It has been a few days since we got together for my Emerald Fantasy. I am putting some of my thoughts about the experience down in words to solidify them and to help me appreciate what I have been through, with you as my guide.

The lead up to our meeting was anxiety inducing. I was worried that I would seem foolish or weird or go over the top or who knows what. Your kind e-mails helped me through that phase. When we finally did meet you were true to the other reports. We talked for a while and you put me at ease and got to know me a little. It wasn't long before I was able to express my feelings and expectations for our adventure.

You had told me it was all about attitude and mindset. How true this is. If you keep a smile and are determined to have fun in Seattle, nothing can hold you back. Now this is how the story goes.

We tried several looks and outfits to get a look at some things I couldn't wear out of the salon, because they were a little too sexy or revealing for blending in, out in public. I have to admit I looked pretty good in a couple of the outfits. Much, much better than I ever thought possible. This gave me confidence and a more positive outlook as we went along. This was a real kick to just play this way.

We finally settled on a look that fit my age and personality with a nice skirt, sweater top and low heels that matched. I was a brunette for tonight, although the blonde and redheads looked pretty hot. (My breasts looked great too, about a C cup size--first time ever!!)

The first thing to do was get our nails done. We went to a place that Angel likes a lot and met the owner. She did a great job on my nails, matching the purple sweater top. It was a blast. Angel had hers done in a dark red. A lady at the drying area started a conversation with us and didn't turn a hair. I think my voice gave me away, but as Angel told me, you can't change everything at once and no one will care anyway. That's Seattle for you.

Out on the street a skateboarder about 16-17 years old came by and checked out Angel. He totally ignored me. How crushing! Angel says the tall girls always get checked out. I'm average height.

First I was worried I would get checked out and now feeling a little bad that I wasn't. This was too much.

I kept my smile and we went to a Thai restaurant for dinner. I did the ordering and the waitress was friendly. I thought she gave me a look when she first heard my voice, but she didn't say a word and was very helpful with ordering. The service and food were excellent. We had a chicken satay with peanut sauce appetizer, a spicy chicken with vegetable dish that the waitress recommended, a red curry with brown and white rice, all with medium hot spice. There were some left-overs for later. I left a lipstick mark on the water glass and teacup, what a rush. (Simple pleasures) A trip to the ladies room went without a hitch.

Once we were full, or not quite--as others have said, in this role you tend to eat less than usual.

Angel says this is a healthy activity we have.

We had earlier heard from one of the girls at the salon about a lounge on upper First Street that was nice. It was crowded in the area and we had to park 4-5 blocks away, there were some hills and stairs to climb. This was an interesting chore for my first time in heels. Thank goodness I had spent some time getting a good fit with the shoes. I had to remember to watch out for grates with those heels. Interesting the things you don't usually think about that can be important.

As we entered we were greeted with a "Good evening ladies" and seated in the room with a fireplace, comfortable couches chairs and tables. They had wonderful drinks. Other customers came and went, not noticing us except as Angel says to "check out the girls". This is something that girls get all the time, and now it was happening to me. Another rush!!

Another trip to the ladies room went without a problem, but it is tricky getting yourself readjusted after. I had an "oops", almost. I had to be reminded to take my purse. As Angel told me, "You will need your things to touch up make up and so on". Little things make a big difference, but it only makes sense. I was learning on the job and having a great time doing it.

A couple of cocktails and some Penn Cove mussels later it was getting a little warm from the fireplace and we needed to scope out Capitol Hill and a great chocolate dessert shop there. On the way out I got a great big grin from a guy and I thought I had been read, but Angel told me he was just checking me out. I think she was right after thinking about it.

I was a little chilly walking back to the car, and a little drafty around the legs, but that's just the way it goes when you're trying to be beautiful.

We made our way up the hill and stopped to ask directions to the dessert shop. This was the most crowded place we had been and I was a little nervous, there were lots of people and it was bright. I smiled and we walked in. We got checked out again, but just with brief looks and once we were seated we blended right into the crowd. We had dessert, chocolate galore and I had an espresso, while Angel had a cappuccino.

Thinking back on the day, the selection of activities was graded and met my abilities, gradually as I got more skill and confidence.

The conversations we had were excellent and ranged over many topics such as movies, music, travel, books, philosophy, psychology and many others. We were having a great time, just two friends out on the town.

My adventure was of necessity more intense and compacted than that of most others, Angel told me later.

She had told me that attitude and mind set are all-important, and is she ever right about that.

If you want to have fun you will have fun.

I wondered how I had done and I was told I had earned an "A+" for my first night out.

Angel earned my respect and admiration at her gift of taking another wannabe and making the dream come true. We went back to the salon and I changed back.

There was a major difference.

Now I know I can do it with the proper guide in the wonderful Emerald City of Seattle.

Thanks again Angel,

Your friend,

Francesca