joeypress

January 13, 2017

Haircut and Eye Doctor Outing

I went on a lunchtime outing. I left work and changed into a black and white striped skirt, a red pull-over top, a thick black cardigan sweater, nude pantyhose, and black flats. Like usual, I was otherwise presenting male.

Barber Shop
First, I went to the barber shop. In truth, it is more of a salon. Normally, if I get there early, there are few or no other customers. Normally, all customers are women. Often, I get my hair cut while the other customers are waiting for their color or perm to set. This time, when I arrived, there was only one customer, a man, and he was getting his hair cut. I sat down and waited.

Another customer arrived. It was another man. He greeted the owner of the salon. He greeted me. He made a few glances to my face and down to my skirt. He never stopped presenting a friendly face, but he needed a few seconds to perceive what I was wearing while he took off his jacket.

The man sat down on another couch that was 90 degrees off from my couch. Then, he commenced to hold a light conversation with me about the weather, etc. He took another glance at my lower half a couple times, but he never mentioned it and never seemed uncomfortable with talking to me.

I was called back for my hair cut. It was uneventful. The owner’s daughter arrived eventually and she politely greeted me. When my hair cut was finished, I paid and said my good-byes. The man got up while I was paying. He walked past me and asked me if I was not cold and made a hand motion to communicate about my exposed legs. I told him, “No, I am in warm buildings most of the time.”

Eye Doctor
Next, I went to my eye doctor. My insurance says that I am now eligible for new glasses now that it is a new year. I went to the office to discuss frames, etc. I arrived and was the only person in the waiting room. While I was waiting at the receptionist’s counter, the door opened behind me. In walked a mother and a little girl that I would estimate to be an eight year old.

I am uncomfortable around children. I do not want to give them ideas of things to try, and I do not want to force the parents to have uncomfortable conversations with their children about me and my crossdressing. Since my back was to them, possibly neither the child nor her mother noticed me. They came in and walked around the corner of the counter. I kept the column on the counter between my face and the little girl.

I got the impression that the mother was an involved, engaged parent. She corrected the child with, “What did I tell you before we came in?” The child obeyed. Then the child came around her mother and saw me. She stood there, five feet (1.5 meters) away from me. I awkwardly and quickly turned my head to glance at her and back. She was standing there facing me just looking at me. She smiled and raised her hand to wave. I had glanced away too quickly, so I glanced back to acknowledge her wave. She waved again. She stood there for at least a full minute just looking at me.

The mother and the employee walked over to a display case to look at frames, the girl went with them, but I think she was looking at me as she walked away. Then, she started looking at frames and I never saw her pay me any more attention. At one point, the mother decided that she would go to another store to find the frames the girl wanted because they did not have them. I worried that she saw me and decided to get out quick.

The employees helped me find my frames just like last time. I was treated with the same respect I would have received in menswear. During this process, another customer, a man, came in and sat down. Then he was called back to the doctor. I never paid him any attention, so I do not know if he ever looked at me.

Restaurant
Finally, I went to a restaurant. I was going to go to a sandwich shop, but the restaurant next door had no customers. This one had a glass front where I could see the entire serving area. There were two young, pretty ladies at the counter talking. This seemed more inviting than the sandwich shop which appeared to have some customers at the tables.

I went to the empty restaurant. One of the women immediately went to the kitchen to be ready to serve me. They had watched me approach the door. I was served like normal. I got my food to go. I sat in the dining area while I waited on my order. I received my food and went to my car.

When I got to my car I looked back into the restaurant. The two women were back at the front counter, but they were not looking at each other this time. They were watching me. I got into my car. They turned toward each other. I could not tell, but they might have shared a laugh. It was not easy to see their faces. Their body movements were inconclusive.

I left there, changed back into my work clothes, and I went back to work and ate my lunch..

January 7, 2017

Standing Out in Different Ways

I recently had a cold. Actually, my whole family was sick. I went to my doctor’s office. They had a box of masks to put on for people with fevers. During the appointment, my doctor gave me a prescription and a lot of other instructions. I left the doctor’s office and went to the grocery store to fulfill the non-prescription instructions. At the grocery store, I bought juice, soup, cold medicine, etc.

While walking around that store, I had on the mask. There was a woman on the over-the-counter medicine aisle. She looked at me and then tried to act normally. It was SO much like when I am out in a skirt. She was shopping on the same aisle as me. She tried not to behave like I was some dangerous germ distributor as we both searched for the right cold remedies. I could see that she was paying attention to where I was. In spite of that, she tried to treat me with respect. This was repeated with numerous customers on other aisles. Each customer would give me an uncommon glance, and then a nonchalant follow-up.

Later, I went to the pharmacy. They did not have what I needed. They transfered my prescription to another location. The other location was out in the countryside. At the rural score, I received a much different reaction to the mask I was wearing. These people looked at me, saw the mask, and then seemed to express shock or concern. They did not glare at me, but they looked like they felt some degree of fear or caution. They seemed to keep their eyes on me. I believe this reaction is a lot like how people USED TO react to me when I would go out as a man in a skirt.

It was a truly fascinating experience.

December 26, 2016

Lunch Outing in Slacks

I went on another lunch time outing during the work day. I wore a red women’s sweater with black slacks, off-black pantyhose, and black ladies’ flats. It was not an obviously feminine outfit. I went to a Mexican restaurant I frequently go to during lunch. This is the the second time I have ever come here in all womenswear. Last time was in shorts.

I arrived at the restaurant and waited in the lobby for only a few moments. A male waiter greeted me. He often waits on me when I come to this restaurant. He knows my order by heart. He led me to a booth and seated me. He noticed my ankles or shoes and took a significant look down. He took my drink order and walked away. As he was leaving my table, he took another long look at my feet. Other than that moment, the whole experience was normal.

I went early to avoid the crowds. There were only a few other people in the restaurant. None of them paid me any attention. The female employees that I saw paid my clothing no particular attention. I ate my food, paid the bill, changed back into menswear, and drove back to work.

I guess it will be interesting to see if he takes glances at my feet next time to see what I am wearing!

December 16, 2016

My Bald Legs and Medical Professionals

It’s winter. I have shaved legs. That is what some crossdressers do. We show our hairy legs in the summer and we hide our smooth legs in the winter.

Normally, I do not have to go to the doctor. When I do go to the doctor, they normally do not look at my legs. It has happened. This month, it happened a few times. Here is what happened…

A couple years ago, I had to go to a physical therapist for a few weeks. If I recall correctly, I had shaved legs. But I might be mistaken. It never was discussed.

This year, I had to have a specialist look at my leg. He said I needed to have a procedure done on it. He never mentioned my bald legs.

Later, I went to a new family doctor (general practitioner). He inspected me all over. He asked me to pull up my pants leg. He asked me, “Do you shave?” I said, “Yes.” He asked, “Any particular reason?” I replied, “I just like it.” He did not probe any farther.

I returned to the specialist’s office. Again there was no acknowledgement of my shaved legs.

The date came for my procedure. The nurse gave me a hospital gown to put on and left the room. She came in after I had on the gown. My smooth legs were on display. She came in, looked at my legs, walked right up to them and bent over while looking at them. Then she said, “Oh, I don’t have to trim your hair for this!”

The next day, I was scheduled to go to a Physical Therapist. I pulled off my sweat pants in the office. It is an open environment. I was in shorts with bald legs. The Physical Therapist never mentioned it. The office was an open environment. I did not see any other patients or employees pay my legs any attention. My wife came over to join me at one point. My wife is not comfortable with me crossdressing. This was the first time she had been with me while my bald legs were exposed. I am glad it was a non-event.

My children, who do not know that I crossdress, have seen my some of my leg since my procedure. Often a couple inches of my ankle is exposed when I have my leg propped up. I try to keep it covered to avoid their notice. But I have shown them my whole leg when they wanted to see where the procedure was performed. I think that they did not notice the missing hair or the present stubble. I know that they would not maintain a professional silence about such a thing! They are curious and expressive!

Several physical therapy visits later with a few different therapists, no reaction. This is going to continue for a while, but I will not bother to mention any more non-events. If something interesting happens, I will add it to this post.

December 4, 2016

Busy Toy Store Outing

11/30/2016

I went on a lunch time outing. I changed into a black, knee-length skirt, a black and gray blouse, off black pantyhose, and short black heels. I went to two restaurants and a toy store.

The first restaurant was empty. I went rather early. I have been to this restaurant a couple times recently. This time there was a male waiter. He was in his later teens. Apparently, he was not in school. I have seen this young man before. He was the person who came out of the back on my first visit to this restaurant.

The waiter was not very attentive. He took my order, brought my drink, and brought my food. He never filled my empty cup, and he never brought the bill. I was not offended at his inattentiveness. I do wonder if he avoided coming to my table because of my appearance.

I had some phone calls to make. I made my first call while eating my salad. My food arrived after the call was complete. I ate and made my second call. I ate some fruit for dessert and was preparing to leave. A woman came in with two children. They were seated. The children faced away from my path to the exit. The woman, I assume their grandmother, would be able to see my departure. I walked to the register to pay my bill and I left.

I visited a second restaurant for ice cream. Normally, when I visit this restaurant while dressed pretty, I am the only customer. The owner will talk to me about our families, etc. I still had a phone call to make. I dealt with that. The owner and I did not speak much. A girl, possibly eight, entered the restaurant as I was leaving. I think the sight of me in a skirt consumed too much of her attention for her to walk. She seemed to lose her way as we passed each other. I looked back after I was out of the store. The girl was headed straight to the ice cream machines. Her mother was slowly making her way out of her car.

Next, I visited a small toy store. There were a couple moms with young children shopping as well. Someone from the counter greeted me as I came in. I walked around the store learning how the store was arranged. I found the right area. I browsed that area some. Then I spoke to a woman at the counter. She turned out to be the owner. She was very engaging. She was very friendly. She helped me for possibly ten minutes.

Welling up with emotion:
During the time the owner helped me, I explained my daughter to her. My little girl is VERY thoughtful. I described a gift she gave my wife one time. I started to well up with emotion. When I start to well up with emotion as if to cry, my throat locks up. I cannot make words easily. Some people call it being “choked up”. Then, if it continues, my eyes will moisten and my face will redden some. Telling stories about loving, caring, or emotional things occasionally causes this to happen within me.

As I was telling this woman about my daughter, I started choking up. Then something very interesting to me happened. I am not sure why, but I did not try to hide my emotion. I did not try to stop it. I decided not to be embarrassed about my emotions because I was already dressed in a skirt. Before this event, I have never welled up while dressed pretty. I cannot remember ever welling up like this in any outfit and not feeling embarrassed and a little annoyed by it. Anyhow, it was really interesting.

So, back to the story… While I was talking to the woman about my daughter, I choked up. Then, I placed my palm on my chest, and I continued talking. The woman “gushed” about how sweet my daughter sounded. She did not react to my emotion directly. It was really neat to see my own behavior.

While I was being helped by the owner, at least four groups of customers entered the store. Most groups were one or two people. There were at least two larger groups that came in. There may have been twenty people shopping in the two room store.

As the customers were piling in, I kept an eye out for anyone I know coming in. I also occasionally looked to see if people were paying me any attention. No one paid me any particular attention. I felt like I had unusual confidence on this outing. I think the confidence was driven by my Christmas shopping outing last week.

December 1, 2016

Christmas Shopping Outing 2016

11/21/2016

Every year, I go Christmas shopping while dressed pretty. That means I go out as a man while wearing women’s clothing. I love doing this because it is an outing where I actually have a purpose. When I used to have crossdressed outings, I just browsed stores, or walked around aimlessly. My Christmas shopping outings, however, have had purpose. Also, I could not run and hide if people were around. These outings have really developed a lot of my confidence.

I just completed this year’s Christmas shopping outing.

I drove to a city that was not near my home. I wore an orange maxi skirt, a black top, a cardigan/sweater that hangs down to mid thigh, off-black pantyhose, and flats. I went to a store that opened early and started shopping. I asked for some help at one point and one young employee looked me down and back up and then answered my question. An older employee (possibly 50 years old) walked around the store with me trying to help me. When she finished with one thing, she would ask if I needed more help and then she would help me with the next. She did not care how I was dressed. She did not mind being seen with me. It was nice.

Next, I drove to an outlet mall. It was not open yet. I went to a diner-style restaurant that is part of a restaurant chain. I have considered going to one of these restaurants before, but I did not because I was too uncomfortable. These restaurants sometimes have more “blue collar” customers. I felt brave enough this time. I walked right in while wearing my pretty skirt and sat at the counter and ate. I do not think anyone saw what I was wearing until I left. I had a nice conversation with the older gentleman two seats over at the counter.

Next, I shopped in the outlet mall. Nothing interesting happened, other than I took this picture

orange_skirt

I drove to an old building that is sort of like a shopping mall. I think this is when I changed into my knee-length, leopard print skirt (I wore one additional outfit that I cannot remember where I wore it). I kept on the black top and long, black cardigan. Nothing interesting happened there. People saw me, but there were no interesting reactions. I intentionally did not look to see how people reacted. I am trying to let go of that nervous habit.

I drove past a strip mall. One of the stores had a beautiful and fancy outfit in the window. It was a dressy store. I had to go in. I put on my black, bootie, heels and walked in. This store deserved heels! The mannequin in the window was wearing a black top with little black bows all over it and a bright red skirt. The skirt had a see-through outer layer and it poofed out. It was very pretty. I could never wear a poofy skirt like that, however. I could wear the colors, though. I browsed the store and a few other stores in the outlet mall.

I put back on my flats.

I went to a book store. It is two stories tall and has a very open format. I had gone here previously. This store was very frightening for me the previous time I visited it. Previously, I was scared about being seen and photographed. This time, I was not worried. I shopped as though I belonged there, and I was treated like I belonged there. Guess what. I did belong there. I bought what I came for and proceeded on.

I went to a shopping mall. There is a large open area at one point in this shopping mall. I walked through it and I was not afraid as I was the last time I was there. I visited several stores. I walked through the makeup section. Previously, I was uncomfortable being near the many fancy-dressed, pretty, female workers in the makeup/fragrance section. This time I felt confident. I felt strong! I walked a full circle through the mall and went to the food court and ate my lunch. I sat at a table in the food court. At the table next to mine sat three men who might have been Middle Eastern. They did not pay me any attention. There were a few families at the various tables around me. I have considered eating in a food court on many occasions over the years. I believe that this is the second time I have done it. Also, I believe it is the first time I have ever done it in a skirt. It was no big deal!

Let me back up to tell about something kind of significant that happened when I first entered the mall. There were three men doing some sort of manual labor at one of the entrances to the mall. I walked into a different entrance. However, those men saw me walking through the parking lot. While I was crossing the driving lane that separates the parking lot from the front door, one of the men whistled at me. I am completely persuaded that he was mocking me. I was not affected. It produced a feeling of annoyance or disappointment. It did not produce a feeling of fear. I believe it is true to say that it did not make me feel shame. It definitely did not stop me!

I went to a “big=box” hardware store. This is an achievement for me. Once I went to a hardware store in a previous Christmas shopping outing. I was very, very nervous then. I felt like I was in a “man=zone”. I felt less safe. I believed that if anyone would say something derogatory, or look at me disapprovingly, it would happen in a hardware store. Of course, nothing happened. I walked through that store in my leopard print skirt and pantyhose and I was not afraid. I and everyone else minded our own businesses. I know I was way overdressed for a hardware store. Ironically, though. This was the only store I shopped in where I saw a woman dressed in a skirt and pantyhose. (I did see women in tights at Target, but I am sticking with my distinction here!)

I put on a multi-colored, flowing skirt. I went to a Christian book store. I shopped briefly. I was treated with respect or not even noticed, just like everywhere else. One employee asked me if I needed help and she took me to find what I was looking for.

I put on a stretchy red skirt that comes to slightly above my knee. I went to a sporting goods store. Nothing interesting happened.

I went to a Target store. I have felt uncomfortable shopping in a Target before. In a previous outing, I went to a target and felt rather confident. This time, I was completely at ease. I still try to avoid being seen by children. However, I was not scared to walk the main aisles this time. I shopped in this store over an hour. I bought plenty. A few times I interacted with customers. I was always treated with respect. It felt really good shopping at Target. I was surrounded by women shoppers who were dressed pretty. They were wearing sweater dresses, stretchy pants, boots, cardigans, tights, dresses, etc. It was lovely!

I shopped in a hobby/craft store. I did not care how I was dressed anymore. One customer drummed up a conversation with me about the products and the store. I did not feel like she was patronizing me. I am pretty sure she was not trying to make friends either. I think she simply was being polite and my gender/outfit mismatch was irrelevant. One employee happily helped me several times.

I shopped in another hobby/craft store. Here I found what I wanted to find. While at the checkout, I almost broke in line in front of four customers. I apologized for my mistake and we all chatted while we waited.

Finally, I visited one more toy store. I walked in at the same time as another couple. They were in their early fifties. The man held the door open for me as I entered. I thanked him. I talked to the employee and told him what I was looking for. He tried to help me. The couple started helping me as well. The man and I joked about the two versions of the toy. He commented on how one was just like what they made when he and I were kids. I did not buy the toy (a slide puzzle) because I had already bought a similar one. I was looking for a slide puzzle with a different image. I thanked the employee and the customers for their help. I went home.

Once again, the worst thing that happened on this trip was I got a run in the toe of my pantyhose. I should have cut my toenails.

It was a great outing. The only interesting things that happened was I overcame fears that had controlled my behavior in previous shopping outings like this. Otherwise, this was a rather boring outing. I feel like that description insults the amazing experience. It was an excellent experience. I was dressed pretty and happily in public. The public did not care how I was dressed, and neither did I.

November 28, 2016

Leopard Print Skirt Outing

A few days ago, I bought a leopard print skirt. What was I thinking? I fear that it is too exotic. I am a man in a skirt. Isn’t that exotic enough?!? Well I bought it. And it started “burning a hole in my brain”. I wanted to wear it out.

I decided to go out during lunch to a store and buy a Christmas gift for my wife. I changed into my black top with the built in cardigan (I know I have worn it a lot recently. It was washed!) I wore my new leopard print skirt that comes down to my knees with off black pantyhose. Also, for round one, I wore my black flats.

I went to the grocery store that I visited in a couple previous posts. I took a lap through the store feeling rather confident. I went to the cafe and filled my plate with fruit and salad. There is a transgender employee at this cafe. He took my money and spoke very briefly with me. He was not uncomfortable. I was pleased that this time, I was able to slip in a “sir” into our conversation.

I ate my food in the empty dining area. Then I walked back into the grocery area and picked up something I wanted to buy. I waited in line at the cashier. The other cashier was faster and invited me into her lane. I paid her and had small talk like normal. She was friendly, casual, and engaging. It was very nice.

I drove to the “home accent” store. I put on my black heels that are booties. I walked in and started looking for the item I wanted to buy for my wife. One employee was working. She said, “You came back!” One customer looked at me and seemed surprised, but then went back to the conversation she was having. Another customer spoke to me as she walked by in a friendly way. I think she was trying to be supportive and make me feel accepted. It was very kind.

I found the item I wanted to buy for my wife. Then I saw the price… I wanted to buy a few of this item. But that would be WAY too much money for such a minor gift. Maybe I will get it next year when the price becomes reasonable.

I felt rather disappointed. It was time to go back to work. I did not want to change yet. I walked next door to a clothing store. It was a high-end store. The owner is a fashion consultant. I asked her for help. She walked me around the store giving me a lot of advice. Two other employees came along. It was great! The four of us were walking around talking fashion.

A customer came in and the employees dispersed. One employee was helping her. At some point, our paths intersected. She spoke to me politely and with no concern about my outfit. It was as if she always sees skirted men in the women’s clothing stores.

I shopped around some. The fashion consultant had me try on scarves and necklaces. I passed on those. I never feel like things like that look right on me. I find that ladies’ tops that would look OK on me if I were dressed as a man look better on me when I am in a skirt. I do not know if I am correct or if I have some sort of unreasonable apprehension. In any case, I have learned that if I do not feel good about how I look in something, then I will not wear it. There is no point in buying something I will never wear.

I told the ladies, “Thank-you,” and I left. I changed back into menswear and went back to work.