Belated updates

This is a catch-up of sorts, as I had not documented some of my outings which occurred before the previous coming out post as it felt more important to talk about then and there.

Thursday the 15th - Trans Wakefield

I had not been for a while, as I had missed the previous opportunity, and instead watched a film with my friend Ann at Meadowhall - so was nice to catch up. 

There is a guy in a wheelchair who is always there, he has trouble speaking, I think he must have had a stroke - he waved as I came in and wanted my hand, which he kissed :)  which I found quite sweet.

Phillipa was there, she had been given some pretty bad news about her cancer treatment, but she was trying to remain positive and was as lively and entertaining as normal. She may end up losing her hair, so had suggested the wig shop in Leeds if that would help. 

We were sat around the corner away from the main bar, to try and concentrate us more, and get us talking to each other. It seemed to work, there were a few good conversations about the GP process for transitioning which I absorbed. 

There was a bit of a funny incident with the loo's , I had gone into the ladies of course, and the only cubicle free was the one with the broken lock, also the first one in the row. Predictably someone else came and tried to get in - I told them I was in - which confused them greatly - clearly I have a male voice. They were loudly trying to confirm if they were in the right loos, went out, came back in. You would have thought that people coming to an LGBT bar would be able to figure out the likely cause.  

I didn't manage to team up with anyone for the pub quiz, so just sat and talked to people on Insta for a bit while they did that. There was a Dalmatian that came to say hello to everyone later in the evening, was very funny, really enjoyed a pint, so had to be kept under control. 

Friday the 16th - Nottingham city centre & Evening Invasion

I had the day off, it was Nottingham Invasion in the evening, so I thought I would head down to Nottingham earlier in the day and have a look around. I had never been during the day.

I got down by 1pm ish, and I ate at a lovely cafe that specialised in jacket potatoes. (Hipo Coffee  - Carlton Street). The I headed towards the Castle.  I had been feeling a bit under the weather so I had brought some cold pills with me, and had one after lunch.

I managed to get to the Castle using the signs, and paid for a ticket. The lady behind the counter really liked my nails, which was really nice of her to say so. I took some photo's outside then went in to look around the exhibitions. I was in there an hour perhaps, then had a nice tea outside on the terrace.

Then decided I really should get around some shops, as I had not bought any clothes for nearly 24 hours and my purse was starting to feel heavy. I ended up in a Barnado's and found a really nice leather jacket, which went really well with the rest of my outfit, I was really happy to find it. I looked around a few more, eventually ending up back near the Victoria centre, which was where the car was parked. I changed my jacket for the one I had just bought there. I managed to break one of the poppers immediately, as it was a decorative one, and wasn't meant to be tugged at. But not so bad I couldn't wear it. 

I was meeting a friend later for the invasion and got a call from her to say she would be a while, so I decided to go seek food at 'The Dice Cup' gaming café which had been recommended by Joanna. I had a vegan lasagne and a latte - with oat milk. It was nice, but I did feel a bit out of place because I didn't have a beard. Also no mirrors in the loo's !!! I wanted to touch up my foundation but couldn't.

I headed back to the car as my friend was trying to get to the same car park as me, so was hoping to see her come in. Decided to try a dry shave of the top lip using the rear view mirror, didn't go too badly, didn't cut myself. Re-applied my colour corrector and foundation and lipstick.  By which time my friend arrived and we headed to Mc Donalds to feed her.

We went to the New Forrester's straight from there, which would have been easier if we had walked through the shopping centre as it was just on the other side, but it seemed to be shutting so we went the long way around the perimeter. 

Must have been 7:30pm when we arrived, there were not that many people there, but did meet a new lady who had come for the first time, but could only stay for an hour, as her excuse expired - wife wasn't aware. It was a bit cold to sit outside and my cold was kicking in despite having taken a few more pills throughout the day. I think it was about midnight when we walked back to the car park.

Was very tired when eventually got home, but it was totally worth it.  

Thursday 22nd - Chams

This was a very busy meeting, the wig people were also coming in - I'm not sure how much that contributed to getting people there though, more of a coincidence perhaps.

I had got a bargain dress from Everything5Pounds, for £2.90 - which I really loved, and had spent far too much of the work day painting my nails to match it. I messed up and had to re-do them. I was really happy with the look, really into plain dresses and patterned tights.

Ann had come along for the first time which was nice, she seemed to enjoy herself and was chatting away with the other regulars. 

One lady from Invasion also appeared which was very unexpected, don't think that had anything to do with me though, she lived close apparently.

There were a group of ladies who had not been for ages, long time members, they seemed very nice got talking with one, I think from Rutland. 

Maria also turned up - I had vague memories of speaking with her while I was very drunk at Leeds the last time, in the Smokestack, so had really wanted to check I hadn't said anything too embarrassing, but it appears not. I shall have to try harder next time. Spent quite a while talking with her, it was nice.

I didn't get around everyone though, I shall try to inflict myself upon those I missed next time.

The app to charge my car hadn't worked at the church, so I had to drive back at 60mph, as I really didn't fancy stopping to charge. Was very tired the next day, and I had to work too. Got it working at home the next day, think it needed to be updated.