Another milestone today: I went into a ladies’ shop this morning and tried on my first dress.

Every day that I go walking at the mall, I pass by a store with a lovely dress-and-sweater combination in the window. I have stopped and stared at that ensemble more than once. The dress is dark blue – my color – and is simple; the sweater is more playful, serving to accessorize the dress. They look like something a middle-aged or older lady might wear, which is right up my line.

Today, the store was open; so, I went inside. When I found a saleslady, I asked her the largest size in which the dress was available. She found the rack; the largest they had was an XL, which I thought would be too small. As we were looking at it, I told her that I didn’t think it would fit me. (That’s becoming my standard not-so-subtle way of letting a salesperson know I’m shopping for myself.) She didn’t bat an eye; she asked me if I’d like to try it on. I told her I was afraid I might damage it; but she encouraged me, pointing out that it was a knit and would stretch. She also mentioned that the $119.00 item was 40% off.

Well, I couldn’t say No. I must say that, if this store’s dressing rooms are any example, men are being given short shrift in the clothing stores. I liked! Bright lights and a huge mirror. I admit I struggled with the dress, but I finally got it on. It was, in fact, too small; but in a couple of months, who knows? I’m losing weight like a champ; I’m highly motivated, after all.

When I had come into the store, she was the only woman there; but, when I came out of the dressing room, there was another woman behind the register. Before I left the store, I noticed her staring at me, using my peripheral vision; I wasn’t sure of her expression, but it didn’t feel friendly. I was dressed for exercise and a little sweaty; perhaps that was it.

These events are not exciting. They can be somewhat anxiety-provoking, because you never know how a salesperson is going to treat you once they know that you're shopping for yourself. But there is no thrill in "buying women's clothes," other than the satisfaction of having faced the challenge and overcome it. It has nearly become ordinary; it will be, soon. To think, I used to make such a big deal about this in my mind. I love shopping for pretty things for myself. Jewelry intimidates me, though; I don't know anything about it, yet.

Since I wrote yesterday, I found a laser technician; I start losing my facial hair next month. Things are going very well.

Wow, and.... Wow. To think how far you've come, in a short while- the dam has burst, and the river that is the real you, is flowing free, now! Hugs!!