Taking a break

For the past 4 weeks, my wife was not around, and I was able to be myself in the comfort of my home, as well as venture outside the house. This temporary solace is coming to an end, and so I will have to take a break from becoming myself. Hopefully, I will be able to make some small progress along the way.

Meeting Cecilia

I just met Cecilia for a quick dinner, chat and movie.

It was the first time that I actually met someone who is also suffering from GID.

It is Friday night, so you can imagine the crowd at the mall. But it also means no one is actually looking at you, since there are so many people around. I was nervous at first, but slowly got the hang of it. I was in a white t-shirt, with a purple-blue checkered shirt over that, and a ochre brown maxi skirt. Cecilia was in a lace top and pants, with a shawl draped over her shoulders. She is about the same height as me, so you can imagine two tall girls walking around in  the mall. Yes, we probably stand out, but no one really bothered enough to stare at us.

It was great being able to hear her story, to share my story, to talk about the similar issues (those that she faced, and those that I will likely face). Our stories are different, our cases are different, but what is the same is that we are both trying to become ourselves.

The movie (The Hobbit: The Desolation of Smaug) was just an excuse to get together. Yes, we both enjoyed the movie, but I think we enjoyed the time together chatting more.

Yet another small step towards becoming me.

The letter

I went for an appointment with Dr Tsoi today. He gave me some advice on how to plan career transition as well as how to get my wife to accept the dressing up, in stages. He also gave me a letter certifying that I have GID. He was more patient with me today, I guess it could have been because I went there dressed (instead of my first visit, when I went in guy mode).

Before the appointment, I went shopping at Takashimaya. I actually bought something, trying to use my female voice. I don't know how it worked, but at least I didn't get outright rejection.

Small steps... yet another step towards becoming me.

Shoe size

Size 41: Just nice for right foot, a bit of a squeeze for left foot.
Size 42: Just nice for left foot, a bit loose for right foot.

Conclusion:
Right foot size 41
Left foot size 42

Where can I buy shoes in mixed sizes?

Going out, 10 Dec 2013

Went out again today, dressed. This is the first time wearing the skirt that I got from Lowry Farm and the shirt from New Look. I had wanted to drive to Tampines, but ended up taking the MRT to nex instead. Browsed a bit at Isetan, E2, Cotton On and Yishion before I decided to head home. There was too much of a crowd, to think that this is a weekday afternoon.

Slowly gaining confidence. Salespersons have been approaching me to try and help, but I have been giving them the cold shoulder since I am not confident using my voice yet.

First movie

I went to catch a movie on my own the other night, dressed up. It was the first time I was watching a movie in girl mode. I am not that good with my female voice yet, so instead of getting tickets over the counter, I made an online booking for the tickets.

Got to the cinema a bit early, so I had to spend almost two hours wandering around the nearby mall. It was a great experience as I learn how to get used to being a lady walking around and shopping. I think I was not so nervous this time because it was quite late already (watching the late night show) so by the time I was there, the mall wasn't that full of people.

Still, the experience was good, giving me more confidence as I try to learn how to present myself as female. The journey is not an easy one, but I think I will slowly get there with time and practice. Wish me luck!

Shopping at Orchard Road

I tried going out again dressed, hoping that with practice, I will gain confidence. I changed the style a bit, a one piece white dress, with a shorter wig and glasses. This time, I was able to walk with my head higher, although I still try to avoid eye contact with people. I managed to get down to Orchard Road, the furthest I have been so far while dressed.

Shopped around two shops, got myself some skirts, tops, and a dress that I have been eyeing. I still need to work on my voice, no confidence in it and thus just used waving of hands, nodding of head to signal to the sales assistant.

All in all, I am starting to gain a bit more confidence in myself.