Lisa's Life

I’m not T anymore….

2009-07-10T14:50:00.002+01:00

This week has been an eventful one. A very long and deep psycho-therapy session earlier in the week, and on top of the hypno sessions I’ve had in recent months, has brought home the facts. For me, it isn’t the XY imbalance, which I’d believed for decades, to be my reason for being T. I now know the reason, am able to deal with it, and have done. Some T-friends have asked me why I need to know. That was my choice, which I decided to take. Anyway, from now, Lisa Karen Devonshire is no more. For the last 30+ months I’d been convinced that there was a certain road to take, and now I realise I didn’t need to go there.

Anyway, this weekend the clothes are coming off the hangers and are being boxed and cleared. Ditto, what’s in the drawers. The make-up is being boxed up, along with the hair, and is going to someone close for safe keeping.

It’ll be no Sparkle for me this weekend, and the start of a new life chapter. Some friends know this already, and as I’ve said to them, we’ll always keep in touch as friends.

Thanks to all for following this blog.

So, it’s goodbye from her…

You are feeling sleepy....

2009-07-03T22:43:00.002+01:00

Well after my last hypno-regression session a few weeks ago, I've just found time to book another session next week. It'll be a bit of a marathon, but I'm ready for it.

I have a different perspective on my t-issues these days. I'm certainly more comfortable, and controlling, with the situation now than I was 3-4 months ago, before I'd had any hypno.

Someone asked me a few weeks ago, why I wanted to know the reasons for being as I am. Fair point. I now know, or rather believe, that it's because of a 'conditioning at childhood', rather than me just being born this way. The issue is, 'Is it curable, or do I want it to be?' Certainly, those that know me in the north west may not have seen me out as much in recent months, and that is honestly through choice. I didn't need or want to be Lisa. Another thing going through my mind, is whether it is possible to have another 'purge' in middle age? As that seems to be an age when a lot of my t-pals seem to be most active. I have to admit that on a few occasions in the last few months, when I've seen the dresses in the wardrobe, I've felt that they were just in the way, and was close to putting them all away in boxes.

Another issue is that this time next week, I'll be at Sparkle. I just can't get the enthusiasm for it. I remember the buzz I got from going to the last 2, but this time: zilch.

Can a new up / down / up down /up relationship really be the reason for this?

Maybe next week's hypno will throw some light on things!

A day beside the seaside

2009-07-02T22:40:00.001+01:00

Last weekend was the Unique Summer Weekend at the Edelweiss Hotel in Colwyn Bay. Teela from Transpose has asked Natalie and myself to go over for the day, and man (?) the stall that they were setting up for the delegates. I was really hoping for a hot and sunny day, to wear my new long white summer skirt; however it wasn’t to be, so I settled on a brown patterned vest and beige pleated trousers. The weather was dry, but generally cloudy.

We met at the shop at 10, loaded up the car with bits to sell and then got to the hotel about an hour later. We were met by the chairperson from Unique, and shown where to set up the stall in the dining room. We were to be the only stall in there. Whilst they were still preparing the room for us, we took tea in the sitting room, where we met some of the other residents who were still recovering from the events there the previous evening. I can’t go into too much detail here; I was surprised to find a baseball bat half-shoved under one of the settee’s though.

I remember having met some of the girls at the Christmas buffet I went to last year, some of whom were a pleasure to catch up with again. Later on, Anna and Catherine from the MCC choir turned up, so it was good to see some more familiar friends.

Overall, the day was relatively quiet. Teela probably sold more wigs than anything else, although there was a good range of items on sale. I even managed to get a complimentary manicure and polish from Tilly! She had put together a snack for us so that did us for lunch, where I was also sold the concept of getting an Easi-Yo from QVC.

We were going to stay for the dinner, but our circumstances changed during the day, so we packed up and got away about 6-ish. After unpacking back at the shop, I finally got home about 8 pm. So there I was, a Saturday night ahead, and ready to party. Then the phone rang: a special friend asked me what I was doing later, so out came the ROC cleansing wipes, nail varnish remover, and it was quickly back to bob mode for a further wonderful 36 hours!

LBD

2009-06-18T22:28:00.002+01:00

In the spare wardrobe is a lovely plain black Max Mara dress, a timeless classic, with little sparkly diamonds on it. It's been in there for a few years, and was left by my ex when she moved out. In the past, I'd tried it on, but couldn't get the zip up more than halfway.

I tried it on again this week, after having lost a few inches from my chest in recent months. I can now zip it up fully, and it fits perfectly!

Bliss!

Shopping time

2009-06-07T23:33:00.000+01:00

Three visits to Cheshire Oaks in the last 4 days: yes, things are getting back to normal, and I’m enjoying the interaction with other shoppers and staff. It was pleasant to get back to Phase Eight, where I picked up a lovely blouse, reduced from £45 to £13.50. The sales assistant was great fun, telling me about her recent fab family vacation to Vegas. A surreal moment: I was trying on a blouse and 2 dresses in the far cubicle, and wasn’t in any hurry. After a few minutes, I heard one of the girls ask: ‘Is everything alright? Lady in the far cubicle?!’

I also had a bit of time in Next Clearance, where I picked up a jacket, black velvet skinny jeans, shorts and a long white floaty skirt. Had to take the jacket back on Saturday though, as I’d picked up a size 16, but I must have dropped a size in the last few months!

On Wednesday night I also made my first visit to my local Tesco. It was late on in the evening, and I had long enough to pick up a basket-load of basics. The double-take from the young check out girl when she looked was a picture, and the smile that she returned was lovely!

‘Normal’ service has resumed....

2009-06-07T15:38:00.000+01:00

Some friends will know why I’ve not been around much in person for the last few months, and why I’ve spent even less time keeping the blog up to date. It’s not that I haven’t been out and about, although those times have been less frequent in recent months.

A special relationship was the reason, which opened up ways of looking at personal issues from different angles, partly through hypno therapy analysis. I thought I’d cracked a certain issue, and then about 10 days ago something else happened, which threw everything back up in the air again.

So, single again, life goes on.....and, I’m back.

Ouch, again.

2009-03-26T00:01:00.002Z

But not really though. I had session 2 of the IPL about 10 days ago. I can hardly call it painful. Just an occasional flash and a bit of burning, and that's it. I felt like parts of my face were a bit sunburnt for a few hours later, and that was it.

I think that in the next few days a few of the dark hairs will fall out, and for now, I've got a few bare patches on my chin and lower neck.

The worst part is putting on a high SPF cream.....no sun allowed!

I had a cunning....

2009-03-21T14:53:00.002Z

plan...!

So much has happened in the few weeks since we looked at the possibility of taking part in Comic Relief. The idea was for me to work the reception at the salon in town for the day, whilst everyone would be dressed as pirate princesses! The theory seemed ok at the time, and plans were being made in good time. Then, during those few weeks, the friendship with the boss developed into something else, and, as some friends will have seen, Jan and I have started to get out into the Village together, and we'll be out again for the Concord meal tonight.

I'll still be keeping this diary going, but it might be looked at from a slightly different perspective in future!

Perspectives?

2009-02-28T09:54:00.002Z

Last Sunday after Mass, I went for a meal in to town with some friends from Church. As usual, its a friendly mix of TS and TV, but this time we had a GG with us who I was out with for only the second time. A very lovely and friendly girl who has an amazing life challenge. She has to take 28 tablets a day to survive (that's 26 more than me!), her body immunity system is shot to pieces, and she can't work regularly. She has to watch what she eats, and suffers after certain foods, so that she can still have a social life. And boy, can she talk for England!

Yes, I did go back to her flat afterwards (no etchings involved) to try out a very scrummy home-made apple crumble mix!I've also learnt a little bit more about the L side of LGTB!

Thanks D, for your friendship!

Ouch!

2009-02-23T12:22:00.000Z

I had my first IPL laser session last weekend.

Roll on July, when it’ll mostly be over. But, no sunbathing until then?!

Ditto for two ...

2009-02-19T23:26:00.000Z

The last fortnight has been a hectic one, with family coming over from all over Europe and having to ferry them around with airport, relative visit runs etc. Despite that, and what with trying to grind out extra work for the business, there’s still been an opportunity for some L-time. The difference this time also was that I had big sis to accompany me socially.

Last Wednesday was a pleasant evening meal at Velvet for 8 of us, when June came over from Ireland. Also managed to bump in to Jane Maybe in Canal Street, forever the girl-about-town!

If it’s Thursday, then it’s Cheshire Oaks time, and last week I went over with my sis for a couple of hours of browsing. Phase Eight had a few lovely dresses, but I wasn’t in the mood for spending excessively, and settled on some jewellery from East. The whole area was quiet though. On Friday we went over to the Trafford Centre, and that place was buzzing. Something to do with an event on the following day. The MAC girls were pleasant as usual, but had little time for chat as it was busy. The lovely girls on La Prairie however had loads of time to talk! Vicky from the fragrances in Selfridges was very friendly and we met up with her and work friends in Dexters afterwards, where we had our meal (and shared one of those massive ice-cream desserts, with the spicy choccy sauce!).

Evans had some new ranges of footwear that were quite attractive, and will be worth going back to try out again soon.

Then last night there were 11 of us in Velvet again for the monthly Northern Angels meal; well, with 50% off the food bill this month, it means we get out twice as often. It was pleasant also to have our T-jetsetter Jenny D join us at Tribeca for a drink beforehand. A bit of a short evening though, as we had to be up at 5 a.m. for the airport run. It still seemed that there was a decent-sized delegation of Northern Angels in Nap’s afterwards!

I have a cunning……..

2009-02-17T00:29:00.000Z

...plan.

Friday 13th March.

It’s Comic Relief Day.

If things fall into place, I will be participating, in public.

Excuse me!

2009-02-06T22:54:00.001Z

Coming home late after a night out a few weeks ago, I drove past a guy in a suit who was wobbling along the road, a bit the worse for wear, about 100 yards from my home, 3 miles out from town. People rarely walk along here in the daytime, never mind at 2 in the morning.

So I get home, reverse up the drive, and as soon as I stop the car, this guy appears at the top of the drive, about 10 feet from the car and starts shouting ‘Excuse me’. I was sure next doors dogs were going to start barking, and this guy could see me sat in my car, but I was in no hurry to get out of the car, or talk to him, as in his state you couldn’t have had a simple conversation with him! So I waited, and he stood there, and kept saying ‘Excuse me’. I thought any moment now he’s going to set the dogs off, and then wake the neighbours up, so we had a stand-off! He just wasn’t going away, and I wasn’t going to get out of the car whilst he was there.

So there was only one thing for it…. Turn the engine on and drive out on to the road, and drive round my village! I don’t think there’s anything else I could have done!

I passed him on the way back home, heading off in the general direction of town.

Shopping friends

2009-02-05T22:47:00.000Z

Well, not exactly in that sense, but it was back to Cheshire Oaks again earlier this evening, to see what was new in my favourite shops.

I must admit the girls in Phase Eight are very friendly, and make me welcome each time I go in there these days. They even remember my size now, and if I’m in the changing room, bring other items for me to try on, saying ‘I thought you might like this!’

Well, that is good service! Almost a personal shopper service!

At lunchtime I’d been into Jan’s place, for a leg waxing. Only 2 hours long this time, but still long enough for a good chat and gossip. We even talked about some voluntary reception work there for me. Hmmm, the daytime work is going to have to pick up a bit…..!

What's occuring?

2009-02-01T15:39:00.000Z

There was previously a phenomenon known as ‘turbo-trannying’, which I’ve gone through, and I now need a new description for my activities. For the first 4 weeks of this year, I’ve probably spent about 70% of the time living as Lisa. That’s not only at evenings and when I’m working from home in the day, now that I’ve the house to myself, but also includes several shopping and social trips out.

Last week I took a massive step and went out in my home town, something I’ve wanted to do for so long. I came across a Beauty Salon that I’ve visited 4 times in the last week for various bits. Nowadays I tell new girls that I meet about my L-life, and show them the usual photos. Often they ask Lisa to come in, so this time I did, and we had a bit of girly banter for a bit. After that I thought I’d go to La Senza and try on the new double-gel bras that they are now selling, but unfortunately the shops were closing by this time. I thought that as it was Thursday then there’s one large old department store open until 7pm, but when I got there, it too was closed. So it was just a chance to walk around the town at the end of the day, and just to mingle with people on their way home. All quite normal, really. I thought I’d get across to Next on the out of town Retail Park, but that was rubbish in there, and I stayed for about 10 minutes, before heading off to Cheshire Oaks for some proper retail therapy!

Nicola and James

2009-01-30T23:33:00.000Z

Out at the weekend with a group of friends for dinner and some drinks, we got separated in the various bars and dancing areas that we visited in the Village. I was enjoying a bop in Via, with some of the girls, when they went over to the quiet area, I found myself dancing in a corner and starting chatting to Nicola (yes, a blonde) and her partner James, who were visiting Manchester for the weekend from Newcastle.

We must have chatted on and off for about a good hour, talking to Nicola about breasts, body padding, clothes, and things-t, and with James about the female necessity for buying £400 designer handbags, and then a £4 top and £5 skirt from Primark to go with it. It was funny to have a foot in both camps, being able to agree and disagree with them depending on the subject. I’m not worried that I was able to agree with Nicola on more things than with James, though.

T-time

2009-01-29T10:36:00.000Z

I’ve been spending a fair bit of time at the Trafford Centre in the evenings during the last few weeks, just browsing around and chatting to some lovely girls who work on various counters in the big stores at Selfridges and John Lewis. Carol from Dior has given me a load of skin care samples, and a lovely brown mascara sample to try out. She’s lovely.

Then a couple of weeks ago I had the full-on makeover from Emmalee at MAC, after they’d cancelled the one booked for the week before due to staff sicknesses! She did a great job, and was pleased herself. She said that most MAC t-makeovers are done at Kendals on Deansgate, where it’s a bit more private. I hadn’t given it any thought, the fact that they take all your makeup off and start again, with people passing by behind you. It made me think how terrified I was 2 years ago going in to the MAC branch in Liverpool, for my first time.

Basics shopping

2009-01-28T13:01:00.000Z

I’m enjoying my supermarket shopping these days! That’s 3 times in the last 10 days, with 2 evening visits to Tesco at Handforth Dean, and last week I went to my local Sainsbury’s. Ok, I’m not going in the middle of Saturday afternoon yet, but it’s a start. It was one of the remaining items on my ‘to do’ t-list.

I didn’t know that Sainsbury’s had such a range of clothing, and took the opportunity to try on and buy 2 lovely TU blouses in their sale.

In future I might just get there 30 minutes earlier each time I go, and chance it with a few more people there.

Is that man having his nails done?

2009-01-28T01:02:00.000Z

I was in the beauty salon last week having a repair done to one of my acrylics. The work table is in the window, so sometimes people stop and look in. when I was there, this lady in her 60’s came in. She was elegantly dressed and well spoken – very ‘Cheshire-set’. She asked Angie if an appointment was needed, whilst glancing and curiously smiling over at me.

Angie asked her to check at the reception on the next floor if they were free. I found out later, when Jan came down to tell us, that she had been asking about the man downstairs having his nails done, which had surprised her.

Jan had said to her, ‘Oh he’s always in here. A regular customer’.

Not sure if she told her about the waxing etc!

Christmas-time in Manchester

2009-01-26T13:42:00.000Z

In mid December we had the 3rd Annual Northern Angels Christmas meal. It seems to be that we have this at Villaggio’s traditionally and they always look after us well there. So it was another long t-weekend, and I stayed at the Place apartments with Kaz from Scotland. On the Friday evening we went over to the Trafford Centre for some t-retail therapy. It was busier than we expected, but had no hassle, and shopped, browsed, and had a meal in the burger restaurant in the food area. Vicky from Selfridges joined us for a bit; she is very friendly, and has asked us to join her for a drink after work on a Friday in future.

After we got back to the Place, it was time for some dancing, so we got changed and headed out. I’d decided on wearing my new black heels, which I’d bought that evening. Big mistake. By the time we’d walked 200 yards, they were rubbing, so I had to turn back and change my shoes. I didn’t want to develop blisters which then would have ruined the weekend. So Kaz carried on meeting up with Di, and I went back. When I got back to the apartment, I just didn’t have the energy to change my shoes and go back out, so I had a warm drink and went to bed!

On the Saturday we had decided to go shopping in town, but Di didn’t show up for the roll-call (another late night!), so Kaz and I started off in King Street. I like it here; not too chavvy. We split up, as Kaz always likes to head straight for Monsoon. I tried on a lovely top in Planet, which I bought. Then after browsing in Hobbs and a couple of other shops, headed for Monsoon, but there was no sign of Kaz. I did ask one of the assistants if she’d seen a stunning blonde with ‘to die for’ cheekbones, but she hadn’t. So I sent her a text and headed for Kendals on Deansgate. I must have been in here for an hour, trying on various outfits in their sales. It was crowded, but not uncomfortable. I got 1 or 2 looks from the bloke half of couples, but on the basis of ‘it takes one to know one’, I wasn’t that bothered. These people don’t give you lingering stares, as long as you just get on with your business being confident.

After a few texts I’d caught up with Kaz, who by now had met up with Di so we agreed to meet up at Ama-zing in High Street. This was funny. This shop has got some great clothes, but sometimes is a bit chavvy, with kids being dragged in to there who don’t want to be there. This was the case when we were there. Kaz, Di and I were browsing around, and trying things on in the changing rooms, when Di said she’d heard one of the bored kids, sat on the step, say ‘Look, there’s another one!’ we must have made their day!

Afterwards we just had time for a leisurely coffee in Tribeca before heading back to get changed for our party night out.

I’d settled on my new black and gold halter neck dress; just right for a Saturday night out. The girls were all meeting at Tribeca, and we took over the upstairs lounge. This was a first time for a few of the girls, as they hadn’t met up with the group before, plus a few girls had come from different parts of the country. It’s nice to think that our meals have this interest from so far afield. This GG girl in there got really friendly and complimentary, and insisted on having her photo taken with me; as it was all friendly then I didn’t object. The attention was quite flattering! I think there were nearly 30 of us at the meal, and it was a great atmosphere at Villaggio’s, as expected. San tried to burn the restaurant down with a lit napkin, and Di’s skirt caught fire, but they still said we could come back in future. After that it was over to Velvet’s bar, to listen to some grooves, and then most went to Nap’s. Somehow, I don’t remember how, Justine and I ended up in a straight club on Whitworth Street, after dancing for a while in Via. Now that was an experience, and we arranged to get back there in the New Year and visit a few more ‘proper music’ clubs!

Nap’s was the usual Saturday night experience, where we met up with the rest of our group who had stayed out; you have to grin and bear it, music-wise. Sometimes it’s just too cheesy for me in there.

I recall we had to take someone back to her hotel, so the 2 Kates, Kaz, Di and I kind of shuffled our way to the Days Inn. By this time it was about 4am, and Kaz and I got approached by 2 party girls and a bloke in Charles Street, still wanting to know where they could party. They were very friendly to us and we kissed and embraced, and it was one of those feel-good moments that come unexpectedly.

Kaz as usual had to depart early on Sunday for her train north back to the Colonies, and Di was nowhere to be seen. I’d decided I was going to go to Selfridges and buy some Secrets silicone breast enhancers. In Naps the previous evening I was chatting to a GG comparing boobs and she told me about the Mel B gel bra, which when worn with inserts makes a decent difference to chest size. So, I searched out La Senza in Debenhams, and was in there for about 40 minutes, getting my first ever bra fitting, and having a few jokes with the 2 lovely sales girls in there. They gave me a few to try, and now I’m very happy with a more natural result; these days the silicone boobs now stay in their boxes!

It was turning out to be a busy day; later on I went to choir practice and mass at the MCC in Manchester, and then in the evening there was a lovely Christmas
Meal with the church group at Cromers in town. The restaurant was packed, and whilst I got 1 or 2 looks from other diners, by now I was completely in my groove after 48 hours of heavy L-time.

A highly enjoyable weekend!

Mrs K! I’m so pleased!

2009-01-25T23:06:00.000Z

Out with dear friends in town a couple of weeks ago, I was a bit glum. On the way in to town, I’d popped in to the Trafford Centre to return something to La Senza, and whilst at the centre, I’d lost one of my favourite ear-rings, which I only noticed when I returned to the car. I’d bought them at Pilgrim in Denmark, and whilst I’ve noticed the brand in Browns and John Lewis, they only have a tiny choice. I was that devastated, that I was thinking about getting my ears pierced.

This week I was at Cheshire Oaks, when I came across an actual Pilgrim store, like they have in Denmark. Well, I found my ear-rings on sale in there for £5. Result! Crackin’!

Christmas-time in Blackpool

2009-01-25T23:02:00.000Z

Renaissance had their annual meal in early December, and I went along with Becky, to join up with about 30 other girls. It was in a private function room in a hotel near the North Pier, and the meal was good, but the seating arrangements were not brilliant. Certainly no top marks for organizational skills there. But, we made the most of it and danced a fair bit, and were later joined by a group of resident pensioners from Liverpool (classic line from the drag DJ when they came in: ‘watch out, mind your handbags!’).

Thanks to Becks and her ‘block-bookings-at-prices-as-cheap-as-chips’ I was able to stay over at the new Travelodge in Blackpool, and then the next day I went over to the Trafford Centre for some Christmas shopping. As I was checking in, there were quite a few smartly dressed couples in the reception area, as I found out they were going to a Rock FM Christmas Charity event. But, sadly, by the time I came down, they’d gone. I think I might have enjoyed mingling for a bit, for the reaction!

Burying a demon

2009-01-23T09:46:00.000Z

Last evening I was able to call closure on an incident that had been on my mind for a few years.

About 9-10 years go, I went for an evening stroll in my home town. I was wearing a dark coat, black skirt and boots, trying to blend in as a woman on the way home from work. Probably the makeup wasn't too brilliant in those days, but I thought I was doing ok, until I came across a group of teenagers in town playing on their skateboards. As I crossed the road at the traffic lights, I heard one say 'That's a bloke', and then as I continued walking past, there was a 'Hey, mister'. This freaked me. I carried on, ignoring them, but had this thought of 5-6 of them following me and pestering me up the road. What would I do? I was in heels, and couldn't walk off quickly. It hadn't happened before, as I'd rarely been outside of the house in those days. There was nowhere to go, as the shops had closed. But as it happened, they didn't follow. It was more important for them to play on their skateboards, rather than bother a tranny. Perspective.

Fast forward to last night. Brown mac, dark trousers, and heels.

I'd popped in to the charity shop in town at 5pm, dropping off some of Bob's clothes. He doesn't need so many now. After that I had an appointment with Rox at the Beauty Clinic. All very cosy, and some friendly teasing with the boss. I left there about 6, and crossed the road, to the place I'd been those years ago, which I recalled. As I got to more or less the same spot, 2 women approached me, and asked for directions to a local bar they were looking for. We talked for about a minute or so, and they went. Total acceptance.

Then, 3 teenagers appeared, on bikes, messing around. Almost deja-vu. They didn't even stop what they were doing, and I walked on by.

Closure, and a happy bunny!

Are you a professional drag queen?

2009-01-22T11:51:00.000Z

I was in London a few weeks back accompanying Sarah to her appointment at Charing Cross. We drove down for the day for the 4pm appointment, so had a leisurely natter in the car on the way down. Another first for me, taking a comfort break at Oxford Services on the M40. As it was lunch-time, it was like land of the giants in the ladies loo, as there was a coach party of pensioners arriving at the same time as us! All these little old ladies getting under my feet….

We got in to London with an hour to spare so took a Christmas Starbucks across the road. Then at the clinic Sarah went in for her appointment, whilst I chatted to the 2 lovely Aussie receptionists. Afterwards we headed for the shops at Westfield and had a meal in the up-market food hall. It was a great experience! The mall wasn’t all open yet, so the place looked a bit incomplete, with most people just browsing. We found the MAC store, and the first person I saw in there was Ann who had just moved down from the branch at Selfridges in the T Centre. She gave me a mini makeover and a few tips; it was lovely to see a familiar face. After that we headed for the west end for a bit of a stroll. We went to see the ice skaters at Somerset House, and walked over to Covent Garden, but it was a bit quiet. We had a coffee in Charing Cross Road before heading back to the car. On the way back along the road I got stopped by a blonde (seems a familiar story this) called Samara who was convinced we’d met at a party a few months ago in London, she just wouldn’t accept that I’d never met her before, and wanted to show me the photo of us, before realising she didn’t have her camera with her. Eventually she accepted that she was mistaken, and as we chatted generally, asked me ‘Are you a professional drag queen?!’ I still have absolutely no idea how to take that! She was a lovely girl, and we swapped contact details, but I never got a reply!

Sarah and I chatted all the way in the car back to Cheadle, where I met her father. What a lovely, sweet man! In his 80’s, and he wanted to make us tea at 3 in the morning! It was a great day out.

The Trafford Centre

2009-01-20T16:38:00.000Z

When I think back to 2 years ago, when I had by first escorted shopping trip to Meadowhall, to nowadays, when I‘m happy to go over shopping to the Trafford Centre on my own, it‘s been quite a journey. In fact, I‘ve been to the T-Centre shopping almost every week in the last 2 months, and also an occasional little venture to Cheshire Oaks, to look and try on a few outfits from my favourite stores.

Nowadays, I really enjoy shopping, and find it’s fun to go into the stores, and be remembered by the staff, and having a chat with them. Last week I went into M&S to find a pair of shoes, but I wasn’t keen on what they had, and everything I tried on didn’t fit. Still it gave me the chance to have a browse in the lingerie area, and stock up with a few essentials. Later on I tried Evans, for their jewellery, and tried on a few of their shoes. I bought a lovely pair of patent black courts, with the heels just a bit shorter than the 4” ones I always wear, for wearing with my trousers.

I had a lovely chat with Emmalee on the MAC counter, who treated me to a mini-makeover, and got me to try the Studio Fix foundation, instead of the Full Cover, which I’ve always used until then. The reason being also is that I’m now using the SuperCover Blue Concealer, which I thinks works far better than the Grimas which I’ve used until now.

The Selfridges Party

2009-01-15T14:09:00.000Z

Becks, Jane and I had arranged to go over to the Selfridges 10th Birthday Party at the Trafford Centre, early last month. Apparently they were selling 800 tickets, and it was all taking place in the make up area, with free food and drink thrown in, plus a lovely goody bag at the end.

We had a fun time, strolling around and talking to the girls on the various counters, and entering a few competitions as well. Some of the other shoppers in there were also very friendly and chatted with us. There were 1 or 2 double takes, but by and large, it was a lovely and friendly atmosphere, with hardly any blokes in there, as you’d expect, really. The MAC girls looked after us really well, and we all had a mini-eye makeover done by Melyssia, who’s a lovely and friendly babe. I bought some lovely eye shadows from them for the party season.

We must have stayed there until about 11pm, and it had really emptied out by that time, but we’d had such a lovely experience, and made some new friends on the counters.

Belated Happy Birthday Mrs K!

2009-01-13T13:18:00.000Z

We had a lovely meal and evening out at Velvet in Manchester a few Saturdays ago, to celebrate Mrs K’s birthday!
Velvet was great as usual; not too busy at 8pm, but later on filled up, but that was where it lets itself down, as the service becomes very slow. The food was excellent, the pudding was fab, and the company was greater! I had one surreal moment in the loo’s, when a gorgeous blonde in a lbd came out of one of the cubicles, and we started chatting, as we ‘powdered’. She was very friendly, and even shared some of her Agent Provocateur with me. I know what I want for Christmas now!

Supercover model for a day!

2008-12-10T23:11:00.000Z

Quite a while ago TJ had asked me to think about being her makeup model, for a course that she had recently booked on the Wirral. About 3 seconds later, I said that I’d like to give it a try.

It was a 2 day course, and I was free on those days. In the end I was only needed on the 2nd day, but what a great day last week it turned out to be!

There were 5 girls on the course in total, plus their 5 models. I was anxious to know what to wear on the day, and TJ had advised that they were all in jeans on the first day, so in the end I thought I’d be more comfortable in my combat trousers, ugg boots, and long top. I don't think I had the chance to get nervous as we got there, as it was too late by then to back out. Once the morning got going, there was a display by the tutor, and I think I noticed one or 2 in the room looking over, but I was cool about it. TJ took my own make up off, and the look they were first going for was a glam/smokey eyes look, which I was very impressed with. By this time it had got to lunchtime, where they'd prepared a small buffet for us. It gave me the chance to mingle and chat with others.

One of the delegates asked me, 'How did you get the job?' I just said that I wasn't press-ganged into it! It also gave me the chance to talk and explain to them about things-t. And, a few of them got quite interested.

After lunch, the next challenge was to achieve an extreme catwalk model look. TJ had her own ideas on this (picture a drag queen version of Gene Simmons from KISS!), suffice to say that I'll never be seen on Canal Street, or anywhere else, looking like that again! Some of the other model looks were absolutely stunning.

We later had a play around enhancing a cleavage (well, mine in particular!) by shading, and that was really impressive. I was quite pleased with the end result.

When that was finished I took the chance to have a walk around the studio to chat to the other stylists and models, who were by now quite friendly and chatty.

Finally, TJ prepared me for an evening look, as I was going out later, and by the end of the night I was very impressed with how the foundation had lasted.

One final point about the makeup itself. For the last 2 years I've been using Grimas beard cover, and then MAC full cover foundation. The course tutor did explain to me that the Grimas product was about 10 years old, and that it was now old 'technology'. After using his product all day, I can truly recommend and endorse the new foundation and beard cover, and I’ve ordered mine from TJ already!

Only a tranny...

2008-12-03T12:39:00.000Z

A few weeks ago, I was over in Germany for a few days with work, and had the opportunity of meeting up with my sis for a few days, and evenings. It gave me the chance to view the scene over there, which turned out to be a bit different to what I usually see back home.

On Friday night we were over in Mannheim, for a lovely Indian meal at a friend’s house, and then over to a ‘fetish pub’ in Mannheim; shame when you have to get glammed up, and then go in to a smokey bar (Germany still has them) so that your clothes stink of smoke afterwards. Still, it gave me the chance to speak to a few t‘s in there, dressed, and in ‘bob’ mode. I didn’t discover what the German equivalent of ‘bob’ was, maybe ‘Fritz’ or ‘Helmut‘, or similar. From what I could tell, the scene isn’t as developed or ‘mainstream’ as what it is over here.

Late on Saturday night we went to the Grande Opera event in Offenbach; a rather classy bdsm event in a club, which I thought was very impressive. At the other end of the scale from Nap’s, for example. I’ve never been faced (!) by nude slaves before, nor absolutely gorgeous blondes wearing the most revealing of outfits; it was very much of an eye-opener, and as one of very few t’s there, I felt rather under-dressed in my best burlesque outfit, with black lacy skirt, highest heels, and tight corset. The venue had a lovely setting, with the entrance being though an old courtyard, and made a great background to the photos we took at the end of the night, which I’ve added to Flickr.

Included in the entry ticket was a food buffet, so towards the end of the evening, we settled on trying a bowl of their finest goulash soup. Out of the corner of my eye, I saw one of the naked male slaves swinging his way past my table, where we were eating. I kind of gave him a stare along the lines of ‘Oi Helmut! Mind where you’re shaking that thing. I’m trying to eat my goulash.’

A fantastic all-round experience, and I look forward to going back to see one of their future events!

Another funny moment that had us in stitches afterwards, was on the way to Offenbach, sis had lost the piece of paper with the address on, in the car. We were on the autobahn at this time, so I suggested we pull over in one of those wooded lay-bys that they have on the continent. What surprised me were the number of cars parked there, at about half past midnight. Then in the headlights we saw 1-2 men scurrying across the road, and another guy coming out of the woods. So anyway we parked up at the far end, and stopped and put the interior light on to look for the paper. We found what we had lost very quickly, but when sis looked up in the rear mirror, she could see a silhouette of all these guys walking towards our car! She then said ‘S**t! I think this is that do**ing lay-by! Let’s get out of here quick!’ So we razzed out of the lay-by as quickly as we could!

So now big sis knows!

2008-11-12T12:48:00.000Z

I’d decided last month, after some mild prompting by Mrs L, to introduce my sis, who was in the country for 10 day vacation, to the younger sister she never had. We were having a coffee in the supermarket after shopping, when I broached the issue, and pulled out my avatar photo from my wallet. Well, you just couldn’t have scripted the reaction! After I made my admission, my sis told me that in her country, she knew people on the tv/ts scene, and made her own admission to me, as to how that came about!

We had planned to spend 5 days in London doing the tourist trail, as we hadn’t done this since we were teens. Well after one full day of heavy sight-seeing in the capital, the plans were changed somewhat. On our first night there, 2 sisters could be seen arm in arm walking along the Embankment, looking for Blackfriars Pier, as I’d already booked places in advance for the Rose’s boat trip on Saturday. Then the following day, it was a full-on shopping day at Bluewater for 7 hours, again for 2 sisters. Seemed to spend forever in John Lewis (trying on strapless bra’s for example!) trying on Jigsaw and Hobbs’ dresses. I also never knew Per Una had such a big range. Bluewater was crowded though, which was surprising, as I thought there was a recession on the cards?! It could have been a lot worse though for us! As we walked through the revolving door at John Lewis at 10 am, it suddenly stopped working whilst we were in the middle, and it was like we were stuck in a goldfish bowl! Then the alarm started sounding, and various staff appeared to come and see this tranny with her sister, whilst they physically pushed the door system round so that the 2 trapped girls could escape!

The next day we visited Hay’s Galleria, and strolled along the embankment, did some shopping, and took loads of pictures. I approached a group of girls in Starbucks where we were having lunch, to ask for local directions, and they were quite cool to talk to. I think I surprised my sis, as I don’t think she expected me to open my mouth to speak to anyone in there!

At 6pm we’d arranged to meet a couple of sis’s friends who were joining us for the Rose’s cruise, for a meal at the Howard Hotel, near to Temple Station, by the Embankment. This was an awesome experience! The staff in there were buzzing around us! Walking through the crowded hotel bar to get through to the restaurant, and having doors opened for us on the way: a very enjoyable and head-turning experience. The loos in there were superb, and I received one or two smiles from other girls in there, as we ‘powdered noses’.

The cruise itself was spectacular; the Thames embankments look very impressive lit up. The company on the boat was great. It was lovely to see Helena Love, working unofficially with her camera, TJ and Dave, Jane, Astrid and San, and other girls who I met for the first time. I'd recommend it for next time, to anyone who hasn't been before.

For the last couple of days, we’d been reminiscing about any giveaway signs I may have left when we were younger, but it seems like most young trannies, I seemed to have successfully covered my tracks in those days. A funny thing is that now it’s also payback time for me, as when we were teens, I used to raid her wardrobe. This week she’s been trying on my clothes!

Just an addition....

2008-11-12T12:42:00.000Z

to the diary. These incidents occured in the summertime, and were posted elsewhere, but I thought I'd add them here on the diary...

A funny thing (or 3) happened to me on Saturday…..

1. Walking with a t-girl along ‘Curry Mile’ in south Manchester, on the
way to a cash dispenser about 7.30 pm, we were just chatting as we walked, when walking towards us was a lone Asian guy, in his early 20‘s. Now I rarely look at people close up, as I walk, but was so surprised to hear him say, as we passed each ether, ‘hey transvestite, you are fu****g dead.’ I was shocked to hear that behaviour, but we both kept walking in opposite directions. We wondered afterwards, had we had seen a passing GMP patrol, would we have bothered to report it? I do know that in some areas, a racist remark would end up with a night in the cells. In hindsight, what I would have done is to turn round to him and give him a big ’Wooooo, I’m really scared!’

2. After the meal 6 (4 TS, 2 TV) of us headed into town, to Castlefields, at the south end of Deansgate, so, nowhere near the Village. It was one of the girl’s local pub, so ‘Star Babe ’ (SB, as I’ll call her for what happened later) knew the staff and we were made welcome, in the busy pub, and sat near the front. Well the loo’s were at the back of the pub, ladies on the right, and gents on the left. So when I needed to go, I walked past this table of 4 goons, on the way to the ladies, when I heard someone behind me shout, ‘Wrong one’. So I turned around, ready for a bit of banter, but none of them would look me in the eye. The girl that followed me into the ladies had seen what happened, and inside, she said ‘Don’t worry, have you got any perfume?’ When I asked her why, she said’ So you can spray some in his eye!’ We had a good laugh at that!
On the way out, I looked at them again, but none of them looked up, so I didn’t know who to talk to, so left it at that. Again, in hindsight, my comment should have been, had I known who spoke, ‘And why would you want me to go into the gents, big boy?!’

3. Later on in the pub, we were sat on a long wooden table, having a great chat, when a group of about 4 drunken plo**ers sat on the end, and started to mither us, and just wouldn’t give up. They thought it was a big laugh, and when 1 of them was about to take a photo of us, I told him in no uncertain terms to ‘f*** off’. They were so drunk that how the staff hadn’t spotted them was surprising. Anyway, some time later they got up to go, or that’s what we presumed, when suddenly 1 of them grabbed SB with both arms and forcibly kissed her. After she was able to push him off, she followed up with the best right hook you’ve ever seen, and knocked him in the air straight out of his flip-flops, which stayed on the ground! As he hit the deck, all his loose change fell out of his pockets and rolled all over the floor. At the same time I vaguely recall hearing one of Bernie’s attack alarms being set off in the backgound, and the staff came along and ejected the to**ers. Not sure if this is something that should have been reported, but given the circumstances, that there was retaliation on our part, what’s the opinion? As for SB, she’s now our reigning champ, despite breaking a finger-nail! And to think, nobody thought about playing ‘Eye of the Tiger’ on the jukebox after that!

Afterwards we had a lot of sympathy from the GG’s who were in there, and were very friendly and chatty with us.

So, despite the experiences, it wouldn’t stop me from going to the same places again next week.

Niagara Falls…

2008-09-23T07:35:00.000+01:00

Sounds more like a statement than a place. Five of us were out for a meal in Taurus. Mandy, Di, Mr and Mrs Kate. It was Mandy’s first time out, and she’d got changed in AXM. When I got there I went to check on Mandy, and boy, was it hot down in the changing rooms! So much so, that I’d had a wardrobe malfunction, and with the Olympics on the horizon at the time, this was the topical post I’d put on the Angels T-Lounge forum:

Britain gets first gold and silver at Boob Olympics!
Out in the Village last week, I’d decided to borrow Mrs L’s long viscose/silk straight summer dress. As it was a size 10 (it‘s what the label said!), and tight-ish up top, and, as the dress wasn’t designed to show any straps, I thought I’d get by without wearing a bra. Just a bit of extra stickiness added to the back of the boobs, and off I went. Boobs your auntie!
Things were fine walking the few blocks from the car to AXM, but once inside the bar, I kind of got the feeling that things were slipping a bit. Probably the warmth of the evening, warmth and glow of the skin etc. The right boob was certainly heading south faster then the left one, and once it got halfway between real nipple and belly button, drastic action was needed!
So for those that might have seen me looking bored, with my arms folded at MC last week, it wasn’t that at all, I was fighting gravity to keep my boobs from sliding all the way down, granny-style.
Luckily there was a spare bra in the boot of the car (in the emergency tranny breakdown kit) so after a minor detour on the way to AXM Late, the appropriate underwear was added in the loo’s, and all was well in the end.
And, the right boob got the gold medal by a half-cup!

Sparkle time!

2008-09-12T13:12:00.000+01:00

A couple of months ago we had the big Sparkle event in Manchester; this is how I vaguely remember the weekend!:

Thursday
I decided to take the train in from home; no point in paying for 4 days parking if I didn’t need to use the car, and I was in Piccadilly in less than an hour. I met up with Karen, and we had a light lunch there, before checking in to the hotel. An upgrade to a deluxe apartment on the 6th floor; the weekend was starting ever so well! After unpacking we headed for the Trafford Centre by public transport, which turned out to be a bad move. The hotel staff had indicated that it would be quick, but it wasn’t the case, and it took a tram and bus, with a long wait in between, to get us there. All of a sudden we weren’t going to have the time to get ready for later. Anyway we had a look in the Lewis sale and other places, bought a few bits, and headed back. As we stepped outside, Europe was having its biggest rain deluge in living memory, so we legged it across to the bus-stop, and then decided to take a bus straight back in to Piccadilly. At the M&S food store we stocked up on a few items, including the evening micro meal, and headed back to get ready.
By about 9.30 pm we were ready to go out, and headed for AXM where we were rounding up the posse to head for the Tiger Lounge, where they were holding the weekly Here Come The Girls event, which was quite appropriate. By this time the rain had held off, and we ended up with a quiet evening in the club. For whatever reason, most of the group decided to spend the evening at AXM, but it was a good evening for us all the same, and it gave us a chance to talk to some other girls we’d met for the first time. The classic moment of the evening was the GG comment to Karen ‘You’re really gorgeous!’

Friday
Sparkle really didn’t kick off until the afternoon, so we went shopping in town in the morning. I had kind of indicated to Kaz that I wanted to stay en femme for the whole weekend, and got her ok to escort me in to town in the morning in blokey-mode. It is very liberating to be walking with a guy in town; I was able to relax a lot, and not worry about any hassle I might have otherwise got. The Arndale was rather quiet, but we had a good amble around in some of the shops (tried a lovely skirt on in Monsoon, but £50, well, not this weekend!), and then went over to M&S, and then to MAC in Selfridges, to talk with some of the girls in there.
At lunchtime we had a bite in Eden, with some of the other girls.
In the evening we were in Velvet; about 12 of us. Not so easy to book a table during Sparkle weekend. I’d booked for 12 about 2 months before, and it was a pleasant time spent with our local girls, plus Bea, Jess, Jo-Jo, Doris, Imogen, Jaime and partner (with bump!) and Linzi. It was good to catch up with Becks and Gill, who were on another table with their partners.
At the end of the night we were heading back to the apartment, when we stopped on the corner of the main street, before getting propositioned by a little middle-eastern guy. Kaz couldn't get the words out quick enough, something like 'b****r off, you little ****'. He was that close to getting a Glasgow kiss!

Saturday
I was still looking for the skirt that I couldn’t find on the previous day, so as Kaz had decided to do other things early on, I went over to Primark for my first ever look in there. The place was so busy, even for just after 9am. What surprised me most was how many blokes had been dragged in there by their partners, and looked bored stiff. I finally found a skirt I was looking for, paid a few pounds for it, and made my way back to the hotel. When I got back there I sat in reception for a bit, and read a magazine. I must have had 2-3 conversations with different people whilst I sat there; it was all very pleasant and relaxed. They when I went back to the apartment Kaz told me that she’d gone early to Primark as well, and we were probably in there at the same time!
We were doing stewarding duties in Sackville Gardens from 12-2pm; that was quite good fun, moving people on and not letting them stand still for too long. Also helping trannies out of the ground after their heels had sunken into the grass!
Afterwards it was pleasant to catch up with friends I hadn’t seen in a while, as Marianne and Vicki, and then Mel Lilac turned up. It was a lovely sight to see Jess shimmying up Canal Street looking like the girl next door, latte in hand, after spending the day at the Anderton boat lift.
Later on it was time for a quiet early meal in Fossa, with a few lovely fiends, before getting back to The Place for yet another costume change.
I remember a year ago I didn’t have the nerve to walk 100 yards down Canal Street; how things are different now! After our meal in Fossa, Kaz and I had gone back to get changed for the Magic Theatre event at AXM Late. Walking by Piccadilly Station, and the full length of a packed Canal Street at 10pm on a Saturday night in basque, black lacy skirt, fishnets and heels, I vaguely remember getting my bum felt a couple of times, but I had so much padding on down there, it could have been more often!
Unfortunately the entertainment was a bit of a flop. There were meant to be 500-600 people in the venue, but I doubt if more than 50 people could have seen the entertainment that was on show on the little stage. 6‘-4“ tall trannies wearing platforms at the front of the stage meant the rest of us couldn‘t see anything, except an occasional arm or foot in the air on the stage. A lot of people had made such an effort with their costumes, and it was a shame that the venue couldn‘t match the expectations. I was stood with Jess at the bar for a while; her face was a picture of disgust! Luckily, some of us had got on the dance floor a bit earlier, but the music wasn’t to my taste, and I found that very disappointing, for a Saturday night. Later on we floated on upstairs, and before then had a small group get together on the half landing, as just about everyone in the area at that time was known to each other, including Di and the Kate's! I think the night ended about 3 am, after we shimmied on back to the apartment, and Kaz kindly took some lingerie shots of me.

Sunday
Well the weather didn’t know what it wanted to do, with showers, sunny spells, and heavy rain. I was booked in at the Roses lunch at Villaggio’s with another 80+ diners. It looked like we had taken over the whole of the downstairs section. Nicky had done well, and all for £12 a head. Very well organised, and a better show than the Christmas meal which I’d organised last year, when they sprung the service charge on us at the last moment, after many of the diners had left.
Good food and good company as usual, with TJ! After the meal we picked up Rachel, and got lost in Manchester trying to find The Place, to go back and pick up my luggage. At reception, the girl was struggling to get my heavy case out of the store room. ’Where is there a man, when you need one?’ I commented to her. I got a kind of sheepish grin in return!
Home by 5 pm, and the best part of 72 hours non-stop in L-mode. A great time!

Another busy week…..in May

2008-07-30T17:48:00.000+01:00

The lovely Karen Cameron came down to Manchester from north of the wall for a couple of days, and we had a great time over a couple of evenings. On the Wednesday night we met up with Kate, and had dinner in Velvet, and then went on to the Concord, and then to Naps for a look. On the next evening, there was just Karen and myself , and we had a drink or three, and some fine food in Taurus. Earlier I’d arrived in town before 5, and parked up near Sackville Street, and had a walk in to town for some late night shopping. After my experiences at Christmas, I was really keen for another stroll up to King Street. I’d settled on wearing jeans, short black leather jacket, and wedge sandals, and as it was sunny, a big pair of sunglasses to hide behind! On King Street I made a bee line for Hobbs, which is always my favourite place to shop. They have a big changing area downstairs with big mirrors outside, and the staff are always friendly and helpful. Well an hour later, after trying on a heap of gorgeous clothes, I emerged with just 1 dress, it was time to get back to Canal Street.

Now I don’t know the city that well, but it was only when I found myself crossing Deansgate that I realised I’d been walking in the opposite direction for 5 minutes. AND, my sandals were now starting to rub. I wouldn’t mind if they were new, but I’d had them for 18 months! So back on King Street, and I pass by 2 guys who have just turned the corner into the Street. I heard one say to the other ‘tranny’, and I should have thought who else they were referring to , but I guess it was me. Anyway, the way I look at it, if it took 1 to point me out to his friend, then at least I fooled one of them!

I got to Canal Street early, and took my drink outside in the sunshine. Well anywhere would have done to rest my feet. Karen met up with me and we sat outside AXM in the sunshine and had a pleasant drink. We had a meal in Taurus, and again had great service in there; we were seated at one of the top tables near the window, so Karen could have a good look at the activities in Canal Street. After the meal with Karen we went back to the Atrium where she was staying, so I could have a look around, and to take some pictures of our guest.

On the Saturday, we had Teela’s meal back at Velvet, for about 10 of us. I got a lift across to Manchester from Diana, who was making her first visit out in public that night, after a couple of visits to Teela’s monthly tea evenings. The drive to Manchester was uneventful except for Diana just being a tiny bit nervous about driving in to town, anyway we eventually found a parking space on one of the roads off Canal Street. You couldn’t have parked any nearer. Anyway Di was finally able to reverse in to the space alongside the kerb, after a few attempts, and I was able to walk to the kerb from there. It didn’t take me too long. So, picture the scene: we turn on to a packed Canal Street at 7pm and walk into a fight scene with local police, who are trying to break up a fight. There’s guys pinned against the police van, against the wall, and then we have to walk through this no man’s land of the space between the fighting and where the crowd is standing, alongside the canal. Well Di passed this test and moments later we met up with the rest of the group at the entrance to Velvet’s.

The company was the best thing about the meal, as for some reason most of us didn’t enjoy the food. The portions in Velvet are usually big, but my tuna was too dry. The compensation was the good chat we had in there, and they were in no hurry to get us away from the table. There was some debate as to what happened to Sue Williams’ steak; the consensus was that it might have slipped down her dress.

Afterwards we hit a few of the bars in Canal Street, Cruise, View, Fossa and AXM. In View we had an interesting chat with 2 young blondes from Cumbria, who at first couldn’t quite work out what we were about. But after explaining all-things T to them, we got on great afterwards and had photos taken together. In AXM, down by the mirrors near the ladies loo’s, I just couldn’t get away! Spoke to at least 3 different groups, including 2 lovely teenage girls from Preston, who wanted to know if my boobs were mine or if I’d had implants. It was great talking to them, and then to their mums later on!

I don't know.......

2008-07-26T11:44:00.000+01:00

who the blonde bint was on my avatar photo recently, but it certainly wasn't me! I don't know why people have to do this kind of thing. Nutter!

Thanks Diana for letting me know!

April Showers

2008-05-04T20:47:00.000+01:00

Work commitments had kept me extra busy for some weeks and I hadn’t even had the chance to see my close friends who live nearby. For the monthly meal we settled on a return to Eden, to try the atmosphere with a few more diners. For the second month running I’d tried to get in to town before 5pm, so I could go and do a bit of shopping in King Street, but again, the timing was against me and I didn‘t get in to town until about 6pm. I was very early for the meet at Eden though, and had a cocktail in the bar area, and settled to read the paper. It was all quite relaxed in there.
Eventually June, Kate, and then Jaime arrived, and we had a lovely meal with superb service. Afterwards it was over to Nap’s, to show June the new premises, where we stayed until closing time. The place was buzzing, and it was a pleasant surprise to bump in to Cathryn and co. Mary told us about the changes with Northern Concord, and the new re-branded Manchester Concord, which I’m happy to support. Anyway, I’m now member 39! They’re also going to have a great location at the Rem for Sparkle in June, with a good view of the proceedings in the gardens on the Saturday.

The Monthly Meals

2008-05-04T20:42:00.000+01:00

I plan to continue these in the Village this year for newcomers and old friends. It’s what got me back in to the scene when I re-started, so I want to offer the opportunity to other girls who are looking to get out in safe company for the first time.

In January we went to Eden in Canal Street; a cold evening in mid-January, so not much atmosphere, and our group of 6 were initially the only diners in Eden at 8pm! Then later, 1 other t-girl came in and ate alone, before eventually joining us later on. This night out gave us the chance to visit the new Northern Concord venue at the Rembrandt upstairs. Very, very impressive premises, and far better and more convivial than the previous place at Hollywood’s.

Happy New Year!
Our monthly meal in February was at the Little Yang Sing in Chinatown, as it was the Chinese New Year about that time. There were 7 of us at the meal, and for some it was the first time they’d ventured out of the Canal Street/Village environment. The atmosphere was great and they looked after us really well. It was also good to catch up with Linzi again who’d come up from the West Midlands.

I think the funniest moment was when we all trooped into the full restaurant, and for a split second, heads turned to watch us, then a split second later, they were back to their own conversations. All in all, a good evening out!

In March we went back to Taurus for the monthly meal, which I think always has a good atmosphere, as some people just use the bar, so there’s always people coming and going. We were joined this month by Emma from Bakewell, and Jaime, who’d come from South Wales. Emma had seen the post on Angels and had planned the visit with military precision, and was staying the night in a local hotel. Kay had offered to do the chaperoning from the hotel, on what was Emma’s very first night out. You wouldn’t have believed it, as she looked so natural! Later after the meal she told us that she’d had to nip down to the ladies to deal with a slipped boob, but, we all get these problems from time to time I’m sure! It was lovely to meet Emma and Jaime, and we appreciated that they’d travelled so far to join us. I look forward to the next time.

Afterwards we tried the Rem, where hostess Mary made a fuss of Emma, and so now there’s a photo of Emma on Mary’s Manchester Concord blog! Later on we went with Emma to Nap’s, where she later stayed with Kay for a bit longer. At this stage it’s worth noting that Emma’s blog on the evening makes far better reading than these lines, so if you can find it I’d recommend a read!

A fabulous weekend...

2008-04-20T23:53:00.000+01:00

I was back in Blackpool about 10 days later, where I stayed over on the Friday night before the Angels Christmas meal on the Saturday in Manchester’s Village. It was going to be 48 hours of Lisa-time. I’d called in at the Trafford Centre in the afternoon on my way up to Blackpool, to get a few last minute ‘necessities’. The plan was to meet up with a friend and have a night at Roxy’s on a busier night, and then the next day I’d set off for Manchester to meet up with Jen, Imogen and Linzi for a day’s shopping, before having our big night out, and then another day’s shopping in town on the Sunday, before ‘de-Lisa-ing’ on the way home.

At John Lewis I wanted to buy a brown scarf and matching gloves. Downstairs the sales assistant was being very helpful with colours etc, and then we looked at the gloves, and I said I needed a big stretchy pair. So we settled on a pair that I was happy with.

‘Are you sure they’re big enough?‘ I asked. ‘they’re actually for me, as I don’t always look like this’, I said to her, pulling my usual photo out of my wallet to show her the other me. The assistant gave me a really cool smile, and a ‘wow, come back again soon!’ she said.

I’d called in to Selfridges to see GG Lisa on the perfume section, but it was her day off. I’m sure one day we’re going to get her to join us with her friends on a night out in Manchester.

Well first snag; my friend couldn’t now make it due to domestics. Shame really, but I was determined to go out, so went alone. Lynda told me where the scene was in town, and after a stroll around the block and along the Blackpool prom for a block, I got into the car and headed for town. I got there about 60 seconds later. Well, I was in heels! I parked where we were last time, and knew that Roxy’s was only a short tottering distance away. But this time it was busier, AND, I had to pay on the door. That never happens at Naps!

It was already 9-ish, and full with Christmas party groups, so not the best mix of regulars to meet, even if there were any. In fact from my point of view it was a lousy atmosphere, as those in there for the Christmas parties wouldn’t normally be in there, in my opinion. Including a few middle aged women in works’ groups giving me odd stares. Still, I chatted to 2 or 3 friendly girls, and stayed and watched the show for a couple of hours before getting back to Lynda’s.

The next day all started off ok, and I got to the Charles Street car park in Manchester just a little bit later, by which time Jen and Linzi had already gone off to Selfridges on the other side of town. I was getting a bit nervous at this time, late Saturday morning, having to get across town on my own. I didn’t think I’d have the confidence to make it. Anyway, I was in the car park, and still waiting for Imogen to get in touch. Then I get a text ‘I’m in the car park’.
So I text back ‘I’m on level 2’.
Imogen replies, ‘so am I!’
Then I look across and see that she’s parked just 2 spaces away from me in the car park! After we’d stopped laughing, we set off to the hotel for a comfort break, and to check when the rooms at the Days Inn would be ready. We still had a few hours to spare, so we thought we’d try and catch up with the other 2 girlies across town. As we set off, we came across the builders digging the hole in the road, that Jen’s already blogged about on Angels. Well I wasn’t ready for any hassle so crossed the road early, but Imogen wanted to take the test and walked right past them without getting any comment. By this time I’d made a significant observation. Imogen walks quickly. Very quickly. In 3 ½ “ heels, I don’t. by the time we’d got to Piccadilly, I couldn’t keep up with the pace. I had to let Imogen catch up with the other girls, whilst I sat in a coffee shop for a while, to rest my feet. After a while I was well-rested, and set off towards King Street. I’d got my confidence by this time; well what could I do otherwise? I was in the middle of town! I nipped in to Karen Millen and had a browse and tried on a few outfits, but they were very pricey. A gorgeous black floaty skirt, but for £90? The staff were very friendly and helpful though, and the atmosphere in the store was quite cool. Then I got a text from Jen: ‘we’re having a late lunch in a bar in Portland Street if you want to join us’. well I got there in 15 minutes and was glad to sit down. We had a lovely lunch and some nice wine, and then headed back to the hotel to check in and get ready for the evening. I wore my favourite black and grey lacy dress, with black heels.

The Christmas meal
We’d booked a table at Villaggio’s for about 18, and had a great evening in there. The place was full, with a lively and noisy atmosphere. A few new girls joined us, and hopefully we’ll see more of them in 2008. The one downside was that they didn’t provide the after-meal entertainment music that they’d promised, so we had to go to AXM for that, and in the end it was a good move. We were upstairs and the dancing went on until the early hours, and it was a good atmosphere in there too. I chatted to this half-merry nurse from Hull at the bar, who called herself a brunette Pamela Anderson, and you could see the similarity. She promised to buy me the same bodice that she was wearing. I was being a bit careful with what I said to her, as I didn’t want to upset her boyfriend who was at the bar too. It turned out that he was a gay friend who fancied the barman, and that‘s why they were staying at the bar! I vaguely remember Kay Denise taking some photos at this time; my new Yorkshire friend hanging on to me for dear life, as she was ready for a fall!

The place was buzzing, and I remember seeing Nicki dancing until later on she couldn’t stand any longer, with her feet up on the coffee table. We were joined by a group on a works party from North Wales. There was one girl who was an absolute stunner, blonde with the black dress. She told me it came from Axos.com. A few moments later as we were chatting, she leant forward, and asked me what perfume I was wearing, so I told her it was Missoni. ‘Well I’m getting married next year and that’s the perfume I’m going to wear on my wedding day, in that case!’ I was quite chuffed with that!
Somehow, during the chatting I noticed that my friends had disappeared back to the hotel, so I tried to catch them up, but eventually walked back to the hotel on my own.

The next morning I was in the bathroom just about to get made up, when there was this bang, and out of the corner of my eye I saw one of the light bulbs in the bedroom go shooting across the room, and all the lights went out in the room. Fortunately Imogen was still in her room and allowed me to use her bathroom to finish off my face-trowelling! I’d decided on the short beige cord skirt from Polo, cappuccino opaque tights, and my brown boots, with a patterned top, and short black fitted leather jacket. I thought it was a ‘blendable’ outfit, anyway!

Breakfast for the 4 of us was a quiet affair, a few families and couples in the dining room, but it was as if we were the invisible women! We decided that we’d stroll in to town and do some shopping, and have lunch, and then say our goodbyes in the mid-afternoon. Again, this was a big step for me, as I’d not been out in the day until this weekend, and we were going in to the city centre, 2 Sundays before Christmas, when it was going to be absolutely packed.

By 11am we’d reached King Street, which is what I’d suggested, and after we all browsed in Boots the Chemists, we then split in to a few of the local shops, keeping in touch by text. By this time I’d found Hobbs, and they were having a sale! I’d seen this lovely tailored light brown skirt, which I tried on downstairs in the dressing rooms. And then, I’ve absolutely no idea what happened for the next hour, but I was having the best time of my life! The assistants were really helpful, and great company too! I saw a lovely black suit on the hanger, but they didn’t have my size. Better still, they had my size in the brown colour, which was even better! Then there was the blouse that went with it, so I just had to have that! The best thing I saw was this gorgeous flowing silk dress, with a wide tie bow at the back. When I tried it on, it was like it was made for me, and so I just had to have that too! The other thing about trying clothes on in here is that you could go out in to the main bit of the shop, and use the big shop mirrors, whilst other women were in there browsing and trying things on, and nobody seemed to notice me in there at all. It was the most natural experience, and I was in no hurry to leave. But, eventually, I realised I’d committed most of my shopping budget, and more, in this store, so had to get going and meet up with the other girlies for lunch!

Jen had sent me a text to say they were in Deansgate, so I made my way up that way, past Kendals. As it was a sunny day, I had my Dior sunglasses on, so I think this gave me a bit of confidence too. I had a look at the handbags in Ecco whilst I waited for them. When we met up we decided to eat at Café Rouge in Deansgate, as it’s where I’ve eaten before on my own. When we went inside, heads turned, but just for a split second, and then we were ignored by the other diners. ‘That usually happens’, Linzi said to me. The restaurant was quite full with families, but we were served courteously by friendly staff, and had a good natter.

After lunch, it was getting late, so we said our goodbyes, and I headed back towards the car park in Charles Street on my own. It was 3pm by this time, but I was feeling very confident after the experiences of earlier. I don’t know why, but I went by King Street (!) again. And then I saw Planet. And they had a sale on! Well, you can’t ignore that, can you?! I’ve got to add that the 2 sales assistants were really friendly. So 30 minutes later, and with another 2 lovely dresses, one gold, and one beige and brown, I was back out in to the street, laden down with shopping bags, and heading back to the car a very happy t-girl!

With my confidence levels sky high, I decided I was going to take on the workmen in the famous hole in the road, around the corner from the car park. And? When I got there, they completely ignored me as I walked, no, strutted, right past them!

An hour later, I was in my office in town, de-Lisa-ing, but with a grin that seemed to last for weeks afterwards!

December playtime!

2008-01-10T22:41:00.000Z

Mid-December saw the Christmas meal of the Renaissance group in Blackpool, with a meal at an Italian restaurant on the edge of town. Luckily we’d secured 2 places due to last-minute cancellations. Becks had set up the changing facilities near Bloomfield Road, and then we set off to the meal. There were about 30+ girls there, and we took over the restaurant. One of the girls there was convinced that I’d met her recently somewhere; I guess that could happen easily, as some of us are bound to share the same ‘hairdressers’! but I know it definitely wasn’t me, anyway!

It was good to finally meet Lynda Collins during the meal, who runs the group, and someone I’d heard about on the t-scene quite a few years ago. A legend! She runs the Gynway B&B in town, which is where Renaissance meet twice a month.

After the meal we hit Roxy’s lesbian bar in town, and took the place over. Well, as much as 30+ t-girls would do on a cold and otherwise quiet Tuesday night. There was a drag act on, but the star of the show I thought was the GG who sang on stage. She was a stunner! They made us welcome; it made us determined to try the place out on a busier week-end evening. Ok, it’s a lesbian bar, but still away from the safe environment of the Manchester Village.

And when in Paris....

2007-12-24T18:03:00.000Z

I thought I'd stock up on some DIM brand hosiery, as they seem to be all the rage in France, and we can't get them easily in the UK. Monoprix had this policy of staying open until 9.30 in the week which suited me well. So one evening I bought 4 pairs of holdups and opaque cappuccino (well I was drinking so much of the stuff that week) tights, and went to the till to pay. Sometimes when you buy girly things you wonder what the assistant is thinking, so I mentioned to the African girl that they were for me, as she looked a bit puzzled. She seemed quite intrigued when I showed her my avatar photo, and she called her friend over to show, after I said it was ok. Then we had a bit of a chat about their hairstyles which were tightly braided; I think they were ok about talking to a guy about their hair and that, anyway they asked me to come back again soon.

You never really know how particular African groups relate or accept cross-dressing; I remember a few years ago I was in a nightclub across the other side of the world, when 3 rather extrovert Creole trannys came in and started making a lot of noise and fuss. Near the end of the evening they needed a lift to another club, where I happened to be going to next (I was semi-working, but that's another story), and I offered them a lift there. On the way, they were behaving more like drag queens, although I now vaguely recall the one in the passenger seat propositioning me. I think the club was quite near anyway, so I didn't get much info from them about the t-scene, although they said there were a lot more trannys in the south of the island, where they'd come from.
When we got to the next club they bought me a drink and went their own way, and I vaguely remember spending the rest of the time there with a lovely French girl called Fanny.

When in Rome...

2007-12-24T18:02:00.000Z

Well, Paris actually. Can't go there and not shop, really, can you?! Despite the train strike which crippled the city a few weeks ago when I was there, (4 1/2 hours from Gare du Nord to Roissy airport on the number 350 bus, via every little bus stop in north east Paris) it meant that there was a lot of walking time from A to B, and B to A. On the way from my hotel to the train station every day I used to pass this cute little clothes boutique, and one evening I got there 15 minutes before they closed. Well the deux vieille dames who ran the shop were a hoot. Almost straight out of the John Cleese sales training video. I don't think I fazed them as a guy buying for my wife, but didn't have it in me at this time to say that the clothes were for me. Anyway, the way they interacted over the suggestions for clothes for me to buy, and getting the right size, was so funny. They must have been friends for a long time as it was like they could read each others minds. Well 15 minutes later I'd bought a short black leather jacket, brown mac, long brown skirt, and 2 tops. A good spell of shopping, on the back of a good day's work.

Merci beaucoup, Aubrey!

2007-10-28T17:09:00.000Z

Whilst in Paris on business I had a wander into Sephora, the big continental perfume and
cosmetics chain. I'd been really impressed with Kate Jones's travel make up kit recently, so
when I saw the new gift range in the store, I just had to treat myself to their cosmetic travel
case, which had only been out for 3 days. So, chatting to the gorgeous sales assistant, Aubrey, (Bob does have a tendency to flirt with the better looking shop girls) I asked her what else was new. So in the end she'd sold me some pro tweezers and also this fancy electric eye lash curler thing. By this time I'd told her that I was actually buying for myself, and showed her the avatar photo I carry in my wallet. She just gave me a little smile and approving nod, and didn't run off with her arms waving in the air screaming, so I thought I'd done ok.

So, as I join the queue to pay, she comes behind the till girl and says to me that she's putting in a few little samples for me, and I watch her drop a couple of things into the bag. I thought that was a lovely touch, and went over to say thanks again on my way out of the store.

Anyway, when I finally got back to the hotel and emptied the carrier bag, I found that she'd
actually put TEN different samples of creams and scents in the bag!

'So, do you have any....bi tendencies?' ......

2007-10-28T17:06:00.000Z

........I was recently asked by a glamorous dominatrix recently! All in the course of my day to day work, I should add. And whilst I'm in some way still finding out about myself in certain areas of my life, the immediate reply to this particular question was a firm 'no'!

Despite the negative answer, it hasn't stopped us planning on getting to an interesting social event in the very near future. I'll need to write a censored account of the event on this site when it happens!

Lisa Karen: Turbo Tranny?

2007-10-12T14:13:00.001+01:00

It's been one of those great weeks where I've been out and about socially for 3 days on the run.

On Tuesday afternoon I had an appointment at the Beauticians near to home, and after checking with them, arranged to go dressed, which the staff were looking forward to. Parking in the pay and display at the end of the road was easy and quiet enough at 4pm, and then there was just one road to cross, and then a 200 yard walk past shops and car dealers, in let's say, not one of Cheshire's most desirable 5 star shopping areas. Still, I got there safely, received a lovely warm greeting from Charlotte, and we got on with the full leg waxing and frenchnail polishing. Two hours later, I'd also agreed to an eyebrow, hand and arm wax as well, and we'd had a great time chatting away, with me trying to explain to Charlotte about Tv's and Ts's. After she'd originally presumed, 'Right, so TS's only fancy men then?', I thought I'd try my best to educate her with the knowledge I had. I'll be testing her when I go back next month.

The following evening was the Angels October meal in the Manchester Village, which I'd booked for 9 girls. We had a fab time in Taurus, and then got treated to the Broadway drag cabaret in Churchills, by Liza Minnelli, Dolly Parton (how did she manage to gyrate those boobs like that?) and Bette Midler. Si was her usual mischievious self, but we coped, and Imogen was disappointed there wasn't a 4th and 5th course at the meal. It was also lovely to meet Marianne and Vicky for the first time, a really lovely couple. If only more wives could meet Vicky.
Stuart at AXM was still recovering from his recent birthday (23? Yeah right!) but was well enough for me to buy him a birthday drink! I also took the time to book the November meal and Christmas meal at Villaggio's in Canal Street. I had a fun few minutes at the bar talking to a flustered Slovakian waitress, and an amused Chinese one, whilst waiting for them to print off the Christmas menu for me!

Then on Thursday, I was over at MAC Liverpool for a morning booked makeover at the Met Centre. I decided on stretch jeans, and I'd never worn them out before, but they were quite comfortable. It seems to be the way girls dress these days when they're in town and not at work, so I went for the 'blend in' look. I had my brown high heeled boots, browny patterned smock top bought from Principles on Monday, and my long black fitted jacket. The ever-gorgeous Michelle did the business for me, new foundation that I'm so happy with, and new eye colours that really looked great. I was thrilled with the job! Ok, £120 lighter after all the bits I'd bought, but I don't do this every week. She really gave me an extra confidence to shop in the other stores in the Met, which is usually quiet in the weekday mornings anyway. Whistles had a sale on and the staff were great and courteous with me, with time for a bit of banter too! I tried on a couple of outfits; one flouncy sleeveless top was £120 and very fiddly to try on, with little metal bits sewn in, that were coming apart even as I handled it on the rail, but I liked the colours and wanted to try it on. Their dressing rooms are really so plush! Anyway, whilst putting it on even more bits came off, but I went out to the big mirror, and it looked good, and the girl offered 10% discount if I took it 'as seen'. So when I went to take it off I got stuck. Don't know why. There was some kind if tight elastic on the waist which was getting stuck somewhere, and I couldn't get it up past my chest! So, off came the hair, out came the boobs, another couple of metal bits came off the top, but I finally got it off. Phew, it can get hot in those changing rooms! I decided not to buy it; too much hassle, but I wouldn't have spent that much on it anyway!

After that it was back to the carpark, and that part of town was filling up. Just 2 roads to cross to the carpark, and easy peasy it was. Then I had an appointment in E.Port to do some little handygirl jobs (I'm a dab hand with my Dremmel!) where I was welcomed as Lisa, and stayed there working for the day, before heading back for home at 6.

A great few days, and becoming more a part of my regular routine now, I'm happy to say.

'Bye madam, please come again!'

2007-10-03T09:04:00.000+01:00

Well it was going to happen sooner or later, and that time was Saturday morning!

I’d been in town overnight after having a fab makeover and photo shoot experience and dinner on Deansgate, with 3 friends. That experience was something else, and gave me the confidence to do my own thing in ‘straightville’ the following day.

So it was as early a start as possible, despite not going to bed until 3 am, and eventually I was out and about by 9.30. Dress to blend, they say. Well, today I wore my long brown gypsy skirt, brown/beige/white patterned halter neck top, and beige cardi. I’d been in my heels for 12 hours on the Friday, so today it was going to be the leather flip-flops. Bliss!

So, out of the room, along the corridor I go, and down in the lift through reception. There was hardly anyone around, so on to the street, turn left and walk the 100 yards up to Deansgate. I had to cross at the pedestrian crossing, and then I was in the pedestrian area, between Selfridges and Harvey Nicks. Most people out at this time were early shoppers, or on the way to work, so certainly not people-watchers.

At Selfridges there was some commotion at the main door, with 3 or 4 staff repairing something, but they stood back politely to let me go in. MAC Cosmetics are on the ground floor, and I wanted to spend time in there anyway. Jen (an absolutely beautiful blonde!) approached me, and she was so helpful, and we must have spent about 20 minutes together, going over foundation shades, and the new eye shadows. I thought that her eye makeup was stunning, which embarrassed her a bit! Two other friendly MAC girls came over to chat too. Jen gave me an eye shadow makeover, and I was quite pleased with the results. They were ever so friendly and asked me back anytime.

After that I wandered up the escalator and browsed the clothes on the 2nd floor, and chatted to some of the assistants. At one stage I found it so relaxing that I thought I was getting bored! The store wasn’t that busy, for mid-Saturday morning. I went down into the basement to the Illy coffee counter, where I was pleasantly served by the coffee girl. I just had to sit down at this stage for a breather, and send a few ‘guess where I am?!’ texts to friends, although I wasn’t as nervous as I thought I would have been. After that it was another trip back upstairs to use the facilities and freshen up in the ladies loo.

By this time it was getting close to lunch time, and I wanted to push the boundaries a bit more and explore Deansgate, which was getting a bit more crowded by now. Still no stares, as far as I could tell. I sat outside Café Rouge and ordered a latte, got my magazine out, put the sunglasses on, and sat and read for a good half an hour, almost forgetting where I was. Then I went inside, asked the pleasant waitress (who had served us as 3 Bob’s the day before!) for a quiet table, ordered a light girly lunch, and read a bit more. Honestly, by this time it was if I was the invisible woman, or had the whole population of Manchester gone t-blind that day?!

All the coffees and mineral water had gone right through me so it needed a couple of trips to the loo, and freshen up at the same time. No hassles in there either, although when I joked with a middle-aged lady in there about things getting lost in handbags, she gave me a double take, but only after she heard my voice, which is never baritone-deep anyway! Still, that was another mini-boost all the same!

Then on leaving the restaurant it was ‘bye madam, please come again,’ from the Spanish waiter, as I smiled and headed out on to Deansgate and back towards the hotel. Again, no hassles, and I just went with the flow of the pavement crowd.

At the hotel, I sneaked up to my room but then found out that the card key had expired, so it was down to reception again to explain what happened, and the card was refreshed in an instant, without hassle. So then it was back up to the room, and 30 minutes rest with my feet up, before leaving the hotel for the next part of the day’s adventure.

Honestly, what an anti-climax of a day, despite the adrenalin rush!

Smile please!

2007-10-03T09:02:00.000+01:00

Becky, Mica, Kate and I had arranged an afternoon of pampering and photography at a studio in central Manchester, to be followed by a meal in ‘straightville’, which was really gong to challenge the boundaries of my confidence, as I’d rarely been out of the safe confines of the Village in the past. But, I was out with 3 highly passable and experienced t-girls, feeling very much like the apprentice.

We were allowed up to 3 changes of clothing, so as 4 Bob’s met in the hotel reception at 2.30, I had to admit to Kate that I was feeling really nervous about the rest of the day. Well you should have seen the luggage we had; you could just about squeeze it all into the cab! ‘Bye bye hotel. See you again in 12 hours,’ I thought to myself.

We could never have carried the gear ourselves, so when we turned up at the studio 2 minutes later we just burst out of the cab on to the pavement with all our bags and dress carriers etc! The staff at the studio didn’t know what hit them as we shuffled in and took the place over, whilst quiet couples with babies, and single women kind of looked at us quietly and tried to work out what we were up to. By this time our group dynamics took over the place, and it was just so funny to be there! I think Mica took the award by this time, arriving whilst wearing her kitten heels and girly coat!

Eventually we were all led to the makeover room, where we were split between the makeover and the nail manicure. There was a fair bit of banter going on, despite the girls not knowing what to expect, and it was all good humoured. My nail manicurist admitted she’d never painted a tv’s nails before, so then it was down to the usual explaining of what we’re about and why we do it (at least my own reasons for doing what I do, anyway!). The gasp from the girls when Kate put her hair on after the makeover was incredible. They couldn’t believe the transformation! Meow meow! And, as for her travelling make up kit….!

Then on to hair styling, (Becky Beehive won the artistic prize on that one!) and then afterwards it was over to the photographer’s studio. And guess what? Did anyone get changed into another outfit? Only moi, once, with the smallest holdall there. All the other bags etc that the other girls brought were just there to collect air miles.

The session was fun, and the guy taking the photos was very laid back. We had single shots and group shots, it was a cool experience. There must have been 100+ photos taken between the 4 of us. After that, we just chilled about, waiting for them to process the shots so we could view them and select our portrait(s). Despite my friends’ harsh self-criticism, there were some very good shots in there.

We finally turfed ourselves back on to the street about 7-ish, with all our luggage. So how to 4 glam-looking t-babes with a mountain of luggage between them manage to get a cab to take us back to the hotel? With an awful lot of difficulty! Could we find a cab? No chance! So after a good 15 minutes of hanging around the corner of Cross Street, we decided to walk along King Street towards Deansgate, despite Kate’s quiet but forceful mutterings about not carrying this bl**dy heavy bag any further. Well between us we struggled on to Deansgate and grabbed a cab, for the 20 second drive around the corner to the hotel. After 5 minutes we’d unloaded everything, despite my worries about getting my stockings ripped by bag zips and buckles etc. The Japanese call girl scene from Lost in Translation, one of my favourite movies, crossed my mind, ‘Oh Mr Bob, lip my stockings’!

We agreed to get freshened up for a while and meet up again at 8, ready to go out. So by the time the other girls appeared at 8.20, I was outside talking to a girl waiting for a taxi, who would have joined us but she was meeting her boyfriend at a restaurant. Oh yes? These Mancunian chicks know how to tell their porkies! Then we walked up to Deansgate, and started looking for somewhere to eat. We spied La Tosca, so in we went and got ourselves a good table, and ate and drank, and took photos in there for hours! At once stage I lost control of my over-girly hand gestures ad knocked over a nearly-full glass of great Merlot, with broken glass going all over the place. Still I got a fresh refill!

We must have come out of there about 11-ish, and then headed up Market Street towards the Northern Quarter. About this time we were in the presence of a very special event. The Second Coming. We had just passed a group of guys when we overheard the shout: ‘Jesus Christ!’ Well I looked around, but couldn’t see Him, so we walked on. Oddly, there was nothing in the paper about the incident the next day.

As we headed in the direction of the Quarter, there were a few incidents we could see up ahead, involving police on horses, so we hedged our bets and turned right for the safety of Canal Street and the Village. This place just never changes, and I must admit I had preferred the adrenalin rush of being in ‘straight’ Deansgate. So we had a couple of drinks in Taurus, which was getting quiet, and headed over to Naps, to take our out-of-town friends. Nap’s was the usual, and the dance music was absolutely lousy, which didn’t really bother me at this stage as I had a blister on my heel from living in my stilettos for the last 12 hours. An occupational hazard, I guess.

At about 3-ish we left together and headed back to the hotel in a cab. It had been a really great evening out, and ended with another nightcap in the hotel bar, where by this time we must have really looked the worse for wear!

An absolutely fabulous (Becky’s impersonation of Patsy!) time! Thanks girls!

A busy week!

2007-09-18T11:56:00.000+01:00

This week is going to be very busy for me socially, with 3 events to get out to! And that's not including my beauty salon and makeover appointments, either!

It's going to put a strain on the old wardrobe, plus a lot of hair-washing will be needed!

Appropriate reports will follow!

Many happy....!

2007-09-16T15:13:00.000+01:00

It was my birthday last week, so I went out to the Village with friends to celebrate. I'd booked a table at Taurus for 7.30, and arrived at The Village to get ready at AXM at 6pm, as usual. I'd parked over near Bloom Street, and as I walked past the Northern Concord I started chatting to one of the girls from there who had parked outside. So we were talking about what was in store for the evening and so on, and I told her where I was off to just then.
'It's closed', she said. 'There's a sign on the door. They won't be open tonight.'
'Oh s***,' was my reply. Not a good start to the evening. When I asked about what time their own facilities would open at the NC, that wouldn't be until 7-7.15, as they were meeting up for a meal at 6. A quick text to Becky Richards: 'what's plan B? AXM is closed?'
'Try NC,' was the reply. 'No good until 7 at the earliest,' I answered. 'What will you do?' I asked.
'I'm already dressed,' says Becks! Good old Becks! She has this way of knowing!
So, time for a bit of thinking on the feet. I decided to go to Taurus, and see what I could try, as I'd got a table booked there already.
So, picture the scene: this guy walks up to the bar and says 'hi, my name's Lisa, and I've got a table booked for 7.30. Only problem is, AXM is closed, and I need to get changed, and make myself look a bit different. Do you mind if I use your loos?'
'Sure, no problem,' was the reply!
So, then it's down to the gents for a wet shave, then a quick sneak across to the ladies to get changed in a cubicle. So there I was, dressed, but needed the big mirror to put my make up on, as you do. I kept my holdall in the cubicle, in case I needed to go back in, and sure enough, I hear a young girl coming in with her mummy. I rushed back in to the cubicle, whilst listening to what little girls say to mummy when they're trying to be grown up in the loo! I was just about able to stifle a male laugh!
Then after the coast was clear, it was back to the mirror to carry on with the make up.
About 10 minutes later, I hear mummy and daughter approaching again, and as I didn't think I looked right yet, it was another retreat to the cubicle!
After they'd finished, I was able to carry on and finish with my make up. A lovely Geordie girl called Alex came in towards the end, and we had a lovely chat about make up, and the Manchester scene; it was her second day there, having started at Uni.
Well after all that, I was still able to get to the bar early to order a Mojito, and I'd kept my composure right through. I passed a big test on Wednesday!
Finally, at the bar, mummy and daughter come and stand alongside me, and start talking to me about the choice of desserts in Taurus! That really did make me smile!
As for the rest of the evening? Well I think there were about 10 of us in the end, as friends started inviting friends and they just kept adding tables on the end of the row.
A lovely meal and experience!
Thanks girls!

Nearly caught!

2007-09-01T15:51:00.000+01:00

I was travelling in Central Europe a few weeks ago, and had to go through the security scanner at the airport. Now I rarely wear socks at any time, only for business meetings and to the gym, and as this occasion was neither, I was flying 'casual'.

So, as usual, I wore the bare minimum going through the scanner. No belt, pockets empty, no jewellery, so that should have got me through ok. Wrong! And, my toe nails were painted the coolest shade of Chanel's Miami Peach, as I just remembered, just as the scanner beeped as I walked through the scanner frame!

So anywhere else, it's a swipe with the metal detector, and then the shoes have to come off and go through the scanner. But this time, it was just a quick pat-down, and then I got the ok to proceed!

Phew!

Milk and two sugars?

2007-07-30T14:02:00.000+01:00

Every month Teela Jane has a 'Tea with Teela' evening at her place. It's a good evening out, as you never know who you're going to meet there! We are well looked after with refreshments by Sue Williams, and those 'slimming pills' are simply the best! I even had to organise a doggy bag to take away last time.

It was good to meet Lucy there again. She explained her choice of name:

'Well Teela asked me for my femme name, and I'd never thought about it before, so as it was as I was geting changed I said Lucy, for loose elastic!'

Lucy, priceless!

So There Went the Girls!

2007-07-24T15:53:00.000+01:00

A couple of weeks ago Si and Lesley fixed up the 2nd of their occasional nights out to visit a Here Come the Girls! evening at one of the Manchester nightclubs. The pre-event meal at Via was really good, and it's a place for the list of future restaurants to visit in the Village. It's even better when someone in your group has a 25% discount voucher: thanks Lesley! For me it was great to actually meet Si and Lesley for the first time, as well as Debs and Nicki B. Not forgetting to mention regular night-owls Becks and Cerys (Cerys, it won't be the same after you've moved!).

Well the club was a bit quiet when we got there, but we soon changed all that, as more t-girls joined us in the evening. Good company, great 60's music, and the time just flew by! I look forward to the next event. Si, are you reading this?! What are you waiting for?!

Ouch! But it was worth the pain...

2007-07-20T17:50:00.000+01:00

I got talking to the lovely Charlotte from the Bolton Clinic during Sparkle, and I convinced myself that laser hair-removal was the way to go. Just think: no more shaving, ever! I'd been thinking of treating myself at the end of the year anyway, so with the offer of a free testing by Charlotte, I had nothing to lose, and visited them a couple of days later.

Well, the result is that I'm ok to proceed! The down-side is, that you can't have a sun tan during the treatment. Well, I mean, what's a t-girl to do in the summertime? Obviously go abroad to get some sunshine, as the British weather is throwing such a strop these days. So, its going to have to be autumn time when I book in.

Can't be any worse that epilating my legs, can it?!

A Sparkling Time Was Had...

2007-07-20T16:46:00.000+01:00

It seems ages ago now, but was just last month when 1,000+ trannies invaded Manchester for the 3rd annual Sparkle get-together. Last winter I wouldn't even have thought about going, as I'd always considered myself just a winter t-girl, but the way things have turned out over the last 10 months or so, these days, there's no time to lose!

I was only able to get there for Friday, and Saturday day-time, but it was long enough to meet up with so many e-mail friends for the first time, and even to meet some t-icons! It was such a pleasure to meet first timers Jaye Adams, Kat, Helena, Suzie, Kim Angel, Jess and Linzi, plus of course the one and only Julie t-babe, who I'd only ever met as Gord before!

I guess one of the biggest pleasures of Sparkle was having the fun of chaperoning our newest t-fledgling, Nicky S, who has since well and truly found her own wings now (!), and also it was fun to catch up with the Manchester Village regulars!

As I've remarked before about Trannying: it's more than way of life, and now all year round, for me!

Hiya!

2007-07-19T10:26:00.000+01:00

Welcome to Lisa's Life! On here I'm going to write about what I'm up to, my friends, my thoughts, my feelings, and whatever else takes my fancy! I'm a 40-something T-chick, and very comfortable in getting the best of both worlds! I got to grips with my situation years ago, and have spent the last year meeting and making some super new friends. Life is great!