December 17, 2010 4:07 AM GMT
About a year ago, i had the house to myself during the day and got dressed around 7am. Normally i have only ever been out very early for a quick stroll on a dark morning & once at night. On this occasion without really thinking and having got dressed up, i decided to go out when it was light about 930am. I tried to dress to blend, dark clothes, black coat, "sensible shoes" long skirt etc. Had to go down a gully at the back of the house about 100 metres, unlock the gate, and straight onto shopping area and main road.
It was very nerve wracking (check the wig, foundation, walk slowly, not like a Gorilla.. etc) but once i got past the gate i managed to get some confidence, and the shops are not too busy which helped.
I went to a couple of nearby shopping areas for a couple of hours on the bus (inserted my 'other' photo on the bus pass and crossed my fingers), exhilarating but nervy, think i did ok, no one said anything anyway, and i kept checking and using my powder, had a look around M&S and BHS and bought some Tights. The counter staff have clocked me but were very nice.
Having a Great time, but a slight problem on way back, i unlock the gates, walk up the gully, and meet a neighbour coming in the other direction down the hill who i cant avoid. She says "oh i thought it was you - hello" , or something similiar as we pass. Which really worried me at the time.
Fortunately i dont really know her to speak to, and since then she has just said hi when i have bumped into her in the street - not often. I'm still not sure if she thought i was somebody else, i certainly didnt look like i usually do. I've just got to pluck up the courage to go out again now.