Early Christmas (Part Two 13/12/08)

Woke up on the Saturday morning at about 9 30am so had a few hours sleep. It took me about an hour and half to get ready. Lisa was up as well so when we were ready to go I contacted Di. She sounded a little worse for wear and said she would meet us later.
Lisa and myself headed of out. First stop was Villagio where we were having the meal.
Lisa had to finalise the number that would be attending. I got an insight into what it took to organise the meal with girls coming from all over the British Isles. It was billed as the Northern Angels Meal, but there were girls from all over. Lisa had done a fantastic job. Lisa runs the Northern Angels meals which are held every month during the year which have been used by some girls as a springboard for getting outside, me included. At Sparkle they had the TG Oscars,she should be up for one next year.
We headed off to the shops on King St. Lisa went into Hobbs, not really my favourite shop so I said I was going to look into Monsoon down the road.
I love the clothes in Monsoon, but my nemesis came to the surface again. All the tops and dresses had short or 3/4 length sleeves. I've got a problem with the hair on my arms which I've gone into else where on the other blog. It's something I really want to sort out.
This is where I lost Lisa. I had a look round the shops to see if I could find her. Now Lisa is used to being out on her own shopping I am not. I thought about ringing her and then thought I'll do it later, this was an oppertunity to see if I can do this myself. I decided to head for the Arndale Centre.
I didn't feel nervous at all just felt really good.
Wandering round the clothes shops I decided to get some false eyelashes from MAC. I wore them that night, nobody said anything to me so hopefully they looked alright.
Eventually I met up with Diana and she got a picture of me with a very skinny person in a panda suit (see above). We went for a coffee and got in touch with Lisa she was actually just round the corner.
We met up a bit more shopping, I bought a skinny pair of jeans. I don't know if I'll ever wear them out.
It came time to head back to get changed for the meal. On the way back I told Lisa I had to find a ATM. I knew there was one in the train station which was up the road from the hotel. I said I wouldn't be long. I also had an ulterior motive.
Next year when I come down to Manchester I want to stay for a few days instead of one or two, but more than that I want to travel round the north west in K mode which means using the train.
Piccadilily station was very busy. I had a wander round got some money, I don't think anybody took much notice of me. The next step is to actually get on a train, which I think I can do.
Leaving the station I went into a newsagent and put 2 lines on the thunderball lottery for a bit of fun.
Back at the hotel I got changed, war paint on. I did have fun with the eye lashes.
We went to the bar where Lisa had arranged for everybody to meet.
In the bar I met Bea who I only know from the Angels Forum. Now perhaps I shouldn't say this but photos I've seen of her don't do her justice, she looked amazing.
We headed of to Villagio's for the meal where I met up with the 2 Irish girls Diedre and Natasha also I was seated with Emma, Sarah, Trisha, Kate and Mrs Kate.
Emma was relating how she wasn't out to her wife. The 2 Kates told of their experience which I could relate to. Emma asked if I was married and at that moment a waiter rushed past with a burning plate. Apparently Diana had set herself on fire. It wasn't serious thankfully. I was glad I didn't have to answer Emma's question. Everyone was really enjoying themselves and I know people feel awkward when I tell them she passed away. Don't get me wrong I love talking about her, but then didn't seem the right time. I had a good chat with Sarah who I had met in Liverpool at the April Ashley talk. I ended up going outside with Linzi for a smoke. I know so much for my rant on here about smoking. I do feel a complete idiot.
The meal came to an end and we all moved up to Velvet. I had one drink and then when back to the hotel to get some more money. I said to Diana I'd see her in Naps.
I got to Naps before nearly everyone. I got talking to Rachel and we realised we had chatted in the Angels chat room. A few people had called it a night, but there was quite a few of us left.We ended up there near to closing time.
It was a fantastic night meeting so many new people.
I felt a bit sad saying my farewells for this year. I know it my last time this year in K mode. I know it's not Christmas yet, but this is the first time in years I've enjoyed this time of year.
Oh before I go any further, if your wondering did I win on the lottery, yes £20, another first for Karen.
I said before this has been an amazing year for me and I would like to thank Lisa, Diana, Kate and Mrs Kate, everyone I've met from the Manchester Concord and the Angels Forum and anybody who reads this have a:-

HAPPY CHRISTMAS and NEW YEAR

Early Christmas Part One

I had another fantastic weekend down in Manchester which culminated with the Northern Angels Christmas Meal.
On the Friday, with Lisa and Diana we went out to the Trafford Centre for some shopping. I spent to much at the MAC counter again. One of the assistants applied some of the blusher to my cheeks that I was interested in. It was a nice touch, I've seen sro many women trying all sorts of make up at counters, it was nice to join them.
Lisa had a make over booked so Diana and myself went for a wander.
I bought a nice pair of black boots which are so comfortable.
We caught up with Lisa and went for something to eat. 3 girls out shopping, at the beginning of the year I never thought I'd be doing this, now when in Manchester I just go shopping without a second thought as Karen. I say without a second thought, I've always been with either Diana or Lisa or both, but that was about to change.
It was back to the hotel and a quick change and out to Naps.
In the end I think the day had caught up with Lisa so I ended up going to meet Diana in Naps on my own. We stayed to the death and I got back to the hotel sometime after 4am. On the way back I passed within 20 feet of a group of teenagers. In K mode that would have worried me at one time. If the worst came to the worst I knew I could get to the hotel and cause a commotion. I walked passed with no problem, there was a couple of girls among them and one seemed to be getting her face snogged off.
One thing I should do is get another attack alarm, the last one didn't work.
That was the end of another fantastic night out. It would be about 5 hours sleep and up for another day that capped a wonderful year for me.

Saturday (More shoppimg then Liverpool)

I got to my bed just before 4am. I think I managed to get about 4 hours sleep.
Lisa and myself were going shopping in the city centre. Diana was meeting Sandi, who I had met at a Manchester Concord meeting. We decided that it wouldn't be a good idea for all four of us to go into the city centre as we might attract to much attention as a group, but we would meet up for a meal later.
Lisa and myself went off down King St where I bought a nice top in Monsoon. I love that shop they really do have beautiful clothes. Later on I bought a black jacket and skirt in Next.
It's great being able to try clothes on so you know they fit. The assistants were so helpful and really nice in both shops.
I also needed a new handbag and I bought a lovely Jane Norman one in Frasers.
The shops were really busy with lots of blokes out with their wives shopping looking glum in the womens departments. Lisa made a comment about how many of these blokes are secretly trannies and would love to be out shopping like us. I had to smile and thought probably a few.
We decided to get something to eat. We couldn't get in touch with Diana and Sandi so we went to a cafe bar near the Arndale.
Canal St and the village is great for us tgirls. A safe environment, but it is great to have and a meal and a drink elsewhere.
It came time for us to get back to the hotel and get changed for the next part of this fantastic weekend, Liverpool.
Diana ran us though to Liverpool for the April Ashley talk at St George's Hall. An absolutely beautiful venue.
April Ashley was the first person to transition from this country. She had the operation in Casablanca about 50 years ago. From what I understand it was a very dangerous procedure more so than today. I know any operation where they have to put you under carries a risk, but it has greatly improved these days. I don't know much about Gender Reassignment Surgery, but from what I understand it can cause problems even today, depending how it's done.
April is now in her seventies and looks fantastic. I get the feeimg she would be the centre of attention anywhere. She seems to have that aura some people have.
I really enjoyed the talk even though the sound system was terrible.
After the talk Diana and Lisa went to get a photograph signed by April. I met a lass of the Angels Forum Alina and her husband.
One black spot a genetic woman who was a bit drunk asked me if I was a man and kept asking in front of a few other women. It wasn't a nice situation to be in and shook me a bit.
We went for a meal at an Indian with 3 other girls, Pippa, Sarah and Lynette. Everything got a bit surreal when we finished the meal. Two nuns who were at the April Ashley talk came into the restaurant. I think Sarah was giving them a lift in her car. Now I not religious as I've stated in a previous post, but one of the nuns blessed us and to be honest it was a quite beautiful moment.
It came time to leave so we headed back to the car. On the way a thought struck me. I had came into Liverpool in K mode and was leaving the same way, another first.
When we got back to Manchester we went to Napoleons and I was really glad to see the 2 Kates' were there. I was really hoping I would see them. They are a lovely couple.
I talked to Mrs Kate about my late wife briefly. She said something about I'll meet someone, but to be honest I'm not really looking.It's years since I was with anyone. The last lass I was with, the relationship didn't last long. I'm content with life now. My life has changed. I've done things I never thought I would. The trans aspect has allowed me to live again and enjoy life.
When I see the two Kates out together I have an inkling of what they have from what I had with Mrs Karen and it's quite beautiful.
It came time to leave and when I was collecting my coat I noticed a genetic girl was watching me and then she winked. It was tempting to go over and speak but I think she was with a bloke so I think it was better that I didn't.
Outside we all hugged and that was the end of another amazing time with my friends.
I really wish I could do this more.
Can't wait till next time.
Love
Karen xxx

Friday, A couple more firsts and no nerves.

I'm not long back from an amazing 2 days in Manchester and a trip through to Liverpool for the April Ashley talk.
I got down to Manchester on the Friday afternoon and met up with Lisa at The Place where we had an apartment. We had stayed there at Sparkle and I hadn't seen Lisa since then.
Once we got sorted, out bob basically disappeared until Sunday when I went home. Even at Sparkle I hadn't spent the whole time in K mode.
Diana was coming round and we were going out to the Trafford Centre to shop. There was a slight hitch, Diana had forgot her contact lenses and had to go back home and get them. Actually I was glad of the extra time to get ready.
Once Diana got sorted she came round to where we were staying and couldn't come up to our apartment due to a mix up with names. I went down to get her. The reception was busy. At one time I would have been extremely nervous with so many people in one place.
We went up to the apartment. Diana looked looked as good as ever. A very classy lady.
When we got up to the apartment Lisa was just about ready. Lisa looked great. It was time to go shopping. Lisa drove us out to the Trafford.
At the MAC counter in Selfridges I mangeed to limit what I bought which is really difficult. I just love their products. I bought a green wool coat in Evans (see pic above).
We decided to have a meal in the Trafford. Another first outside the village for me.
It's a fantastic feeling just being able to do normal things like any other woman with a couple of good friends.
After the meal it was back to the hotel and a quick change and out for a couple of drinks in the village. We met up in Napoleons. The blue dress Diana was wearing was absolutely stunning. I wish I could wear clothes like that. Both Diana and Lisa looked fab. If I even look a fraction as good as Diana and Lisa I'm happy. I'm still trying to get used to heels. Very low ones seem to kill my feet. I'm in awe of those two and the ones they wear.
The night came to an end. I'd had a wonderful time and it was time for a few hours sleep.

First Time Shopping,and a Big Wheel

I met up with Diana down in Manchester. Strangely we were checking in to the same hotel at the same time and didn't recognise each other initially. Being in bob mode the only thing that was a give away was our voices.
That night we went to the Manchester Concord meeting where we we met the 2 Kates and Jane.
3 girls were playing live, one was Marianne who I had met at Sparkle with her wife who I don't think was there. It was great to say hello again and I really enjoyed her version of Bruce Springsteen's The River. Diana finally won the raffle she always seemed to be 1 number out.
Afterwards we went to Naps where Mrs Kate had us all dancing. Something I noticed was the 2 Kates and Diana looked fantastic. I felt quite dowdy, I think thats the expression.
The night came to an end and it was time to get some sleep before embarking on our adventures in the city centre.
In the morning I ready before Diana so I went for a walk round the village. I was really nervous about going shopping as I never done it in K mode.
Diana turned up and looked fab in a white top skirt and heels she also had her sunglasses to hide behind. This was a first for her as well. I thought the sun glasses were a good idea and resolved to get a pair.
We went off down King St looked in a few shops and then we came to Monsoon. There was a silk dress in there I wanted. Now dress size I usually take a 16 top and 12 down below. They didn't have a 16 so I asked if I could try the 14 on. No problem, so off I went into the changing room . It fitted perfectly and another first. I got an overwhelming sense of being feminine. I don't know if that makes sense, but it's the only way I can describe it.
I bought the dress and to say I felt great is an understatement. Diana took a picture of me outside. The shop assistants were great and it felt like I had passed through another barrier.
We spent hours going round the shops.
A coffee in Fraser's, I also bought a couple of eye shadows, blusher and mascara at the MAC counter. I love their products and it was great being treated as just another woman despite my voice. It was quite busy, but nobody was taking any notice of us as far as I could tell not that I probably would have noticed, I was to busy with the assistant.
We went on the big wheel outside Selfridges. You get a great view of Manchester up there. The photo above I think gives a sense of how high up we were.
It came to the time when we had to head back to the hotel. I had to get ready for a make up lesson with Nancy at Make up Manchester.
I planned to have a shave, change back to bob and then change again after the lesson in to K mode.
On the way back Diana was attacked by a pigeon, lucky she had her sunglasses on it could have taken her eye out. I've been ribbing her about ever since. It brought a smile to a lot of people faces and a few laughs, but the classy lady that she is, she handled it beautifully.
In the end after a drink at AXM time was getting short so I decided to go as I was.
This meant going near the city centre on my own. Totally different than being with someone else. I didn't have any problems.
Nancy was fantastic. During the lesson she would do one side of my face and I would copy what she did on the other side. I was pleased I didn't make to many mistakes and picked up a lot tips. I found out what foundation to use and how to blend two which was really bugging me. I got a wealth of information and will be off to buy the brushes I need. I've gained a basic understanding of what to do. The two hours passed very quickly and was worth every penny. I really can't recommend her highly enough.
I'll put a link to her site on my list.
I walked back, the nerves I felt being out on my own long gone. It was still busy, but I felt like just another woman heading home well back to my hotel. I had no problems. I guess they see a lot of tranny's in Manchester so we are not an uncommon sight if your not passable, which I'm under no illusions about.
Back at the hotel I changed into my new silk dress. I think Diana was impressed. I know I felt fantastic not dowdy anymore. I think I had caught up a bit with Diana who looked beautiful and very classy.
We had a lovely meal at Villagio and spoke to a really nice Spanish couple over on holiday. We had a great night although it wasn't a busy night. We saw a cabaret, can't remember where. A girl out with her boyfriend looked me up and down and said wow. I wondered if she had sight problems, but it made me feel good. We spoke to a couple in Naps. Apparently I'm better looking than most of the women in Rochdale, I was told, which I don't believe for a second.
The night came to an end. Diana headed home and it was back to the hotel for me.
A wonderful 2 days came to an end and Diana if your reading this thank you for your friendship and company. I'll be down again as soon as I can for hopefully another shopping trip.
I know I've crossed a line, what's next I don't know. The feminine feeling I got was intense and I can see how this becomes addictive. Also I got a tremendous sense of freedom and a fantastic boost in confidence.
I would like to be confident enough to travel on public transport. The tube in London might be a good start, so a trip there might be on the cards, but thats for the future.
I've made some good friends in Manchester and that is priceless.

Oh, I never did buy the sunglasses to hide behind I forgot all about them.

Learning Curve Pt 2 - The Truth Explodes

In part one of this my intention was to write about my trip south, which I did but it focused mainly on the moron who tried to intimidate me. The night itself I really enjoyed with Kate, Diana and Sandi who doesn't get much chance to get out.
I had managed to go flying over a table in my hotel room and bounce my head with a severe crack of the wall.
After that mishap I met Diana in the hotel lobby and we went to the car park where we were meeting Sandi.
This got a bit strange. It felt like Diana and myself were in a spy movie or cop film on a stakeout. Diana's car was on the second level overlooking the street. She didn't have a mobile number for Sandi just her car make and registration plate number.
While we were trying to spot Sandi's car I saw Kate walking past behind us.
Sandi turned up soon after, so off we went to AXM then Eden for a meal.
We then went to the Manchester Concord meet upstairs at the Rembrandt and onto Axm Late, which to be honest I wasn't really impressed with, but it was a quiet night.
Kate and Sandi had to go home so Diana and myself went to Naps.
We both did a lot of Dancing which I love. We also discussed a few things about being trans. I told her about the first time I ever went out dressed up, if you could call it that.
I actually went out dressed up when I was 14. Diana is the first person I've ever told about it. What I did was get a skirt, tights, blouse and a pair of low heeled shoes that I could just squeeze my feet into. To hide behind a snorkel parka when zipped up nobody could see my face. Think a trans version of Kenny out of Southpark.
I remember it was early evening and the light was fading and it was raining a bit.
I got changed quickly behind a garage and went off for a walk. The few people I did pass didn't seem to take much notice although my heart was pounding. A van did stop to and the driver asked me for directions. I mumbled something and walked on quickly. That was enough, I found somewhere to get out of the shoes and skirt. Jeans and trainers on and I went home. I must admit it was a real rush but also very scary and I never did it again. Guess I've always been a bit stupid.
Well we discussed a few other things which I thought about on the way home. The night came to an end and I've told about what happened then.
The trip home included a landslide and a flood and took 9 hours longer than usual to get home. Which gave me a lot of time to think.
I put a link to a song. I thought it apt as Jimmy Page played with Leona Lewis at the closing ceremony of the Olympics today. This one is about things going wrong and the truth explodes if that makes any sense. It's recorded in a market in Marrakech.
(takes about 30 seconds for the song to start properly)

YouTube - The Truth Explodes - Jimmy Page & Robert Plant

Learning Curve - Becoming a Streetwise Woman

I'm back from Manchester and really enjoyed myself, but there were a couple of things that put a damper on it.
First off I'm going to recount what happened at the end of the night.
I had met up with Diana,Kate and Sandi. It ended up with Diana and myself in Naps till just after 3am.
Diana was staying at the Rem not far down the street. I had a bit further to go.
When I left and got on to Canal St I was heading towards Princess St there was nobody about.
I decided to quicken my pace. I was wearing low heels, but I'm still not used to wearing them, but I was going at a reasonable pace. At the bottom of Canal St I heard someone shouting. Some bloke was shouting at me.
'You fucking ugly bitch, fucking tranny I'm going to kill you', were a couple of things I caught. This idiot was not far from me when I got on to Princess St.
Waiting for a break in the traffic I stood and kept an eye on him. I didn't react just watched waiting if he was coming for me I was ready. I got a break in the traffic and crossed calmly keeping an eye on him. He went off up Canal St still shouting.
I recounted this on a tg forum and the replies got me thinking.
If I'm out presenting as female, I've really got to think as a female. If my wife had ever done something similar I wouldn't have been happy. In the end dressed I'm more of a target so really I have to be a streetwise girl or maybe more, streetwise tranny.
In the end it means stepping out with confidence, but being sensible and not wandering round looking like a victim or scared, which I don't do as bob, but perhaps getting a taxi where I wouldn't bother as bob, but should have as Karen.
It's a lesson thankfully not a painful one, but a valuable one.
I'm on a learning curve, that rammed it home. It hasn't put me of going out. Far from it. I was happy I didn't panic and coped.
One other thing I did was filled in th GMP hate crime form online anom. At least they can use it for monitoring purposes if nothing else, but everyone who suffers a hate crime, which that was, has to report it in some shape or form so at least there is a record of these things happening.
I'll leave in there for now.

Sparkle 08 Saturday

I got up about 8 am and had a cup tea. Just over 4 hours sleep the longest I'd had in one go in about 4 days. I nipped out for a smoke. It had just gone 8 30. I decided to see if the chemist was open to see if I could get something for my feet so I could cope with wearing heels.
I wondered what time the clothes shops opened. I wanted a pair of girly jeans for my stint as a stewardess in the park where there would be live music, Miss Sparkle, the Sparkle Oscars various stands. Lisa, Diana, Carina, Lucy and myself were first on at midday for a couple of hours.
I decided to walk into town which wasn't far. Primark was due to open at 9 am so I decided to wait outside for 10 minutes. When it opened I managed to get a nice pair of jeans.
When I got to he hotel Lisa was up getting ready.
I got cleaned up make up on, new jeans cashmere jumper and blue jacket, I was very pleased with my look. Then I remembered I needed some more cigs. The nearest shop was right next to the train station.
We when up to the shop which was nerve wracking there were quite a few people about but we didn't have a problem. I went in myself bought a packet and came back out with another confidence boost.
In the park we got our hi vis vests, very fetching. After a couple of photos we went on patrol. I went and got some chips, that was breakfast.
The stands were in the main still being set up. It was interesting walking round talking to various people. Just before 2pm we handed over to the next shift and went to the photo exhibition getting a bit lost in the process. Then went for a drink and sat outside AXM. It was a nice relaxing Saturday afternoon.
After getting changed later on Lisa and myself went for a meal with Jo and her friend Doris (not her real name) a genetic girl along with Marianne and her wife.
I found Marianne and her wife a fascinating couple and I must admit I didn't contribute much to the conversation,but sat listening fascinated.
Marianne's wife must have thought I was bit left out so she asked me if I was married or with anyone. I told her my wife had passed on a few years ago. I always find it makes others uncomfortable when I tell them and I can understand why. I've accepted she has gone, but I miss her and always will. She was, is the love of my life and I am forever thankful that she let me share her life and accepted me for who I am.
Things lightened, Doris told me a wonderful story about one of her adventures. After the meal we went back to the park to see the end of Miss Sparkle.
Time was moving on and we had to get changed for the Magic Theatre do. After a hug from Jo and Doris who told me she would be looking to get me up on the dance floor at the Magic Theatre. I've always been a bit shy so I told her we'll see.
Lisa and myself went back to get changed. Lisa got into a very tight black corset and skirt and I must admit she looked stunning. I got into a short tight dress.(see above)
Off we went down through Canal Street which was absolutely packed. We picked our way through and eventually got to where the Magic Theater was being held. Once we finally got in we met Doris and Jo. True to her word Doris got me up on to dance.
I've always felt a bit self conscious dancing. I tend to feel awkward. This was my first time en femme and I loved it and didn't want to stop. It was like my inhibitions just fell away.
If you ever read this Doris, thank you.
It was a fantastic night which all to quickly came to an end, which meant for me Sparkle was over.
I have seen since people criticising Sparkle as an event since and others full of praise. In my view it's something I'm glad I was part of, because whatever your view if you were there you were part of it. In the end I think it's an event that's more about the people who attend than anything else.
I hope it continues and grows, I loved it and hope to be able to go again next year.

Sparkle 08 Friday Afternoon/Evening

It had been some morning and to be quite honest writing all this I think I might get mixed up with everything that happened. I didn't really get much sleep over the weekend and started drinking lots of Red Bull.
Imogen a lovely girl who is transitioning came to the hotel to meet us. I got changed, the scruffy git disappeared. I can't remember exactly what I was wearing, but I do remember wearing the shoes I had bought plus taking my new handbag I'd bought in the morning.
So off we went to AXM for the official opening of Sparkle. About a 100 yards down the road I thought my feet were on fire. Luckily I had taken a pair of flats in my handbag. After an undignified change I could walk again.
We had a few drinks in AXM spoke to quite a few more people at the stands upstairs. I think thats where I first met Diana and Carina two really lovely people.
Eventually we had to leave to get changed for the nights meal at Velvet.
At the meal Kate who I had met when I was down before was out with her wife. Two really nice people, a lovely couple. I also met Bea and Jess who I'd heard about. Two really classy ladies.
Linzi who is a riot, I don't know how many cigs we smoked, but everytime we went outside it was a laugh. Then there was Jo a girl who is transitioning which is tough enough, but is having to deal with all sorts of other things that don't make it any easier, but only magnifies her situation into a hellish nightmare. I really hope it works out for her. I don't think I've ever met a person with such strength. It was a true privilege to meet her. She listened to me and let me release something that I had been bottling up for far to long.
If I've missed anyone out I apologise.
After the meal we went back to Axm I think. Linzi and myself went out for another ciggy with Jane. Two genetic girls out with their friends stopped to talk with us. Actually it was quite a while. I hadn't said much I've always been a bit shy. Then I got it, they started saying how good I looked and a few other compliments a couple of hugs. The looks I got from Linzi and Jane. Oh well it was all good fun.
Another fantastic night came to an end. Lisa and myself made our way back to the hotel. It was funny when some bloke propositioned us on the way back. I thought great now I've been taken for a hooker. Needless to say he got told to get lost.

Sparkle 08 Friday morning

Got up reasonably early actually I couldn't really sleep. I wanted to do some shopping. I had done some yesterday in male mode at the Trafford Centre. Got a pair of shoes and a green dress that I absolutely love and assorted others things.
I knew Lisa wanted to go shopping as well. Then she dropped the bombshell. She wanted to go dressed up. I really didn't have the confidence myself so I said I'll go in bob mode as they say.
She didn't want to go alone and had an idea I would be a bit frightened dressed up. I think she was amazed I 'd escort her as bob.
I don't know if anybody has done this, but I learned a lot about how people react which they hardly did at all. When they did look they were probably thinking whats that scruffy git doing with such a good looking girl.
We walked down the street chatting away towards the Arndale. A couple of people looked and then at me, but like I said before, scruffy git.
We went round a few shops, but the one that got me was Monsoon I've always wanted to look in there, but never had the confidence.
We went in and I saw this black skirt and top cost way to much, but I had to get them. Lisa had been read because of her voice, but it wasn't a problem.
She had gone to try something on and I was left talking to the shop assistant. I enquired about the top and skirt and told her it was for me. She asked me if I would like to try them on. I said no thanks they should be ok.
We got talking and I told her about Sparkle she didn't know it was on. She then asked me why I wasn't dressed properly and told me not to be silly. She took a real interest and couldn't have been better.
After more shopping we walked back. I ended up buying more than Lisa.
On the way back we came to where some workmen were digging up the pavement. Lisa was worried she was going to get some comments and whistles.
I told her you won't. If a girl is with a bloke you don't tend to get it, that much I do know.
We walked past a couple looked but that was it.
It was a great experience. I got to see what it's like to shop dressed up. In a big shopping centre there are plenty of shops to go into and security if you get any hassle. The assistant's in the shops have probably seen it all before.

Sparkle 08 Thursday

Sparkle, it was absolutely mind blowing. It was far more than I imagined.
The overwhelming feeling I got was joy.
It gave me a chance to meet up with people I'd met when I was down last and also those I'd only had contact with over the net and some I'd only seen on the net.
There were so many highlights.
I had come down on the Thursday and was sharing an apartment with Lisa who looked after me when I was down and gave me lots of good advice.
After the AXM we went to the Tiger Lounge which was holding a sixties night. Unfortunately it wasn't that busy. I think the weather had put many of, the rain was horrendous. We met a few other girls there and Kieron (F to M transman.) It was when I was talking to him a genetic girl who was out with her boyfriend or husband came over and said to me ' I would like to say I think you are really beautiful.'
I was stunned. I did manage to return the compliment and believe me she was absolutely stunning.
Kieron reckoned my face was an absolute picture.
I have never had a complete stranger and a beautiful lady to boot say something like that to me.
Whoever you are, thank you. You made my night.
I talking to one of the barmaid's when out having a ciggy another beautiful girl. I always find it amazing how women talk to me when I'm dressed up. They seem to open up and never speak to me like that when I'm in male mode. It's quite an exprience in itself.
The night eventually came to an end and it was back to the hotel. I had had a wonderful night and it was only just beginning.
One thing any labels I use are only to avoid confusion. I hate them myself and hopefully one day we won't need them. In he end we are all human and just trying to live the best we can.