Tangling With The Alien

Possibly my last outing this year. 5 nights in Manchester, I decided to get an apartment at the Atrium. The Atrium was the first place I stayed when I managed to get the courage to go to Manchester and then venture out into the Village. That was about 2 and half years ago. A lot of water has passed down the canal so to speak since then.
When I got into Manchester I had to wait a couple of hours before I could get my room, but Emma who was staying at the New Union kindly let me use her room to get changed.
After I got changed and then got my apartment I went into the Arndale shopping centre and met up with Emma. She was buying some jewellery and then she decided to get a make over at MAC. I must admit I think she is very brave to get her make up done in such a public place. They always do a wonderful job.
Kate and Mrs Kitty would soon be arriving so I left Emma to meet them in the Village one thing I did do was get my nails done before I met Emma. Unfortunately they only lasted a day so I would have to pay another visit to the nail bar.
I met up with Kate and Mrs Kitty and also Diana and a few other girls. We saw Marianne singing at the Concorde meeting.. Some dancing in Naps it felt like I was back home.

Thursday: Birmingham
I had arranged to go to Birmingham with Kate. The beauty of having the apartment was that my friends were able to come round and have a coffee in more pleasant surroundings than a hotel room. I had got a good deal booking well ahead. The night before Kate and Mrs Kitty had given me a lovely green purse as an early Christmas present. When it comes to buying wallets or purses, I seem to have bad luck if I buy my own, so I don't. The last wallet I bought not long after I nearly lost my life.

We set off and got the train to Birmingham. The journey was uneventful apart from when I went to the toilet on the train. I thought I was trapped when the door wouldn't open, but fortunately  eventually it did.
Birmingham's Christmas market was on. We went for some bangers and mash after a wander round the markets.We also had a look at Hurst Street home of Outskirts, Birminghams Transgender Group.

Me on Hurst Street

I do wonder what Birmingham would be like for a night out. Then again it all comes down to cost I would also like to get out in London.

Later I managed to buy a nice warm coat. It was really cold.

We did come across two really good metal sculptures of an alien and a predator. I managed to get tangled with the alien while Kate was taking a photo.

It came time for us to get back to Manchester. On the train we had to listen to a woman taking apart her daughter's life very loudly. Her daughter was I would say was in her late 30's. By the time we got to Manchester I felt really sorry for her.

Back in Manchester we met up with Diana and Mrs Kitty in Taurus for a meal. Diana had what sounded like torture with her latest laser session. She had also arranged to stay in the Village a couple of nights. As usual time seemed to go so quickly, but I still had 3 nights left.

A Wonderful Time

The last night of a wonderful time. Tomorrow I go home into what looks like an icy waste.
This is just a short post a fuller one will follow later. At the moment I am sitting in the apartment I've had for the last 4 nights this is the fifth. My friends Diana, Kate and Mrs Kate (Kitty) and not forgetting Emma have been a joy to see again. Been out to Birmingham for the Christmas Market and also when to the one in Manchester. Went to see a ballet, which was absolutely beautiful, more about that later. Time to start packing.

Highs and Lows

I've been out again as anyone who has read the last 3 posts will know. Back home now and will probably hit a horrible low after spending another 8 days out. I had a wonderful time out tempered with a transphobic incident and a not very good visit to another city that left me feeling very disappointed.
Manchester is like a kind of second home to me. In my opinion a city that is the best. It's not perfect, but I love the place.
I managed to go a bit crazy with my credit card. I think my luggage weighed twice what it was when I left home. Round Manchester it was really nice how quite a few people in different shops remembered me and seemed really pleased to see me back again and it wasn't that I really spend a lot in those particular places.
I did go to a nail bar and got my nails done which was a first and a nice experience.
The Manchester Concord support group has moved. I was glad to see that it hasn't moved out of The Village. The new place, upstairs in New York NewYork isn't as good as the Rem.
I met Kate and Mrs K in Velvet along with KD and her sister. Diana turned up a bit later. I was just so happy to be back and out with my friends.                                                                     
On Friday I went for a Chinese meal with Diana and Kate in Chinatown which was lovely..
On Saturday we went for a meal at Villagios to celebrate Bev's birthday. I had met Bev last year at the Angels Christmas meal. A really nice person who it was lovely to meet again. It was great to see , Mandy and Tina again who I hadn't seen in a long time. I also met Tanya and Sophie. There was some concern when Tanya choked on a piece of meat, but she was ok.
Sunday was Doggy Pride in Sackville Gardens or something like that. Diana and myself after some shopping met up with Kate and Kitty or Mrs K. I think Kitty sounds better than Mrs Kate. The name change came about after some discussion which included the tarot cards. I guess some people will think I am probably a bit silly. There was a suggestion I have a stall at the next Sparkle which I thought was funny. Instead of Mystic Meg, I could be Septic Peg.
On Monday I went to the cinema to see Inception which I enjoyed. On the way back I took a wrong turning and ended up confronted with 2 young blokes and what I presumed were their girlfriends. One bloke as I got nearer had a real twisted look on his face.
" You are F#@KING UGLY", he spat out. " Look at you f#@king poof" ,
As I passed his girlfriend tried to kick me. I dodged that and the insults continued. They went their way and I continued on to The Village.
I wonder about people like that. Why so much rage? What is it about themselves they can't deal with. Maybe I am ugly but does it warrant such a reaction and to call me a poof well I am comfortable with my sexuality. My sexuality I think only comes into play when I am attracted to a woman and that's me. Calling me gay is not an insult just a mistake. These days sex is a distant memory for me. Transphobia, homophobia what is it that causes people to react in such a way.
Tuesday I went off to Nottingham and to be honest I wasn't very impressed with the place. There is not  much point in saying any more as it would be unfair to judge a place on one visit.

Liverpool
On Wednesday I went back to Liverpool where I'd had a horrible experience last year.The link below explains what happened.
http://karenmyworld.blogspot.com/2009_04_08_archive.html#5702869184228955402

I was pleasantly surprised and had a good day out. I didn't do much shopping, but did buy a nice skirt in the store where I had a problem before. I texted Diana who had been with me that day last year. She was really happy for me and replied perhaps we had made a difference when we lodged complaints. It would be nice to think so.
I managed to get a picture with the self timer below

It's a nice feeling to be able to put up a picture of me out in a city I have always liked and what happened last year was a sad event I hope is never repeated. I had a really nice day and after Nottingham it gave my confidence a much needed boost.

It came time for me to get back to Manchester. I met up with Kate and after a meal and a chat about what I  had been out to since Sunday. We went for some dancing in Naps. My time out was coming to an end.

Some  real highs and a couple of horrible lows. Leaving is always difficult and I was so glad Kate could make it out. It was wonderful  seeing everyone and I can't thank them enough.

As for the idiots that I came across well I feel sad for them. When you have your health I think you should live to the best of your ability. Things can go wrong very quickly. It's not difficult to try to be a decent person.

I have my problems, but I try and won't stop while I still can.

Look after each other

Karen xxx 

I nearly forgot.

The advert below , I saw in Manchester Piccadilly Station

Far better than those moronic Little Britain adverts by a well known building society.

Thank You

I just wanted to say a very quick thank you to everyone who left comments on the last 3 posts. I will reply to them, but at the moment I am still out and having a wonderful time despite the rain. Also to my friends who have made my stay absolutely wonderful. If any of you read this,thank you.
I didn't let that silly person ruin was is a fantastic time for me. One thing I absolutely hate is anyone being horrible about my friends. I would not have got through a lot of things that have affected me without your support.
A Big Hug to you all.
Karen xxx

Very Annoying

Just had a great night out with my friends Kate and Diana.
One thing that really annoyed me was the way another Tgirl decided to sum me up because she hadn't seen me before and didn't know me. Basically she reckoned I have no friends or confidence to really get outside and live 24/7 when I am out and she would help me. Talk about bossy and treating me like an idiot, I didn't bother arguing just said what I do. I do what I do because I love living and have some wonderful friends and this blog I hope reflects that. I really don't have much time for people on power trips and it really is sad when that person is trans.
Better get some sleep busy day ahead

Following on, I had a real good day. First off I forgot my boobs. Put my bra on this morning and forgot to fill it so to speak. Managed to get my nails done in a nail bar which was a really nice relaxing exprience. A  first for me.Did a bit of shopping and bought a couple of nice tops and a pair of boots. I think I might finally have the solution to my oily skin which plays havoc with my make up. The make up artist at MAC was really helpful and it seems to working. All together a lovely day despite the weather.
It was fantastic seeing my friends last night. Tomorrow and Saturday should be wonderful. I'll leave with a picture of me in the rain.

Have fun and look after each other

Karen xxx

Special Day

I don't usually post on this when I am out so this one is actually from Karen, 100%.
Today is a special day that has brought back some memories. I won't go into details and the following is just personal, but I feel I have to say this.
' I remembered my love. I wish you could have been here, but hopefully you saw from wherever you are. I think you would have enjoyed today. You were never and never are far from my thoughts. I miss and love you more than words can say.
Karen
xxx'

8 Days Pt2 (Cartoon Characters, Steel Balls, Big Wheel and more Bangers & Mash

Sunday.

I had a longer lie in, getting up just after 9am. I took my time getting ready. Once I was ready I went for something to eat at a patisserie on Sackville Street. It was a beautiful day. My friend Diana would be arriving and staying till Tuesday evening. This was my 5th day and usually I would be thinking about going home the next day, I guess this is all boring stuff, but for me this is the nearest I get to a dream of being female. Perhaps some view that as strange or worse. Why I feel this overwhelming need to be the opposite gender I don't know. It's not sexual I haven't bothered for over 6 years and don't think about it much. I love shopping, don't look forward to the credit card bill. I love dancing when I get the chance and seeing new places. Simple pleasures that harm no one and yet why is it so difficult to want to be and present as female.Perhaps it is just myself that is stopping me.

I met up with Diana and we had a nice day shopping rounded off with a meal in the evening at Eden. She was staying at the New Union where I would be moving to on Monday.

Monday - Bangers and mash then Sex in the City the sequel.

I moved hotel to the New Union. I checked out about 11am and when I got to the Union. I met with Diana and it turned out  I could get my room straight away so I didn't have to leave my luggage in Diana's room.
We had a day shopping and also decided to go to the cinema that night.
Sex in the City 2 was on at the Printworks Odeon. We decided on the 9pm showing. We went for a meal in Taurus. Diana looked very glamorous. Me I looked like her dowdy friend. We decided to have a cocktail before the meal. I decided on a strawberry daiquiri not  something I've ever had before.

I really enjoyed it, but then I had bangers and mash again, a medley of different sausages. The venison sausage was wonderful as were the others.

After the meal we went for a taxi. I flagged one at the end of Canal Street. 

At the Printworks which has a collection of bars and is a popular place in Manchester we found the cinema.
In the cinema  Diana took some pictures of me with some displays for forthcoming films. I've started a page with some photos that are a bit different, just a bit of fun. It's on the right hand side of this blog..
Sex in the City 2 has been given bad reviews in the press, but I must say I really enjoyed it.
After the film we went back to Naps and discovered from a text we had not long missed Kate which was a real shame.
In Naps Diana and myself started discussing a few things. To my shame I got a bit bent out of shape and made a fool of myself. I ended up walking out leaving Diana in Naps.Back in my room I nearly burst into tears. The way I had spoke to my friend and walked out was totally wrong. I sent a text not expecting a reply. I felt I'd lost a good friend. She sent a text bad saying sorry she could be a bit insensitive at times. To be honest I was the one being insensitive not her, I was so relieved we were still friends
.We would have breakfast the next morning in the Rem.

                                                           

Me with Marmaduke in the Printworks

Tuesday

We went to the Rem where I got Diana breakfast. It was the least I could do. Diana would put her luggage in my room as she would be going home in the evening. It was a beautiful day. Diana took me to Aflecks Market where she had to buy a couple of things. I wondered if I would be able to pick up some Tarot cards. We had talked about my dabbling in palm reading and such things.  I didn't find any Tarot cards but did get a lovely necklace.
That evening we had a meal in Queer a bar on Canal St which we hadn't been in before. It was fine but the spare ribs were a challenge.
It came time that Diana had to go home. I helped her with her luggage to her car. We hugged and parted company. I was so relieved we were still friends I really thought I had screwed up. We have shared a few firsts and she has helped me more than she could know.

Wednesday - Sheffield ,Steel Balls, Fountains and a Big Wheel, Back to Manchester

                                                                                                                                                                       

                                                                                                                                                      

I think this building is part of the University in Sheffield. I hope you are able to read the writing down the side.

When you come out of Sheffield train station you see the first of many fountains. It's all very well laid out. The next thing that struck me was how clean the city centre is. Probably the cleanest I've seen in the UK.

Outside the train station

Steel Wall Of Water Outside Station

.

I walked up into the city crntre not the biggest I've seen but I guess you have Meadowhall nearby.

It was turning into a scorcher of a day. The fountains looked very cool and inviting. I came across some unusual ones pictured below.

Steel Ball Fountains

I then saw the Big Wheel. I would have to go up on that after a look round the shops. I needed a new handbag as mine was starting to come apart. I got a nice one in TK Max which I think was a real bargain.

A student raising monry for something or other stopped me for a chat. Maybe I am daft but I put a couple of quid in  his tin. We chatted for a bit about Sheffield and where I was from, It was nice to be treated as just another person with no hint at anything unusual about me even though I couldn't pass in a million years even my voice didn't reveal a hint of surprise as it normally does , if not worse. I do try with my voice by trying to speak a bit softer, but my hearing is not the greatest and I know when I speak to people it does get louder especially if the person I am talking to speaks very softly. The worst reactions I tend to get are from other transgender people. I am very wary of initiating a conversation with another trans person I don't know. Like I've said before I love talking to and meeting people but because I don't pass I have to be careful. I've not explained this very well. I am not talking about verbal abuse which I've had from non trans people acting like idiots , but more subtle reactions.

I try as best I can when I am out and try not to embarrass anyone I am with whether I know them or not.

The Big Wheel was not busy so I decided to get a better look at Sheffield from height. I had been on the one in Manchester which I really enjoyed. Pictures are far better that anything I could write,

  

I got a great  view of Sheffield and really enjoyed the ride. Afterwards I went to Millennium Square for a coffee and a look round a couple of galleries. It was like a mini botanic garden under cover. A really nice place to take the weight of your feet.

Having a coffee in the jungle

It came time where I had to get back to Manchester if I wanted to miss the rush hour. That didn't work out as the trains were busy with people going to Manchester Airport. I had to stand, but it was only 50 minutes. 

Back in Manchester I went back to the hotel to drop of my cardigan and do a quick repair job on my make up. It had turned into a hot day. 

I realised I needed some more invisible bra straps I had already broke one from a previous set. It was my own fault and nothing to do with the quality of the set I had bought.

In the Arndale I couldn't find the shop I wanted but did find a great shoe shop 'Deichmann's' where I bought some nice white strappy sandals that fit perfectly. I could have spent a lot of money there and I will be back for another look. Afterwards I did get the straps and went for something to eat.

That evening Professor Stephen Whittle was due to give a talk at the Manchester Concord meeting but unfortunately he didn't make it. It was quite busy but as soon it was announced he wasn't coming most people left.

I did get talking to one girl who did not give me her name. Mary one of the organisers took my photo which is below. It turned out I didn't need the straps. 

After Concord I went to Naps where a lovely girl Lisa came over and spoke to me. We got a seat and had a nice chat. A bloke she was supposed to be meeting had stood her up. We got speaking about various thing T related including sex. She seemed surprised that I hadn't been with anyone for 6 years. To be honest I am not interested and don't care about people's sexuality. My biggest thrill these days is getting out shopping. She told me about a boyfriend who dumped her because her voice wasn't femme enough. She sounded fine to me.

I went upstairs for a dance, Lisa didn't fancy it so I was on my own. About 2am I decided to call it a night.  I did bump into Lisa before I left and we said our goodbyes. It would be nice to stay in touch. She did send a nice message when I got home.

An amazing 8 days was over. I had felt a range of emotions and  made a complete fool of myself. It was wonderful seeing my friends Kate, Mrs Kate who looked after me. Emma and Mrs Emma who I enjoyed seeing again if  not for to long and last but not least Diana, thank you for being so understanding. All of you made my time out a fantastic exprience.

8 days were over. I would swap watches the final reminder of what I was going back to.

This will probably be the last monster blog post I  think I will keep them shorter after when I hopefully get out again.

Thanks for readimg if you managed to without falling asleep.

For now I'll leave with a picture in The Manchester Peace Garden which sums up how I want to be, happy and at peace with myself.

Look after yourselves and each other.

Karen xxx