Wednesday night at Starbuck

Well I did make it out on Wednesday to Starbuck’s even though I did not update my blog from there so I am doing it now on Thursday evening. I got to Starbucks right at 7 and there were only 2 other cars there so I got to park right in front. The funny thing is by the time I checked my cell phone, put my keys in my purse and got my computer there were about 10 other cars there and probably 12 people headed inside. I was worried I would not find a seat any way I went in and there was a group standing just inside the door talking so I walked around them and got in line which was good because as soon as I ordered my drink I went and got a table before going back for my drink. It was so amazing how fast they filled up.

Peggy had told me she would come over and join me at Starbucks and about 7:10 she showed up which was nice. It was so fun to just sit there and chat. Nothing real important just your everyday girl chat so although I had my computer on I never really used it, well at the end we did check out some of the pictures from the Halloween party. It was truly an enjoyable evening, Thanks Peggy for making the long drive. It was amazing how fast the time went, it seemed like we were only there 45 minutes to an hour but soon they were telling us they were closing and when I looked it was almost 10 after 9 so I guess it is a shorter blog than normal.

Div Las Vegas will be April 3 through April 8 2011. It was so much fun last year I am planning on going this year. If you are looking for a fun vacation you should really think about attending you can check out their web page at http://www.geekbabe.com/dlv/ I am pretty sure Cassandra and Peggy are planning on going again and I hope a few more girls from our group Rose_City_T-Girls here will go. It would be so fun to have a big group from Portland there.

Have a great week and I will be out again Friday so check back Saturday to read about it.

Thursday night shopping

Well I went out Thursday night for a little shopping for Susan’s trip to Las Vegas. I needed several things but most important was a cute golfing outfit. So I went to Lloyd Center. I parked by Nordstrom’s and went in. being a weekday evening they were not as busy as on a weekend but still a lot of people walking around. I started my walk down the mall. It was so nice just to be out again so I walked to the far end and started at Sears. I spent a while looking at all the clothes and they had some really cute outfits but as I said I had already figured out what I was looking for and as I have spent quite a bit the last few weeks on Susan clothes I really needed to stick to what I was looking for.

From there I walked back into the mall, my first stop was Torrid. This is a smaller shop but both of the woman that worked there were awesome. They both greeted me when I came in and asked if they could help me find something. I told them I was looking for a cute golf outfit, maybe a white skirt. The one said they had just got some in and went in back and brought out the rack for me. I found the perfect skirt and went in and tried it on. When I came out they both had some ideas for tops and soon I was back in the dressing room with several different tops. I found two that I really liked so as I was out to see what they thought they both thought I looked really good. The one lady though pointed out that the cut of the one top didn’t sit right with the skirt which I would not have known. So I got the skirt and the one top and was happy. I may even go back and get the other top when I get back from my vacation.

My next stop was Payless shoes. I need a pair of shoes probably tennis shoes for golf and casual walking around Las Vegas. I do love high heels so much but also understand that I will be doing a lot of walking and high heels would be murder if I wore them all the time. Plus I am sure most women don’t wear high heels during the day for just casual walking and the point of this is to blend in and pass to the best of my ability. Found a couple cute pairs but didn’t buy one as I want to look a little more. May go out again today (Saturday) for some more shopping.

I spent some more time just walking through the mall and checking out some of the other stores. It was a real relaxing time. My last stop was back at Nordstrom’s as I needed some more foundation. The one I am using now is Studio Fix by MAC as it gives me the fullest coverage and looks good (little expensive). So I went to the MAC counter and the lady there was very nice also and treated me. If you have never visited the cosmetic counter at Nordstrom’s you should. I have always had a good experience and always been treated great. They are always helpful (think they work on commission) and treat you like the woman you are. Of course you pay more for the makeup (experience). But it is so nice.

I left Lloyd Center and on the way home I stopped at Target. I needed some short (ladies) socks to wear with the tennis shoes I have yet to buy and also some eye shadow. As I said the cosmetic counters are fun but more expensive and for most cosmetic I have found drug store brands just as good (except for foundation as I need coverage). I only spent about 20 30 minutes here but still a nice time. All together I spent about 3 hours out shopping as Susan, a good evening and just that much closer to Diva Las Vegas.

Friday 2-26 2010 at Embers

Well I made it out again for another Friday night. We all met up at Embers and we had our usual big crowd. Cassandra, Peggy and Amy were already there by the time I got there. Some of our group went up and played pool while the rest of us went down where we could talk and then watch the show. Maya, Bev, Lynn, Jan and Jamie soon showed up and we soon had two tables to accommodate us as our group kept growing. It was so nice to be able and talk and catch up on our girl talk. Peggy was updating us on the first annual Miss Portland T-girl contest. Seems we have 7 T-girls signed up now so it should be a lot of fun. I am not sure what I will do for the talent portion but I still have two months to come up with something. I am really looking forward to this as I have come so far over the last year in coming out and now I will get a chance to be on stage, something a year ago I would have said would never happen. We all owe a big thanks to Peggy and Jersey Scities for putting this together, they have put a lot of time into this and it will be great fun. Embers is hosting it on April 30n 2010 this year so if you can make it down for the pageant please come. The more people we can get the better chance we have of this becoming a regular event. This is a pageant for nonperformers (just your everyday T-girl) and will be great way for us all to get more comfortable out in public. Also come down and see the shows at Embers and help support them as they have been so great in making us feel welcome. Fridays are the best night I think; the show is great and Jersey Scities is the host.

Sabel Scities was also there, she was the host of the Friday show last year and she is really good. She was telling us that she is moving to New York in Early April and they are having a party for her before she leaves at Embers and wanted to make sure we all knew about it and could be there. She will be missed as her and Jersey really makes the shows great. But I am sure this will be a good move for her.

We talked some about Diva Las Vegas and it looks like it may only be 3 of us going now as one of the girls may have to drop out as she is not working right now. It will be so much fun but would have been just that much better with her. Cassandra, Peggy and I are for sure going and I know I am so looking forward to it. I got an update e-mail from them today and they have 164 registered for it already so it is already their second biggest year (2008 they had 176 attend) so with just under two months left I think they may surpass that number. If any of you T-girls are looking for a way to get out and have some fun please consider attending Diva Las Vegas. It will be so much fun to spend 10 days as Susan, I can’t wait.

Anyway the rest of the night we watched the show and it was really good. They had a really good crowd there which also made it more fun. The Drag Queens all do such a great job and they even had a few new songs they did. We didn’t stay as late this week and as we were leaving 5 or 6 police cars pulled into the parking lot across the street. We couldn’t really see what was going on and none of us really wanted to walk over and see.

Starbuck’s for another Wednesday night

Well as usual I went to Starbuck’s tonight. The difference is I wore a dress. I bought some new outfits on line last week and a couple were dresses. Both are of a more casual look that would be something you could wear to work so I really wanted to wear one. It is a little more dressy then most of the other people here but I did see a few ladies come in wearing dresses so I don’t feel out of place. Again they were really busy when I got here and the only table open was way in the back corner which is still okay but I like being more out in the middle of the room in amongst the other people, as it slows down I will feel like I am sitting in the corner.

Any way when I got here Shavonie greeted me and told me how nice I looked which made me feel good. Even Katie noticed I had a new dress so we talked for a few minutes before I went and sat down way in the back. There were probably 25 people here tonight again seems they are getting busier on Wednesday nights but that is okay with me as long as I can find a seat. I like being out with other people around and every week I am getting more comfortable and confident. This will really help me when we go to Diva Las Vegas and I spend 11 days as Susan.

Well the t-girl group I belong to is starting to get really big, I think we are up to 147 members now and the group is always active. Cassandra started something new this week she picked one t-girl (me Susan) and asked everyone to post one thing you really like about or one thing the person is really good at. There were so many posts that I was blushing all week. I have so many great friends and it was nice to hear some of the things they liked about me. I really owe them all big thanks and hug. Now comes the hard part, I have to pick the next t-girl for the post. We have so many great t-girls in this group I don’t know who to pick. I have till tomorrow to make my pick but wow it is like trying to choose between best friends.

Anyway the crowd here is thinning out and there are only 6 of us left here but still a pretty steady stream of people who come in, get something and leave. I have even talked with Katie and Shavonie a few times tonight and learned a little about them. I even told them about going to Las Vegas in April. They have both worked for Starbuck’s for several years (Katie a little longer) and Shavonie likes to play golf and went golfing today to enjoy the sunshine. By the way today was so sunny and nice almost like summer. Susan is so ready for the summer.

Wenesday night routine 2-10-2010

Well I made my usual pilgrimage to Starbucks again tonight. It seems I have settled into a regular routine. Get home from work, eat, cleanup, get dressed and then off I go. I got to Starbuck’s and again they were busy only two open tables so I took the one closest to the electrical outlet so I could plug in my computer. Katie and Shavonie greeted me by name (so nice) and asked how my day was going. They are so nice. We chatted while Katie made my drink and she even commented about it being Wednesday night as I was here. I guess they know my routine too. Again with all the people here nobody paid any attention to me. I know I don’t pass that well so I guess it is not as big of a deal seeing a guy dressed as a woman as I would have thought or maybe (just my thought) I seem so calm and self assured now that I have been coming here that I come across more natural. I like that idea.

Over the last few months as I have gotten out more I have tried to blend in more and act and dress as other woman I see. I have started to wear more pants and blouses and toned down my makeup. As I have gone out more I feel more at ease and dare I say normal as Susan and I really believe this helps me come across better. So my best advice to all you t-girls out there is self-confidence. Now I also know this is easier said than done but if you can work at it, then it will do wonders for you. The one thing I have notice when watching other woman is they are confident in who they are. I have so many good friends that are t-girls and they have helped me in so many ways. Teresa, Maya and Cassandra are so confident when they are out and I have tried to be more like them and it is working. The other thing they all have in common is the ability to walk up and talk to anyone. This was one of the first things I noticed about Alice another friend. This had proven harder for me as I am terribly shy although Susan is more outgoing than my male side but I need a lot of work in this area. It would be so great to be able (confident) enough to just walk up to a stranger and strike up a conversation. This is my goal for the year.

Even though I am only a part time girl (couple times a week) I still want to try to improve myself and make Susan as good as she can be. This is still a big part of who I am and I believe that anything doing is worth doing to the best of your ability. That is another reason I am so looking forward to Diva Las Vegas. It will give me a chance to expand Susan’s reality as I will be living her for 11 days straight. Susan will be out in the public in one of the busiest cities in the country, in crowded casinos and busy hotels and shopping and going out to dinner and yes I even plan on playing golf while I am down there. Not sure how well I will do as I will have long acrylic nails and not sure how well I will be able to grip the golf club. But no matter what it will be all Susan. If you have never heard about Diva Las Vegas or just want some information check out their web page. It really looks like it will be an awesome time.

Well Barb showed up tonight to join me for a while. She showed up a little before 8 pm. It is nice to have someone to have some girl talk with. We spent an hour just talking so I didn’t get as much done on my computer but that is okay I can take care of that tomorrow. Now I am at home and thought I would update my blog.

Susan’s Wednesday night out 2-3-2010

Well it is Wednesday night so that means Susan is out again and at her favorite Starbuck’s coffee house. When I first got here they were so busy I wasn’t sure I was going to get a table. But I found one way in the back. Both Katie and Shavonie remembered my name and greeted me by Saying “hi Susan how is your day going” It made me feel really good and I greeted them by calling them by their names (which really impressed Shavonie as she put it people have trouble remembering her name. it is almost like we are friends. Again we chatted while they made my drink.

I sat down and logged on my computer and took care of some things I needed to do. Tonight it is mostly men in here which was a little nerve racking there is one big group of about 11 men sitting right in the front and I had to walk right by them but they either were too busy with what they were talking about or just didn’t notice me. People came in and left as there are no more places to sit. Even my table is down to just the one seat as the group by the door has all the spare seats. You could tell a few had planned on staying as they brought in computers with them and kind of looked around before they finally left. I guess I got lucky I got here when I did.

By 8 pm the crowd died off and I found myself by myself here and again talked to Katie and Shavonie while I got another drink. I thought the last hour would be really quiet but 4 women came in and are sitting at the next table. 

Over the weekend I registered for Diva Las Vegas as they opened it up to newcomers on Saturday. The e-mail they sent out said that they have more signed up from those returning (108) than any other year and they are predicting this will be their biggest year yet. I am now really getting excited about it as it all seems so real now. I am registered and we have hotel reservation. All that is left is to do some clothes shopping and then go. It seems so far away still. Well I guess that is enough for tonight.

People watching at Starbuck’s 1-20-2010

Well I made it out on my usual Wednesday night trip to Starbuck’s. The two women that work there are starting to know me as they remembered what I wanted to drink and both asked me how my night was going. I guess that moves me into the realm of being a regular which is kind of nice. Again they were not real busy when I got here maybe 10 other people two of which were young girls maybe 14 – 15 and for the first time sense I have been coming here I got some looks. They seemed more curious about me than anything else and looked over at me a few times to see what I was doing and then went back to their conversation and seemed to forgot about me. The rest of the people here paid me no attention even the guy I stood in line next to.

I find it so relaxing to be out in public as Susan, it is hard to explain. I come here to Starbucks and spend a couple hours on my computer doing things I could easily do at home but somehow it is more fun here. I can watch the other people around me and even sometimes listen in on what they are talking about at the tables next to me. Even though I am here by myself it is almost like I am not alone. You would also be amazed at how many people come here by themselves. Right now there is a man in the corner reading a book. The man at the table next to me looks like he is doing school work. There are the two young girls sitting talking and they have not even looked my way for a long time so I think the fascination of me has worn off and now I am just another customer. There is a couple behind me and 3 other people (2 men and 1 woman) at tables on their computers just like me. Other than that it has been the people who come in to get something to go and even they don’t pay any attention to me. It gives me a chance to catch up on my blog and e-mails. I hope my blog is not to boring as it tends to cover some of the same things but it is my way of recording my time as Susan so it is as much for me as everyone else.

Let see what else I can talk about tonight; I am starting to plan for my trip to Diva Las Vegas and am trying to figure out what types of clothes I should by. I have some nice dresses, skirts and tops but only a couple pairs of pants. I need to figure out a casual look for Susan for the trip I also need to get some shoes for walking as everything I have has heels and that might look a little odd especially when we go golfing. I defiantly need to do some shopping but am going to put it off for a little bit so I can try to drop a few pounds, boy I so sound like a woman. This trip is going to be so much fun.

Well the two young girls left and never even looked my way on their way out. Several more people have come in and it is the busiest they have been tonight but still nothing like last week.

Friday night at Embers with friends 1-15-2010

Well Susan made it out again even with all the rain we are having here in Portland. As a crossdresser I really don’t like the rain as it messes up my hair and makeup something my male side never has to worry about. I went downtown Portland to Embers to meet up with all my friends, Friday seems to be the big night when most of us can get out. As luck would have it I found a parking spot right across the street so it was a short quick dash across the street in the rain which was nice as a couple weeks ago I had to park 3 blocks away. When I got inside Teresa was the only one there from our group so I went and joined her and another woman (GG genetic woman). Teresa introduced us and it turns out it was Teresa’s ex wife, they are still really close and she excepts Teresa as she is, how cool is that.

Soon others started to show up, Lisa, Maya and Bev came in and our table was soon full. Teresa joked with a guy sitting by himself at the next table that we may have to join him as our table was full and we knew more from our group would be there. The guy smiled and went over to the bar and gave us his table which was so nice of him. Cassandra and Peggy were the next to arrive and we spread to two tables. Lea and her date (I think her name is Amanda I am really bad at names), Amy, Siobhan Cheri and a few others arrived and we spread to a third table and at this point I gave up trying to keep track of everyone (if I left you out sorry). I think we had 20 t-girls there again and it was so much fun.

Siobhan and I went up by the pool table and took some pictures. I think this is one of the most fun things that t-girls like to do. I have hardly any pictures of my male self but over a 1,000 of Susan, she is a camera hog and loves to have her picture taken. You can check them out some of my pictures on my flickr page. There is also a link to Siobhan flickr page in the description of the picture of us together. Peggy took this picture for us thanks Peggy.

By the time the show started Embers was really pretty busy, most of the tables were full. Jersey-Jo Amber Scities who hosts the Friday show does a really good job and the show is a lot of fun. If you are in the Portland area you should check it out. They have them Wednesday through Saturday night and all are good but I like the Friday show best, may only be because that is the night I can get out. Well during the show Jersey made an announcement that Embers was going to host the first Miss Portland T-girl contest on Friday April 30. I guess Peggy & Jersey have been working on this and now they have it all put together. It sounds like it would be a lot of fun I just don’t know what I could do for the talent part plus I have terrible stage fright, go figure a guy who likes to dress up as a woman and go out in public is afraid of being on stage in front of people. Even so it sound like so much fun I think I will have to try and compete. A big thanks for Jersey and Peggy for working out all the details and making this happen and to Embers for hosting it.

We also had a chance to talk about Diva Las Vegas and start finalizing plans. Seems right now we have 5 confirmed going and also three other couples (6 more) that want to go and are trying to work it outs so they can. This would be great as it would give us 11 from Portland in Las Vegas. This would be so much fun and give us all more real world experience. I think that is great to the Trans community as it gives us the chance to interact with people who may never have met a Trans person and may have no idea who we are or worse have a bad idea about us. I think the more we are out in public the better it will be for us in the future plus it is just so much fun. I am already thinking about getting my nails done and what color I should get (probably a red color which is my favorite). I really hope this is Diva Las Vegas biggest year with the most t-girls there. Last year attendance was down just a little with the economy but it also makes it very reasonable to go. If you are a Trans person, t-girl, crossdresser, TG, transgender or transsexual, however you term yourself or like to be called if you can go you should. Check out their web page for more information.

One last thing before I go, there is a lot of discussion on who we are (TG, transgender, t-girl, Transsexual, crossdresser and the like). My opinion (and only that nothing more) is this. A crossdresser is someone who likes to wear the clothing associated with the opposite sex. I am fine being called this as I do love to wear woman’s clothes. They may or may not dress completely up as I do it may be one item only. Now for the harder on transgender or TG this is someone who crosses gender lines, they like to dress up and present themselves as the opposite sex again I am fine with this term as I do dress up completely and present myself as a woman. Transsexual is someone who wants to be the opposite sex, either they feel they were born the wrong sex or just feel the need to be the opposite sex. Now for me this one does not apply as I have no desire to make any permanent changes (hormones or sex change surgery). Now I do not take offence if someone refers to me this way I just explain who I am and what the terms mean. The last term is T-girl and I think this one has the most confusion. It simply applies to the whole Trans community, it is an all encompassing umbrella that we all fall under weather you are just wearing one piece of clothing to having a sex change. It would be like taking Oregonian, Washingtonians & Californians all from different states but we are all American (T-Girls). We all bend the gender line from a little to a full change and I am fine with this term. But in the end I think too much is put on what we are called and not who we are. When I am out as Susan that is who I am, a person with likes and dislike, feelings and no different from anyone else so if you run into a t-girl, transgendered person, transsexual or crossdresser and are unsure how to address them here is what you do. Walk up and say “Hi my name is ____, what is your name? They will smile back and tell you their name and now instead of a term you have a name and possibly a new friend. I think you will find that we are all pretty much the same and with the exception of how we like to dress no different from your current family and friends, we may even be your family and friends. Wow I got a little off track and got carried away.

Thanks for reading my blog and feel free to leave a comment. Whether you agree with me or not I will allow all comments as long as they are respectful and not ex-rated as I want to keep my blog as clean as possible. I am not looking for everyone to agree with me but an exchange of thoughts and ideas as I think that is where change happens. I learn and see you point of view and in return you do the same and in the process we grow in understanding.

Wenesday night out at Starbuck’s 1/13

Well it is my Wednesday night Susan time. I was looking at my nails and they need some work to get ready for my vacation to Diva Las Vegas. I got home and called to see if I could get a manicure tonight before going to Starbuck’s. I want to get my hands looking good so when I get my acrylics for the trip they will look perfect and I also want to try some different colors to see how I want to spend the week. Unfortunately they did not have an opening tonight and asked if I could make it tomorrow which I couldn’t. So I decided to try the other salon that I have used and evidently the economy got to them and they are now closed which may be why the other one was booked as they are only a couple blocks from each other. So a long story no manicure for Susan tonight. Will try again next week but will call a day or two before. I really do love getting my nails done and I don’t do it enough. I think I will try to get a manicure once a month.

Any way I am sitting in Starbucks and have finished my first drink and getting a second as it is a little chilly in here. They have gotten busier and the door keeps opening and letting cold air in. but it also give me a chance to watch all the people coming and going. When I got here there were only 6 people inside sitting now there are about 20. I really like to be out in the mainstream public I think that is why I am so looking forward to Diva Las Vegas. Would love to hear from anyone who has been there to find out how they liked it, also anyone planning on going. I would love to get know some of the people who will be there before I get there. Right now the group of t-girls here in Portland I belong to has 4 for sure going, 3 more who are planning on it and 2 who are trying to work out their schedules so they can go so looks like 9 from Portland. I am still hoping a few more will be able to go, it would be so fun with a big group.

The bad thing is I have been looking at my wardrobe and I need to do some shopping. I am good for going out a couple times a week but being Susan 24/7 for 10 day I need more clothes and shoes. I definitely need to go shopping which may end up being the most expensive part of this trip. That will also be fun as I plan on doing my shopping as Susan and added bonus.

This trip will be so much fun and the longest I have been Susan none stop. I will get my nails done with acrylic on Thursday night and from then on 10 days as Susan. I am not even taking any boy clothes just my feminine girly stuff. I can’t wait, it seems so far away but I know it will get here fast enough.

Susan is going to Diva Las Vegas this year on vacation

Well Susan is planning her vacation for this year. I have wanted to go to Diva Las Vegas for a couple years now and it never worked out but this year I am going. The other night at Starbuck’s Peggy and I were talking and I told her about my plans and it seems her and Cassandra also wanted to go so Cassandra posted it to the group and it seems there is a lot of interest. Peggy, Cassandra, Teresa and I are now all going and it seems a few other girls are also making plans so we should have several from the t-girl group here in Portland going to Diva Las Vegas. If you do not know what it is you can check out their web page.

We have talked about it and are planning on going to Las Angeles first and going out there on Saturday night at what Cassandra has said is the best T-girl club in the country Oxwood and then on to Las Vegas for a fun filled week. We are also planning on swinging through Las Angeles on the way home for one last outing there at Oxwood. I am so looking forward to this trip. I will be Susan for the whole time as I plan on only taking my female clothes. I will be Susan from start to finish, driving as Susan, Checking into hotels as Susan, nothing but Susan for a whole week.

Oh and yes Susan will have her nails done with acrylics before she leaves even Cassandra is planning on getting her nails done too. A whole week with long acrylic nails. Not sure what color I will get them painted yet but thinking of red. This will be a week of being out in mainstream USA in one of the most fun exciting and busy places in the country and I am sure I will take lots of pictures. My last vacation to San Francisco where I was Susan for a few days was so fun but this one will be longer and so much more fun

I will need to do some shopping before the trip as I need some more casual clothes and shoes. This will also be fun as I will get to go shopping which means even more time as Susan. As much fun as this trip will be the best part is the fact I will be sharing it with my friends. We are all going to have so much fun it will truly be a week to remember. Right now I think we have 7 t-girls from Portland that are seriously thinking of going. It would be so great if we could get a big group of us all to go. I think last year they had about a 150 t-girls there what a vacation if we could get 20 or 30 all from Portland. If any of you t-girls out there are looking for a vacation idea, give it a thought. Spending time in Las Vegas in female mode what could be better.

Cassandra, Peggy and Teresa we are going to have so much fun!

Oh almost forgot, last night we all met up at Embers for are usual Friday night out. We had a great time and spent part of the night talking and making plans for our trip. I met a couple new t-girls, Kalie and Stephanie. The show was good and we all stayed till the show was over so it was a late night out again.