I know its been a little while since i last posted, but a lot has happened...
After the last post with makeup pics, i have made it a mission to spend time practicing my makeup, but also trying to get some Emma time, and that has been pretty successful i would say, but pretty expensive, as dressing more, has inevitably led to more shopping, but also interacting with others as well.
I have a book of face page, ive had it for a really long time, and have become online friends, and chatted with a whole heap of other Crossdressers and trans women.
Also with the help of my previously mentioned Mental Health Professional, all the talk of these online friends, and also my need for time away from work, led to a trip away to Christchurch for a few days, part of the trip on the advice of my councilor, was to explore a few things on my own, and after many a chat with friends, Emma had a social event to attend, this also meant that Emma was going to have to go out, and be seen in public. which while very nerve wracking, was also liberating in a way.
So after packing 8 days worth of outfits for a 3 night trip, i was off and out of town heading for Christchurch and a date with the outside world. So on unpacking and hanging my clothes in the closet at the motel, i realised that the outfits i brought from home for going out suddenly did not really appeal to me, this meant a shopping trip, and in a city where the likelihood of running into someone i know from my daily life was slim, i headed off to one of the bigger malls, and decided to wander and hope for some inspiration.
I had been looking at the store City Chic online for a long time, and on seeing the physical store, i spent a few moments looking at my phone pretending to try to find something, when in fact i was gathering courage, i walked into the store, in male mode, T-shirt, Shorts, Trainers and a cap, and started just browsing, without looking for anything in particular.
After a couple of minutes, one of the sale staff approached and asked if i was looking for anything in particular, and i went with it, said i was going out the next evening, and needed a new dress, and away we went, after working out what style i wanted, and several options later, i was in the fitting room, to try on them on... a new and nerve wracking experience that was made so much easier by the accepting staff, and also a couple of random shoppers when i stepped out of the dressing room to show the staff the dress and boots i ended up purchasing, which in turn gave me the confidence to wander shops and just browse looking at dresses, skirts, tops and whatever else took my fancy.
Day 2 found me wandering more malls looking for whatever, but also with a time crunch so that i was back at the motel to get ready for my first public appearence in over a decade.
After using nearly all of the 3 hours i had to get ready, i headed off to dinner after meeting and being picked up by one of the girls who helped organize the event. I was a little nervous having to walk out of the motel unit and past most of the complex to meet Candi and her wife Donna, who graciously gave me a ride.
Dinner where I got to finally meet Ellie, another long time internet friend, and over the next 3 hours, we had a wonderful dinner with great conversation, and good food and beverage.
Fast forward a couple of months and another trip to Christchurch for a night out with Ellie & Candi, and this time dinner in the heart of the city then a Pride event, the resturant was a short walk from the event venue, and being Daylight Saving Time here in NZ, and walking from the car to dinner, then to the show, it was pretty well still daylight, but one thing that was pretty cool was despite lots of people out enjoying an evening out, there were no negative comments overheard.
The event post dinner involved a walk back to the venue, and again lots of people transiting and no comments, the event was a pride event hosted by one of the main political parties here in NZ's rainbow section in Christchurch, a DJ, and 3 Drag Queens performed, although each queen only did one song then they were out the door which was very disappointing, and the crowd followed them out the door.
So thankful i have been able to do these little trips and made some good friends out of it.
Roll on the next event and trip
