Wednesday, June 18, 2014

Opportunity knocks!

Due to my wife's earlier "failed" spring cleaning attempt (see "A Close Shave" dated 4/2/14), most of Mom's spare clothes and all of my women's wardrobe, which she (my wife) had commingled in clothing bags for charity, ended up being moved out of those bags and into a cedar chest in the basement.  In a quick stealth review of the piles of clothes, I'd located all but one of my blouses and one skirt.

Since that time, there was a problem with Mom's nursing home's laundry, and three pairs of her pants came up missing.  They're going to pay for replacing her missing clothes.  However, I really had no clue as to what she still has here in the cedar chest.  So Tuesday, while my wife was attending a hen party, I told her that I'd be looking through the things in the chest to familiarize myself with what's there.

I had a wonderful afternoon downstairs in the nice, cool basement!  My missing items re-appeared, and there was sufficient time to try on all my outfits, in preparation for upcoming outings.  I picked out 3 summer skirts and tops, which can be "mix-and-matched" fairly well, and locked them away where I can get to them when I need them. The rest are safely tucked away again, with Mom's things.

Now all I need is the "opportunity" to get out...

And, what's the old saying: ask and you shall receive?

Wednesday I had a dentist appointment on the other side of the bridge, and also an eye doctor appointment (new optical place, for a pair of cheap spare glasses.)  My wife declined to go along, so I unearthed my new pink floral blouse and put it in the car.  Off I went, to the dentist, who once again, took pains to avoid messing up my makeup.  He's a great guy, and has no problems with my capri pants and white sandals!    After that, I drove to my "hideout in the woods" to change my blouse, making my outfit completely femme.   See first picture below.

From there it was off to the gift shop, where I purchased some small trinkets for our son and his girlfriend.  Here is a picture in the gift shop parking lot...not very busy (an understatement.)  But it was nice to be properly addressed by the staff (there were no other customers in the store and they were having a little social time amongst themselves.)


At the mall, where I went to get something to eat, I revisited the store where I bought my makeup (my favorite clerk wasn't there) and used their women's room.  In the process I got the obligatory picture...which really isn't all that impressive due to the fact it's a one stall room!

In the women's room...

And after leaving the mall, I headed for the optical place.  There I filled out their new patient application (surprise - no place for gender/sex - hooray), and upon turning it in, I (addressed as Ms.) was shown only women's frames, and the female clerk helped to pick out my favorites.  There was no indecision on their part as to which frames I would have to choose from.   It really helps that my given name is female!

I found two frames I like, one of which looks mildly unisex, the other is clearly feminine. The feminine one is the frame I chose, but they had a special which let me get both pairs.  Everybody there treated me like any other female shopper...a very good reception.  Correct pronouns, correct forms of address...  Perfect in every way!  And the best part is that I'm now on their records as a woman.  (There was a downside to my visit - not gender related - but that's for another post, much later on.  Fortunately, my vision with lenses is still 20/20 so no action is needed now.  )

Since it will take about 2 weeks to get the new glasses (they don't have a lab on site),  and my wife probably won't go along, so I'll have a chance to dress again.  Since my hideaway in the woods worked for changing this time, maybe I'll take along a skirt and top!   Nothing beats running my errands en femme!



A picture of me in the parking lot of the shopping center with the new optician.




12 comments:

  1. I am glad that you found some thought to be missing clothes and that your other adventures went so well.
    I do not think that it is possible for any casual observer to look at you with your hair, nails, capris, sandals and that pink flowered blouse and refer to you as a male. The visual clues are entirely female.
    Go going and I hope that you can do your next set of tasks in makeup and a skirt..
    Pat

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    1. It's likely I'll still get the occasional "sir" - as an intentionally disparaging remark by certain types of people who are trying to make a point. You know what type of people I mean...

      But you're probably right about the general public accepting me as a female. Time will tell...

      I'm definitely planning that encore! Keep your fingers crossed!

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  2. I agree with Pat, you look nothing but female!

    And I'll also second the good wishes for you to venture out in skirt. I'm sure you will look great.

    Take care!
    jen

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    1. Thanks Jen! I just hope most people continue to agree with you and Pat!

      What is the typical weather (sky/precipitation and daytime temperature) in LA in January? And how out of place would an outfit like the above be on the average woman at that time of year? Or would a skirt and top with black tights be better to blend in? (Still working on trip plans!)

      Hugs,

      Mandy



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  3. LOL!

    Weather in LA can be all over the map in winter.

    Looking back at a local news station's records, this past January the lows ranged from the upper 40s to upper 50s. The highs ranged from 68 to 85. There was no rain as we're in our 3rd year of drought.

    I have heard that we are headed for a possible wet year, so that could mean a bit of rain. In 2012 January saw one day of 3/4 inch of rain, and just two close to a 1/4 inch.

    So I'd say that both types of outfits would be good to have. If it's warm enough not to need a coat then the top and Capri's would fit in fine, but the skirt and tights is style I see all the time.

    We have lots of diversity in how people dress due to the sheer number of people here that come from all over the world as immigrants, or just to visit as tourists (no I'm not advertising for the for Chamber of Commerce!) so every style imaginable is represented.

    I hope that helps :-)

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    1. Yes, that helps...thanks Jen!

      I'll have to make some serious decisions about what to take along, that's for sure, since there's only so much space available! If it ends up in the low 60's in southern California during the day - a real cold snap - the residents will all be freezing. But compared to back home, it'll be like a heat wave! I had that experience in Florida a number of years ago. If not cold, I can handle the 70's and 80's, particularly if I'm in skirts...

      Since the first half of the trip will be around folks who know me, I'll be stuck wearing some of my normal androgynous outfits. That means stirrups, ballerina flats and women's turtlenecks or polo tops - for a week. If I plan this all correctly (and don't spill too much on myself) my clean androgynous clothes will run out two days after I leave the meeting...that will give me some spares.

      For the second week, it looks like I'll probably pack 4 skirts, with four feminine blouses, and a few extra matching everyday tops, including a turtleneck. Those, along with two pairs of capris, lots of tights and pantyhose, and a second pair of flats, should guarantee me lots of femininity for the last week.

      Looking forward to this long solo trip!

      Mandy

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  4. It sounds like you will be well prepared for your trip Mandy!

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    1. I try! Now I just have to get down to planning the details.

      Do you have yahoo or some other email? Maybe there is a chance we can meet at some point, but we can't discuss it on here "in public." Let me know...

      Mandy

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  5. Mandy I am so sorry that I haven't replied sooner!

    Work and life for me can be pretty hectic at times, and I don't get to keep up with my personal interests nearly as much as I want to!

    You can use jennsissy1@gmial.com to email me.

    jen

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    Replies
    1. OK!

      Thanks hon!

      Mandy

      PS, no problem about the delay, or they typo...things happen!

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  6. Ooops - that's jennsissy1@gmail.com, sorry for the type-o

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