Julie - Out and About

  I've been away from home most of the summer - mid-June to early August - and unable to enjoy any "Julie Time". Partly because most of my wardrobe was in Spokane, and partly because Florida in July is WAY too hot for a wig! I got home over a week ago, and FINALLY had a day out! It was a Sunday, and since my SO had the car I was relegated to the bus. Now don't get me wrong, I enjoy using public transportation. It allows for more interaction with the world. However, it does make scheduling a bit tricky. But that's half the fun! "Is that woman staring at me? I hope so!" I bused to downtown with a planned stop or two, but also wanted to just enjoy being out. First stop was my favorite bookstore. (actually the ONLY locally owned bookstore in town) I had a gift card and needed to see how much was still on it. Turns out, not nearly enough to buy anything, but that doesn't stop a gal from browsing. Do I really need more books? (do I really need more air?) R...

  Blog #150.  I never thought I'd make it this far. Sticking with a task for more than a week is a challenge for me, let alone writing 150 entries in a Blog. It makes me feel like a success, like a person of accomplishment, like someone who is trying to come up with an ACTUAL topic for this monumental entry instaed of just shooting the bull to fill the page. But I digress - this entry DOES have a topic, as is suggested by the title. Skirting The Issue. I managed to get out last Saturday after a LOOONNNGGG drought of Julie Time. The first challenge was, as always, choosing an outfit. It's Saturday morning, I'm going to have breakfast at my favorite Saturday Morning Breakfast Place - Golden Corral Buffet - then do some shopping for "necessary female items". So, do I go with leggings and try to blend in, or do I go with a skirt because my "Guy Side" wears pants every day and skirts feel so good? OOD - my favorite comfy skirt This one shows the ACTUAL color ...

  Trying To Stay Cool OK, life is like this. After my recent post where I ranted (yes, I RANTED, no two ways about it) about getting out, I spent an entire day . . . out! The weather outside was frightful (we don't usually get triple digit temps for more than a day or two, and it's now been over a week) but I had the opportunity and I went for it. The usual - stores, errands, grab a bite and like that. But it was an enjoyable time. OOTD I selected my Outfit Of The Day - jean skirt, kitten heels, and VERY light weight pantyhose - and I hit the trail. First stop - Dollar Tree. I usually buy my make-up wipes there as they carry a very good brand, and I get 40 wipes for $1.25. Things got off to a great start as I approached the store - a family was going in right before me (Mom, Dad and 2 girls). As I got up to the door, Dad held it open for me, with a big smile on his face. Chivalry is NOT dead! Bad News - Dollar Tree no longer carries that brand of make-up wipes! They had another...

Since folks tend to bypass blogs without pix, I thought I'd begin with a smiling, happy photo and then go on from there. OK, let's get started. I know depression comes and goes. I know emotions can be helpful AND hurtful. And I know my circumstance is importnt to me but not necessarily to everyone else. I know all that. That doesn't change the fact that I can be ruled by my emotions. But to keep your attention, I will post another photo. Ever notice that everything at Victoria's Secret is size 8 and smaller?? It's been 2 months since my last post. Why? Because I haven't done anything worth chatting about. Yes, I manage to get out once every week or so, but it's always the same thing. Grab a bite to eat, do the weekly grocery shopping, and . . . . . not much else. Oh wait, I DID manage to get to the museum a few weeks back. Spokane hosted a World's Fair 50 years ago Liberace performed here, in this costume Yeah, that was a fun night - kinda.   Anyway, get...

  After FAR too long of being restricted to dressing for a limited time and only at home, I was able to get out on the town this weekend.  I had some adventures and I will try to keep them interesting (no guarantees, Sweeties). So let's get this show on the road! I started out on Saturday, getting some breakfast at my favorite eattery (for breakfast, that is) They have the BEST breakfast buffet I got to my table, and the server approached me and asked "Coffee AND water?" I told her just coffee, and she said, "I tried to remember. Welcome back." Wow! Service worthy of a good tip. I then went to Costco to pick up half a dozen items, and when I got to the self-checkout my debit card was rejected.  REJECTED?? (I forgot that I had had a call from their Fraud Dept on Friday about a contested charge. It was a false charge, so they apparently put a block on my card.) ~~sigh~~ There is a branch of my credit union not to far away, so off I went to get the situation dealt ...

  For the past "I don't know how many" years, I have been able to let Julie out most weekends - usually Saturday mornings. I meet with a friend for coffee and shopping, or I enjoy a nice breakfast out, and I usually get the weekly grocery shopping done.  Due to the sitution at home, I pack a bag on Friday night then head out early Saturday to one of my 2 "Changing Places". (as seen in this photo) But lately I have been experiencing an unusualy phenomenon. I get the bag packed ok, but come Saturday morning I have no desire to go out.  The one thing that guarantees me actually following through is making an appointment with a friend. If we have arranged to meet, I have no problem. But if it's just me, on my own, I often (usually?) bail. It doesn't mean I don't want to dress. It doesn't mean I don't want to spend some Julie Time Out And About. But I can't seem to generate the motivation to go out.  I then regret the decision for the rest of ...

  OK, that title was a tad melodramatic --- but I just noticed that I haven't posted a new article the entire month of March!  So, in order to rectify that heinous oversight . . .  It's been an interesting month. I found out my job is ending as of March 29th. No full time employment. Same bills to pay but no income. And what is the biggest concern on my mind right now? Having to find a new place to change into Julie Mode! In The Lobby My SO knows of Julie but would rather not be involved, and our son still lives at home with us, so I need a "changing place" outside the home. My office building provided the perfect location, especially on the weekend. A fitness center with shower rooms and lockers.  I could walk into the building as him and walk out as her. With a beautiful view of downtown Access to the building and the upper floors requires a code, and once my employment is terminated I will no longer have a code. What's a girl to do? Honestly though, once I get ...

  How's this sound - one picture per month from 2023!  Yup, that's what I'm going to attempt -- one picture that sums up an entire month.  Let's get started with, oh I don't know - How about January.  Bringing in the New Year of 2023 in a 1940's style dress. A February night out at the Speakeasy Cabaret located at Northern Quest Casino.  They usually have live music, too. A March afternoon at the recording studio getting ready to record an audiobook. As of this writing I have over 150 titles. April - Easter - Brunch at a very nice hotel. Basic black always makes an impression. May saw me out of town on business for a week. Days were full of work, but nights were on the town. Unfortunately the "town" is very small. By the time I got off work and got dressed the only places still open were Denny's and Applebee's. (I got to know the bartenders at Applebee's very well) A Summer's Afternoon. June brought very nice weather, as well as a very ...

 What effect does wardrobe have on attitude? Apparently - A LOT. We've all heard the stereotype that Women Browse, Men Hunt. I conducted an informal study recently at the local WinCo Grocery Store. My Usual Saturday Grocery Trip Attire First, I ALWAYS have a grocery list when I go shopping. (see photo above) I noticed that when Julie does the shopping, I take my time and usually go up and down every aisle.  But when "He" does the shopping, it's "Get What You Need And Don't Dawdle".  So the last few times I've gone in, I tried to just shop - don't think about what I'm wearing, how I'm presenting, just let life happen as it happens.  I've gone in Boy Mode and Julie Mode a few times, each time trying to just be in the moment and take note of what transpires.  Another difference - "He" never takes selfies in the store The conclusion - Julie just takes her time.  It's not a conscious effort, not a "I'm Dressed As A G...