Wednesday
I had my first proper session of laser booked for Wednesday at 11:15am, work is quite flexible with time, so I just had an early lunch.
She wanted me to do a close shave between 2 - 24 hours before hand , I didn't want to risk it being too short, so I opted to shave about 12 hours before, at 11pm the night before.
It was a bit like mowing a lawn, a long continuous beam, so it did hurt a fair bit more than the test patch which was short zaps.
The bits along the jawline and top lip were the worst. It only took 15 minutes for my lower face and my neck. I might have to do a better job with where my sideburns meet my beard growth area next time so I can be sure those are done.
I made sure to put Aloe Vera gel and sun cream on as soon as I got home. It was a bit like having mild sunburn, and also a bit tingly.
Was advised not to shave for 72 hours, and I didn't fancy another man mode social group outing, so I skipped Wakefield this week.
I eventually shaved for Derby on the Saturday, but that's for later.
Friday
I would normally have gone to Nottingham for the 'Invasion' but it still hadn't been 72 hours and my face was feeling a bit tingly. Also I had said to my parents that I would go over visit them on the Saturday, so didn't want to be dead on my feet.
This would be the first face to face meeting since I had come out to them a month? ago , so was a bit on edge about it.
So decided the best plan was to get that over and done with on Saturday morning, then I could perhaps get ready in the afternoon and do Birmingham in the evening.
I've never done it before, and it's meant to be a really good night - it's usually the 3rd Saturday of the month.
Saturday
Got over to my parents by 11am ish, and it went OK. I think they have taken the approach that they are just going to carry on as if nothing has happened and not mention it.
Which is OK I suppose, a very pragmatic and well tested approach to the issue :)
They were both fine with me, and didn't seem upset with me at all. There were no massively awkward exchanges, although for some reason the boys started talking about gender (not mine), which started to trigger my anxiety a little.
We agreed would have Xmas lunch with them, so that was good too - we take it in turns between mine and my wife's parents.
We ended up staying for lunch, so it was around 2pm before we set off for home.
After we got home I had a tea to relax than started to get ready. The shave wasn't too bad, but face did feel a bit raw afterward. There were a few of the usual micro cuts, but didn't bleed for long.
I don't think my complexion was nearly as smooth as normal, but it was certainly within acceptable levels to go out. Did feel a bit tingly still under the makeup. I was told not to use any perfumed products, but I think my moisturiser did have some in - but probably not huge amounts.
It was a bit of pants day weather-wise, and it didn't really feel like such a good idea to do a 2 hour drive to Birmingham, but had seem some messages on Insta just before I set off about a meetup of a group of some of my friends in Derby at 'The Crown' which I've had on my to-do list for some time, so I decided to head there instead.
There is a regular informal Monday night trans meetup there,
A few of us hadn't eaten so we found an American burger place nearby to have a quick bite to eat before heading to the pub.
https://anniesburgershack.com/restaurants/derby
Gorgeous food, but service wasn't the best. I had 'The Gringo' which had Mexican inspired additions.
We did the short walk to the pub, and I got a drink in there. I got speaking to a few trans people who I had not met before. One was absolutely stunning, she looked like she had dressed for a fashion photo shoot - turns out she was a fashion student. I may have put my foot in it with her, she looked so good I thought she might be a performer of some sort ! - lots of contouring and bronzing.
There was also a really lovely older lady who had only been out a few months.
It transpired that one of the girls who is really into drag had been promised a slot on an open mic night at a nearby bar.
She had put on some effort with her look, she always looks fabulous. So we headed there, and ended up sat watching the 2nd half of a comedy act in the back room. I think we were meant to have paid to watch, but nobody said anything.
There were quite a few drunks in the audience - mainly female, who didn't help with the comedians flow, but it was still quite funny.
Unfortunately after he finished they didn't open the stage up, not really sure what happened. Apparently they had done this the last two times too.
A bit a of a shame she had been bricking it all night , and had put a lot of effort in with her look.
So we headed back to the Crown, and had another in there. I was quite tired, not sure why, perhaps I didn't sleep too well worrying about visiting my parents. But didn't really feel as bubbly as I would hope to do on a night out.
Playing happy families and then heading out dressed for a night out also seems to trigger my guilt.
Headed off just before midnight, and I was home by about 1am. One of the boys had left me some Pizza in the fridge from a takeaway, so had that for supper :)
Took the makeup expecting to be quite red underneath, but didn't look too bad !
Sunday
Quite tired today again, even though I had a bit of a lay in. Still a bit down, might have to go on the treadmill later, see if some exercise will help. Only working 3 days next week, so that may help.
It's my 12 months Izz-versary at the end of the month, at least the first time I stepped out the house. My name was set in stone when I signed up to the Chamelons forum on the 3rd of January.
https://www.nottinghamchameleons.co.uk
Certainly glad my look has improved a great deal, it's been a fun year. I should probably mark it somehow.
