A Look Back at 2014 – UK Edition
And yes, as promised, with just over 4 hours to go of 2014, is the 2nd half of the yearly review, the events here in the UK (and Jersey)
As I mentioned on the previous one, the original plan had been that I would be going to Kansas City, and Cherryvale back in May. The plan being to get it out of the way before the area got scorchingly hot, which quite often lasts into September. And given my love (or not) of extreme heat, we werent taking any chances. As history proved, September was nicely hot, but not excessive, and I know, I was there.
The thing was, before we delayed things, I’d got an offer of £10 off an advance rail fare from TPE, and a 10% hotel discount, so I’d dived in early, and booked them. So now, all of a sudden, in theory, I didnt need them. Now, I could have just written off the £60, or just had a night in Manchester, at a hotel, but thats boring!
So I look at other options, and ended up discovering I could go to Jersey for a week, relatively cheaply if I stayed at a B&B, so I went for it. Did I mention, I’d been to Jersey before, 30 years ago! So yes, it was quite interesting going back after all that time, I must say. There were a few sights I recognised, a lot that I didnt, and a lot that had changed since then, but I’m glad I did it. But no, I dont think I’ll go back again, certainly not in 30 years time, thats for sure!
The main moment of ‘levity’ was the night I ate closest to the hotel, pretty much just across the road in fact. I had tossed up the idea of putting a dress on that night, but didnt in the end. Didnt matter, a few minutes after I had ordered, a gentleman decided to join me at the table, and seemingly chat me up. Sadly, about a minute later, my meal turned up, and he excused himself, and that was that, never saw him again.
But me, attracting a man, oh wow!
The other main item breaking out from the norm this year, was a job interview. Alright, it was an internal application at the office, not breaking new territory, but anyway… I thought ‘what the hell’, and decided I was doing it in style. Long black dress, high heels, the full works! It was wonderful! Seems I impressed, but there was a preferred candidate, it wasnt me, so I didnt get it. But anyway…I will certainly do it again, when, and if the chance arises, especially when the make up has been done. Then I will be dressed to kill lol. But more on that event tomorrow.
The last big happening in my life this year, is very much related to my state, though this person has now gone one precious step further. Yes, I might only have one thing now that a girl shouldnt have, but it annoys the passport office no end, if everyone else now has my gender as female. Yes, Nicole Woodhouse successfully changed into a woman, and I’m proud of her. Granted, if I was younger, or had a man who cared for me, I might do the same, but for now… But yes, I’ve had hints I should either apply to the NHS again (at least for hormones, to top up what my natural body seems happy to do), and see where it takes me.
For now, given the expenses of the next few months (Hollywood, Perm Make Up, New Glasses etc), I’ll stay as I am, but I suspect that before long, I’ll get hints again. Maybe I should, maybe I will, but more on that tomorrow, I suspect. One thing is for sure, 2015 will be fun!
And so, the last video of 2014. What I intend to do next year, a brilliant live version, from just 2 years ago. Seriously, is it just me, or could Cyndi Lauper have played Jean Harlow in a biopic?
Happy New Year, everyone, see you again in 2015
So, catching up on the news
Yes, sorry, I know, its been a week since I last posted, been a lot going on in that time. Fine, most of it was work, but I would have posted Thursday, if I hadnt been being wined and dined by the company lol. So, there is a bit of news to catch up on, so lets deal with that. If all goes to plan, it might be a little tribute piece tomorrow night to someone I work with, even if it is a working day. Early finish, and all that, so hopefully…
Right, starting with Nicole’s operation, all has gone fine, I’m pleased to say. Yes, I know, maybe one day I’ll do the same, but for now…
Thursday, and the dinner. Yes, I’m told I looked good, though I havent yet seen any of the pictures taken of me (beyond one of my back) from the do, so can’t say for myself. The meal was good, much better than last year, and the hotel was very nice too. Only shock to me, no phone in the room! I know it was only a Travelodge, and most people have mobiles nowadays, but…I had to go back down to reception to book a taxi, aargh!
After that, nothing really worthy of note happened until 10.00 last night, or a few minutes after, when I got into my taxi home. It is absolutely pot luck as to who you get, but last night, I got one of my favourites, a wonderful lady, somewhere about my age, and its always a pleasure travelling with, and chatting to her. Most of the drivers have the radio on some station playing modern music, which I cant stand, so I’m glad to get home.
Yes, she had something different on, Radio Leeds! Playing lots of 70’s and 80’s stuff, bringing back plenty of memories for me. For example, album of the day, Carpenters singles 60-73, pure heaven for me. Got 3 more late’s this week, I hope I get her again, but I should be so lucky!
But the first record, had me going into pondering mode. What would it really be like to be in someone else’s shoes, even for just 1 day (hopefully that gives away the video), especially in my case, Jean Harlow. I have no idea what the general life of a 30’s movie star was like, but it would be amazing to find out, for me at least. Hopefully it would be a relaxing day, not one when she was filming lol!
And yes, on Sunday, it suddenly dawned on me that its only 4 weeks to my Harlow make up look, and not just for 1 day! Its going to be amazing (especially without those awful 30’s eyebrows), I’m sure, at the very talented hands of Paula. Really looking forward to that, I must say, but more on that nearer the time.
Oh fine, the video
A different corner
I think its fair to say that if I was 25-30 years younger, or if I had a man who cared for me as much as Nicole does, then maybe I’d be taking the same step as she is doing on Thursday. Yes, thats right, that last element of transition to womanhood, that last big operation.
I wish her well, naturally.
Maybe one day I will feel the need to take that last step, but for now, given my age, given my single status, and everything else, I just cant face the hassle of going through all the necessary hoops now, especially given that I’ve lived as a woman full time for 4 years now anyway, twice the supposed required period for the next step. Irony, I know…
The funny thing is, when I first got to meet Nicole back in 2004, I was the one already living part time at least as a woman. And all I’ve done since then is move to living full time as a woman, changing my name, and gender in the process. Well, fine, the passport office says I’m still a man, but they are the only ones that do. Judging by the confused look I got at Atlanta Immigration in September, I think the guy thought there was a mistake with my passport!
But anyway…that last big step…hmm?
As I say, Nicole is a fair bit younger than me, and has a man that cares for her, so the transition makes a lot of sense. Me, maybe one day…who knows? Though I must admit, the idea of going to meet my maker, with that thing attached, doesnt fill me with joy! Maybe I should put it in my will that it gets cut off, pre cremation lol!
Anyway, just wanted to say, Nicole Woodhouse, my best wishes, admiration, and everything else goes out to you. Maybe one day you’ll be writing the same thing about me!
The video, something that gave me the idea, turning the corner in your life.
The other most exciting element of current news? No, I havent yet decided what dress I’m wearing on Thursday. At this rate, I’ll be taking more than one with me…rolls eyes! Just a shame, that given I’m getting my hair done, my make up done, that the weather forecast is so awful. Ah well…
Boop, boop a doo!
Well, I’ll warn you now, if you’re looking for 500 words of wisdom, wait for the next blog. A bit like a Trans Pennine Express train, it will arrive, err, sometime soon! I could jokingly say that today, and tomorrow are the only days in the year that their trains aren’t late, and thats because there arent any! On the other hand, if you want a picture of ‘the dress’ and a couple of other shots from today, you’re in the right place!
So getting started, at long last, here is a picture of that delicious pink, flapper style dress, complete with bared knees.
Next, a picture of a wonderful present, a necklace that is absolutely gorgeous, and fits in with the look
Yes, as you might quickly spot, this was taken before I changed, and I’m wearing a ‘most expensive’ grey/silver dress, which is lovely to look at, and equally nice to wear. I’m kidding about the cost, its one of my charity shop specials, and did not cost a fortune! A full length shot of it next
My thanks to Nicole Woodhouse for taking the photos for me.
And seriously, thats it, holidays over, back to work tomorrow morning! I still havent made the final call, tempted to wear a dress to work, possibly the grey/silver one here, though I would have to wear a top underneath, to fit in with dress regulations re bare shoulders. I do have a couple of other dresses I might wear, the blue one being the favourite, as its the warmest one I’ve got. Equally, I might just go for blouse and skirt, I’ll make the final call on that later, or in the morning. Heels for definite, either way.
Handy, isnt it, having a taxi to and from work lol, I can be a little rebel, wont have far to walk outside!
What else can I say, a wonderful day, a wonderful meal at lunchtime about sums it up.
The video, well, the song is actually from the 30’s, but sums up things so wonderfully
The leather look
Yes, that skirt I paid a ‘fortune’ for on Monday, genuine leather! Cannot believe I only paid £4.50 for a long leather skirt, just proves how wonderful charity shops can be at times. And equally yes, I wore it tonight, playing the role of the leather babe perfectly! Seriously, I knew leather wasnt a light clothing option, but I had forgotten just how heavy it is to wear. Lovely feel though, all the same! 😉 Also wore the gold shoes, surprised just how easy it was walking in heels, especially given all the snow and stuff about at present. Outfit completed by a gorgeous gold top I picked up in a charity shop in Dewsbury yesterday, certainly all combined to make me feel good, thats for sure. I might well have worn a dress again, had the weather been better, but never mind, there’s always the next time!
Yes, it was a lovely meal, expected nothing else really, we’ve found a good place to go, so why break the formula? It wasnt busy, certainly not for a Friday night, but that might have been something to do with the weather lol! Good company too, what more could I ask? Oh, alright, decent weather when I’m off work, but ah well…what do I expect in January lol?
Nicole (also transitioning, her birthday) asked me if I would consider going to Leeds NHS again, make things formal as such, and I pretty much said no. I looked at myself, looked at her, and as I said, beyond the removal of one thing, what could they do for me? Yes, I might get hormones, but my body seems to be doing a pretty good job of that on its own. I might also eventually get rid of one thing that annoys me, but beyond that…But if their previous pedanticness is anything to go by, all this time I’ve already lived as a woman wouldnt count with them, crazy or what?
As I jokingly said, if I could go in on my terms, in other words, let them do the blood tests (I’d actually love to know my hormone levels, estrogen especially) if they so desire, but then just put me on hormones, arrange for my doctor to do any medical checks I might need, and then leave it at that. See you in 2 years, for the big op, and not before! But lets face it, they arent going to do that, and I cant be bothered to fight my way past them, when I’m already me, Ms Nicholls already. So no, unless they want to deal with me that way, I wont be bothering, and I certainly dont expect to hear otherwise from them either, mainly because I wont tell them.
Probably one more post before I’m back to work on Monday, but beyond a weather report, I’m not quite sure what it will be about at present, but I’ll come up with something, I’m sure. No, I dont expect to be wearing a skirt, and heels to work on Monday, but I’m sure I will when the weather improves! Would make a great posting, but I’m not freezing to death for the sake of my readers lol!
Right, the video, a more famous leather wearing lady than me!
Outsiders do win sometimes!
Yes, I did end up wearing the dress today, after all! And alright, I’m still wearing it now, but I am most definitely not wearing it to work tomorrow all the same lol! Planning to wear the blouse and skirt I’d planned to wear dinner time though. But yes, unless the weather is awful, I’m wearing the heels into work, as I wont have far to walk in them, thank goodness. No trains, so being dropped off, and picked up just outside work, and hey, I can cope with that distance lol!
So what happened, you might be asking? Simple, I normally put on a posh dress for Christmas morning, just for pleasure, and hey, its nice to do something special while opening the Christmas presents, even if thats not the longest job in the world nowadays lol! So yes, as they hadnt seen me in it at home, I put on the gold dress, just so they could see. Then anyway, the question was raised as to whether I should wear it when we went out lunchtime for our dinner, or not. Pretty fair to say, the vote was yes, I should, so I did. To be honest, I dont think anyone even blinked, and I must say it was wonderful for me too. Yes, I know Nicole, I pass, so I’ll leave it at that lol!
If only I could convince myself that another battle with the Leeds NHS was worth the effort, and I could probably do the full change. To be honest, a few hormones, and one surgical change is all I need anyway, its well over 2 years that I’ve been living as a woman anyway! So I’m over the time limit for such matters in every eye, but theirs. No, I dont feel its worth the fight again at my age, living as I am anyway, but…again yes, Nicole, I know I probably should!
To be honest, I couldnt see me wearing a dress to work anyway, no one else seems to, it just doesnt seem the thing nowadays. Funny to think, 20 or 30 years ago, the sight of a woman in trousers would be considered shocking, nowadays its the absolute norm, its hard to spot any dressed otherwise, I know I couldnt see any in our section of the office on Saturday when I looked, my last day in. But maybe I can start a trend tomorrow, just by wearing a skirt? Probably not, and probably a one off for me, but again, dont quote me on that! I’m pretty sure I’ll wear the wedge heels when the weather improves, assuming it ever does in this country!
Weather permitting, we have our traditional big Boxing Day race tomorrow at Kempton, and making a fool of myself, I’ll put up The Giant Bolster as an each way selection. No, I’m not an expert, and I wont be putting any money on him, but just think he’s better value than the short priced favourite. Just dont remind me I said this after racing tomorrow though lol!
The video, for once, absolutely no clue in the blog title, a rarity in itself. Lets just say its an absolute Christmas classic, and leave it at that.
They think its all over, it is now!
The holiday that is at least! And dont I know it.
Not only is it back to work tomorrow, its an 8.00am start, which is definitely going to be a culture shock after this week, I dont think I’ve been up one morning before 8, let alone early enough to get to work by then, which actually means getting up before 5 tomorrow morning, so no, I wont be late to bed tonight!
Its actually been a good week, enjoyed the break, and managed some good shopping trips into the bargain. I know, a woman and shopping, shocking news lol! irony is, the week started in Halifax, and ended it there today as well! I actually bought a top for the company christmas dinner earlier this week, but wasnt convinced about it. Luckily the rest of the party headed into a candle shop, I headed into Peacocks opposite. Finally found the sale offers corner, and with Nicole’s help found 2 much better ones. What is it they say about 2 pairs of eyes, and all that?
The more surprising thing this week, I’ve started writing again. Its been quite a while since I went for anything lengthy, but this one seems to be flowing quite nicely at present. The rough version of Chapter 1 has already been sent to my wonderful editor, and Chapter 2 is progressing, but wont get finished tonight. Will it surprise some that its set in the twenties, and might just be inspired by a certain lady of that era. I dont think I will ever get back to writing as much as I used to, but its nice to know I can still ‘ride that bike’ if the mood takes me. Dont expect a link here though, not unless you ask privately, and only then will it be available once edited and posted.
Just in case anyone cant work out who it is, this might give them a clue! The singer is Roisin Murphy, as with a previous singer, I know nothing about her, but she has a nice voice.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yu1Hl0DNVXs
I would say think of me about 5 tomorrow morning, but as most will be asleep then…
stevielounicks 
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