Business trip / Gaby time

[Estefania]

Well, I'm just back to town after visiting LA for business all week.

Phew! It was quite an interesting week for me. I had some free time, but I had to be veeeeery careful as other people from work was staying at the same hotel. I hated the hotel layout! No "discrete" access. No stairs, other than a big staircase going straight to the reception area. So, all dealing with 2 sets of elevators.

Anyway... I managed to "sneak out" a couple times. Did some overdue shopping mostly on the second day out, got me (finally) a pair of woman's glasses with my prescription, but the first day out I did something that goes on the top of my list of crazy things to do... Ok, so I forgot to pack a few things for my trip. Among them, "foundation" garments. So, I was upset because I was wanting to go out and didn't have the "right" shape. So... desperate times, desperate measures. Since I couldn't get a "somehow" shapely waistline... I went the other way. I have a cute black and white sundress which is very stretchy... Ok, no other way to say it. I "got pregnant" in LA. (Disclaimer: I shouldn't need one but I know some members may get upset by the simple thought of a CD joking around with something that is sacred, etc. No, I wasn't making fun of pregnancies or how important the miracle of life is and how many women who would kill to be pregnant just can't) So, I had my "baby bump" and took the elevator to the underground parking lot and drove away. Went to a Target and ate at a Subway next to it. All went well. My biggest fear was getting involved in a conversation about the baby. But thank God it didn't happen. Back to my hotel, no incidents.

Have to post this now, may add more later.

*hugs*
Gaby

Ps. so, how "pregnant" was I? I'll post a pic later...

[Davita]

Congrats on getting out and the new glasses.

I used to run into times like that when I traveled -- what seemed like no way to get in and out. Occasionally my team leader would run interference for me before I was out to all my travel mates on all the different teams. He would even make sure I had access to the team car.

I also remember another time one of my team mates knocked on my door to let me know the group was meeting for drinks, but silly me forgot I was barefoot with some pretty red toes. If he said anything to anyone I never heard.

Wwwhhheeee the good ole days.

[KimberlyS]

Great you got out Gaby. I have left things behind also and we do what we have to do to get out and about. Glad it went well and look forward to the pics.

kimberlys cd
joe in a skirt

[Estefania]

Kim,

Thanks. Maybe only you are looking forward to the pics. Looks like a few are a bit annoyed by them.

Anyway, did shopping en drab mostly, as the logistics for leaving/coming back to the room were complicated. The second time I got out as Gaby I was wearing slacks, heels, a floral top, and a black cardigan. A bit more adequate for shopping. Visit Macy's, Ross, Walgreen's/CVS, ah yes, Claire's at the mall (a very small mall). So got me several pairs of clip-on earrings (buy 3 pairs, get 3 pairs for free). Got several items of makeup, brushes, etc. at Walgreen's/CVS. some 5 pairs of shoes, some dresses. So, it made a nice dent on my budget! All and all, a very uneventful trip. Only worrisome part, getting in and out to/from my room.

Didn't try anything at the stores. I really didn't have time to spare, and well, many things were in final sale, and my size, so I couldn't go too wrong.

Back in my room, I kept on trying to improve on my makeup skills. I think I do a good job, but trying to add some contouring and trying a bit of different eye-shadow techniques. Didn't do so great in that regard. Also, I'm fake-eyelashes impaired. I just wasn't able to get them set in position!

Coming back home at least I was lucky the rest of the group were flying in a different airline, and also had rented their car from a different company. So, I didn't have to explain why I was carrying two large suitcases with me.

[Emily]

Kim,

Thanks. Maybe only you are looking forward to the pics. Looks like a few are a bit annoyed by them.

I'm looking forward to the pics too! Just thought that it went without saying, LOL!

I love to hear about adventures out en femme... and if there are any pics to go along with the stories, then even better!

Good for you for getting out, Gaby! It does sound like there was a bit of strategic planning involved just to leave the hotel... but sounds like it all went well despite forgetting some essentials, LOL! Sounds like you compromised just fine though!

[Anne Bonny]

Sounds as if you are out and about living the life all I can say is go for it! Of course you are away from home which seems to be your preferred way. Great. Sounds as if you enjoyed yourself.

[Estefania]

Anne,

While going out away from home has plenty of advantages, it is not really that it is my preferred way. It is, at least currently, my only way. That is the compromise with my wife. She doesn't want to see me or be a part of my dressing at all, and I respect that. So, no dressing at home or in town, unless my family may be away.

Having said that, the advantages I referred to are basically about being out in a place where nobody (or at least mostly nobody) would be able to recognize me, which makes it lot safer since I am not out at work or with the rest of my family or friends, etc. Sure, can be read... frankly anybody who is a CD who may think that they are passing 100% all the time, well, may only be passing in their minds. Which is not a bad thing in itself!

Gaby

[Michelle Diane]

Look forward to seeing your photos Gaby. Don't worry honey I haven't been the "right shape" in years Yeah it's a real pin discovering you've left something behind. I'm going back to the house tomorrow as I left my forms, undies and 80% of my makeup and jewellery behind.

I understand your frustration with with discreet access. Our hotel in London has a grand Victorian staircase, perfect for making a grand entrance in your best cocktail dress as you go into the restaurant but totally useless for staying under the radar as both reception and the concierge desk are at the bottom. When we go out, as in Joanne and Michelle, we'll use the smaller station entrance. It's a longer walk and opens into Paddington station but I figure a main line terminus station middle of the day no ones going to notice or even care.

Very pleased you managed to get out and have some fun.

[Estefania]

Thank you Michelle. I'll be posting them as time allows.

Yeah sucks when you notice you forgot something, but well, at least I was able to replace/renew the stuff.

The hotel I was staying in, I wasn't able to find any other stairs than the main stair, only the elevators. Which would open to the dinning area, so it was kind of bad for my needs! I mean, while I don't plan to stay at the same place ever, and will not likely be running into any of the people who was there, I still try to keep the chances of being recognized as low as possible.

I hope you are having lots of fun as well!

[Michelle Diane]

Thank you Michelle. I'll be posting them as time allows.

Yeah sucks when you notice you forgot something, but well, at least I was able to replace/renew the stuff.

The hotel I was staying in, I wasn't able to find any other stairs than the main stair, only the elevators. Which would open to the dinning area, so it was kind of bad for my needs! I mean, while I don't plan to stay at the same place ever, and will not likely be running into any of the people who was there, I still try to keep the chances of being recognized as low as possible.

I hope you are having lots of fun as well!

Hi Gaby,

Before I forget (I have in the past) you look gorgeous in your avatar, very nice indeed .

We don't check into the "nice" hotel until next Monday (27th). Then with a private terrace and a semi secluded staircase I plan to wake up in the morning, put my face on, get dressed and spend the day en-femme. At the moment we're staying in a hotel in Exeter where there's ZERO chance to dress.

I have to be honest it's killing me as I haven't worn anything femme for over two weeks, no bra, panties,makeup no nothing.....I can't wait for the 27th to arrive.

[Anne Bonny]

Gaby, Sorry your wife set out rules like that. At least there is a tolerance because on her books you are still a keeper in every other way. My wife was tolerant too but allowed me to dress if blinds were drawn, the boys were at school, and of course I had to see if she were ok.... Of course now she is bed ridden and no longer aware of much of anything and our boys no longer live with us so I am free to dress as the gender flies. Gender is now the governor that decides who I am...male currently...meaning at this moment. Both boys know, they are adults and we still have the father son thing on good terms.

[Estefania]

Why thank you Michelle! Ah, tomorrow should be the big day huh? Good luck!!

Anne, my wife and I have been through a lot. And I firmly believe that our marriage is worth more than anything in life. Lucky me, my gender issues are not as deep as those from others, so I can get by even with restrictions. About the kids, time will tell...

[Lysette]

Amen to the wife comment, Gaby!

Same situation for me - my wife is absolutely paramount for me. She's aware of my gender situation, and she's fine with panties all the time, but that's about as far as she'll go. Maybe some day she'll tolerate more, but in the meantime, her discomfort dictates that I go no further in her presence.

Lysette

[Requal Jo]

You are lucky in that you get to travel Gaby. My wife is just only tolerant and it makes it hard for Requal to appear when she wants too.