Wednesday night dinner at Hobo’s

It is Wednesday and that means dinner with my friends and tonight we are going to Hobo’s downtown Portland. It has been over a year since we went here for dinner, last time was back in June of 2018. Now I only posted last night and we have 12 going tonight if everyone makes it. Now it was a long drive home as traffic was bad and all I could think about was I would be late. Now the reason was thinking this is I drive almost right by this part of Portland on my commute home and this is about the midpoint of my commute so as I inched along and I watched it get later and later and I could see the traffic the other way which I would also be in later coming back I was thinking how would I make it by 7pm. Normally I get home about 5:30 give or take 15 minutes but today I pulled into my garage at 5:50 I had 1 hour and 10 minutes to get changed and become Susan and get back downtown. Now on the way home I worked out what o would wear and how I would do my makeup and that always makes it easier so it was right into the house and the race to get ready was on. I was ready and pulling out of my garage as Susan at 6:23

Now luck was with me as the traffic had cleared the way I was going ad most of the way it was at or above the speed limit. I got downtown about 6:45 and I saw Jan & Lynn walking down the street so I went and found a parking spot about 2 blocks away, I did get a quick selfie before getting out of the car. Now it is so amazing how easily I can get out of the car and walk the couple blocks as Susan, I have come a long way in my comfort level as Susan. I got inside and Jan, Lynn and Dannie were there. Now Hobo’s usually is not that busy at this time of night so I didn’t make reservation and there was no problem. We went upstairs where he could put some tables together for our group and we waited for others to show up.

It wasn’t long and others showed up, Mellissa, Julie, Kris, Christie, Patty and her girlfriend Kelly and Jennifer in all we had 11 tonight which was awesome considering the late posting of dinner tonight. We sat and talked for a little bit before we ordered. Now they have really good food here dinners will run you $20 to $30 so a little more than our normal dinner but not bad. Now I had a choice to make as they have really good Chicken Parmesan and also a wonderful Prime Rib and I love both. How do you decide, well luck was on my side as Julie was the first to order and she ordered the Prime Rib and it turns out that was the last of it so I ordered the Chicken Parmesan, of course Julie would share a little piece of her prime rib with me which was so sweet of her.

Now I sat in the middle of the table so I could try and talk with everyone but with such a big group it was hard. our Wednesday night dinners are really a wonderful event as it gives us a chance to talk and get to know each other better in a quiet, relaxing atmosphere. Plus, it was also a special night as it was also Lynn’s birthday so we all wished her a happy Birthday, we should have sung to her though but I think she had a good birthday with us.

Now we had a wonderful dinner and great conversation. I got an e-mail from a newer member to our group asking what she could expect if she came to one of our events and I had never really thought about that probably because no one ever asked me that. I had to think about it and all I could come up with s it is no different then going out with people you know. We really don’t do anything special we are just a group of friends out having dinner. Yes, we dress different then most people would think we should but we are just out having dinner and enjoying our friendship. I know for me I really am not even thinking about how I am dressed, maybe because Susan has become such a natural part of who I am but I would think a lot of the girls are not focused on how they are dressed. They are just being themselves. I think this is the main thing to remember is we are just being who we are like you are.

Well after dinner we all sat and talked for a while, I really think none of us wanted the night to come to an end as we were all having so much fun. There is just something about being out and being who you are and being accepted. It was almost 10 when we all left. Julie, Dannie and I walked across the street and walked through CC Slaughters to see what was going on. We use to go here all the time, now I think the only time we go here is to walk through it when we are in the area and only when Julie is with use. It really was a wonderful night.

Thanks for reading and be sure to check out my most recent blog to see what is new in my life.

Yes, another Saturday night at the Escape

It is Saturday and once again I get to go out as Susan, yes, I will be going to the Escape tonight. Now I pretty much go here every Saturday night and that may seem boring to some but there is a good reason. Now on our Wednesday night dinners we go to a bunch of different places to eat and it can sometimes be 4 to 6 months before we go to the same place twice which really is fun and nice but it is also good to have a regular place where some just know wee will be there and can get use to and feel really comfortable especially if they are new to going out. I remember when I first started going out, we went to Embers every Friday night and really most Saturday night. it didn’t matter which week it was I just knew I could go there and find friends and it became a real comfortable place to go. So, I really like the idea of having a night that everyone just knows they can go there and have others there. Now my plan was to get there between 6 & 7 as I had some things I needed to do, yes I needed to do some work in my yard but it was a hot day upper 80’s and so I didn’t last long outside, I like my air conditioned house better so I went in early and started getting ready so I was on my way by 5.

I got to the Escape at 5:30 and actually had to park on the street. Now they were a little busy but most were sitting at the bar so I got my normal table and set up my computer and then ordered dinner, my normal hamburger. I wrote my blog from Wednesday’s night dinner and then caught up on e-mails as I waited for others to show up. Bobbie was the first to show up about 6:30 and Michele wasn’t far behind her so we had 3 of us here early. It is nice to get there early as you can talk before it gets to loud. I really do like this time just sitting around and talking, one of the big differences between my male and female sides.

Audri was the next to arrive, she has come out briefly with us a couple times before but she got her tonight early so was able to spend more time with us. It was really great to talk with her and get to know her better. I even got a picture with her that she said I could post, very important as I won’t post someone else’s picture without their permission. I think Audri had fun tonight as she was always smiling, I remember when I first went out, I always had a smile on my face as I was just so happy to be able to be out as Susan.

Now we had a lady sitting at the next table named Cynthia and she came over to talk to us. She is not trans but really was interested in us and I think she liked trans woman. So, we all talked with her and she must have sat at our table talking with us for an hour or so. It was really nice as I always enjoy getting to know new people. The funny thing is in talking to her I found out where she lives and it is only a mile or so from where I live. Be interesting if I run into her sometime when I am not Susan.

Laura M also showed up as she was picking her girlfriend up at the airport a little later so she joined us for a little while. It was great to see her again. Jennie also showed up tonight which was a surprise as it is always on a Wednesday night dinner when she shows up. I got to talk to them a little which was nice. Wendy and another girl also showed up so we had a really good group tonight. Lauri also showed up about 10, I always know it is close to the time for me to leave as I am not the late-night girl I use to be.

Now it was hard to talk now with Karaoke going so we would talk between the songs and we just had a wonderful evening. It was finally time for Audri to leave I think she had a fun night and I hope she will come out with the group again, maybe a Wednesday night dinner. I stayed a little later as it was a little after 11 when I paid my bill and called it a night. here is a picture I took in my car when I got here tonight. It really was a wonderful night out.

Thanks for reading and be sure and read my most recent blog to see what I am up to as Susan

Wednesday night dinner at Amaro’s Table in Vancouver

It is Wednesday night and we are having dinner in Vancouver at Amaro’s Table; we have eaten here before back in February and it is very nice but a little small so Barb who picked tonight’s dinner made reservations as it looks like we will have 8 to 10. Now I love the Wednesday night dinners but they are hard to make as I get off so late, it Is usually 5:30 give or take 15 minutes when I get home so it is always a rush as most places we got take at least a half hour to get there but tonight is closer so I have a little more time which is nice as it was almost 5:40 when I got home. now I have figured out the secret to getting ready fast. Chose your outfit the night before and don’t change your mind. So, when I got home my dress was on my bed along with my heels and it was just a matter of doing my makeup and getting ready. I was ready and pulling out of my garage at 6:20 and on my way and tonight it should only take about 10 minutes to get there. I got downtown Vancouver at 6:35 and found a parking spot right on the corner opposite the door, yes parking is easier in Vancouver and they stop charging at 6 which is nice also.

I went in and Barb, Jonnie and Nicole were already there so I sat down between Barb and Nicole. Our waitress came over to see if I wanted a drink and of course I did so I ordered my usual, a sprite, yes, I drink the hard stuff. Actually, I have never cared for Alcohol, growing up my parents would let me have a little at home if I wanted and it never became that big of a thing. Yes, I can drink a beer or a little wine now and then but if you give me options, they would be the last on my list. I often joke with some of the girls that my best friend on my male side of over 35 years who doesn’t know about Susan, if you told him you saw me in a bar dressed as a women, I really think he would be more shocked I was at a bar.

Well it wasn’t long and Melissa, Julie and Kris showed up so we had 7 and 2 had to cancel so that would be it for the night. I think back to when I first started going out if we got 6 or 8 on a Friday or Saturday night at Embers which was an LGBT club, we were having a great night. now we can get 7 at a small restaurant in downtown Vancouver. We have come a long way in the last 10 plus years. Well we all ordered dinner and then sat and talked and with the smaller group it was easy for everyone to be involved in the conversation which is always nice. Now our waitress was awesome tonight but really, we pretty much always get wonderful service and I sometimes wonder if they try a little harder because we are transgender. Don’t get me wrong as I love the great service but part of what I am going for is to be accepted and treated like any other woman not necessarily better but equal.

Now I ordered their classic fried chicken which is awesome but what really makes this a wonderful dinner option is it comes with mashed potatoes and a honey butter to go on it which is wonderful, I would highly recommend this as a dinner choice. Well we all sat around and talked as we ate and had a wonderful time. People came and went and I did see a couple people look over at us mostly men and I always wonder what they are thinking and if they are secretly wishing they could dress up and go out with us. Mostly people didn’t pay any attention to us though. It was so nice to spend time with my wonderful friends; this is actually Nicole’s 3^rd time out with us in a month which is awesome a she lives a couple hours away.

We finished dinner and a couple of the girls ordered dessert, I was a good girl and didn’t as I am trying to cut sugar out of my diet which is hard. I know Sprite has sugar in it but what I am talking about is the cookies, chocolate and all the other deserts that I was eating way too much as I have no will power when it comes to them. If I don’t eat them, I don’t miss them but once I have some I crave more. I wonder if this is how people who smoke feel. Our waitress kept checking on us as I said she was awesome; I wish I had got her name. If you are looking for a nice place in Vancouver for dinner Amaro’s Table should be at the top of your list.

Now the night went by so fats as they always do and as we sat there talking, I noticed it was getting dark outside a sign it getting late but we were just having so much fun. Soon it was dark and we all knew it was time to call it a night as it was after 10. We all paid our bills and said our goodbyes which is always hard. some of these girls are my best friends and really more like family, sisters. I really am blessed to have such wonderful friends in my life. We all left and again one of the great things about dinner in Vancouver is the parking as we were all able to park close. Now even thought it was after 10 when we left, I only had a 10-minute drive home so still got home about the normal time.

It was a wonderful night out as always and I am already looking forward to Saturday when I will once again get to go out. Thanks for reading and be sure and check out my most recent blog to see what is new with Susan.

My first time going out someplace as Susan

Okay last week I posted a blog from Starbucks’s about my journey to be who I am and I got some good feedback on that. I was hoping by sharing it might help others trying to get out for the first time. Now I remember the night really well as most of us do as it is such a pivotal point in our lives, I just can’t remember exactly when it was. I think it was in the late 90’s maybe 1998 or 1999 but the date is not important.

I stated off dressing just at home and then late-night drives and maybe Burger Kings drive through and once or twice if I was out late enough, past 2:30am when alcohol sales end I did hit a 7-11 to buy some milk just to see and that was so scary. I also rented a motel room a couple times for a weekend and went and got acrylic nails but again I spent the day either in the motel room or I went out as my male self and kept my hands in my pocket and then did late night drives and I made sure my nail appointment was the last of the night so the fewest people saw me. Now that was over, I was bound and determined to go out as Susan and be seen. I had herd of a place called Embers, it is closed now. It was bar with a dance floor in back and they did Drag shows a couple nights a week and I had herd other t-girls went there so it was perfect. Now as I don’t remember the actual date, I do know it was warm outside so I am thinking it was late spring or summer.

I got all dressed up on a Saturday night, did my makeup without the lipstick. Put my dress on and heels and then a big coat over it with my wig on the seat next to me I put on my sunglasses, pulled the visor down and opened my garage door and pulled out and I was on my way. I stopped at a park and took my coat off, put my hair on and did my lipstick in the rearview mirror. This was a lot of work and effort to get this far, the hard part was over or at least I thought. I drove downtown Portland and found Embers, they had a parking lot across the street but you had to pay and I just couldn’t bring myself to do that so I drove around a little and found a spot across the street about half a block up facing Embers and as it was almost 8 I didn’t have to pay to park. Now it was just walking about 200 feet to the corner, crossing the street and going in piece of cake right, no it is not.

There were people parking and walking on the sidewalks and coming and going not only from Embers but other businesses around. I sat in my car till it was clear and then I started to open the door and here came someone else. This went on and on and I sat there unable to get out of the car. I kept looking over and my goal was so close but yet so far and then finally a little after 9, more than an hour sitting in my car I gave up and drove home. I just couldn’t get out of the car. I was so scared and when I got home, I was so disappointed. All that effort to get out of the house and go out and this was how it ended but I told myself that was it. Next Saturday I was going to do it. All week long I thought about what went wrong and the fact I just didn’t know about all the people out so now I was prepared.

Next Saturday came and I went through all the work to go out just like last week and got downtown Portland and parked in almost the same spot. I was ready and then I saw the other people and the same fears came back and once again I sat in the car for a little over an hour before going home disappointed but with the resolve I would do it again next week and I would be successful. Next Saturday came and I went through all the work and got out again and this tie I was able to park a little closer so that would make the difference but again no it wouldn’t. I just couldn’t open the car door. Once again, a little over an hour and I once again was on my way home for the time in weeks but I was determined to do it next week

The following Saturday I once again went through all the work to go out and again I parked almost the same spot. I was going to make it but once again every time I thought it was clear and started to open my door, I saw someone else walking and closed it. I sat there for over an hour and couldn’t get out of the car. I kept going over and over in my mind why not, it was fear. It was about 9:15 and I once again had been sitting in my car for over an hour and once again I gave up. I started my car and was waiting for traffic to clear so I could pull out and wasn’t watching the people walking by when I herd someone tap on my car window. I turned and it was another T-girl so I rolled down the window and she smiled at me and asked if I was going in and if I wanted to walk in with her. I don’t know if she realized what this meant to me but she was like a gift from heaven and I said yes and with her help I got out of my car, scared to death and we walked in together.

Her name was Lori and though I only saw her once after tonight I will forever remember her and her kindness. We went inn and she stayed with me and introduced me to all the security people there and the bar staff. She was wonderful and made me feel so welcome and not alone. I told her my store I just shared with you and she told me how safe and accepting this place was and then she told me about several other places t-girls go and offered to take me so about 11:30pm we went out and got in her van and we drove over to CC Slaughters and went in and once again she introduced me to the staff. We also walked around the corner to fox and Hound and checked that out and then over to Habbo’s. then back in her van and over to another place I can’t remember the name and checked it out introducing me to the staff again. It was after 1 am now and we once again were back in her van and we drove several blocks to Pan a Rama to check that place out, they charge a cover but only on men so we got to go in for free. We stayed here till almost 3am before leaving. Back in her van and she drove me back to my car and told me she hoped to see me out again. I couldn’t thank her enough as it was probably the best night of my life. I was so excited and on such a high I could barely contain myself as I got in my car and drove home. I git home and went to my room and collapsed on the bed and I was out till morning. I woke up just as I was the night before still wearing the same dress and makeup.

I took a shower and cleaned up and had breakfast as I replayed the night before in my mind. It was so awesome and such a dream came true and then reality set in. I thought to myself, my god I got in a strange girl van I had just met and went off with her all over town. Even as my male self I would not have done that, it worked out well but it did scare me as I was so happy to meet someone like me that I dud let my guard down. Now don’t get me wrong Lori was an awesome person and an answer to my prayers but I did make a mental not to be more careful when I was out. Now it was several months before I went out again and I ran into Lori and thanked her again and I hope she knows what that night meant to me. But as I was only going out every few months that was the last time, I saw her. I often wonder what happened to her. she showed me a kindness I could never repay and so I try to help other girls trying to go out for the first time and if this store can help it is well worth the post.

A little long but I hope if you read it you got something out of it. Thanks for reading and be sure and read my most recent blog to see what I am up to now.

Sunday Susan time at Starbucks but first a badly needed pedicure

It is Sunday and I have some free time and that means Susan time. My plan was to go to Starbucks and write my Blog from Saturday night, I am going to make an effort to post them quicker. I started getting ready about 2:30 so it was a little earlier. I got my makeup done and got dressed, I went casual as my time at Starbucks is to blend in the best I can. Now don’t get me wrong I know I don’t pass but when I go out the goal is to be accepted and treated as a lady and to me that is passing and that does mean dressing appropriate for where I am going. Now I wore my black leggings that come mid-calf, a nice top and sandals and yes that also means hip pads to fill out my hips and my corset to suck everything else in and give me a nice shape. I was all ready and it was about 3:45 and I looked at my toes and I really do need a pedicure. I think I have been putting it off as I am not sure where to go. I went to Dream Nails for several years and I really do like them and they treated me so wonderful but it has been over a year since I was there and I feel a little off just going in there now as I was going there every 2 to 3 weeks for a few years so I debated about going there but in the end I went to Natural nails which is just a few blocks further. This is where I got my pedicure before Diva Las Vegas and they did a wonderful job, as a matter of fact it held up really well. It has grown out and I did get one chip on a toe by I filed the nails down and they still looked good other then the grow out as it was March 20^th almost 4 months.

I called them when I was leaving to see if they could fit me in and they could so t told them I would be there in about 10 minutes. I parked and went in and they were a little busy, 5 people getting pedicures and 1 getting her nails filled so I had to wait a few minutes. I picked out my color and yes, I love red but for summer I wanted something a little brighter so I picked a color called That’s Berry Daring pink. I was seated and they started on my pedicure. There were 2 women to my right and 2 woman and a man to my left. Now it is really relaxing in here as they place really soft mellow music and there really is no talking and it wasn’t just me. The ladies doing the pedicures just did the pedicures and most of the people were on their cell phones. That is one of the things I miss about Dream nails as the women there all talked to the people and it just felt more welcoming. Don’t get me wrong they do a wonderful job but I think as Susan I like the more social aspect of it. Now it was a little warm inside here of course I probably didn’t help I was wearing a corset underneath. The girl did a wonderful job on my feet and they look and feel so much better. Now they were busy and people kept coming in and they all seemed to be just walk-ins. Probably why I was able to get in.

A man brought an older man in for a pedicure as I am guessing he was unable to cut his own toenails. I actually thought about doing this for my dad before he passed away but as he didn’t know about Susan I didn’t. there were also 2 high school boys that came in, I am guessing 16 or so and they wanted to get pedicures. I have seen men getting pedicures but this is the first time I have seen boys that young. I am taking this as a good sign that maybe men going to nails salons is becoming more acceptable. I was there a little over an hour before I was done and on may way. I kind of wanted to wait a little and see if the young boys got a color put on but it was a little after 5 and I needed to get to Starbucks and write my blog from last night and start on this one so I can have this one done and posted by tomorrow.

It was about 5:15 when I got to Starbucks and they were a little busy but most were sitting out front at the tables outside which I thought about as it is a beautiful day, about 82 out but in the shade it is perfect. But as I said all the tables outside were taken o I went in and got one by the window and went and ordered my drink. One of the girls behind the counter making the drinks greeted me by name and asked how my day was going. That just make you feel wonderful inside and I know it is part of their job to learn the regular’s names but still an awesome feeling. This is what I was talking about as far as passing in public. I know she knows I was not born female but still she treated me as if I was. Girl if you can go out and have this happen to you, you have passed, I have gone to many different Starbucks over the years and I have always been treated this way at all of them. Yes, I have gotten a couple looks at first at a couple but once they realize who I am then everything is good.

I caught up on some e-mails and wrote my blog from last night and then started on this one. Now I was going to write today about my first time really going out somewhere but as I did the pedicure and that took up part of this blog and I don’t want to go to long as I feel that is a lot to ask for you to read a book, I try to keep my blogs around 1,000 words so I think I will make that its own blog post about my first time out so you can look for that hopefully in the next few days.

I stayed here till almost 8 before leaving and heading for home. I made a quick stop for gas and something to eat on the way. thanks for reading and be sure and check out my newest blog for what is new in my life.

Saturday evening at the Escape

It is Saturday and that means I get to go out tonight to the Escape and see my friends. I posted in the group I would be there by 6 but it looks like I may make it a little earlier as I got home a little earlier. I know Kris and Bobbie will be there but not sure who else will show up. Okay I have to give a funny story; I got an e-mail last week and didn’t recognize the e-mail address so I let it go for a few hours before I took the time to read it. I opened the e-mail and it started off I Susan and then there was some writing but before I could read it my eyes were drawn down further because in a huge font that stood out was my male name and address. My heart jumped in my throat for a moment till I read the e-mail. Turns out it was from my attorney and they had collected some money from our P-club case years ago and were going to send out small checks again, seems to come about every 12 to 18 months and is out 3^rd such payment. They are small and I don’t think it even covers the interest that is being charged to him so he probably owes us more than when this started. Well back to tonight.

I started getting ready about 3:45 so I was all ready by 5 and on my way. Now I know one of my neighbors knows and have to believe others do although no one has said a thing. I only say this as I opened my garage door to leave my older neighbor across the street, the one I know the best was out front in his wheel chair getting some sun. he wasn’t looking my way so I just pulled out. 2 houses down the lady living there was working on her front yard right by the street and as I drove by, she looked right at me. The next house down the man living there was in the street by his car as I drove by and the house at the end both the man and woman living there were out working in their front yard. The problem with summer and ice weather. A few years back I would not have left till they went in now I just don’t care. I got to the Escape about 5:20 and got a parking spot right in front and went in. I brought my computer and sweater as it tends to be cold inside on hot days as they have the air conditioner up, reason I wear my ankle boots instead of open toes heels. Now Bobbie was already here as it turns out his ride dropped him off about 3:45.

We got one of the big tables with hopes we would have a good turnout tonight. I ordered dinner, my usual hamburger which is awesome actually everything I have had here is good. Now Bobbie was watching the Basketball game so I took the time to write my blog from Wednesday night dinner which was awesome. We had been here about 45 minutes and Bobbie went outside to sit at one of the tables and when I finished my blog, I went out for about 15 minutes to get warm I did get a selfie of me while I was out side.

I went back in and sat down at our table and a few minutes later Betty showed up. It was great to see her again, she has been here a couple times but it was several months ago although I did see her at the Trans parade in Portland. Now it was early so it was still quiet and we had a good chance to catch up on what is new and get to know each other better which I really enjoy. There is just something I enjoy as Susan talking with others. I think I may have convinced her to go to Diva Las Vegas next year as she has not been to Las Vegas since the late 70’s, I think she would have a blast.

Bobbie came back in and Michele also showed up as did Kris so we had a nice small group tonight and was very easy to talk with everyone which make it awesome as I don’t feel like someone I getting left out. The other girls ordered food and we just sat and had a wonderful time. It was after 8 and Wendy showed up. I have met her a couple times before so it was nice to see her again also. Now I was talking with Betty and she asked me what kind of phone I have; it is a Samsung Galaxy 8 and I love it. It is my 3^rd Samsung and I would highly recommend them. She has an Apple and I am not saying they are bad I just prefer the Samsung. Any way she was not happy with the pictures hers takes and it may be an old phone so I took a couple with my phone of us and she thought they were awesome. If you have a phone that does not take good pictures try a Samsung. Well I texted her the pictures but forgot to ask if I could post them but since she posted them on her Facebook, I feel safe in posting one in my blog. I love to have my picture taken and posted but I know some girls don’t so I always ask.

By 9 Karaoke started and it was getting busy as it always does but it also gets louder and harder to talk, so we would listen to the singing and talk between songs. Kris got up and sang a few times. Now there are some really good singers here and a few not so good but hey if you can get up and try you are good as I still haven’t mastered that at least not by myself. One of the ladies who works Trixie here got off early but she stayed and hung out with her friends and tonight she sang a song. She may have sung before but if she did, I must have missed it but any way she did great also.

It was about 9:45 and Lauri showed up and all of us were still here so we had 7 of us here tonight. Now I usually get here early try for 6 so by 10 I am ready to call it a night. I am just not the late-night girls I use to be. When I first started going out it was usually 8 or 9 when I went out maybe later during the summer when it was light later and it was usually 2 or 2:30 when I left for home, yes I use to close down the bars and sometimes I would go out for something to eat or dessert, only did this a couple times once with Veronica. Any way I was having so much fun I stayed later tonight. It was almost 11:30 when I called it a night. it really is sad when the night comes to an end and I know I have to go home and change back to my male self. Now don’t get the wrong ideas as I am not going to Transition and have no plans to go full time but Susan is so limited 2 to 3 nights a week that it really is sad when she goes away.

Anyway, it was a wonderful night made more special by my friends. Thanks for reading and be sure and read my most recent blog to see what in going on now in my life.

Wednesday night dinner at Henry’s

It is Wednesday and we are doing dinner at Henry’s Tavern downtown Portland; Cassandra is setting this one up and made reservations. One of our members from Nebraska is in town for a couple days so Cassandra is coming out for the night I am looking forward to it as it will be good to see Cassandra again but also Robin as I have not seen her since Diva Las Vegas. Bow it turns out we will have a good turnout as a lot of girls want to go, we have 16 going with 1 maybe.

Now I get home later now so it is always a rush and tonight there was a lot of traffic so it was almost 5:40 when I got home so I started getting ready right away. I can get ready in 45 minutes if I have to but I don’t get the time to enjoy my transformation but it was about being downtown by 7 and I wasn’t sure how bad traffic would be going into Portland. Now I had my outfit all picked out from the night before and I knew just how I wanted to do my makeup so that helps. Well things went just right and I think I set a record as I was pulling out of my garage at 6:15. 35 minutes from walking in the door as my male self to leaving in my car as Susan. my luck held as there was no traffic going into Portland and I went right for the parking garage a block away. I was walking into Henry’s right behind Cassandra, Robin and Veronica at 6:35 so I had time to spare.

It was great to see them again; I saw Cassandra a while back at a Wednesday night dinner as she comes out every once in a while, but I have not seen Veronica or Robin since Las Vegas back the beginning of April which is not that long ago just seems like it. They told us they would have our table ready by 7 so we went into the bar to wait. Jan, Lynn, Melissa, Dawnie and April were all there waiting. Now this is the first time I have met Dawnie and April, Cassandra and Robin know them from online but it is the first me they have come out with the group. Actually, it is the first time April has ever been out which is always fun. There is just something about sharing someone’s first time out as you think about your fist time out. My blog from last Sunday talked a little about my journey as Susan from when I first figured out, I liked this side of my life and I got some good feedback on it so I think this coming Sunday when I go to Starbucks I think I will write about my actual first real night going out as it may help some still struggling with this part of their lives.

Well we sat and talked and waited till it was time to go to our table. Jennifer & her wife Marge, Kimberly, Barb, Rickie and her wife Judy, Kris and Joanie so we had 17 here tonight one of our bigger turnouts. Years ago, we were happy if we could get 8 to 10 out on a Friday or Saturday at Embers which was a LGBT bar and very Trans friendly and now, we are getting 17 out on a Wednesday night just for a dinner at a restaurant. We have come a long way. Now I tried to sit closer to the middle of the table so I could talk with as many as possible but with 8 on one side and 9 on the other there was just no way to talk with everyone. We ordered drinks and appetizers, Henry’s has an awesome large pretzel and cheese dips and also chicken tenders so I ordered 1 and Cassandra the other and we split. Really didn’t need that much before we ate but it was so good.

Now I got to talk mostly with Kris to my left, April to my right and then Kimberly, Cassandra and Joanie across from me, the rest I talked a little with but I had to talk past people which is hard. It was nice to talk with April being her first time out and she did awesome. I really wouldn’t have known had she not told me. Now I did get a couple selfies, one in the car and one in Henry’s but I wish we had gotten a group picture of everyone as it was such a good turnout tonight. Our waiter tonight was awesome but then again, every time we have come here, we have always been treated wonderful and had awesome servers.

Our food came and we ate dinner and kept talking, conversations going on at both ends of the table and in the middle and it was just a wonderful night out with my awesome friends. Now it was all I could do to finish my dinner after the appetizers I had earlier but I some how managed, several of the girls took home leftovers but I have never been big on leftovers plus I was always told to clean my plate when I was growing up and that is a hard habit to break, probably why I have a hard time loosing weight. That dinner was over it was time for dessert and of course it all looked good and I so wanted some but as I was full and I really am trying to cut sweets out and hopefully lose some weight I managed to get my will power up and just say no. a few of the girls did order dessert including Cassandra across from me, she got the half order of a brownie Sunday and trust me a half order could feed 2 easily and it came with 2 spoons. She tried to get me to have some and I thought about having 1 bite but I know me and there is no such thing as 1 bite for me. I have will power only as long as I don’t have any, once I start eating sweets it’s over.

After we finished, we sat and talked for a while before some of the girls started to leave, it was about 9:30 when the first left but some of us stayed as I know for me, I just didn’t want the night to end. Cassandra, Robin, Dawnie and April all wanted a picture of them together so I took several of them for them. It really will be a wonderful memory for Dawne and especially April of her first night out. I have a few pictures from early on but none from my first night out as yes that was before smart phones with camera’s. Makes me feel old to admit that. By now we had all paid our bills and even though they put an 18% tip on parties over 8 as do almost all restaurants when we asked our waiter about this he said he didn’t as he wanted to trust in his smile and service and I can tell you that was the right choice as I am sure he did better then the 18%, he really was great.

At the end it was just Veronica, Robin, Cassandra (they all road together), Joanie and me and we left a little after 10, it really was a wonderful night out and again how easily we all waked to our cars. Years ago, it was everything I could do just to get out of my car now I don’t even give it a second thought. Life really is wonderful as Susan with my friends.

Thanks for reading and be sure to read my most recent blog to see what is new in my life.

Sunday and finally a little time back at Starbucks as Susan

It is Sunday and I finally have some free time and can go to Starbucks as Susan. Now I know it has been a while so I looked back in my blogs and wow it really has been a while. My last time at Starbucks on a Sunday was April 14 2019 almost 3 months ago. I really do like my quiet time at Starbucks as I can get a lot of things done and it is just way more fun as Susan. I took a little over an hour getting ready for my trip to Starbucks and enjoyed every moment. There is just something fun and relaxing about doing my makeup and transforming into Susan. I got to Starbucks a little after 4 and went in. they were a little busy but a few tables open including one along the window where I like to sit as I can plug my computer in if needed. I set my computer down and went up to order my drink. Now I was here on last Thursday for a little while but as I said above it has been a long time since I was here on a Sunday. One of the girls behind the counter said Hi Susan it has been awhile, goo to see you again which made me feel good. Well the young lady at the register took my drink order and I paid and instead of asking me my name for the order She just said it is nice to meet you Susan my name is Ellie. Now I don’t know if she got my name from hearing the other girl say it or if she got it when I paid with my phone app but either way it made me feel good.

I sat down at the table and started with my computer. I have been very slow at getting my blogs posted as I have been so busy in the evenings, one reason I always like coming to Starbucks as it gives me a chance to catch up on my blogs. I use to do them either the same day or the very next day and now it can be a week later which sometimes makes it hard to remember everything I wanted to put in them so today was my day to get all caught up. I wrote my blog from Thursday the Fourth of July when I was out and posted it. I then wrote my blog from Saturday when I went to Julie’s for a BBQ and then even started on this blog with the hope of finishing it tonight when I get home. now I will post Saturdays blog on Monday and todays on Tuesday as I don’t want to post to many at once to give you all time to read them.

Now sitting at Starbucks as Susan is relaxing and really I didn’t notice anyone give me a second look and for the most part I really don’t even think about being Susan while I am here, yes I know it as I can see my pretty long red nails as I type, I put my fake nails on today and every once in a while a wisp of hair falls in front of my face but I am not just focusing on the fact I am out as Susan. I am just out as who I am and at times that is Susan a female. I was thinking about my journey as Susan and how I have progressed and grown over the years.

I knew when I was 5 or 6, I realized I liked to put on my mom’s lipstick and even then, I knew this was not something boys did so I kept it hid. By the time I was 14 I had managed to get some makeup, eye shadow and mascara that I hid in my room and would where at night but I still didn’t understand it. When I was in high school and I would be left home alone by myself I would occasionally put on one of my moms’ dresses, she had a beautiful floor length black and white dress that at that age fit me perfectly. This is also the age I was trying to find information in the library about why I did these things and as this was before the internet there was not a lot of information. I found stuff on Transsexuals and how they felt they were born in the wrong body but I didn’t feel that way. I also found information on being gay but again I was not attracted to boys it was girls. It was probably my senior year I herd the term crossdresser and realized that was what I most likely was but still didn’t understand it. I kept telling myself it would go away; I would meet the right girl and this would all disappear but it didn’t. the girls I dated I was always envious of how they got to dress and the makeup and nails they got to have. When I moved out on my own, I would dress at home. I did have a roommate but I was lucky as he worked days and I worked grave yard so I was getting home about the time he was leaving for work so I could dress around the house for a few hours.

From there it grew into wanting to go out but for a long time it was just late-night drives and maybe the drive through at Burger king. I would love the time I could dress but after word feel regret and shame as I still didn’t fully understand why and I could just not accept this is who I was. When I got into my early ‘s a few of the woman I worked with had acrylic nails and I would hear them talking about how nice it was to get them done and I so wanted to so I broke down and got a motel room for a Friday and Saturday night and went and got my nails done for a couple days and loved it. For a few years I did this once or twice a year. It is funny as one of the ladies I worked with made the comment one day that I had no idea how expensive it was to have acrylic nails and I almost laughed as just a couple weeks earlier I had gotten them for a long weekend. I had spent $30 plus tip to get my nails done, three nights in a motel over a weekend which was about $200 and then Sunday another $15 plus tip to get them removed. About $250 for 3 days of having acrylic nails so I knew the cost and you know what, it was worth the money.

Now I finally worked up the courage to go out for the first time, it was on the 4^th try but I made it with a little help from another T-girl named Lorie, she saw me sitting in my car trying to work up the courage to get out and came over. She was the first t-girl I ever met and I realized I was not alone. From that I met Alice another T-girl who came to Portland every few months, we had met online and she would e-mail me when she was in town and I would meet her at Embers. She also had a big impact on my life s Susan as she helped me realize there was nothing wrong with who I was or what I was doing. It was Halloween of 2007 when I met Cassandra and I joined her group in early 2008 and suddenly I knew there would be others out every weekend and I started going out every Friday night. Susan was becoming a regular part of my life. It was probably a year later when I accepted this was who I was and there was nothing wrong with me and that this part of me would not go away. Once I accepted that my life changed. Susan truly was a part of who I am and I made some wonderful friends. I thought I would put this in a blog to show this truly is a journey and it takes some time. I go out all the time now and I get some people who e-mail me and tell me they are struggling and they wish they were like me; trust me you are. We all go through a journey to get to where we are or end up. The key is to not think you are damaged or doing something wrong you are not you are just being who you are. Talk to others and find out how they feel and think but don’t and I mean don’t let them tell you who you are, how you should feel or who you should be. Figure out who you are and be that person. If that means gay, straight, transsexual or crossdresser it is okay. How I feel or who I am is just that it is about me. You may or may not feel the same. It is about being true to yourself.

Wow a little longer than I wanted but I felt it important. Back to my outing at Starbucks. I stayed at Starbucks till about 8 before going home. It was a relaxing afternoon and I always feel better after my time out as Susan. It is like my little vacation form my male life and all that is going on in it.

Thanks for reading and be sure and read my most recent blog to see what is new in my life.

Saturday and a BBQ at Julie’s house

The Fourth of July was a busy day, I was out a Susan till after 3 went to a BBQ at 4, got home from the BBQ about 6:30 and then Julie texted me to see if I wanted to go watch the fireworks with her and Trixie, in male mode of course so I sad yes and was out the door again. The only reason I bring this up is while we were watching the fireworks Julie thought we should do a BBQ at her house on Saturday which is only 2 days away. So, I said I would come. She texted a couple other girls but being such short notice, they couldn’t make it so it would be just the 3 of us so that brings me to today, Saturday.

I started getting ready at 2 and of course it is a more casual day so I chose my black & white summer dress and sandals. I did my makeup and yes, I went with a red lipstick as I just love the color red. Now I have been using Maybelline Superstay and they have two kinds I like, the matte ink and the liquid and today is the liquid. Both stay on really well even soap and water won’t take them off I need to use baby oil on a cotton ball. I can eat or drink whatever I want and it stays looking great. I was on my way and got to Julies right at 4. I got a quick selfie in the car just in case I forgot to get pictures later. I have started doing this as I don’t think about pictures as much as I use to. years ago, when we went out all the girls had their cameras or phones out taking pictures but as we have gone out more and taken so many pictures over the years it just not as big of a deal. I can’t tell you how many pictures I have but it is in the thousands. If you think about it this is my 1190^th blog which means even if it was just 1 picture per blog that is a lot and early on it was more like 10 or 20 pictures.

I rang the doorbell and Julie opened the door and she also was casual in a summer dress, but hers was longer than mine. Well we went in and sat at the counter and talked as we ate chips and dip, one of my favorite snacks. Julie, Trixie and I just relaxed and sat and talked and it really was fun. Before we new it, it was almost 6 the time went by so fast. Julie fired up the grill and she put the steaks on, it didn’t take long and soon we were eating, we ate inside as the weather was a little on the cool side as it was only about 68 outside. The food was awesome, Julie and Trixie wonderful cooks, Trixie did the salad and baked potato and Julie grilled the steaks. And after dinner there was ice cream. It was so wonderful. After we finished, we went and sat in the living room and continued talking. I was shocked when I looked at the time and it was after 9. Where had the time went. It did not seem like I had been here over 5 hours. I thought it was time to call it a night so I thanked them for inviting me and we said our goodbyes. It really was a wonderful evening with wonderful friends. I really am a lucky girl to have such awesome friends.

Thanks Julie and Trixie for inviting me into your home for a BBQ it was awesome. It was a good idea I got the selfie in the car as I put my purse down when I got inside and of course my phone was in it and I never once thought about getting my phone out or getting a picture. Really wish I had gotten some though.

Thanks for reading and be sure and read my most recent blog to see what is new in Susan’s life.

 

July Fourth and some Susan time

Happy Fourth of July everyone, I hope you have a safe and happy one and as we celebrate today and celebrate our great country and the freedoms we have, remember those freedoms cost some people everything. We have more freedoms here than in any other country. I hope you all cherish what we have and not willing to give them up. Once you lose a freedom it is hard to get back.

Well I have today off work and am going to a BBQ at 4 but that leaves me the morning and early afternoon free so I am going to exercise some of my freedom and spend a little time as Susan. I got up a little after 7 with the hope of being ready by 9. Now for some reason I was slower today maybe because it was the morning and I really had no place I had to be so I took my time and enjoyed my time getting ready. I was ready a little after 9 and looking cute. I chose to wear my black leggings that come down to the upper calf, sandals, a maroon top and of course as this is more of a tight fit, I put on some hip pads to widen my hips and my corset to take in my mid-section. It really does give me a bice shape and other then being slightly taller I blend in well this way and yes, I did put my fake nails on to complete the look. Now as it was a little later, I decided to go right to Clackamas Town Center and do a little shopping as I think they open at 10 and that should be just about the time I get there. I was right on as I was pulling into the parking lot right at 10. I parked by JC Penny’s and went in.

I really had nothing I was looking to buy just looking but was hoping to find a nice dress. I checked out their shoe section first and then over to the clothing. They only had a couple of dresses and they were petite sizes and that just wasn’t going to fit. I guess this time of year is not a big dress time. I wondered out into the mall and did some window shopping and went into a couple other stores but more just to pass some time. Eventually I made it to the other end and Victoria Secret and I went in. I pretty much go here every time I am at the Mall as Susan but I bet I have only been in Victoria Secret 2 or 3 times as my male self and once was to get fitted for a bra. I looked around and a young lady came up and asked if I needed help. I told her I was looking for my favorite bra it is called So Obsessed and they don’t have them in the store anymore so she showed me one similar to it but it just didn’t look or fee the same. It is funny as I have bought many bras and never really gave it much thought till I found this bra and it is just so comfortable and with the padding I really don’t need anything else. I had originally bought 2 of these and back before diva Las Vegas during their buy one get one free sale I found them on line and bought 4 more so I am good for a while but as of now they are still available online. I left and walked back through the mall and left it was a little after 11 now.

Now on my way home from here I go near the Cemetery my Dad is at so I decided to stop there but first a stop at Fred Meyers to pick up some flowers. There is one just down 82^nd Ave a mile or two so that is where I went as I also needed a new lipstick and some snacks; I need to bring to the BBQ later. I spent about 15 minutes here shopping and getting flowers and then I was off to put flowers on my Dad’s grave. I have come here several times with my Mom and other family but whenever I have come here by myself it is as Susan. My Dad never met me, or new about Susan the daughter he had but I like to visit his grave as Susan I guess in a way it is my way of introducing her to him.

I got to the cemetery about noon and there were a few people there but it is a big place so not really that bi of a deal. I parked and walked to his grave site and put the flowers down. There were a couple woman sitting on benches that I passed but they never even looked at me. Now it was a nice day and while I was here the 2 ladies left so I went and got my computer and sat on the bench a little way from the grave site and wrote out my blog from last Saturday night. It was a little after 1 when I left and headed for home well not home but the Starbucks by my house as I haven’t been there for a while.

It was about 1:45 when I got there and went in., they were a little busy but they had a table open by the windows so I sat my computer on it and went and ordered my drink. One of the girls behind the country greeted me by name and said it had been an asked if I had any plans for the 4^th. I just told her a BBQ later and she said it was good to see me again as sit had been a while which it has. I have gone to many Starbucks over the years and have always been treated wonderful at all of them. I got my drink and sat down and posted my blog I wrote earlier and then just caught up on some e-mails and other thing I needed to do on my computer. Really nothing I couldn’t do from home or as my male self but it is just so much more fun and relaxing to do this at Starbucks as Susan. I got a couple selfies at Starbucks in the car.

Well I kind of lost track of time and soon it was a little after 3 and I need to be at the BBQ at 4, luckily, I am less than 5 minutes from home and it will only take me 5 minutes to get to the BBQ so I still had time. I got home about 3:20 and removed my nails, hair, clothes and the corset and right into the shower to wash away all traces of Susan. It was a fast turnaround and yes, it is a lot faster to be my male self then Susan. I got to my BBQ as my male self-right at 4. It was a fun day but I was sad I had to change from Susan so early and I wonder what everyone would have thought had I shown up as Susan. That won’t happen but it is fun to think about.

Thanks for reading and be sure and check out my most recent blog to see what is new with Susan.