This is a bit of a late post, I was planning to write this lot up over Christmas, while I was staying with my folks, but guess which silly moo forgot the admin password to her own blog … Doh!

So going back, way back, to Thursday 20th, last day of work for 2007, drop into the shops on the way home, just to get a couple of essentials, but I had my Xmas bonus burning a hole in my pocket and went slightly mad, coat, 2 new outfits, a bag, a purse, smellies and all sorts, oops.

But then I’m on Holiday right, well it’s Christmas, so there’s a lot of family stuff to do, no real freedom, especially for Helena over this time period (they don’t know about her, and don’t really have to at the moment). Quick dash top Covent Garden on Friday morning to pick up my snowboard from being serviced and then back home to change. Was going to have a last little bit of Helena time before meeting the parents, so its a scrub up and change into a fairly conservative (OK that skirt is a bit short) grey/black ensemble with not a lot of eye makeup (cause I would need to get all traces of it all off afterwards)

There had been a thread about a central London lunch meet up going on Angels that had morphed into an dinner meet on the 21st and the had said it would be OK if I joined them, so that was my evening sorted, and it would make a change from solo shopping, but I would actually have to talk to some new people, gulp! Ready a bit early and I’m off, ow, cold again, even with those thick grey tights there’s quite a chill on my legs. Why do a keep wearing a skirt at this time of year? I suppose I have to take the opportunity while I can, I’m not confident to wear a skirt above the knee without tights (my legs are pale and spotty) and in summer, that’s a bit of a no no, but in winter thick tights are de rigeur, so I can wear my skirts and tights and still try to blend in. Tube to Oxford Circus, start sneezing in the tube, have to repeatedly blow my nose, and got worried half my face fell off during the process, so dash from Oxford Circus to Soho Mac. Was planning on going there anyway, needed a replacement orangey paint stick (used for under painting to hide beard shadow). Relief, face was still there and slightly dizzy (and male) sales assistant in MAC did, eventually, find the paint stick I was after. Back to Oxford street, well there was a couple of places I wanted to go, but, ouch, last Friday before Christmas, shopping madness, the street was jam packed. Top Shop for yellow tights (to match a top I bought the day before), H&M for a lint tape, and a constant battle just to walk at a reasonable pace, Oxford street was just a bit much. But made it to Centre Point in the end, in fact was a bit early, so ducked into Borders for a few minutes, to remove some gel pads in my boots that had shifted to an awkward position and to pursue a few computer magazines (my reading habits are still very geeky) . After deciding on how fashionably late I would be (about 15 minutes, I just didn’t want to be the first to arrive), took a deep breath and went to the cafe where we where going to meet.

The place as the First Out behind Centre Point, I’d seen it before on my travels, but never really looked into it before. Walk in and spot another TG sitting alone at a table, I assume this is one of the people I’ve come to meet, I only know one of them by sight, and this isn’t her, so I’ve only got forum avatars to go from, which are often not such a good guide to what people actually look like (er me guilty of this to). But she is, Suzii, after introductions I go to get a drink, while I’m waiting, Denise Turns up. Denise Anderson is the one I’d met before, she’s very much a Trans activist, she runs a support group Spectrum Haringey; and is the London representative of the Gender Trust and is generally very busy with all matters T. She can also talk, which is good cause I can’t, and we get a full run down of all the politics going on the the T world, bloody hell it’s complex and for reasons unfathomable, has a bit to much infighting going on, no wonder we don’t seem to be able to get organised. while we are talking, Lexy turns up. another new face, definitely not you average tranny, got a great natural yet alternative looks look to her, TS, full time and was doing a DJ set in Brixton later that night.

Only after a while, I twig the First Out is actually Gay Cafe, I suppose the large picture of Marlena Detrick above our table, the leaflets about clubs and support groups and the staff, it should of been obvious, but I’m a bit slow on the uptake. It’s a nice place, totally accepting of us (gay doesn’t always mean T friendly), must remember it while I’m out and about in the west end. Food doesn’t look to bad either.

We where hungry now so on to China Town to eat. Shame to leave the nice radiator next to the table though and go back to the chill. Denise recommended China town institution Wong Kei’s the for meal. It had the reputation of being having London’s rudest restaurant for quite a while, but apparently it’s mellowed over the last few years. Actually its my first time here, but Denise is a bit of regular and says it will be fine. We are directed upstairs (it’s on 4 floors) and order. Food comes fast and the portions are rather big, but it’s actually pretty good, I’ve had disappointing meals in China Town, but this wasn’t one them. Clear my plate, I was conditioned as child to always finish my plate, “Think of the starving children in Africa”, but it’s no hardship this time As for the rudeness thing, didn’t detect any, efficient yes, but not rude and we are also given plenty of time to order and eat (again contrary to it’s reputation) and even have to try for a bit to get the attention of the waiter to get our bill (it did come eventually and was very reasonable). Jbwd (sorry forgot you actual name, me bad ) joins us later in the meal, in male mode, he’d got of trouble on the trains getting here.

We decide to move on to a pub for night cap, but had to wait a sec for Denise outside the restaurant. She rejoined us a few moments later. Apparently a few male dinners on another table had been making a few derogatory comments about us and Denise had a few few words with them on the way out. I have to say I didn’t actually notice, but then again I try and tune out attention I get unless it’s very direct and vocal, but Denise seems a bit more in tune. I to much of a wimp for sort of confrontation, but I’ve often heard people can get rather sheepish and apologize if you do it, but this lot didn’t and where rather rude to Denise. Arseholes. I have to say if we where spotted it would of been down to me (and possibly Suzii, sorry Suzii) as I actually looked like a tranny, silly clothes, overdone makeup, padding, obvious wig etc, you wouldn’t clock Denise or Lexy in a year. Apart from that I didn’t notice any negative reactions, the West End masses weren’t bothered as usual and all the shop/restaurant staff I a encountered where fine, sales girl in Top Shop was a little sulky, but to be honest I think that’s because she just wasn’t in a good mood. In fact the worst sales experience I got all day was in the morning buying a coffee and Muffin in Covent Garden with a short (verbally) and pretty disinterested assistant in another cafe and that was in male mode!

We wander over to The Crown on New Oxford Street, quite cosy but we manage to snag a table upstairs and have a last drink to two. Bus home. Nice to meet you again Denise and to meet you Lexy, Suzii and Jbwd, lets do it again some time.

After that, well its nearly a week of Bob at the parents, his relations and a usual Christmas. Eat and drank to much (sorry waistline) read a couple of books (the new Charles Stross “Halting State” is a blinder esp if you into MMORPG), watched Doctor Who, fussed my parents cats and dogs and slept quite a lot.

Nobody needs a blow by blow, but a couple of things stood out. Went up to Yorkshire to visit my Gran and an a old family friend for lunch (BTW the fish and chips in the Wetherby Whaler in York are vastly superior to Fishworks in Islington.). My Gran is my last surviving Grandparent and physically, she’s doing well for 87, but the mind is going, she forgets what day it is, forgot we where coming even after multiple phone calls, recently got lost on the way home from Bingo (back to a house she lived in for 50 years) and keeps repeating stories every few minutes (we got the lost story a dozen times). We are all a bit worried about her and don’t know how longer she is going to be able to manage on her own

Another stand out was a visit to an exotic pets rescue centre with my Mum. My Mother is a wildlife artist and she helps the centre out by selling prints of her work. The centre isn’t public, but they let my Mum go up and take pictures when she wants. I’d been there before but this time I had my camera to.

It’s wonderful to see these birds and animals close up, but it saddens me to see then in cages, but what can be done, people have acquired them as “pets” but couldn’t handle them and the centre has had to take them in. Problem is the majority couldn’t survive in the wild, they are not UK native species and/or aren’t skilled in fending for themselves. Centre tries hard to give them a good life but there resources are limited A few animals do get to run free a bit, Diablo, the friendly Llama that acts a bit like a dog, numerous cats and kittens and a number of very large Rhodesian Ridgeback and Ridgeback cross dogs. When I say large, I mean it, strong too and it’s quite intimidating when the pack bounces you as enter the centre, they can be very wary of strangers so show no fear.

So that’s Christmas over for another year, back home now and Helena gets to play again…

Weekend, Saturday, get up early and, er no Helena, it’s an all Bob weekend have to do family duty on Sunday and too many thing to do on Saturday and some of those things I’m still not ready to do as Helena (such as going to the local launderette), I’m not 100% confident, yet So on with the Xmas shopping, laundry, domestic chores, getting my snowboard serviced. In a determined attempted to do my self some serious damage, I’ve booked up a week’s boarding in January, in Austria, so had to put the plank in for some TLC beforehand. Bob picked up a pressie for Helena, a Dolce and Gabbana Bag no less, and a helicopter for himself. No not a real D&G bag, if it was real it wouldn’t be synthetic leather and the badge would be on straight These cheap little knock off bags seem to be popping up everywhere at the moment.

As you might of guessed the chopper wasn’t a real one either A micro (it weighs 10 grams!) remote control one to fly in the kitchen, It really does fly but it’s not very controllable and tends to crash a lot (it’s very robust for something so light), but this could be down to the pilot

Sunday with the parents, bothers, sister in-laws and my number 1 nephew, a sort of combined Xmas/Birthday do for the nephew (3 today) with lots of food, wine and noisy toys. Uncle Bob bought the little one a Truck and Digger set, battery powered that could drive forwards and back and make several loud noises, loads of fun for 3 years olds of all ages, but methinks little ones parent’s may remove the batteries after a bit to stop them from being driven mad.

So no Helena, next weekend is a no go either, that’s more family time, so what’s a girl to do? Well I spotted this on Flickr…

The place, the Buffalo Bar, is local, I’ve been walking past it for years, but never actually been in and I like Miss K’s pictures, so why no go and see the band and the other “Artrockers”?  Bit of an experiment, wasn’t sure what it was going to be like or whether I would accepted en-femme, but a crafty mid week Helena night out getting my earwax blown out by some young people with guitars turned up all the way to 11 seemed like a good way to balance a soporific Xmas as Bob. Plus it was cheap and local, if I didn’t like it or they didn’t like me I could always go home, quickly.

Jane had mentioned on Angels she was in town on Tuesday night and had nothing to do, so dropped her a line mentioning this and she said she would like to come, even when I explained I didn’t have a clue what it was going to be like. Actually I didn’t expect this.

Tuesday and it’s a mad dash home from work, take bus/tube to/from station for speed instead of usual walk grabbing a sandwich on the way. My waist line has started it’s Xmas suffering early. Then it’s a very quick (only 2 hours!) change into a jeans and yet another black polo neck and as little makeup I feel I can get away with (so only quarter tonne used ;)) and its off out to meet Jane. Don’t usually do mid week because of this, even with leaving work  early, dashing like mad to get home and changing as fast as possible, I’m still only out the door by 8:30ish

Meet Jane at outside the club, we pay our fivers to get in (apparently you can join the club for free and the benefit is you can in to the club for free, so a bit of pre-plannig could of saved money) and descend into the club.

Hrm not bad, not huge, not overcrowded, a bit dingy perhaps, but very red and pleasant enough. We get a drink (beer, yeah I know, but it’s just more Rock’n'Roll than Bacardi Breezer :)) and chat, Jane’s actually in town for the Boudoir Xmas lunch on Wednesday, at the Dorchester on Park Lane no less, very nice, though apparently they had to change from the Ivy at the last minute because of an issue with tables, but I guess the Dorchester will do ;). This dingy little rock club must be a million miles from that.

First band comes on for a short set, “The Nuns” and all girl low-fi, highly energetic, slight eccentric shouty bunch who play loud and fast, if not particularly well. Not exactly a virtuoso performance, in fact “unpolished” would be a good word and the slightly rough PA system in the club seems to suit. I guess a good producer could clean up the sound and make them sound pretty good, but somehow I think that would miss the point. Noisy fun :). Towards the end of the set they make a point they are playing the next day at an all woman event, but then one of then smirks that guys in drag could come too, but this is then clarified to having to be very convincing. They ‘aint looking at Jane and me during this, instead they are looking towards the little room to the side of the stage where there other bands are hanging out. I wonder who they could have been referring to …

Next band sets up fast, “Orson Blake”. Nice suits, Bit more musical than the last lot, but a little less fun perhaps. I reckon they would benefited from a cleaner sound, if only to match there outfits The crowd is still a bit thin, guess its early no one is dancing either (I sort of sway a bit) and there staying away from the stage. Too cool for school some of these art rockers but the night is still young, and not enough beer has been drunk, yet.

After Orson Blake its the Gamages Model Train Club. There’s an awful lot of these (a clubs worth?) , couple of guitars, bass, backing singer, drummer, keyboard player (which changes halfway thought the set?) and a cello section. Yes a cello section. Probably the most tuneful act of the night, but still have plenty of energy, can play to, rather like them, have they got a CD? little bit of movement going on now, things are warming up.

Then its Deathline’s turn with their self styled Rock Noir. There’s only two of them, guy and girl, Kaoru and Jenny, lead and bass, with a powerbook providing backing and drums, but the lack of warm bodies doesn’t reduce the volume, in fact there probably the loudest act of the night, the clubs lo-fi sound system works with the distortion nicely, the sound seems to come up though the floor and shake your insides, in a pleasant sort of way Plus they have that whole Rock Star look down pat. Didn’t have a clue what they where singing about, but that didn’t really matter, just enjoyed the energy and the sonic assault The crowd seems to grow and move closer for Deathline

Grab a couple of photo’s of K and (gorgeous) Jenny at the end, but I’m to shy to try and talk to them. Go dressed to an unknown straight club and dance around, no problem, talk to someone unknown who probably understands, er help Even chatting to Jane, who I’ve met before,  was hard, It’s this who socialising thing again, you earthlings confuse me. Sorry I wasn’t great company Jane, need to drag Jessica along with us so she can do all the talking instead

Last act I see are the LR Rockets. Not the most energetic, most musical or polished act of the night, but the one that manages to get the crowd (albeit mostly the girls) really moving, which is a talent in itself. Enjoy this lot too. Start to move more then a blonde girl drags me out (OK I didn’t need much of a push) into the front and we dance around a bit.

She’s very cute, but probably young enough to be my daughter and mad as a bag of ferrets. She tries to get to Vogue in the next number and then tells me I look ridiculous, but in a good way, I’ll take that as a compliment, I think Then she spins off around the room dancing with everyone. The band a fun and put a smile on my face, but now its gone midnight and way past my bed time, work tomorrow, so decide to call it a night. There might have been another band on or a special guest, not sure, but didn’t stay to see. Jane decides to move on as well.

Acceptance? , yeah pretty good, am pretty much ignored most of the time, trannies, like wotever. Did get a “MATE” from one bloke and a few odd looks (but to be honest I stare at a few people too), but nothing I can’t handle, plus I got a dance, I think Jane got good treatment, actually seem to remember one guy tried to buy her a drink. So generally a fairly safe venue, this Artrocker club seems to run every Tuesday, this was there Xmas event, not sure what a regular night is like though. Go again, maybe, see Deathline, LR Rockets or Gamages Model Train Club again, if they where playing locally, yeah, probably.

Leave Jane to get a Taxi back to her hotel, did you get back OK hun? and walk back to the flat, with some chips of course, diet seems to have gone on its Xmas holiday. Scrub the makeup off and crash with ears still ringing. Getting up next morning was hard and still had some eyeliner to remove.

Soon be Xmas, but I’ve still might get another crafty night out this week, Friday night, the T* might be invading China town…

(Just a side note, after message from Lynn about my comments system  being rather unfriendly (bit like its owner really) I’ve relaxed some of the restrictions, so if any of you ever wanted to say something here (unlikely I know), it now should be easier. Spam filter is still there though)
 

The weekend started a bit early, Friday afternoon, my office’s Xmas party was at a big hotel in central London and I didn’t go. Well I was on call that week, I don’t really like parties anyway and it was black tie, which isn’t really me (going as Helena isn’t really an option either), so I ducked out. But due to the party, work shut down early, and my boss offered me a lift back into town. A white knuckle ride later, (he drives an S2000 like a loon, a few speed limits may of been “slightly fractured” on the way) and I’m on the Edgware Road by 4 heading home, take slight detour via Oxford Street, might just look in a couple of shops… 2 more jackets, 3 tops, belt, extra large hat, gloves, tights and a scarf later, ooops. Right no more clothes for you, well not until the January sales, or if you see anything REALLY nice That’s the problem is women’s fashion moves so fast that if you see something you really like, you almost have to buy it then, cause it ain’t going to be there in 2 weeks time.

Saturday, early, wake, blearily prod at alarm clock and get up, Helena time, start running a bath, get a coffee and a bite and turn on the PC to check a mail and a couple of sites, coffee starts to do its magic and after a short while I’m wide awake. Then I notice the time, 2:37am. Bugger, something else, not the alarm must of woken me, and in my half asleep state didn’t notice the time, it’s normally dark when I get up at the moment anyway. Go back to bed to try and get some more sleep, I don’t have to get ready that early. Alarm wakes me up from a weird dream at the normal 5:45 (my normal time!) and its back to the normal Saturday routine of bathe, shave, dress and makeup, skin is behaving itself for a change so it goes on quite well. All monochromatic greys and blacks, with only a splash of Viva Glam and Cherry nail varnish for colour, a bit severe, but seems to work. Out by about 10 ish, and dam that skirt was a mistake, cold, raining, miserable nasty day, brrrrr. The hat, (had to be XL to fit my head with the syrup) I got Friday seemed to be a good call as about 75% of the female population seems to be wearing one that day (plus I can hide under it), but the skirt stands out a bit, only a handful are wearing them, and they all seem to be under 25. Don’t want to walk in this weather, so take the bus to the station and get the train to Camden.

Since Bob did all the clothes shopping on Friday (and er mid week ask well) it’s Helena’s turn to do the geeky stuff on Saturday, plan was see a couple of films and go to a Sci-Fi book signing. Role reversal I guess, but the two are getting so blurred now it doesn’t seem to matter, the whole likes this sort of thing and activities do not need to be limited to a specific gender presentations to conform to stereotype (except perhaps dancing). Since I’m on call, evening fun have to be curtailed, as I have to be able be on the end of a phone and be able to log in, so no clubbing, but day time Saturday is mostly free, so have to make the most.

First stop is Camden, as well, it’s nice just to look around, it’s a short train ride and haven’t got anything better to do until after lunch. Also spotted so nice things on my last flying visit and wanted another look at, have this slightly mad idea to go all Gothic Lolita for the next Magic Theatre event, but not sure I can pull it off (or find clothes that actually fit, they are often rather small), so wander around the markets looking at Goth and the little Japanese places. But really it’s just a wander and look see, spot a couple of things that are hrm maybe, but don’t buy. Find some a little quiet corners for some pics.

But it’s to cold to stay out long and the book signing is at 1pm so jump on the tube back to Leicester Square. Lunch at Pret (seem to have developed a liking for it recently, am getting bored with Starbucks and Costa). Scatter bangles on the floor when taking my gloves off to eat, oops, gentleman tries to help me pick them up, but I get them first, thanks anyway.

Book signing is at Forbidden Planet, author is Charles Stross, I’m a bit of a fan, (a link to his blog, Charlie’s Diary has been on the blogroll since day 1), have virtually everything he’s written (and he’s quite prolific) . He’s very much in the modern British SF scene, technically very savvy, bursting with ideas and he mixes and moves around sub genres with ease, but all with good, fast moving prose and a sense of humour. If you haven’t read his stuff before, try Accelerando, it’s available as a free (yes this is legit) e-book here It’s actually a slightly disjointed read as it was originally a series of linked novella’s and it’s a mass of idea’s and concepts, a reviewer (the Guardian I think) described its as like being caught in an explosion in an ideas factory without a helmet, I can’t describe it better, give it a go, it might just blow your mind There isn’t a big crowd for the signing unfortunately for Mr Stross (but better for me), I wait a bit, then nervously approach with a copy of “Toast”, a short story collection and the only available book of his I haven’t got, to be signed. No worries, Mr Stross is all smiles and happily signs his book, l ask about his the next novel, he says Halting State, a near future story about virtual crime should be available in a few weeks its going on my Xmas list. I take a photo of Charles, then the woman with him (from the store or perhaps the publisher) asks if I would like a photo of me with the author, I say yes sheepishly, hand over my camera and she takes the shot.

Made my day, not sure what Mr Stross though, but it all seemed OK. Actually I wasn’t that worried, I kind of guessed he would be OK with the whole TG thing, as it’s a theme on one of his novels (and gets mentioned in one or two others). “Glasshouse” deals with a post human civilisation with a “male” (there’s a large malleability of mind and body in the post singularity setting) inhabiting a female body in simulated 20th century environment for a social experiment.

The pictures next, but it was chucking it down by now, do another lap of the store hoping it will slow down, but it doesn’t, so make my way to the Trocadero in the wet under a flimsy little Primark umbrella whose handle keeps falling off (as apposed to a flimsy to big TG dressed in Primark who is still trying to get a handle on life :)). Little early for the film so wander around the shops and arcades

Costumes, tourists, fake designer bags (there’s a “D&G” I liked, another for that Xmas list), micro remote controlled helicopters (yet another item for that growing list) and all sorts going on. There’s a group of anime cosplayers in Funland playing on the Dance Revolution machines, not exactly sure why, perhaps I should of asked, and definitely should of tried to get a photo. Get some sweats and sneak them in to the cinema when the time comes. But it’s a long film and my bladder wasn’t going to make it all the way through, so dash into the ladies before hand. Bit scary this, dash in, find cubicle, do what’s necessary and dash out. No bother, but using public loos when out dressed is still not a comfortable experience, I’m always sure I’ll be clocked and ejected from the premises as a pervert But I have to say the ladies loo’s at the Shaftsbury avenue Cineworld are far nice than the gents.

The film is Southland Tales written and directed by Richard Kelly (most famous for Jonny Darko) and it’s a bit er er well I don’t know. I’m not sure I liked it, it’s a huge random sprawling car crash of a movie that you just sort of have to rubber neck. The plot is well, a bit mad (its sort of Sci-fi/Alternate history), it’s well over ambitious, the performances are unconvincing and over done and it messages mixed. Perhaps the best performance is from Dwayne Johnson aka “The Rock”, wrestler and action movie star, he actually acts in this film. Female lead is Sarah Michelle Gellar, lovely as ever but as porn star/left wing revolutionary, not really. Other people in there include Justin Timberlake, Christopher Lambert and Kevin Smith. There’s even a sort of drug induced pop video section in the middle with a performance of “Ive got soul, but I’m not a soldier” in a video arcade full of marines playing games and girls in identical blonde wigs and PVC nurses outfits cavorting. I didn’t say it made sense. I think it will become a cult movie, with drunk students watching and debating on what its actually all about it in the early hours, but then again, it might just be to deliberately “cult” to achieve this, dunno. Watch it, make up you own mind, but its cinema release is very limited, maybe wait until the DVD. On reflection I’m glad I saw it, films this left field don’t come along that often in this world of sequels, remakes, novel and comic adaptations, live action versions of old cartoons and TV show rehashes it’s a refreshing change.

But it is rather long to, so it’s dark when I get out, time for a little shopping in Piccadilly Circus before heading off to see the next film.

Take a bit too long getting a few bits and pieces from Boots, then just miss exactly the right bus, but then get another that’s almost as good and I’m back in Islington just in time for the film. Next one is Blade Runner, the Final Cut. This is also getting a limited cinema release and it’s on it Islington’s little art house(ish) cinema, the The Screen on the Green. Another slightly scary dash to the ladies (its not big so there’s a bit of a queue) and I settle in for film number 2.

You must of seen Blade Runner before, so I don’t need to review it, but I have to say I think this new “Final” cut is the best version. The plot is pretty much identical to the directors cut, but the visuals and sounds have been cleaned up, it looks magnificent, better than ever, sharper and more vivid, and for example a few of the rougher composites (like the Spinners flying down the streets) have been redone and its all much more together. The whole effect of the restoration is still pretty subtle though, not like the new versions of Star Wars. The film still stands up for me, and is fantastic example of the model makers, set builders, lighting and cinematographers art. Also I’ve recently noticed just how perfect Sean Young’s makeup is Definitely worth seeing again on the big screen IMHO, and a the remastered sound benefits from a proper system. But what you do notice watching it in 2007 is what an odd version of the future it is, set in 2019 there’s off world colonies, artificial humans and flying cars, but people still read paper newspapers and have to use pay phones, a bit quaint really Another thing is the LA setting, it doesn’t look like LA (not that I’ve ever visited it, but have seen a thousand movies and TV shows set there), Southland Tales looks like LA, in fact, it could only be LA, but Blade Runner looks more like London. The narrow streets, neon and darkness, rain and smoke, dense varied traffic and the cosmopolitan mass of people felt just like the West End on a cold wet Saturday night I just left, admittedly you would have to make all the buildings 10x taller for the full affect, but the cacophony of the polyglot crowds passing Chinese neon sights and streets full of hybrid cars and rickshaws all seemed very similar.

What next, hungry by now, don’t want to cook, but don’t really want to sit in a restaurant alone either, so compromise and decide to get a takeaway on the way home. But first it’s the supermarket (as per usual) for food for Sunday ( I deliberately don’t get enough food in Bob mode for the weekend to force Helena to go and buy it), I’ve been avoiding the Sainsbury’s in Islington while dressed cause my brother shops there, but I guess he won’t be shopping at this hour, so I get my supplies, then back to the bus stop, stopping in Borders on the way to pick up a copy of Northern Lights. The film version, the Golden Compass is out, but I don’t feel like seeing another film today and the book is much cheaper (its on special offer) and I’m told, better anyway. Just miss the right bus again, and wait for the next one, but don’t feel cold now, perhaps it warmed up or I just have that warm glow by now. Good films, and general acceptance all day helped with that, no adverse comments, perhaps just the odd mutter in the background, Madam’ed and even Darling’ed a few times. Well easy areas and hiding under a hat and brolly or in dark cinemas helped a bit Next bus comes along, and it home, via the Chinese for vegetable fried rice. Feet up and eat up, day over, good one.

Sunday, house work and the inevitable system thats fallen over and needs sorting. Soon be Christmas.

Due to work and family and wot not, Saturday was probably going to be my last proper full girly day until after Christmas, so was determined to get the most out of it. Up and dressed, nothing special, daytime comfort, yet another cream sweater, this one moults a bit, denim not so mini, hat and furry boots and jacket. Hopefully plain enough to escape most gazes, skirt still a bit on the short side though, but still all fairly fashionable I guess. Plan for the day was to hit the shops, then dinner with a few Angels, a pit stop back home, pub and band, then maybe a club, dinner was actually a bit uncertain, but a couple of texts and it was confirmed. Lot to get in, so was out before 10.

Tube to Marble Arch. Oxford Street on a Saturday, especially in the run up to Christmas is usually madness, just far to many people, lots of locals, plus people making trips from out of town to come and shop here, why? You get the same chain stores you get elsewhere. But this Saturday there was a bit of an event on and they had closed the street to traffic, so I hoped there would be enough room to move. Just a quick loop around Primark first, there was nothing in particular I wanted from here, but still ended up with a top, a skirt, a coat, socks and 2 sets of less than practical underwear (blush). Need to be more disciplined, resist, resist.

Then a few bits and bobs from Superdrug (10% off day) and a silver jacket from New Look, to complete an outfit I had seen on Mannequin there earlier. A number of the shops seemed to be doing extra stuff for this event, New Look where taking photo’s and putting them on a shopping bag for you, free, so well I had to didn’t I.

They where nice about it, again most stores usually are, but the woman printing the bag called me Sir. Sigh After that Selfridges for a nosy, mince pie tasting the food hall and a squirt of smellies in the concessions

After that it was a fairly determined search for a black “Satin” (Polyester) Tuxedo jacket, had seen one advertised by H&M but a trawl of two of there stores turned up a blank, Zara’s version was rather expensive, and Next’s just didn’t look right. But H&M number 3 (there are at least 4 on Oxford Street) had one, a bit short in the arms, but I had a pair of satiny shorts, trousers and now a skirt that would match so that’s another shopping bag to the collection. Find a spot behind Boots to take some more photo’s for my incurable vanity.

As well as the special offers, a few of the stores put on some entertainment, there was a couple of bands, drummers and stilt walkers and stands extolling the virtues of green transportation (But a Toyota Prius doesn’t really count as that IMHO, all that Lithium), but mostly they where people extolling the events sponsor, Mastercard. Also noticed a few of the “Outlet” type places now have some fake designer bags, Channel, Prada, D&G etc, nothing grabbed immediately, but Bob might have to buy me one for Xmas.

All this made shopping in Oxford Street a bit more jolly than usual though, and being able to use the extra space one of the road made walking at a steady pace almost possible. Oxford Street should be pedestrianised all year round if you ask me, though where you put all the buses that normally fill the street would be a bit of an issue.

Had most of the things I came for, continued up the street, everything was going well, sensible boots helped. The big TopShop is nice for a browse, tons of stuff to look at but only ended up with some grey opaque tights (which are in) and some sweets. High standard of customer and staff in there, virtually everyone looked really good (cept me). DVD and game to satisfy the geek from Zavvi (silly name) and that’s Oxford Street shopped out. Big collection of bags by now. perhaps to big, dunno I seem to get more attention when I’ve got a lot to carry, perhaps the weight and fatigue affects my walk a bit and I stoop, or its just that the larey people are out and about more later in the day, dunno, but got “It’s a Man!”, “Hey Tranny!” a couple of times when heading down toward Covent Garden. Forbidden Planet than MAC (Can’t be many people who shop at both), MAC are running a promotion for world Aids day and their Viva Glam range whose profits go to support Aids Charities, so an almost naked man was giving away chocolates in the store.

Well I had to buy a Viva Glam lippy after that, poor guy; going out like that he must be braver than I am. Getting later now, and hadn’t had lunch, but dinner was going to be early, so just stopped of for a snack in Pret. Definitely shopped out by now, Dinner as I said, going to be early, in Smithfields, but not this early, so what to do? To late to catch film, so what the hell, walk to Smithfields, exercise can’t hurt. Get about halfway, then it starts to rain, bugger. Don’t mind to much as hat (and wig) keep my head dry and have a nice warm coat on, but that big well stuffed Primark bag is recycled paper, paper which disintegrates in the wet (as I’ve found out before unfortunately ) Hide in a bus shelter for a bit, but no buses turn up, so make a dash to Chancery land tube station. A rather round the houses tube ride to Barbican, I’m still early and joy, it’s stopped raining. Think, I’ll just make sure I know where the restaurant, Carluccio’s, is as I didn’t check its exact location before leaving, a lap Smithfields market and a wander up to Farringdon later and I’m still non the wiser

But since I’m a girl I can ask for directions, and the nice people in Starbucks point the way. Found I had virtually walked past it earlier, Doh! By now it’s not to early, so pop in a wait it out with a pleasant glass of red. Clarissa turns up on time, but Jess and Jane text to say they are running late, so we chat over some more of that pleasant red until they turn up, They make it in the end, but since they are on a timetable and we are all thinking of our waistlines, it’s straight to the main course. Both Jess and Jane are glammed up as usual, and Clarrisa isn’t exactly slobbing it either, so feel a bit under dressed, but my fellow dinners are too polite to mention. Clarrisa, Jessica and Jane (we all post on UK Angels) where all of to a concert in the evening at the Barbican, Beth Nielson Chapman, didn’t fancy that myself, like my music a bit louder, but the girls let me join them for dinner and we where going to meet up again afterwards. Food’s great, good plate of veggie pasta and some Tiramisu for Desert and yet more of that nice red flows as does the conversation, it’s rather a lovely meal actually. The restaurant staff are great too, I guess since this place is so close to the bar where they used to hold Trans-Mission (Now another branch of Pret a Manger) we can’t be the first party of TGs to dine here.

The Angels go to the concert, while I do a quick trolley dash around Tesco’s (can’t have a girly day without a trip to the supermarket it seems) and bus it home, arms full. But its just a pit stop to deposit the shopping, bio break, coffee and touch up the makeup (OK that can take a while) and its off back out again, the night is still young. Start walking back down to Islington.

Bit of a chill on the legs by now, so walk briskly, stop by a cash machine for a top up, giving some change to the homeless guy by the machine, bit of a pattern here, previously had also given to a busker singing “Hey Mister Tambourine man”, bought the Viva glam, had the meal they donate a portion of the profits to the homeless for in the restaurant etc. Just little tokens, guess I was feeling a bit guilty over all of that consumerism

And it’s back to the Kings Head again, Elephant Shelf where playing again and its always a good night, and well, it’s local and easy. When I said playing, they where actually playing when I turned up around 9:45, which is well early for them, they where halfway through the first set. Bit of a scrum inside, all rather packed (wonder if it’s to do with Dan Castanella appearing in a play there?) but fight my way to the front (its handy being a big girl sometimes) and have a bit of a bop about. Chat to the band in the interval, it appears there has been complaints about the noise from the neighbours (which is odd cause this pub has had bands on nightly for years) and they have to be off by 11, so its an early start and short sets. Pity, the place is usually only starting to warm up by then. Jess, Jane and Clarissa turn up during the 2nd set, but its hard to meet up with the place being so rammed, we also get a flying visit from planet Handbag to and managed to have bit of a chat after the music finishes. Problem with the early finish is the girls don’t get to hear much music, feel a bit guilty about persuading them to come But the night is not over yet, Jessica and Jane want to finish the night at the Wayout club, and since its still pretty early I join them and Taxi it back to the city. Clarissa wants to call it a night though and we say our goodbyes at the station before hitting the club. Nice to meet you Clarissa, lets do this again sometime.

The Wayout is its usual self, bit quieter perhaps, not as many girls as before maybe, dunno, but “Its raining men” comes on, nope it hasn’t changed much since the last visit. Dance away until the Cabaret comes on. Being the plain Jane (me, the real Jane is quite sparkly) and spending most of my time on the dance floor means I’m ignored by the admirers, Jess reported later she got a bit too much attention. So my cunning plan of hanging out with people better dressed and prettier than me worked beautifully

Cabaret is a bit more risqué than usual methinks, it included TG Adult entertainment “Star” Wendy Williams does a lip sync, topless, and Miss Cookie does a bit of a comedy turn and gives us a enthusiastic rendition of “Doncha wish your girlfriend had a cock like me”

Dance a bit more afterwards, but lightweight Love is flagging by about 2:30, says good byes and cab home, Jessica, Jane, next time you are in town give us a call. Stop the minicab a bit before home so I can get chips, it’s not a proper night out without chips Finally get home about 3:15. Been a very long day.

Maybe I can get out for a bit of a wander in the next couple of weeks and perhaps a cheeky local night out, but it’s mostly going to be Bob having mince pies with the relations until after Xmas, which is OK, but Helena will probably be screaming to get out by Boxing day.