My day started with a visit to Mom's at the nursing home. But unlike my everyday visits, this time I wore a skirt and blouse, makeup and flats. My first time in that venue! I wisely chose flats over my Mary Janes, which I wore later in the day... It had been so long since I'd worn them, that I found out later my gait was far from graceful. (A little practice was all I needed.)
No, I didn't leave the house dressed that way...but I had purposely put the blouse on at home, under my polo shirt, and then wore a high-necked sweater to cover everything (made the cornfield change much quicker. Sweater weather is very helpful!)
Once clear of the house, I found a back road so I could pull on my skirt and take off my stirrup pants. My timing was perfect...once my shirt was off, leaving me in a blouse, and my pantyhosed legs were skirted and on display, the traffic started. No way I could have changed back, even if I had wanted to...
On my way into the nursing home, I said a cheery Happy Halloween to everyone... As it turned out, almost everyone - including the receptionist - recognized me, but commented positively on my outfit - female staff and female residents alike. A couple of older guys said hi after my greeting, but looked rather confused...like why did this girl get so girly all of a sudden. But they didn't say anything.
And from the head of admissions, "Wow, look at those pretty legs! I like...hope to see you look this attractive - much more often!" My response was..."I guarantee it - next Halloween!" She gave me a fake frown, then a big grin.
When I got to Mom's room, an aide was there, trying to convince her to let the aide put her "costume" on for the party in the afternoon - nothing more than a tiara with veil. My entrance in a skirt proved to be a huge distraction, though Mom took it well. And the aide asked her if there was something, like a witch's hat, that she might rather wear. She fancied that idea, so the aide left and came back with a big brimmed, pointy black hat, which I actually was able to keep on her for part of my visit! (But I doubt she went to the party at all, let alone wearing the hat!)
I took a picture of her, under much protest. But at least she didn't thumb her nose at the camera, like she usually does, and I have a decent picture of her. For privacy reasons, I won't post it here.
Here was my own outfit:
While I was visiting, Mom noticed my engagement ring and nails (including the broken one, which Miss J at the nail salon nicely repaired, now that it's healed.) You can't tell that I destroyed it...and the pink acrylic matches my other nails perfectly. The pink is probably a keeper!
The billing clerk was very enthusiastic...she's the one I had talked to about this earlier in the year. After that discussion, she wasn't surprised that I dressed so girly. But now she says I should look this pretty more often!
The woman who Mom eats lunch with, and who, months ago had asked me "What are you, a boy or girl?" again asked me "So what are you today?" I laughed and said "Today, I'm Miss Mandy!" The female staffer talking with her, told me that she's impressed, because she never wears skirts or dresses. I couldn't resist asking "Why not? You'd look so nice in them." Her response was - "Sweetie, I'm jealous - you look so much better in a skirt than I do. My legs are awful...yours are so pretty! You really should wear skirts all the time!" I laughed and said "I doubt that, but thanks...and I really wish I could do it. Maybe someday. But for now, as soon as a restroom opens up, I have to change."
On my way out, everyone was encouraging me to change back to my skirt and stay for the party. Unfortunately, that was not to be. I was off to the sale. But today I wore my stirrup pants, pantyhose and flats, and was anxious to see if I got any comments.
More on that in Part 2!
What a wonderful experience! Thanks for sharing your Coming out experiences :)
ReplyDeleteThanks, Cyrsti!
DeleteThere's lots more to come, as things are still unfolding. Stay tuned...
Mandy