in, so I'd have a smaller audience. My second was to face in, so I wouldn't be next to someone else. I tossed both aside and sat down. My neighbor was on the phone; she only had a pedicure so her hands were free.
She ignored me, and made another phone call, apparently to her husband. At least I didn't hear any "you'll never guess what I'm sitting next to" comments. Eventually, she looked up from her phone and said "that's a pretty colour. It looks very nice on you." I thanked her and said it was my first time. She was amazed, like meeting someone who never had her nails done was more amazing than meeting a crossdresser! We started talking. She was down from Phoenix to be with her daughter who was getting a pedicure right over there and expecting twins Any Day Now. My fingers seemed dry and she seemed content to sit there, since she had to wait anyway. I mentioned that I had to take off the polish in a couple of days and she said "why?" as well. I told her I couldn't go to work like this and she laughed.
Her son-in-law and granddaughter (age 5) came in. He talked to her briefly, ignored me, and went to talk to his wife. I heard the granddaughter say: "I want purple. No, pink with glitter" and so on.
The man came by again to get paid and take my picture. First he was insistent on just taking a picture of my fingers. I said no, I wanted me and my fingers but he wasn't understanding that. I suggested standing in front of the rows of bottles but wanted to make sure my new friend wasn't in the picture. She joked "you don't want my picture?" I said "I'd love your picture" but didn't get one. That was stupid. Really really stupid.
I was trying to figure out how to hold my fingers and she came to the rescue. She introduced herself (Rita) and I, of course said, "call me Meg." She suggested the pose and insisted on taking two pictures, in case one didn't come out. I asked if she could get me and my toes in a photo. She did, taking two more. She handed me my camera and said "you know you're beautiful... absolutely stunning."
She must have been the one who was stunning, because I was stunned. I was speechless. I squeaked out a thank you, wished her and her daughter the best of luck and I haven't stopped smiling since. Hours later, I figured out the correct response.
A hug.
On the way out, I walked into the Dillards which was between my car and me. It was now about 8:30 or a bit later.
Sunday, June 12, 2011
Friday Night
Friday 3:45pm
The instructor finished early and I left the class around 3:30 instead of 4:30.
That means I can move my schedule up or catch up on some things that need doing and go out on schedule. If I assume it's goingto take two hours to get ready, I could get out around 5:30. That's too late for the nail places that close early, so I think I'll take my time and stay more-or-less on schedule.
One thing I've been wrestling with: my laundry. No-one seems to know quite when it will reappear at the front desk. I'd like to pick it up before I change. I'm not sure I'd be comfortable going there afterwards, partly because my classmates, as I've mentioned, are staying here. Coming out is one thing. Being found out is another.
I'm going to check the location and hours and services of two possible salons, then check on my laundry, then shower and get started. If they tell me my laundry will be ready soon, I may check after showering or delay changing for a few minutes. I plan the heck out of everything and then end up playing everything by ear!
It turns out that one nail salon is 2/10 of a mile away! I can walk, even in my heels. The other I was interested in is three miles away but the home page says they are not accepting any new nail customers until August!
And then there's the mall. Two nail salons, walk-ins welcome. There are also a lot in town, many on my way to the mall.
Friday, 4:15pm
Score! My laundry is ready, so I'm ready. I have a few preliminaries and then I should be ready to get ready (!) a few minutes ahead of schedule.
First problem: I called the salon around the corner. I got an answering machine but I left a message. I gave my male name, since my voice doesn't track. Hopefully, they won't call me back while I'm in the shower!
Friday, 5:40pm
I am not doing a great job on my eyes. My liner is a bit too far from the lash line to be right, but it will have to do. And I just poked myself in the eye with the mascara! I left a black blotch right on my contact. I dabbed it off but I can't really remove the contacts to clean them without messing up a lot of face. Ugh.
Friday, 6:10pm
I'm dressed, except for wig and accessories but.... I see a hair on my chest. I shaved low, but this top is low low. Top off, bra off, pads out, shave AGAIN, pluck a couple of strays and now I'm dressed AGAIN.
Friday, 7:00pm
I could not get hold of the salon. I spoke to my family back home ~ my wife is dead set against me going out this weekend, she thought it would be dangerous. At least as far as tonight went, she got it completely wrong. Details coming up!
I made a list of other nail salons nearby. I rejected one, even though it had good google reviews (for what they're worth) because it was to the west. I was told that I'm at the western edge of the "safe" neighborhood.
I was somewhat anxious tonight as I was getting ready. I'm not sure why. One of my readers who doesn't want her name mentioned, wrote and I started writing back how I was feeling, what I was doing, and that helped my mood a lot. So a special thank you to [name redacted]! Maybe there's something to this therapy stuff after all.
As I've done hundreds... um, dozens... um, too few times before, I stepped out of my room (the entrance is to an outdoor walkway, second floor) walked to the stairs in my fuschia wedges and down the steps. As I got to the car, I realised I left the list of nail salons on the desk in the room. About face, up stairs, and another grand entrance into the world, paper in hand.
And (thank you again) ~ I was calm, happy, ready to face the world. And I did.
First salon on the list was a couple of blocks off the main drag. There is ONE main drag here ~ Fry Blvd. I drove there and immediately noticed that this did NOT look like an area I wanted to be. I drove back to Fry and went to salon number two. That was a salon/flower store. No. Salon number three was in a strip mall, as is almost everything. I drove in and there were a half-dozen teenagers, mostly girls, standing outside the salon. Loud music was playing and they were sort of crowding the front of the store. I swung carefully around them and drove on. The next salon was a block later and I missed the driveway.
So it was on to the mall. Someone was clearly guiding me there. It worked out well, but I've written enough that I'm going to leave the mall for tomorrow.
I'm still dressed as I'm writing this, at 9:25pm Friday. It wasn't a long trip out, but it was truly one of the best.
I feel great, and I'm thrilled that I get to share my experience with you all. I think I've said it before: go out. It is worth it. I wish I could take every one of you who refuses to share their beauty with the world by the hand and go out ~ just for a drive maybe. But out.
I shouldn't say that. That's what the pusher says to the kid: try it. It's on me. See if you like it.
But it's worth it. I wish I had started going out thirty years ago.
The picture is from before I left for the mall, with my new purse. I don't have much in the way of photo editing here so it's kind of large, if you click it.
 |
| In My Room |
The instructor finished early and I left the class around 3:30 instead of 4:30.
That means I can move my schedule up or catch up on some things that need doing and go out on schedule. If I assume it's goingto take two hours to get ready, I could get out around 5:30. That's too late for the nail places that close early, so I think I'll take my time and stay more-or-less on schedule.
One thing I've been wrestling with: my laundry. No-one seems to know quite when it will reappear at the front desk. I'd like to pick it up before I change. I'm not sure I'd be comfortable going there afterwards, partly because my classmates, as I've mentioned, are staying here. Coming out is one thing. Being found out is another.
I'm going to check the location and hours and services of two possible salons, then check on my laundry, then shower and get started. If they tell me my laundry will be ready soon, I may check after showering or delay changing for a few minutes. I plan the heck out of everything and then end up playing everything by ear!
It turns out that one nail salon is 2/10 of a mile away! I can walk, even in my heels. The other I was interested in is three miles away but the home page says they are not accepting any new nail customers until August!
And then there's the mall. Two nail salons, walk-ins welcome. There are also a lot in town, many on my way to the mall.
Friday, 4:15pm
Score! My laundry is ready, so I'm ready. I have a few preliminaries and then I should be ready to get ready (!) a few minutes ahead of schedule.
First problem: I called the salon around the corner. I got an answering machine but I left a message. I gave my male name, since my voice doesn't track. Hopefully, they won't call me back while I'm in the shower!
Friday, 5:40pm
I am not doing a great job on my eyes. My liner is a bit too far from the lash line to be right, but it will have to do. And I just poked myself in the eye with the mascara! I left a black blotch right on my contact. I dabbed it off but I can't really remove the contacts to clean them without messing up a lot of face. Ugh.
Friday, 6:10pm
I'm dressed, except for wig and accessories but.... I see a hair on my chest. I shaved low, but this top is low low. Top off, bra off, pads out, shave AGAIN, pluck a couple of strays and now I'm dressed AGAIN.
Friday, 7:00pm
I could not get hold of the salon. I spoke to my family back home ~ my wife is dead set against me going out this weekend, she thought it would be dangerous. At least as far as tonight went, she got it completely wrong. Details coming up!
I made a list of other nail salons nearby. I rejected one, even though it had good google reviews (for what they're worth) because it was to the west. I was told that I'm at the western edge of the "safe" neighborhood.
I was somewhat anxious tonight as I was getting ready. I'm not sure why. One of my readers who doesn't want her name mentioned, wrote and I started writing back how I was feeling, what I was doing, and that helped my mood a lot. So a special thank you to [name redacted]! Maybe there's something to this therapy stuff after all.
As I've done hundreds... um, dozens... um, too few times before, I stepped out of my room (the entrance is to an outdoor walkway, second floor) walked to the stairs in my fuschia wedges and down the steps. As I got to the car, I realised I left the list of nail salons on the desk in the room. About face, up stairs, and another grand entrance into the world, paper in hand.
And (thank you again) ~ I was calm, happy, ready to face the world. And I did.
First salon on the list was a couple of blocks off the main drag. There is ONE main drag here ~ Fry Blvd. I drove there and immediately noticed that this did NOT look like an area I wanted to be. I drove back to Fry and went to salon number two. That was a salon/flower store. No. Salon number three was in a strip mall, as is almost everything. I drove in and there were a half-dozen teenagers, mostly girls, standing outside the salon. Loud music was playing and they were sort of crowding the front of the store. I swung carefully around them and drove on. The next salon was a block later and I missed the driveway.
So it was on to the mall. Someone was clearly guiding me there. It worked out well, but I've written enough that I'm going to leave the mall for tomorrow.
I'm still dressed as I'm writing this, at 9:25pm Friday. It wasn't a long trip out, but it was truly one of the best.
I feel great, and I'm thrilled that I get to share my experience with you all. I think I've said it before: go out. It is worth it. I wish I could take every one of you who refuses to share their beauty with the world by the hand and go out ~ just for a drive maybe. But out.
I shouldn't say that. That's what the pusher says to the kid: try it. It's on me. See if you like it.
But it's worth it. I wish I had started going out thirty years ago.
The picture is from before I left for the mall, with my new purse. I don't have much in the way of photo editing here so it's kind of large, if you click it.
Friday, June 10, 2011
Progress
I had breakfast at the little restaurant across the street. Many of the clientele wore army fatigues. I was there early, and Meg would be there later, if she decided to eat there. Two of my classmates are staying at this hotel. I'll try to find out what their weekend plans are without getting invited along. I just want to avoid them. I may have to give up Sunday and join one or more, to be sociable. As I've said, I'm not sure if "sociable" or "Meg things" are further outside my comfort zone.
I skipped lunch to meet my new teams. I was hoping to get out by 4 so I could grab some fast food (ugh) before my waxing appointment at 5. I didn't.
I originally went to a different salon that sounded promising. No appointments Tue or Thu, and they closed early on Wed. Plus we planned to have dinner as a group Wed, so that wouldn't work anyway. The friendly woman suggested Friday, but that wouldn't work. I went to my second choice salon.
A young woman told me there were no appointments for that day, but she had some for Wed or Thursday at 5. I asked if the waxer had experience with eyebrows and she said "ten years." I opted for Thursday, at 5 with Liz.
People dropped out of the Wednesday dinner, so I dropped by the salon where an older (as in, older than me) woman said there was nothing available that evening so I stayed with what I had.
The older woman, I discovered when I arrived, was Liz. She led me to the wax room and left while I removed my shirt and pants and wrapped a towel around my waist.
She was friendly and chatty. She must have noticed my panties as she tucked the towel over the waistband to keep them wax free, but said nothing. She said I had to sit up so she could do my shoulders and I told her I wanted to be able to wear a sleeveless top without hair showing. She said "I understand." I was tempted to ask if she really did, and explain if she didn't. I didn't ~ it didn't seem necessary. She could also see that my chest was shaved down to about my nipples ~ no comment on that either.
I know she couldn't go up to my hairline. It's ragged in the back and the only way to make a smooth line would be with a razor. So I tried to fix the back myself but I'm not that worried about it. My wig will cover any sins.
When she was ready to do my brows she asked if I wanted to "follow the line" and I said I wanted a slight arch. She said "like now. They're arched. I can follow the arch." She did. She asked if I wanted them trimmed and I said "whatever you think they need." My wife will not like this. I do ~ it will make the weekend easier.
Shaving my arms has not worked as well as hoped. I gave myself some serious razor burn on the underside of my upper arms the other day. It looks better today, but not great. I'm still learning where the most sensitive skin is, and how to avoid it. I know the inside of my elbows and backs of my knees are very sensitive. I barely touch the skin with a razor there, to avoid burn. I know my underarms are, but I didn't realise it extended down my arm so far! Boy sleeves cover it; girl sleeves will not.
My evening was spent in my mules, and I tried to put all of my clothes, accessories, and makeup ready for tomorrow evening. I noticed I brought way too much makeup. I mean, for starters, do I need four mascaras? Absolutely not!
The salon closes at 6, so I can't have my nails done there. There's always the mall.
I keep going back and forth between skirt and dress for Friday evening. I'm concerned that the nail lady will feel like I'm trying to flash her if she's giving me a pedicure and I have a short dress on.
I just realised I've never had a pedicure as Meg. I think this will be my third. I will deny ever having had one to the nail lady, of course.
I skipped lunch to meet my new teams. I was hoping to get out by 4 so I could grab some fast food (ugh) before my waxing appointment at 5. I didn't.
I originally went to a different salon that sounded promising. No appointments Tue or Thu, and they closed early on Wed. Plus we planned to have dinner as a group Wed, so that wouldn't work anyway. The friendly woman suggested Friday, but that wouldn't work. I went to my second choice salon.
A young woman told me there were no appointments for that day, but she had some for Wed or Thursday at 5. I asked if the waxer had experience with eyebrows and she said "ten years." I opted for Thursday, at 5 with Liz.
People dropped out of the Wednesday dinner, so I dropped by the salon where an older (as in, older than me) woman said there was nothing available that evening so I stayed with what I had.
The older woman, I discovered when I arrived, was Liz. She led me to the wax room and left while I removed my shirt and pants and wrapped a towel around my waist.
She was friendly and chatty. She must have noticed my panties as she tucked the towel over the waistband to keep them wax free, but said nothing. She said I had to sit up so she could do my shoulders and I told her I wanted to be able to wear a sleeveless top without hair showing. She said "I understand." I was tempted to ask if she really did, and explain if she didn't. I didn't ~ it didn't seem necessary. She could also see that my chest was shaved down to about my nipples ~ no comment on that either.
I know she couldn't go up to my hairline. It's ragged in the back and the only way to make a smooth line would be with a razor. So I tried to fix the back myself but I'm not that worried about it. My wig will cover any sins.
When she was ready to do my brows she asked if I wanted to "follow the line" and I said I wanted a slight arch. She said "like now. They're arched. I can follow the arch." She did. She asked if I wanted them trimmed and I said "whatever you think they need." My wife will not like this. I do ~ it will make the weekend easier.
Shaving my arms has not worked as well as hoped. I gave myself some serious razor burn on the underside of my upper arms the other day. It looks better today, but not great. I'm still learning where the most sensitive skin is, and how to avoid it. I know the inside of my elbows and backs of my knees are very sensitive. I barely touch the skin with a razor there, to avoid burn. I know my underarms are, but I didn't realise it extended down my arm so far! Boy sleeves cover it; girl sleeves will not.
My evening was spent in my mules, and I tried to put all of my clothes, accessories, and makeup ready for tomorrow evening. I noticed I brought way too much makeup. I mean, for starters, do I need four mascaras? Absolutely not!
The salon closes at 6, so I can't have my nails done there. There's always the mall.
I keep going back and forth between skirt and dress for Friday evening. I'm concerned that the nail lady will feel like I'm trying to flash her if she's giving me a pedicure and I have a short dress on.
I just realised I've never had a pedicure as Meg. I think this will be my third. I will deny ever having had one to the nail lady, of course.
Wednesday, June 8, 2011
I Had A Thought
 |
| No No NO! |
Breakfast Saturday and Sunday will be tricky.
I'm not sure I want to eat at the hotel. There's a place right across the street but I don't think I want to eat there twice in a row as Meg. What I want is to avoid trouble in an area where I think trouble might be hard to avoid.
I'm a bit nervous.
I also realised that the print dress is OUT. There is a thrift shop right across the street and I hope to visit it soon.
I brought an empty zip-up canvas bag with me. I think it'll be full when I go home.
An Update
I try to write in advance. I'm not very far ahead right now, but I wrote the above post Tuesday morning.
Tuesday at lunch, I came back to the hotel and did some work and then walked across the street to the thrift shop. There are some possibles, but nothing I felt I needed to buy. I saw a purse for $10 which I liked but passed on.
Tuesday after work I tried to get my back and brows waxed. My first choice was booked, and booked on Thursday. On Wednesday they close early and I couldn't make it. I drove back a few miles to my second choice and made an appointment for Thursday at 5. I wanted to do this sooner; I'm afraid I'm cutting it close, so to speak. I will tell the wax lady I'd like my brows "a bit feminine" and tell her why if she asks. I suspect she'll either know why or ask "why?" as in "why would you want to do that?" Either way, I asked and was told she's been waxing for ten years and should be a professional about it. I will also tell her my goal for my back is to be able to wear a tank top without hair showing. No, I have nothing sleeveless. I just don't want any hair showing regardless of what I wear. If they do a nice job on my brows and back, I'll make a Friday evening appointment for my nails. If they have no appointments available, there are two nail places in the mall.
Which I know because, after I left the salon, I went to the mall. It's not very impressive. There is a Dillards ($) and a Sears (¢). I found a Sag Harbor faux snakeskin bag (they call it charcoal). This is it. It was on sale from $42, and I thought it roomy and reasonable. My problem with purses is, I'd feel it was worth the money if I was in love with it, but I'm never in love with purses. I don't have this problem with dresses or shoes.
Thursday, June 2, 2011
Four Options
I'd like to wear something sleeveless. I have some sheath dresses that I've only worn in the house, and there are lots of light, pretty, sundresses in the stores.
This means I'm going to remove more hair than I have in the past.
The biggest problem is Places I Cannot See. It's hard to see parts of the underside of your own arm, your back and the back of your neck. I state the obvious. Legs are easier.
I'm going to have to not only make sure my legs and arms are hairless, but I have to make sure my arms are COMPLETELY hairless, right up to and behind my shoulders, plus underarms. My neck and upper back (at least) must be hairless. My chest doesn't need to be shaved more than usual, although I might go further; I haven't decided yet. I might just get carried away and keep on shaving. I have some tapes for breast forms and I'm thinking about attaching them for the weekend. I'm not sure how that works with sleeping, and I'm not sure how to remove them. And I'm not sure if I'll do that at all, although it would be an interesting experience to not wear a bra, if I don't want to.
I see four options to hair removal. I'm not sure how many I'll use, or for what areas yet. I'm thinking about it, and I'm open to suggestions from my readers.
Remember, I have a few days to get ready and touch-up since I'll be in Arizona for three nights before my planned first trip out.
1. shaving. My electric shaver works quite well, and I'll probably bring a hand razor as well. That's probably the best combination for chest.
2. epilation. I did try this again, on my arms. It doesn't seem to get everything, it is incredibly itchy, it hurts but not unbearably. I doubt I can use it on places I cannot see. I'd like to try it again on my legs, to see how it does. I can follow up with one of the other options if it doesn't work well.
3. waxing. I have had my brows, back, and arms waxed at different times. I'm considering some body waxing. It's the most expensive option though, and I've had very thorough wax jobs and sloppy ones. I'll be trying someone new.
4. dipilitation. There's always Nair, but that's also tricky for areas I can't see or reach easily. I've also had problems where areas redden and stay red for way too long (upper chest).
I do need to plan and decide NOW. For three of the four, I need to leave some growth or they won't work and shaving is it by default. Since I had to not shave in preparation for last weekend, I think my body hair is long enough for any of the options right now. But if shaving is "it," I should be shaving already to make it easier.
I have not made a decision about my brows yet. I haven't been cleaning them up, and that worries me a bit. I don't want a stranger to work on them. I've had one bad experience (where she worked hard to create boybrows and it looked awful) and the potential for going too far is always present. Maybe if I explain what I want to do and get my brows waxed Tuesday evening I'll be good.
I'm considering:
legs: try epilator; nair or shave if it's not effective.
arms: if epilating legs work, try that. If not, wax or nair, then shave to clean up
back and back of neck: wax. Maybe I'll see if she'll do my shoulders as well
underarms: shave. I think that's traditional. :)
chest: shave
Wow. That's a lot of area to cover. So to speak.
This means I'm going to remove more hair than I have in the past.
The biggest problem is Places I Cannot See. It's hard to see parts of the underside of your own arm, your back and the back of your neck. I state the obvious. Legs are easier.
I'm going to have to not only make sure my legs and arms are hairless, but I have to make sure my arms are COMPLETELY hairless, right up to and behind my shoulders, plus underarms. My neck and upper back (at least) must be hairless. My chest doesn't need to be shaved more than usual, although I might go further; I haven't decided yet. I might just get carried away and keep on shaving. I have some tapes for breast forms and I'm thinking about attaching them for the weekend. I'm not sure how that works with sleeping, and I'm not sure how to remove them. And I'm not sure if I'll do that at all, although it would be an interesting experience to not wear a bra, if I don't want to.
I see four options to hair removal. I'm not sure how many I'll use, or for what areas yet. I'm thinking about it, and I'm open to suggestions from my readers.
Remember, I have a few days to get ready and touch-up since I'll be in Arizona for three nights before my planned first trip out.
1. shaving. My electric shaver works quite well, and I'll probably bring a hand razor as well. That's probably the best combination for chest.
2. epilation. I did try this again, on my arms. It doesn't seem to get everything, it is incredibly itchy, it hurts but not unbearably. I doubt I can use it on places I cannot see. I'd like to try it again on my legs, to see how it does. I can follow up with one of the other options if it doesn't work well.
3. waxing. I have had my brows, back, and arms waxed at different times. I'm considering some body waxing. It's the most expensive option though, and I've had very thorough wax jobs and sloppy ones. I'll be trying someone new.
4. dipilitation. There's always Nair, but that's also tricky for areas I can't see or reach easily. I've also had problems where areas redden and stay red for way too long (upper chest).
I do need to plan and decide NOW. For three of the four, I need to leave some growth or they won't work and shaving is it by default. Since I had to not shave in preparation for last weekend, I think my body hair is long enough for any of the options right now. But if shaving is "it," I should be shaving already to make it easier.
I have not made a decision about my brows yet. I haven't been cleaning them up, and that worries me a bit. I don't want a stranger to work on them. I've had one bad experience (where she worked hard to create boybrows and it looked awful) and the potential for going too far is always present. Maybe if I explain what I want to do and get my brows waxed Tuesday evening I'll be good.
I'm considering:
legs: try epilator; nair or shave if it's not effective.
arms: if epilating legs work, try that. If not, wax or nair, then shave to clean up
back and back of neck: wax. Maybe I'll see if she'll do my shoulders as well
underarms: shave. I think that's traditional. :)
chest: shave
Wow. That's a lot of area to cover. So to speak.
Wednesday, June 1, 2011
Testing the Waters
My new work hours are fungible. I find that it's best to not leave later than 7.40 or I hit traffic near the end of my trip. The last of my family normally leaves the house around 7.10.
Tuesday morning, I took advantage of that. For the record, I'm writing this Tuesday afternoon.
While we were away for the weekend, I was thinking about What To Wear in Arizona. I remembered an old white dress that I had never worn out but I liked. I had an intense urge to try it on immediately, but being 200 miles from home sort of prevented that. I also remembered that I bought a long blue dress at the same time, and thought that might be a good choice for Arizona as well. The two dresses are pictured here. The pictures are from August 1998 and they are headless because I look horrid.
Tuesday morning, as soon as the family left, I tried on about a half-dozen dresses and lined up a few more to try Wednesday. I didn't have appropriate underclothes so it's still hard to tell what will really work, but both the white and blue dresses seemed OK. The white has a kind of high waist ~ I need to take a second look at it.
I also pulled out a long flower patterned dress which I never wore out but it might be good for the trip. It fit well. I also found a red flowery dress that, after much deliberation ("it's really too tight" vs "it's really pretty") went into the clothing swap bag. I pulled out a couple of sheaths. One I thought was too formal; another was a bit too tight (but possible).
I have more to try on. I want to see if I have open-toed shoes I could wear. I want to try on the "finalists" with appropriate padding and undergarments.
Wednesday
Thursday
Friday
mornings and that's it. I can maybe try some clothes Monday, but I'd rather be packed by then! Also, if I can't find anything appropriate I'd like to shop a bit. There are not a lot of shopping options near my new job. No Marshalls or similar store. There's a dying mall not far away.
Here's the plan:
Wednesday: look into my shoes. Do I have anything barefootish?
Thursday: try on additional dresses/skirts/tops (although I doubt I have any appropriate tops)
Friday: Try on the "finalists" (probably six or seven ~ some combination of dresses and skirts?) with appropriate undies. Get to work later, if necessary.
Tuesday morning, I took advantage of that. For the record, I'm writing this Tuesday afternoon.
 |
| Ugh. But a nice dress |
 |
| Ditto |
Tuesday morning, as soon as the family left, I tried on about a half-dozen dresses and lined up a few more to try Wednesday. I didn't have appropriate underclothes so it's still hard to tell what will really work, but both the white and blue dresses seemed OK. The white has a kind of high waist ~ I need to take a second look at it.
I also pulled out a long flower patterned dress which I never wore out but it might be good for the trip. It fit well. I also found a red flowery dress that, after much deliberation ("it's really too tight" vs "it's really pretty") went into the clothing swap bag. I pulled out a couple of sheaths. One I thought was too formal; another was a bit too tight (but possible).
I have more to try on. I want to see if I have open-toed shoes I could wear. I want to try on the "finalists" with appropriate padding and undergarments.
Wednesday
Thursday
Friday
mornings and that's it. I can maybe try some clothes Monday, but I'd rather be packed by then! Also, if I can't find anything appropriate I'd like to shop a bit. There are not a lot of shopping options near my new job. No Marshalls or similar store. There's a dying mall not far away.
Here's the plan:
Wednesday: look into my shoes. Do I have anything barefootish?
Thursday: try on additional dresses/skirts/tops (although I doubt I have any appropriate tops)
Friday: Try on the "finalists" (probably six or seven ~ some combination of dresses and skirts?) with appropriate undies. Get to work later, if necessary.
Monday, May 23, 2011
Back at the Hotel
After I returned to the hotel, I did not want to change back. In the past, I've come back to my room and started to remove my makeup and clothes and shower pretty soon after. Then it's drab (if it's early) or my nightie (if it's not).
The last couple of times, I didn't.
As I mentioned, I really wanted to stay dressed forever after flying pretty and my Dinner with Dana. This time, I just didn't want to change. First, I didn't want to change to go out; now I didn't want to change back. I did kick off my shoes, but I wasn't sure what to do next. I ate in my room, as Meg, when I arrived in Topeka and Richmond.
But I'd already eaten and shopped and my heels were starting to ask to be removed.
But I didn't want to change. It wasn't the exhilaration I felt after Dinna with Dana, but I just felt... I don't know. Good? Right? Comfortable? Pretty? I don't know.
After about a half-hour I decided to grab a snack. I still wasn't particularly hungry, but I thought I'd like a snack and they have a little snack area near the front desk.
I decided to change before I went down.
So I removed my dress and carefully hung it up. Then I put on my top and skirt. Then I slipped my shoes back on.
I considered just carrying money and my key to the desk, but instead I emptied my purse except for some money and my key. I walked the length of the (empty) hallway, rode the elevator down to the (mostly empty) lobby.
When I first checked in, and when I came in Monday evening, I saw the same woman behind the counter. She was maybe 40, not at all my type but very friendly and a bit flirty and I returned the mood. I was hoping she'd be at the desk when Meg came in. I might have reminded her that she checked me in. I might not have.
When Meg came in, there was a guy, about 25 or so, at the desk. He looked up and gave a very friendly "hel-LO." It turns out he always does that, but it doesn't matter, does it? Either he's being extra-friendly to an older woman (cool) or he's being friendly because I'm a person worthy of respect no matter how I'm dressed. I said hello back, and said "how are you?" and responded when he returned the question.
The same man was there. I was hoping the woman would be there. I briefly considered heading back to my room, but if I'm going to be an out-of-the-closet female, I kind of have to interact with men, don't I?
I walked past the front desk (he wasn't looking up) and I picked out an ice cream bar. I said "excuse me" to get his attention and get that same "Hel-LO." I wonder if he thought it odd that I changed my clothes. I wonder if he thought crossdressers just like to change clothes. I wonder if he thought I spilled something on my dress and had to change. I wonder if he noticed me at all, really, when I came in. Fifty-year-old women are mostly invisible, especially to younger men.
I wondered a lot of things, but I really didn't care. If I can't read his mind or ask what he thought, I really don't care. After every interaction, I do want to ask "so when did you know?" but I never know if I can expect an honest answer. And I can only hope for a "when did I know what?" and be disappointed by any other answer. So I really don't care. But I do wonder.
One little mistake: I made a phone call before going to the lobby. When I'm on the phone, I remove my left earring so it doesn't get in the way of the phone. I forgot to put it back on.
After returning from the lobby, I ate my ice cream, did some organising, did some reading, answered my mail, made a few phone calls, and stayed Meg until shower time when changed into my nightgown.
It was a good evening. It was a really good evening.
The last couple of times, I didn't.
As I mentioned, I really wanted to stay dressed forever after flying pretty and my Dinner with Dana. This time, I just didn't want to change. First, I didn't want to change to go out; now I didn't want to change back. I did kick off my shoes, but I wasn't sure what to do next. I ate in my room, as Meg, when I arrived in Topeka and Richmond.
But I'd already eaten and shopped and my heels were starting to ask to be removed.
But I didn't want to change. It wasn't the exhilaration I felt after Dinna with Dana, but I just felt... I don't know. Good? Right? Comfortable? Pretty? I don't know.
After about a half-hour I decided to grab a snack. I still wasn't particularly hungry, but I thought I'd like a snack and they have a little snack area near the front desk.
I decided to change before I went down.
So I removed my dress and carefully hung it up. Then I put on my top and skirt. Then I slipped my shoes back on.
I considered just carrying money and my key to the desk, but instead I emptied my purse except for some money and my key. I walked the length of the (empty) hallway, rode the elevator down to the (mostly empty) lobby.
When I first checked in, and when I came in Monday evening, I saw the same woman behind the counter. She was maybe 40, not at all my type but very friendly and a bit flirty and I returned the mood. I was hoping she'd be at the desk when Meg came in. I might have reminded her that she checked me in. I might not have.
When Meg came in, there was a guy, about 25 or so, at the desk. He looked up and gave a very friendly "hel-LO." It turns out he always does that, but it doesn't matter, does it? Either he's being extra-friendly to an older woman (cool) or he's being friendly because I'm a person worthy of respect no matter how I'm dressed. I said hello back, and said "how are you?" and responded when he returned the question.
The same man was there. I was hoping the woman would be there. I briefly considered heading back to my room, but if I'm going to be an out-of-the-closet female, I kind of have to interact with men, don't I?
I walked past the front desk (he wasn't looking up) and I picked out an ice cream bar. I said "excuse me" to get his attention and get that same "Hel-LO." I wonder if he thought it odd that I changed my clothes. I wonder if he thought crossdressers just like to change clothes. I wonder if he thought I spilled something on my dress and had to change. I wonder if he noticed me at all, really, when I came in. Fifty-year-old women are mostly invisible, especially to younger men.
I wondered a lot of things, but I really didn't care. If I can't read his mind or ask what he thought, I really don't care. After every interaction, I do want to ask "so when did you know?" but I never know if I can expect an honest answer. And I can only hope for a "when did I know what?" and be disappointed by any other answer. So I really don't care. But I do wonder.
One little mistake: I made a phone call before going to the lobby. When I'm on the phone, I remove my left earring so it doesn't get in the way of the phone. I forgot to put it back on.
After returning from the lobby, I ate my ice cream, did some organising, did some reading, answered my mail, made a few phone calls, and stayed Meg until shower time when changed into my nightgown.
It was a good evening. It was a really good evening.
Wednesday, May 18, 2011
First Stop: Gordons Jewelers
 |
| At Gordon's with my mew necklace |
* go to the two jewelry stores where I wanted to take another look at the necklaces I saw earlier in the week. I planned to buy one (possibly more).
* buy one pair of panties, probably at Dillard's.
* grab a bite at the food court.
When I arrived it was almost 6, so I had to skip the lingerie store outside the mall. That was probably a good thing, from a budget point of view.
I parked pretty close to the entrance and saw only a couple of people as I entered. Walking towards the mall entrance I saw a woman leaving. She looked at me and gave me a HUGE smile. Again, I wonder why but don't really care if it's because she liked my dress or she was amused to see a man wearing it.
I walked through Macy's. I kind of zig-zagged through the store, walking on carpeted areas as much as possible. When I enter the first store as Meg, it sounds like my heels are echoing loudly enough to turn every head and bring down some walls and I don't want to be that conspicuous. By the time I enter the main mall that feeling is gone. I don't notice when it goes, but it disappears and I know I'm just another woman out to shop. I'm an overdressed woman, but a woman nonetheless.
I followed the right-hand wall and soon came to Gordon's.
I went in, expecting to see the same man I saw last time (although I'd have as much trouble recognising him as he would recognising me!). Instead, a 30-year-old woman came up to me and asked if she could help. I showed her the card, and she thought it was from one salesguy, who was there but seemed too busy to claim his commission. I told her there were two guys' names on the card; one helped me and he just wrote the other guy's name on the card. Once she was certain she wasn't taking someone else's sale, she gladly helped me.
She was a very friendly woman. She started by asked me if I was buying a treat for myself ~ I'm pretty sure I noticed a wink when she asked. I said yes. I was going to add that I had never bought myself a diamond before, but she changed subjects so fast it was hard to keep up. We looked at my two choices, she gave her opinion of each, she talked about how irresistible diamonds are.... It was great, it was real girl talk, and it made me feel fantastic. This is why I go out. And why the heck don't I interact with sales people more? They got the job because they're friendly, they make women feel welcome and comfortable, and they're the perfect people for Meg to chat with.
As I was paying, a Fed Ex guy showed up. The saleswoman chatted with him, she told me something about him and I ended up chatting with him briefly as well. He was an older guy (maybe mid-60s) and he was checking me out ~ honest.
She asked if I wanted to wear my new purchase and I just nodded. I took off my black necklace, dropped it in my purse, and put on the new one. I asked the saleswoman if she would take a picture of my in my new necklace. She did so gladly and in fact took two ~ just in case one didn't come out good. If you click and enlarge the picture, you can zoom in on my new purchase.
I left the store, went to the other jewelry store (another post) and realised that, although I was wearing my necklace I forgot the bag with the receipt and box! I knew I left it in Gordon's, so I headed back. I accused her of hiding the bag so I'd come back and buy something else. She said she was holding me hostage until I had all of the diamonds she knew I really wanted.
Can you imagine a back-and-forth like that between two guys?
I really enjoy being one of the girls. It seems like every new experience is one I cherish. It started long ago with wanting to wear girls' clothing but each new item, each new experience is one I feel is missing from my life and adding it adds to my happiness.
Who knew?
Friday, May 6, 2011
Catching Up On Y'All
I'm writing this Wednesday night. I don't know if I'm going out while in Dallas yet, but the plan is currently to go out Thursday. Update: I actually wrote three posts yesterday. Please enjoy them while you're visiting.
Oddly enough, other than my "underdressing" and nightgown, I haven't worn anything while I'm here. My dress, top, and skirts are hanging in the closet where they've been all week.
I'm not sure why. I think I have too much to do, and if I put on anything, I'll want to put on everything and I don't have time yet. There have been some glitches at work and I've been working late each day, and then kind of collapsing in my room after a late dinner.
My headache is gone, on schedule.
Wednesday, I mentioned to Michelle that I had lied about the picture on the flash drive. I said "it wasn't a friend. It was me." She did a head shake and shrug which clearly meant "I have no idea what you're talking about."
I hate when things end like that. I had a dozen scenarios in my mind, and that was none of them. (They ranged from "really? Why on earth would you do that?" to "Can I see it again? Didn't you have a bunch of pictures on there?" to "Some girlfriends and I went to a drag show a few weeks ago and we talked about how much fun it would be to dress up a guy. Are you game?" OK, that one's not very likely but, well, see below.
I think this is kind of typical of many of us. We go into a panic, afraid of what people will think or say or do and they say or do... nothing. And who cares what they think? I haven't met anyone who can hurt me with their thoughts. I will admit that, using the power of my mind alone, I can raise my arm anytime I want!
I didn't bring up the "wear a dress to work day" again, although I think that would be a day I'd never call in sick for. Maybe my next company has one.
Tonight (Wednesday), in addition to writing Friday's post (this one), I showered and did a final body shave. I shaved in the shower, and I took a very long shower. I just kept going. I took off more chest hair than usual, and I did my arms up pretty high. I can't go sleeveless but I think cap sleeves are OK. I don't know why I did this, except it felt good. I'm not planning to try on any clothes. I'll go to work the tiniest bit scruffy Thursday because I get a closer shave if I have a bit more hair to shave off. That'll be after work. I am still planning on the mall. My flight is mid-morning on Saturday, so I hope to write a Meg trip report before leaving Dallas. I have my camera and I'll put it in my purse, in the hopes I can get someone to take my picture. Maybe the jeweler, showing off my new necklace. If not, well, I'll have some hotel photos.
Now, I have a few comments on comments.
Anonymous but not Pat (as well as Dani) suggested inviting Michelle out for a drink with Meg. That's really tempting, but if she didn't even notice the picture.... I guess not.
Pat suggested using Meg's picture as a screensaver, but this place is locked down tight. I have no reason to bring out my machine (and I'm trying to clean that machine out anyway!) and it's almost impossible to load anything on their machines. I couldn't even get to a tech site I needed to go to because it was blocked because it has freeware on it (sourceforge.net for you techies)!
By the way, when I'm logged in, if I go to google anywhere the background becomes one of the Meg-at-Clinique photos. I just enjoy seeing it come up. It's almost as good as a glimpse of Meg when I walk past a mirror.
Penny suggested coming clean with Michelle. Actually, that was the plan. I was going to skip the "Halloween" canard and say "it's something I do, sometimes." If asked if I planned to do that here, I'd say yes, I'm planning on it.
Halle suggested that going to the office as Meg sounds like the start of a TV fiction story. I agree. Maybe I'll start writing. Now that I think of it, any time I plan to tell (like Michelle and the pictures) at least one scenario is a story seed. Alas, I'm not much of a fiction writer.
And, off topic: Yes, Penny, I got to judge video games. I've been doing that since 2008 at the state conference. I also judge SCT once. That's their name for their lego robotics event. Because I have a middle schooler, I was judging high school and there were three games that I urged the authors to publish. The middle school games are generally uninteresting. And Dani, the TSA has chapters in 49 states and the conferences are well attended. One downstate Virginia school has TSA membership as a requirement, and had 100 kids at the state conference. And somehow, no-one's ever heard of it!
My kids are in 4-H as well. And my oldest was in Future Business Leaders of America for a bit.
Oddly enough, other than my "underdressing" and nightgown, I haven't worn anything while I'm here. My dress, top, and skirts are hanging in the closet where they've been all week.
I'm not sure why. I think I have too much to do, and if I put on anything, I'll want to put on everything and I don't have time yet. There have been some glitches at work and I've been working late each day, and then kind of collapsing in my room after a late dinner.
My headache is gone, on schedule.
Wednesday, I mentioned to Michelle that I had lied about the picture on the flash drive. I said "it wasn't a friend. It was me." She did a head shake and shrug which clearly meant "I have no idea what you're talking about."
I hate when things end like that. I had a dozen scenarios in my mind, and that was none of them. (They ranged from "really? Why on earth would you do that?" to "Can I see it again? Didn't you have a bunch of pictures on there?" to "Some girlfriends and I went to a drag show a few weeks ago and we talked about how much fun it would be to dress up a guy. Are you game?" OK, that one's not very likely but, well, see below.
I think this is kind of typical of many of us. We go into a panic, afraid of what people will think or say or do and they say or do... nothing. And who cares what they think? I haven't met anyone who can hurt me with their thoughts. I will admit that, using the power of my mind alone, I can raise my arm anytime I want!
I didn't bring up the "wear a dress to work day" again, although I think that would be a day I'd never call in sick for. Maybe my next company has one.
Tonight (Wednesday), in addition to writing Friday's post (this one), I showered and did a final body shave. I shaved in the shower, and I took a very long shower. I just kept going. I took off more chest hair than usual, and I did my arms up pretty high. I can't go sleeveless but I think cap sleeves are OK. I don't know why I did this, except it felt good. I'm not planning to try on any clothes. I'll go to work the tiniest bit scruffy Thursday because I get a closer shave if I have a bit more hair to shave off. That'll be after work. I am still planning on the mall. My flight is mid-morning on Saturday, so I hope to write a Meg trip report before leaving Dallas. I have my camera and I'll put it in my purse, in the hopes I can get someone to take my picture. Maybe the jeweler, showing off my new necklace. If not, well, I'll have some hotel photos.
Now, I have a few comments on comments.
Anonymous but not Pat (as well as Dani) suggested inviting Michelle out for a drink with Meg. That's really tempting, but if she didn't even notice the picture.... I guess not.
Pat suggested using Meg's picture as a screensaver, but this place is locked down tight. I have no reason to bring out my machine (and I'm trying to clean that machine out anyway!) and it's almost impossible to load anything on their machines. I couldn't even get to a tech site I needed to go to because it was blocked because it has freeware on it (sourceforge.net for you techies)!
By the way, when I'm logged in, if I go to google anywhere the background becomes one of the Meg-at-Clinique photos. I just enjoy seeing it come up. It's almost as good as a glimpse of Meg when I walk past a mirror.
Penny suggested coming clean with Michelle. Actually, that was the plan. I was going to skip the "Halloween" canard and say "it's something I do, sometimes." If asked if I planned to do that here, I'd say yes, I'm planning on it.
Halle suggested that going to the office as Meg sounds like the start of a TV fiction story. I agree. Maybe I'll start writing. Now that I think of it, any time I plan to tell (like Michelle and the pictures) at least one scenario is a story seed. Alas, I'm not much of a fiction writer.
And, off topic: Yes, Penny, I got to judge video games. I've been doing that since 2008 at the state conference. I also judge SCT once. That's their name for their lego robotics event. Because I have a middle schooler, I was judging high school and there were three games that I urged the authors to publish. The middle school games are generally uninteresting. And Dani, the TSA has chapters in 49 states and the conferences are well attended. One downstate Virginia school has TSA membership as a requirement, and had 100 kids at the state conference. And somehow, no-one's ever heard of it!
My kids are in 4-H as well. And my oldest was in Future Business Leaders of America for a bit.
Thursday, May 5, 2011
Life's Little Victories
Not knowing how this evening would come off, I wrote a prelude to it late last night and I'll post that tomorrow.
This is my third post today. Either I have nothing to say or I have too much to say. There is no happy medium. Over the next few days, I'll hopefully have some pictures and vignettes for you to enjoy. I broke one wall and Meg ate out by herself! It was at a food court, but still, it was new. I didn't have lunch today and I really wasn't hungry for dinner, but I wanted to be able to sit down and eat, so I did.
I bought a pricey necklace at Gordon's Jewelers and wore it back to the hotel. Gordon's is really Zales, and I normally eschew those chains but they had two necklaces I liked so I bought one.
I passed on getting my makeup redone. I'm not sure why.
I looked at some clothes but not closely enough to buy anything ~ just closely enough to tell the clerk "no, I'm just looking."
I got a bra fitting at Victoria's Secret.
I bought a pair of panties and some socks and new earrings at Dillards.
I almost didn't go out.
And I'll expand on all of these things over the next few days.
It was great, as usual. And I just had a thought.... If any of you went out for the first time because of something I wrote, I would love to hear about it!
Right now, I feel so good I may go out again, even if it's just to buy a snack at the front desk.
This is my third post today. Either I have nothing to say or I have too much to say. There is no happy medium. Over the next few days, I'll hopefully have some pictures and vignettes for you to enjoy. I broke one wall and Meg ate out by herself! It was at a food court, but still, it was new. I didn't have lunch today and I really wasn't hungry for dinner, but I wanted to be able to sit down and eat, so I did.
I bought a pricey necklace at Gordon's Jewelers and wore it back to the hotel. Gordon's is really Zales, and I normally eschew those chains but they had two necklaces I liked so I bought one.
I passed on getting my makeup redone. I'm not sure why.
I looked at some clothes but not closely enough to buy anything ~ just closely enough to tell the clerk "no, I'm just looking."
I got a bra fitting at Victoria's Secret.
I bought a pair of panties and some socks and new earrings at Dillards.
I almost didn't go out.
And I'll expand on all of these things over the next few days.
It was great, as usual. And I just had a thought.... If any of you went out for the first time because of something I wrote, I would love to hear about it!
Right now, I feel so good I may go out again, even if it's just to buy a snack at the front desk.
I Should Know By Now
Planning never works.
I told Michelle that my goal was to let her leave by 3:30 today. That's her normal exit time, and I have been keeping her away from her family all week.
My plan:
3:30 go to the hotel and change
5:00 go to the lingerie shop that closes at 6. I'm not sure why. It is very expensive. I may ask for a fitting, but if I do, I'll feel obligated to buy something. Did I mention that it's very expensive?
From the lingerie shop, around 530, go across the street to the mall and look at that jewelry I looked at the other day. Buy something if I still like it. Wear something expensive out of the shop. I've never worn expensive jewelry as Meg, and I like the idea. Window shop, maybe buy something if I find anything I love, and maybe have dinner at the food court. I plan to leave the mall around 7.
Instead, we finished early! I thought I could leave the office about 2:30 and move everything up an hour. No rushing, and maybe an extra hour at the mall!
So as I'm about to leave, I was told that there will be a conference call at 5, and I have to be on it. I did manage to get approval to call in remotely, but NO lingerie shop at 5, NO extra hour. In fact, I'll have less time than expected and the shop might be closed before I get there.
I considered postponing until tomorrow, but if we get crunched I'll be at the office late to try to finish up.
So it's now almost 3:30 Dallas time and I'm about to shower one last time and shave my face and moisturise and get ready to go!
I told Michelle that my goal was to let her leave by 3:30 today. That's her normal exit time, and I have been keeping her away from her family all week.
My plan:
3:30 go to the hotel and change
5:00 go to the lingerie shop that closes at 6. I'm not sure why. It is very expensive. I may ask for a fitting, but if I do, I'll feel obligated to buy something. Did I mention that it's very expensive?
From the lingerie shop, around 530, go across the street to the mall and look at that jewelry I looked at the other day. Buy something if I still like it. Wear something expensive out of the shop. I've never worn expensive jewelry as Meg, and I like the idea. Window shop, maybe buy something if I find anything I love, and maybe have dinner at the food court. I plan to leave the mall around 7.
Instead, we finished early! I thought I could leave the office about 2:30 and move everything up an hour. No rushing, and maybe an extra hour at the mall!
So as I'm about to leave, I was told that there will be a conference call at 5, and I have to be on it. I did manage to get approval to call in remotely, but NO lingerie shop at 5, NO extra hour. In fact, I'll have less time than expected and the shop might be closed before I get there.
I considered postponing until tomorrow, but if we get crunched I'll be at the office late to try to finish up.
So it's now almost 3:30 Dallas time and I'm about to shower one last time and shave my face and moisturise and get ready to go!
Tonight?
I told the customer that my goal is to be out today by 330 or so. I'd rather go out tonight, I think, than tomorrow.
My headache has left on schedule, but I have a scarier problem: floaters.
I am quite nearsighted, which means my eyeball is s-t-r-e-t-c-h-e-d. This makes it susceptible to ripping. If a tear is caught early, it can be fixed. If not, it's not good. There are several symptoms to a possible tear, and an increase in floaters (those little odd splotches you might see when you look around, even when your eyes are closed) is one of them.
Mine increased a couple of days ago, and then leveled off, but it's worse than it normally is. I'm really hoping to get back home before anything serious happens (if something serious is happening) but I decided any change for the worse will mean an immediate visit to an eye doctor (if I can get an appointment) or optometrist (if I can't).
This is a bad time for this. With a changing job, my insurance will change. I may have to delay the start of my new job, which could jeopardise it. I'm several hours from home right now. I have a job here that's not quite done. And I want to get out tonight, although that's way down on the list of why it's a bad time.
My goal is still to leave the office by 330 and head out as Meg by 5, but that may have to change. Stay tuned!
I also have to tell y'all what happened with Michelle and the flash drive explanation.
My headache has left on schedule, but I have a scarier problem: floaters.
I am quite nearsighted, which means my eyeball is s-t-r-e-t-c-h-e-d. This makes it susceptible to ripping. If a tear is caught early, it can be fixed. If not, it's not good. There are several symptoms to a possible tear, and an increase in floaters (those little odd splotches you might see when you look around, even when your eyes are closed) is one of them.
Mine increased a couple of days ago, and then leveled off, but it's worse than it normally is. I'm really hoping to get back home before anything serious happens (if something serious is happening) but I decided any change for the worse will mean an immediate visit to an eye doctor (if I can get an appointment) or optometrist (if I can't).
This is a bad time for this. With a changing job, my insurance will change. I may have to delay the start of my new job, which could jeopardise it. I'm several hours from home right now. I have a job here that's not quite done. And I want to get out tonight, although that's way down on the list of why it's a bad time.
My goal is still to leave the office by 330 and head out as Meg by 5, but that may have to change. Stay tuned!
I also have to tell y'all what happened with Michelle and the flash drive explanation.
Tuesday, May 3, 2011
Are You Mad?
Monday was a much longer day than expected. I left work after ten hours and went to check out a nearby mall and catch a quick dinner. My evening was spent planning how I'll make up time on Tuesday. There are a lot of pieces to this project, and some require people in Sacramento. That means I can't get their attention until around 11am. I get there at 8 and I need to move forward.
Two interesting things happened Monday and I really want to follow through but... well, see the subject.
I could not get a program to install but I had a copy ready to go on a flash drive. I have about five flash drives with me (one of my To Dos is to clean them up). Two look similar, with a metal "handle" that swings over the front to protect the plug, or swings back to get out of the way. One is from the company, and is blue. The other is from TSA and is red.
I put in the red flash. I meant to put in the blue.
As Michelle, my main contact, looked over my shoulder the contents popped up on the screen. The contents were about ten thumbnails that I brought to work to show my friend S. They were from Richmond and Colorado Springs and you've seen most of them here on the blog.
I tried to hastily click the window closed and instead clicked on a picture which opened to its full glory.
I said "wrong flash. That's a friend of mine" and closed the picture and the folder and ejected the drive.
I think today, I will tell her I lied and who the picture is, but I may still lie and say it was for Halloween 2009 (when I did go to work dressed, but not in that dress). So it'll be a bit less of a lie.
Later in the day, Michelle said "I should have told you sooner, but we're a jeans-and-sneakers shop." I wear business clothes (never a tie though) and sneakers to clients. (They're women's sneakers, but that's not important.) I said "Ah. And I was thinking of wearing a dress tomorrow." She said "go for it. We were rated as one of the top companies by Out magazine." I said nothing.
But I'm thinking of taking her up on it later in the week. I am seriously thinking of taking her up on it later in the week. I am really truly seriously thinking of taking her up on it later in the week.
I know I shouldn't. I know it's a bad career move. But haven't you ever had the urge to do something you shouldn't?
Two interesting things happened Monday and I really want to follow through but... well, see the subject.
Big Oops and Little Lie
I could not get a program to install but I had a copy ready to go on a flash drive. I have about five flash drives with me (one of my To Dos is to clean them up). Two look similar, with a metal "handle" that swings over the front to protect the plug, or swings back to get out of the way. One is from the company, and is blue. The other is from TSA and is red.
I put in the red flash. I meant to put in the blue.
As Michelle, my main contact, looked over my shoulder the contents popped up on the screen. The contents were about ten thumbnails that I brought to work to show my friend S. They were from Richmond and Colorado Springs and you've seen most of them here on the blog.
I tried to hastily click the window closed and instead clicked on a picture which opened to its full glory.
I said "wrong flash. That's a friend of mine" and closed the picture and the folder and ejected the drive.
I think today, I will tell her I lied and who the picture is, but I may still lie and say it was for Halloween 2009 (when I did go to work dressed, but not in that dress). So it'll be a bit less of a lie.
I Know I Shouldn't
Later in the day, Michelle said "I should have told you sooner, but we're a jeans-and-sneakers shop." I wear business clothes (never a tie though) and sneakers to clients. (They're women's sneakers, but that's not important.) I said "Ah. And I was thinking of wearing a dress tomorrow." She said "go for it. We were rated as one of the top companies by Out magazine." I said nothing.
But I'm thinking of taking her up on it later in the week. I am seriously thinking of taking her up on it later in the week. I am really truly seriously thinking of taking her up on it later in the week.
I know I shouldn't. I know it's a bad career move. But haven't you ever had the urge to do something you shouldn't?
Thursday, April 28, 2011
Shortened Cycle
By now, most of you know I'm detail-oriented (the polite term for 'anal'). Tuesday afternoon, I discovered I will be heading to Dallas next week.
Normally, I spend a lot of time organising flights and hotel and car. I try to get the best prices for everything, and the best schedule for myself. I try to have the client's data and requirements before I leave for the airport. I try to have a step-by-step process for setting up the client.
I also have a detailed packlist, especially when I'm packing for two. I like to go out and look for and perhaps buy a new dress before I travel. I go through everything to ensure I'm not carrying lots of accessories I'm not going to wear. I make sure I have all of the cosmetics and shaving materials and so on.
This trip, I have to compress everything.
I expect to bring Meg, I expect to go out although I have no idea where I'll be going. As of yet, I have no idea where I'll stay (I just found out the client office is in Richardson TX) or what's nearby. And I don't have a lot of time to figure it all out.
At work, I decided to do a dry run of the customer process. This is because I have never done this before. I have a 100 page manual that describes the process. It is sometimes wrong. I have a classroom manual which gives most of the steps. I wrote notes in the borders and can often read my handwriting. Sometimes I can't, and I guess.
I just re-read the next part, and it's kind of over-detailed and geeky and crabby. Feel free to skip to the bold line below.
A process that was supposed to run overnight on Tuesday was not only still running on Wednesday, it decided to fail in a very odd and, if you asked me in advance I would have said 'impossible', way. I had to not use the database I wanted to use and then convince the smaller database (70 million vs 100 million records) to be recognised ~ it wanted to argue. That took hours instead of minutes, and now it is running the overnight process. If it fails, the next smaller database is about 200 records and not a very good test but it will have to do. All of the work I did already is geared towards the first database; it all must be redone.
The basic process takes two days. If all goes well.
I will spend Thursday trying to finish the process on whichever database I use. I will hope I don't rush and miss a step or make a mistake. I will hope it all works when I'm done.
This afternoon, I have a conference call with the customer. I'm going to try to get them to do a couple of steps (like that overnight one) in advance. They told me yesterday what was on their computers right now. It is about as wrong as one can get.
So here's how my week will go:
Wednesday: dry run that didn't go so well.
Thursday: conference call with customer and dry run that hopefully will go better, but it will be a long day.
Friday: work until 4. That's not late, until you consider I get to work around 6. Drive with rush hour traffic to the state TSA conference where I will be judging a competition. It unarguably takes the longest to judge, and as co-ordinator, I will be there well after everyone else leaves. Last year, I finished after midnight and I have to be back there the next morning (with my son) by 8 to do the second part of the judging. I hope to eat somewhere in there.
Saturday: did I mention the TSA event? Because my son is in the competition, we'll stick around until the awards are given out. We'll probably be done by 6.
Sunday: take my son to a field trip (I shan't be staying) at 9am. Pack, get on a plane which I haven't booked yet.
In addition to my regular work week, I have decided to completely clean the computer I'm leaving behind and shift everything to the computer I'm bringing to TX.
Somewhere in there, I have to book that flight, hotel, car.
No time to prep. No pre-shaving or continuing my epilation experiment, no time to get my eyebrows waxed.
I hope I don't forget something vital to Meg's first trip to Dallas. Or to my client.
As I said in the part y'all skipped, it should be a two-day ordeal, but they bought a week of my time. I'm going to try to get a no-penalty ticket so I can change my return if necessary.
If I can finish by Tuesday evening, I'll try to head home Wednesday evening so Meg has some quality time out Wednesday morning. Even if the work drags on for most of the week there is probably nothing I can do after-hours so Meg should have at least one and maybe two nights out.
I'll keep away from McDonalds.
Normally, I spend a lot of time organising flights and hotel and car. I try to get the best prices for everything, and the best schedule for myself. I try to have the client's data and requirements before I leave for the airport. I try to have a step-by-step process for setting up the client.
I also have a detailed packlist, especially when I'm packing for two. I like to go out and look for and perhaps buy a new dress before I travel. I go through everything to ensure I'm not carrying lots of accessories I'm not going to wear. I make sure I have all of the cosmetics and shaving materials and so on.
This trip, I have to compress everything.
I expect to bring Meg, I expect to go out although I have no idea where I'll be going. As of yet, I have no idea where I'll stay (I just found out the client office is in Richardson TX) or what's nearby. And I don't have a lot of time to figure it all out.
At work, I decided to do a dry run of the customer process. This is because I have never done this before. I have a 100 page manual that describes the process. It is sometimes wrong. I have a classroom manual which gives most of the steps. I wrote notes in the borders and can often read my handwriting. Sometimes I can't, and I guess.
I just re-read the next part, and it's kind of over-detailed and geeky and crabby. Feel free to skip to the bold line below.
A process that was supposed to run overnight on Tuesday was not only still running on Wednesday, it decided to fail in a very odd and, if you asked me in advance I would have said 'impossible', way. I had to not use the database I wanted to use and then convince the smaller database (70 million vs 100 million records) to be recognised ~ it wanted to argue. That took hours instead of minutes, and now it is running the overnight process. If it fails, the next smaller database is about 200 records and not a very good test but it will have to do. All of the work I did already is geared towards the first database; it all must be redone.
The basic process takes two days. If all goes well.
I will spend Thursday trying to finish the process on whichever database I use. I will hope I don't rush and miss a step or make a mistake. I will hope it all works when I'm done.
This afternoon, I have a conference call with the customer. I'm going to try to get them to do a couple of steps (like that overnight one) in advance. They told me yesterday what was on their computers right now. It is about as wrong as one can get.
So here's how my week will go:
Wednesday: dry run that didn't go so well.
Thursday: conference call with customer and dry run that hopefully will go better, but it will be a long day.
Friday: work until 4. That's not late, until you consider I get to work around 6. Drive with rush hour traffic to the state TSA conference where I will be judging a competition. It unarguably takes the longest to judge, and as co-ordinator, I will be there well after everyone else leaves. Last year, I finished after midnight and I have to be back there the next morning (with my son) by 8 to do the second part of the judging. I hope to eat somewhere in there.
Saturday: did I mention the TSA event? Because my son is in the competition, we'll stick around until the awards are given out. We'll probably be done by 6.
Sunday: take my son to a field trip (I shan't be staying) at 9am. Pack, get on a plane which I haven't booked yet.
In addition to my regular work week, I have decided to completely clean the computer I'm leaving behind and shift everything to the computer I'm bringing to TX.
Somewhere in there, I have to book that flight, hotel, car.
No time to prep. No pre-shaving or continuing my epilation experiment, no time to get my eyebrows waxed.
I hope I don't forget something vital to Meg's first trip to Dallas. Or to my client.
As I said in the part y'all skipped, it should be a two-day ordeal, but they bought a week of my time. I'm going to try to get a no-penalty ticket so I can change my return if necessary.
If I can finish by Tuesday evening, I'll try to head home Wednesday evening so Meg has some quality time out Wednesday morning. Even if the work drags on for most of the week there is probably nothing I can do after-hours so Meg should have at least one and maybe two nights out.
I'll keep away from McDonalds.
Monday, April 11, 2011
Dinna With Dana
 |
| Meg and Dana, After Dinner |
Dana's story is Not Your Typical Crossdresser. I am.
She never dressed until just four years ago.
She's divorced, but it's pre-dressing up, so dressing wasn't involved.
Her ears are pierced.
She's very involved in Tri-Ess and other organisations, even facilitating groups for F2Ms.
She has a girlfriend who'd think it fine if she went fulltime.
She does outreach (something I'd love to do!)
She spent a twelve day holiday in New Orleans, including a cruise in the middle, all as Dana.
Her (grown) kids and grandkids know, and go out-and-about with her.
And... that's her own hair! I mean, that's my hair too, but I made it mine by purchasing it.
She came down to my hotel for dinner, which was very accommodating of her. I don't know the area, and my old eyes are behaving less and less well at night. We went to Flatirons, which was right next door to the hotel. She drove the short distance to the restaurant; I walked, mostly because I like walking and like to be seen. So of course, I left my room and the hall and elevator were empty. The lobby was empty; there wasn't even anyone behind the desk!
We were treated like any other ladies at the restaurant. I had no doubt I was sitting across from a woman. She's reached that nirvana I wrote about a few months ago. She knows passing is more about how you see yourself, and how you feel about yourself, than how others see you.
Please don't look back through the blog to see if you missed something. I've never been out with another transgendered person. If they were all like Dana, I'd never pass by another opportunity. (And I'm still kicking myself about Richmond and Vanessa!)
Dana and I had a lovely conversation. She's very easy to talk to, and incredibly nice.
After dinner, I walked back to the hotel. I would have liked to stay out later, but I had an early flight the next day and my brain was unsure of the time zone.
The hotel lobby was still vacant, although I lingered for a moment and as I was about to go up to my room the woman I'd seen every other night there asked if I needed anything. I said no, since the elevator was here and, other than validation, I didn't need anything.
Up in my room, I was euphoric. I didn't do a lot, but I met someone wonderful, I had a good meal, and I just felt good, and felt that I looked good.
I should have changed right away but instead I just enjoyed being Meg, went over the evening, and tried to wipe the smile off my face.
Sunday, April 10, 2011
Just A Taste
Click to enlarge.This is me from last Thursday, dressed and ready to go out. I had dinner at Flatirons, the steakhouse next door.
I wasn't alone. I hope to have the full story tomorrow.
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