Let's get this show on the road!

I'm going to have some alone time this summer and I want to get out of the house.  I'm thrilled,  terrified and not sure what I want to do.  I do know that I will get in the car and quickly leave the immediate area around my home and regular places.  I suspect that I'll want to plan some simple experiences to get me into public with minimal interactions with people to help build my confidence.

If I go to Starbucks, do I have the guts to go inside or will I just use the drive thru?  Either one is a stepping stone to something more and I'll be happy regardless.  This one may come down to the vibe I get in the parking lot and how busy it is.  Am I better off going there where they are super busy or when they are slow?  If they are busy and I need the restroom, I'll be a sitting duck waiting for one.  But if they are busy there is more of a chance for me to get lost in the crowd.

If I go to a movie, I'll definitely pre-purchase my ticket to eliminate the waiting in line.  I'll skip the concessions to avoid another wait in line plus belay the need for a restroom, I hope.  Again, do I go when busy or not?

If I go shopping, it will not be at the mall - I do not want to have to walk/be exposed for that length of time from car to stores.  Therefore I'd rather do a standalone store.

This is not me (I wish!).

Burlington?  Yikes, that's a big store and lots of exposure, but I know there will be plenty for me to look for.  I'm not sure I have the gumption yet to try on clothes when shopping while try to present as a woman.  Sure, at Torrid and Lane Bryant I try on stuff most of the time, but that's when shopping in guy mode.  Now isn't that backwards!

Payless?  They are nice and small with the tall racks between isles which would give me a good amount of cover.  But I really don't need more shoes - no wait a second, yes I do!  I need super casual sandals.  I need some basic athletic shoes or slip ons.  And I can always use another pair of cute flats.  I just talked myself into Payless after all.

Sally Beauty?  Undoubtedly there is something I could use from there.  I get overwhelmed looking at beauty products since I don't really know what I need nor what colors are best for me.  But it will only get easier with practice.

Ulta?  Similar to Sally but this place is bigger and is bound to have lots more people, teenage girls in there.  PASS!

Wildcard/random other shopping?  Go to a liquor store in search of a great bourbon find?  Maybe???  Go to an adult gift/book store and shop for an intimate non-powered massager?  Perhaps.  Post office for stamps?  Nah.

Once again, NOT me.

If I go to a park for a walk, then make sure to BLEND IN!

Do I go to a club?  Where?  When?  Can I be a fly on the wall for a bit and then just get out of there?  Having never been to any club dressed nor any clubs around here anyway, I'd sure like a friend along side me.

I wrote this blog entry with two intentions: 1) brainstorming session, 2) solicit your feedback and ideas.  True to form, the act of typing this out has helped me make some decisions!  Thank you!  I need to journal more!!

And for that second intention, please share with me and other blog readers some ideas to help build confidence going out in public:
What did you do & where did you go when you were first venturing out?
What would you have done differently?
What time of day did you venture out?

I appreciate your willingness to read my blog and encourage any feedback.

Hugs,

Tanya