Hobbies & Interests

In my profile I list several interests and hobbies. I've written some about my interest and activities with crossdressing, and not much about the others. Here's some brief info about the others. Let me know if you want to read more about them.

Homebrewing

I've been homebrewing beer for about the past 6 years. I started out with a simple kit received as a gift. The beer was drinkable, but no where near as good as other homebrews I'd had. After making a case each of the two styles that came with the kit, I figured that I could make better beer if I learned a bit more about it. I started reading up on it. If you are interested, the "bible" is The Complete Joy of Homebrewing by Charles Papazian. I've found it to be extremely helpful. Magazines such as Brew Your Own and Zymurgy are also great references.

Homebrewing is one of those hobbies that has varying levels of involvement, from simple "just add water" kits that make 1 case of beer; to custom-building your own equipment, growing your own hops, etc. that make kegs of beer. I'm still on the low-end of the scale. I buy kits that include pre-measured grain, malt extract, and hops that makes two cases of beer for $35-$40. It takes an afternoon to brew, a week or two of fermentation, and then an afternoon to bottle. In a couple of weeks, its ready to drink. I've brewed mostly porters and Marzens. I brought a bottle of the last batch to the folks at the homebrew store for evaluation, and they said that it was pretty good.

Science Fiction

"Damn it, Jim! I'm a doctor, not a bricklayer!" I'm a total SF geek. I started watching Star Trek in the early '70's and still watch it when I get the chance. One of these days I'll get it on DVD. The Next Generation, Enterprise, and Deep Space Nine were watchable and sometimes interesting, but it will always be the original series for me! And, yes, I did have a uniform shirt when I was a kid that I used to wear just about anywhere. I also love watching the Star Wars movies. Some say that its either Star Trek or Star Wars, not me. Its a big universe!

When I was younger I collected Star Trek trading cards, and even when I was older. I stopped a few years ago as it seemed that the trading card companies were simply putting out new sets of the same material. The 'rares' became more rare and costly. I have a lot of Star Trek books from the '70s as well. At the time it just seemed like a way to spend my small allowance. I'm glad I did! Many of them are 1st editions and no longer in print.

I've read a lot of science fiction. Favorite authors include Frank Herbert and Isaac Asimov. Lately I've been reading compilations to try to find some new authors to read. Suggestions are welcome!

Enough for today. More about my other hobbies later.

True and False

"Borrowed" this from Gigi

Copy this entire list into your blog
BOLD everything about you that is true.
Leave plain anything that is false about you.
Put an asterisk (*) at the end of false statements you would LIKE to be true.

I have had sex while wearing a blindfold.
*I have blindfolded someone else during sex.
*I have had sex while watching porn.
*I have had sex while surfing porn on the Internet.
I sleep better after sex.
There are some nights I cannot sleep without sex or masturbating.
The bed is NOT my most favorite place to have sex.
I am turned on knowing someone is watching me masturbate.
*I have masturbated for someone over a web cam.
*I have had sex over a web cam.
I will have sex with someone I just met if they turn me on.
I have been tied up during sex.
*I have had sex with someone who was tied up.
I have dripped wax onto a lover's body.
*I have had a lover drip wax onto my body.
I have a foot fetish.
I have a leather fetish.
I have a tickle fetish.
I like being choked during sex.
I have had sex in a burning building.
I have erotic art on display somewhere in my residence.
I enjoy nudie magazines.
*Erotic toys are a regular part of my budget.
I think PLAYBOY is tame, maybe even boring.
I have clicked on porn links in my email.
I know the difference between girl/girl and lesbian sex in porn.
I have watched more than one gay/lesbian porn video.
Much of what I know about sex comes from porn.
Interracial sex turns me on.
*I think we should do more to understand the cultures of sex.
*I would participate in sex research given the opportunity.
My current lover does not sufficiently meet my sexual needs.
I currently have a "crush" on someone of the same sex.
I have had sex at my place of employment.
I am often disappointed in my sexual relationships.
Some people might describe me as a nymphomaniac.
I am difficult to live with if I'm not having sex on a regular basis.
I sleep better with someone snuggled up next to me.
*I have had sex under water.
*I have had sex in the snow.
I am in a polyamorous relationship.
I have to have music playing while having sex.
I have had more than ten orgasms in one night.
I have flashed strangers.
I have given sex as a gift.
I have set-up a three-way for my lover.
*I stopped during this list to have sex.*

More Info About Me

At one of the EZBoards where I'm a member, they ask a lot of 'getting to know you' questions, so I thought I'd post the Q&A's here for your info as well.

Q. What is it about women's clothing that turns you on?
A. There are many things, in no particular order:
1) I have a fetish for hosiery and heels, as well as women's legs and feet.
2) Style - women's clothes are much more stylish than men's, more colors, fabrics, etc. They are more fitted and stretchy.
3) The feel of wearing them, the tactile sensations. Hosiery, stockings and pantyhose, are very sensual garments. The feel of wearing a bra and/or garter belt is also a turn on, as well as heels.
4) I'm not a drag queen, and I don't wear dress, wigs, and make-up. I do wear women's pants, blouses, shoes, and lingerie. When I do wear these clothes in public, one may not always immediately recognize them as women's clothes, and the exciting part is that I am.
5) I wear the clothes not because I am trying to "become" a woman or "pass" as one. It has more to do with how I feel when wearing them. It is hard to explain easily. Sort of like wearing the clothes gives me the feeling of how it would feel to be a woman who's wearing the clothes. Her wearing them turns me on, so me wearing them is also turning me on.

Q. Besides water what drink would you pick if it was the only thing you could have for the rest of your life?
A. BEER!!!

Q. What song do you choose if you wanted to be in a better mood?
A. Almost any song by They Might Be Giants. Or even "She Sells Sanctuary" by The Cult.

Q. If you could go back in time, what year would you go back to? Why?
A. Probably the late 1700's to experience the history of the states.

Q. If you could name a city, what name would you name it?
A. Sheenville

Q. What is the wildest thing you've done in your life? What's the kinkiest thing you've ever experienced?
A. A few years ago I went to a place called The Royal Castle, a place where they have Mistresses to have an experience with. I had always wanted to have the experience of being dominated as I have a very submissive personality. I made an appointment and dressed in some of my favorite girl clothes - black Victoria's Secret pantyhose, bra, and panties, a black waist nipper (like a corset, but not as long), black jeans, a white blouse, and a pair of 4" heels. When I arrived, the secretary berated me and told me to go into the other room as sit down. I did so and waited for what seemed like 15 minutes before someone came in. The room had the typical BSDM stuff - lots of chains, ropes, paddles, tables and chairs that had restraints on them, etc.

The first Mistress came in and explained the rules of the house to me and told me a bit about herself. She said another would come in ad do the same, and then I could pick with whom I wanted to have the session. She had on a red and white striped corset, stockings, and mini skirt. Very attractive but young and petite. The second one then came in. She was at least as tall as me, long black hair, and she was wearing a long knit dress that had a slit all the way up both sides. I picked her. I explained what I was interested in. She had me undress, and as I was taking of the blouse and jeans, she noticed my lingerie. She had me spin around so she could check me out and seemed to be pleased. Then she blindfolded me and lead me to a high table. She had me get on it and tied my hands up above my head. She got on in front of me and put one leg on my shoulder. She was wearing hosiery and she told me to kiss her leg. She put her other foot on my crotch, digging the heel of her shoe into my balls. Then she put the other leg on my other shoulder and had me kiss that leg, squeezing my head between her legs. Then she lead me over to a kneeler (like they have in church) and had me kneel on it with my arms over the front. She tied them down and proceeded to spank me and humiliate me. She used he hands first, then a paddle. I had to beg her to stop as part of the scene. Each time I'd ask her to stop, she hit me harder. When she thought I had enough she stood in front of me and lifted a foot into my face, having me lick and kiss it. She occasionally reached over to paddle me. Then she stood over me with my head between her legs, squeezing them together and telling me to beg for forgiveness. Then she turned around and put her ass in my face, telling me to kiss and lick it. By this time I was sooo horny and ready to cum, I asked if I could do so. She got very angry. More paddles for my ass. She wanted to see me cum without touching myself. I couldn't as my hands were still tied. She got behind me, spread my legs, and used the paddle to softly spank my cock and balls. I had to beg for her to not spank me harder. She berated me and said she would stop when I came. It took a lot of effort, but I eventually did cum. I was exhausted from the effort and the begging. She untied my hands and watched me clean up. I asked if I could use the bathroom, and she lead me, still in my lingerie, out into the lobby past the secretary and the other Mistresses to the bathroom. They were all whistling and making comments about me. I came out and then got dressed. When I left the place, the secretary left with me and we chatted a bit in the elevator. Now she was a pleasant person just wanting to leave work and get to the bars.

Q. When you were a teenager, would you say you were more into sex or more into music?
A. Music, unless you count masturbation as sex, then it was masturbation.

Q. Who is your favorite author?
A. Frank Herbert

Q. Your favorite movie?
A. Star Wars

Q. Favorite sexual position?
A. Only one?! On the bottom - as Kramer says "Let her do all the work."

Q. What's something you find yourself saying a lot?
A. "Rats!"

Q. What was your last thought?
A. Sex

Q. When is your bedtime?
A. Usually 10PM

Q. When was the last time you laughed? What was it that you laughed at?
A. Today at a meeting, just trying to be polite by laughing at a joke that wasn't really funny.

Q. What color is your bedroom carpet?
A. Hardwood floors.

Q. How many fingers am I holding up?
A. Umm, three, and I can't read between the lines!

Q. What did you purchase last time you went to the grocery store?
A. Bottled water, 5 gallons for brewing beer.

Q. What scents stimulate your sexual urges?
A. Vanilla!!!

Q. Describe your hobby and what inspires you to do it?
A. Homebrewing. I like to make stuff (baking is another hobby), I like to drink beer, and I like to see if I can make something good.

Q. You're going to apply for a job as a female impersonator, which female celebrity do you go as?
A. Lilith from Cheers.

Q. Which band or solo performer is your fave and why?
A. The Talking Heads, very original music & lyrics, and it gets me going.

Q. What question would you like to be asked? AND what is your answer to that question?
A. Can we give you suggestions to make your blog better? Yes, please do!

Q. Of all the 7 deadly sins: Gluttony, Sloth, Envy, Greed, Pride, Wrath and Lust -- which are you most guilty of?
A. Lust, I'm a total horn dog and an orgasm is the ultimate high.

Q. What was the last thing you put into your mouth?
A. A mint after eating lunch.

Q. What are your 7 favorite sexual positions??
A. 7?!?!? I'm not sure I've gotten to seven different ones. My SO doesn't like to experiment, so its usually me on top or her on top.

Q. If you could have a lifetime supply of something...what would it be?
A. Really good microbrewy beer, preferably a porter.

More on Copenhagen, Denmark

Now that I've been back for a week, it almost seems like a lifetime ago that I was there. Not that my body realizes it. Jet lag sucks. I couldn't sleep when I was there, and now I'm finding that I'm falling asleep on the couch at 8PM instead of 10PM. Anyway, I really did have a great time there, and wish I had more time.

Highlights of the trip included going to the Carlsberg Brewery. One of the best brewery tours I've ever taken. Instead of touring the modern factory, they take you through the old factory in a multi-media experience. The tasting bar was great, but limited to two samples. Now I will have to find some Carlsberg around here to see if it tastes the same. Maybe the only better brewery tour was at the Yuengling brewery. I also ate & drank at a brewpub called BrewPub in the city. Great beer!

I did do the Hop-On-Hop-Off bus tour. A tourist thing to do, and the best way to see the city easily and get a history lesson. The Rosenborg Castle was also a winner. I almost missed out on Tivoli. At first I didn't think it would be interesting to see as it is an amusement park. However, after dinner on Sunday we went there as it was the last day it was open until Christmas. I'm glad I did go. Lots of people and a neat place to see. A band called Kashmir had a concert. Great music, similar to Coldplay. The disk is on its way from Amazon.com.

I didn't go to the Royal Copenhagen Porcelain Factory, but went to the store instead and bought a few Christmas gifts. In the same area is the Erotic Museum (as pictured below). Didn't go in as I think I've seen more erotica than could fit in any museum. One place I wish I would have had time to go to was the Viking museum.

The weather was great - warmer than usual. And of course the women were tall, blond, and all beautiful. I think part of this is due to the fact that a lot of people ride bikes to get around. The infrastructure is set up to make this possible, so much better than the states.

Denmark

Here are a few pictures of my trip to Copenhagen.

In Need of Shoes

Male shoes this time. I wanted to get a pair of brown Doc Marten's. They are now made in China. I have two other pairs back when they were made in England, one black and one brown steel-toes for work. I love wearing them - very comfortable. Now that they're made in China, is the quality the same? Are they still as cool as they once were? Am I fretting over nothing? I looked at the websites of other British shoes, TUK and Tredair. They are similar in looks, but not quite the style for which I'm looking. Why does everything have to be outsourced to China?

Any suggestions?

Any other Mac users?

Are there any Mac users out there? I have an 800 MHz eMac with a SuperDrive currently running 10.2.4. I'm planning on upgrading to 10.4 soon. Just wondering what method of upgrading you used and how it went. I know I need to back everything up before the upgrade. The one concern I have is making sure all the files I need get moved over: e-mail, Safari bookmarks, iPhoto photos, iTunes music, and other 3rd party program preferences (I just can't loose my High Score in Pinball!). Any advice is appreciated!

And if anyone wants to send me an iPod Nano, I'd be thrilled!

Going to Denmark Next Week

Has anyone been to Copenhagen? I'm going there for a week late next week for business. I'll have a couple days to go sightseeing and I'm looking for some things to do. A few things that could be on the list:

1. Take the bus tour of the city. This is the typical tourist thing to do, and I see it as the best way to see everything easily.
2. Go to the Carlsberg brewery. I'm a beer enthusiast. Free tour, two free samples. There's at least on brewpub that I found on the net, Nørrebro Bryghus.
3. Maybe take the tour of one of the royal castles, Rosenborg Slot (Rosenborg Castle) or the Amalienborg Slot (Amalienborg Castle). Castles are cool places.
4. Not sure about the Tivoli Gardens. Its an amusement park and botanical garden.
5. Maybe a tour of the Royal Copenhagen Porcelain Factory.

Any suggestions on souvenirs? If I go to the porcelain factory I could probably find some good stuff to ship home, but they have stores here in the states. Legos are from Denmark, maybe there will be something unique there that's not available here. Postcards are a given (give me your address and I'll try to send you one). I haven't found much else that isindigenouss.

Some Photos

Here are some photos of the shoes I bought during a trip in August. Hope you like them!

Childhood Memories

I was visiting my parents house over the Labor Day weekend and I thought I'd share some memories of my childhood. They don't have anything to do with crossdressing, at least at a conscious level.

My bedroom at my parent's house (is it still mine? I haven't lived there since college) is on the second floor. A few miles away is a highway. Its too far away to hear traffic noise during the day. I can hear it at night. It is not so loud as to keep me awake. The crickets drown it out if there are a lot of them. It is sort of as a white noise with definite truck engine sounds. Every time I'm home I open my window at night to listen. It brings back the feeling of childhood in an abstract way. You're thinking "Highway traffic sounds bring back childhood memories? I can't stand traffic noise!" Well, its one of those contextual things. Taken out of context, it probably doesn't make any sense. If you were in my room, laying in bed, drapes open, moonlight shining in, it does.

And that is another childhood memory - looking at the moon. I was (and still am) an astronomy geek. We had a reflector telescope and my dad's binoculars to look at the night sky. My bedroom window is a great place to look at the moon. The window sill is high enough that I could prop my elbows on it to steady the binoculars, as well as the telescope on its tripod. We did a lot of observing. (I know you are thinking that we also looked at the neighboors, but there were no houses behind our.) The details we were able to see on the moon were incredible! One of these days I'll have to get a new telescope and find a place nearby to use it.

End of August Update

It has been a while since I've posted anything, and a lot has been going on. So here's the scoop:

Week of August 15th: Spent the week traveling back down south for work. Alone this time so I brought some of the girl-clothes, but no girl-shoes. Planned to go shoe shopping to keep busy. It was a good trip. Work went well. One night I was dressed in khakis and t-shirt & blouse, lingerie underneath, and went to one of the city's malls. Tried on clothes at American Eagle and Express. Got lots of attention from the salesgirls at AE, at least enough for me to know that they all knew that I was trying on women's clothes. When I went to the dressing room the second time, the girl looked at the size (10) and said that they sell a lot of jeans in that size. New jeans styles at Express, so I had to check them out. They are nice looking, but I'm not too keen on the quality. Almost tried on a pair of shoes at Aldo, but the style was not in my size.

The next evening I went shoe shopping at some other stores, and found a great pair at the Shoe Rack - black pumps with pink stitching (I'll post the picture later). The girl at the store asked if I wanted another pair for half-off, and I told her that I couldn't find a style that I liked in 11's. I put them on in the car once I left the store, stopped at a walk-up ATM for cash, and took a walk around the strip mall nearby. On my way back to the hotel, I forgot that one should avoid walking on grass in heels. Argh! Cleaned them up in the hotel room, and really enjoyed having new shoes to wear the rest of the week.

Week of August 22nd: My schedule took me to Toronto, Canada for a few days. Didn't bring any girl-clothes as I didn't want to raise any flags coming through Customs. I had not been to Canada since I was 10, so it was pretty much all new to me. Very nice - nice people, nice scenery, and I had a chance to sample the local beer. I hope I can get back there to try more!

This is just a test - trying to see how uploading pictures works.

Today's Update

It haas been a while since my last post, so if anyone is reading my blog, here's what's been going on.

Two weeks ago I was on another business trip. As expected, I did not get to crossdress as much as I would have liked as a co-worker was staying at the same hotel. My activities were limited to my floor of the hotel and wearing panties under my male clothes. During my stay at the hotel, there was a cheerleading or dance camp for teen girls. I think most of them stayed on my floor. A few times I wore hose with shorts in the hall to get ice, but I don't think any of them noticed as they were too busy with themselves. I also had a pretty bad cold, so I slept a lot.

Last week I was on vacation at the New Jersey shore. Anyone who's never been to the NJ shore might think that NJ is nothing but malls, houses, factoris, and highways. The shoreline is very nice, and I'd encourage you to check it out.

Next week is another business trip back to the same place. I'm going solo this time, so I'll have more freedom for CD-ing. Two things I want to do are 1) Go to one of the malls to go shopping for some girl-clothes, and 2) Dress up and go downtown and walk around. I like being outside when CD-ing.

Superpowers

I borrowed this question from Doing It My Way:

If one day you were to awake and find that you have superpowers, what kind do you have and do you use them for good or evil?

I would like to have two powers: The ability to instantly change into a woman, and the power of invisibility. I would change into a woman whenever I wanted to go shopping. I know you are thinking "But Sheen, you like to be seen buying women's clothes." Yes, I do, and it would be fun to go into the store in male mode, change into a woman in the dressing room, then leave as one, or vice versa. I would also be able to dress in all of my favorite clothes anywhere I went. Invisibility speaks for itself in all of the perverted things you are thinking - watching women while they are naked.

Hmm, the question also asks if for good or evil. For good. Don't want to give people like me a bad reputation. The answer is very juvenile. I think most people who would be granted such powers would tend to have fun with them at first, like Spiderman did. After the novelty wears off and I figure out what they should be used for, then I would be more responsible.

Shopping

I love going shopping! I suppose I'm one of the few males that does, although that's typical for a CD. In a previous post I mentioned the brands and stores where I like to shop for women's clothes. It is fun for many reasons:

1) Preparing for the occasion. Before going clothes shopping, I make sure I'm dressed properly. Pantyhose or stockings & garter belt, and panties as that's what I'll be wearing under the clothes later, so I need to make sure everything fits well while shopping. I also need to make sure the clothes either shows or covers up whatever it is that I want to show or cover up. Slip on shoes are good for changing quickly.

2) Looking for and finding new styles as the seasons change. What's the new trend? Whatever it is, it is usually not for me. Capris? No. Camisoles as outerwear? No. Ugg boots? You've got to be kidding! Ponchos? No. Pointy-toe shoes? That's more like it. My style is more classical than trendy.

3) Trying on clothes. If a saleswoman asks if I need help finding something or a particular size, I usually tell them what I'm looking for. They've been very helpful and have told me what's on sale or what other items that I should consider. (If it is a guy asking, I tell them no to so they will leave me alone.) The excitement begins when I ask if I can try something on. Some saleswomen aren't phased by the question and lead me right to the dressing rooms. Others will pause a second as if they are trying to be sure of what they heard. Either response is exciting. She now knows that the clothes are for me, as do any of the other customers in the store if they've watched me browse.

A few times they've put me in the dressing room that is visible to the store. My guess is that they are checking up on me by being able to look at the bottom of the door. If they are, then they'll get a good look at my hosiery. If they ask how things fit, I tell them. In the friendlier stores a few times I've even opened the door to ask them what they think. What a rush!

The only store that I haven't tried to use the dressing rooms is Victoria's Secret. I've spoken to other CDs that have while dressed in either female or male clothes. Every time I've been there I just didn't get the right vibe from the salesgirls. I've asked for specific sizes or styles without a problem. For a while I had one of their Hosiery Club cards. I wish they sold their jeans and tops at the stores. I'd love to have a pair of thier jeans! Mail order just isn't the same as the brick-and-mortar experience.

4) Once I've found and bought the clothes, its time to head home to put them on!

Another trip next week...

...and another great opportunity for crossdressing. Or so I thought. A co-worker is going on this trip with me. We're staying in the same hotel and sharing the rental car. I'll have to watch that we're not on the same floor and I'll have to keep limit my outside activity to "under dressing" (wearing women's clothes under my male clothes). During the last trip I found some places that I could go dressed in some of my girl-clothes, so that will have to wait for another trip. Oh well...

Confession

Someone once asked me why I like to crossdress, what's the motivation? I've thought a lot about this and there are many answers (in no particular order):

1. Women's clothes are so much more stylish than men's. There is more variety in the styles and fabrics. Just look in any catalog or clothing store. The men's section is about 1/3 as large. For example, women's pants have more style: they hug your curves; they have front, side, or back zippers; the legs are straight, flared, or wide; jeans pockets have designs on them; some are low-waisted; they can be stripped, other prints, embroidered; lengths can be long, at the ankle, or capri; and the same style could be made in silk, cotton, wool. Men's pants are baggy, usually just plain or pleated fronts, and there's not much more variety.

2. When I see a good looking woman wearing great clothes, or even just the clothes, I think to myself "Wow! She's very good looking" and "I'd like to wear those clothes!" I get excited. Today at lunch I saw this very pretty woman wearing a pair of red capris and black pumps with ~3" heels. They very much accentuated her assets (and leg-ets). I was equally aroused looking at her in a sexual way and envious of the outfit, wanting to wear it. I could use a pair of heels like those.

3. Crossdressing is a way of internalizing (for lack of a better word) what I love about women. Somehow by wearing women's clothes, I feel closer to women in general, but not in the same way as wearing a specific woman's clothes to feel closer to her. Is it the same as when people dress up as a Star Trek character and go to a Star Trek convention? No, not really. I'm not pretending to be a woman, nor do I wish to be/portray a woman.

4. I've a fetish for women's legs and feet, and the hosiery and heels that they wear with them. I read Leg Show magazine all the time as it is specific to what I like to see. The fetish is what I believe started my on the road of crossdressing. In my early 20's I had (and still have) an enormous attraction to those things. At that time I was not dating anyone who was into wearing heels and hose, so all I could do was look. And where I worked there was enough eye candy to keep me in a constantly horny state. There were a few incidents that planted the thought in me to buy a pair of pantyhose. Soon enough I did. I first used them for masturbation. I wondered what it was like to wear them, so I put them on. It was like being struck by lightning! The feelings were overwhelming. Even the experience of buying them was a thrill in itself.

I started buying all types of pantyhose as I was interested in what other brands and styles felt like. I bought them from K-Mart, Wall Mart, Target, Victoria's Secret, Macy's, Banana Republic, Bloomingdales, and brands such as Hanes, Hue, Berkshire, and Leggs. For a while I was on a quest to find the best hosiery. One thing I've learned is that you are better of paying a higher price for better hosiery as they fit and feel so much better than the cheaper brands. Wearing cheap hosiery is a chore. Wearing the better hosiery is sensual and enjoyable.

When I first started buying pantyhose, I was nervous. I'd go to a store that was deserted and buy them as quickly as possible. But I found it to be an exciting experience. I slowly started to make sure there were other women around while I looked at the selections, I'd look for a female cashier or sales clerk. Buying soon became as exciting as wearing. It is fun to go to a store, look through the women's clothes, find a few things to try on, and then ask a saleswoman to do so. I have yet to be told no or have anyone make an overt fuss about it. The younger women tend to go back to the register, tell the other girls, and then giggle. A professional sales person realizes that treating a customer with respect leads to sales and higher commissions.

Then I wondered about other lingerie - panties, bras, camisoles, shapewear - and started buying and wearing those too. It also became a quest for quality. Who makes the best fitting panties? What fabrics feel the best? What styles are the most comfortable? I binged and purged my stash of clothes. It took some time, but I finally have settled down to just buying a few things every now and then, and I know what I like.

The outerwear - pants, shoes, blouses - came later. I was in therapy for a while. My therapist suggested that I attend a local crossdressers support group. I thought to myself "I can't go to a CD meeting in men's clothes" and dresses, wigs, and make-up are just not me. I decided that a pair or plain women's pants, shoes, and a blouse would be feminine enough for going to the meetings, but not too much. Again, after I bought the first outfit (from H&M) I was determined to find the right style for me. I went to Ross, The Gap, Banana Republic, Express, The Limited, American Eagle, Abercrombie, Old Navy, Aldo, Nine West, Famous Footware, Parade of Shoes, Payless, Target, and Macy's. I bought many things, wore them for a while, and later rather than sooner, honed in on the brands that fit me the best and felt the best.

Last Week's Trip

Things went pretty well last week. I did bring the clothes I mentioned and had a fun time wearing everything throughout the trip. One evening I wore the white short shorts, a pair of maroon string bikini panties, the blue t-shirt, and one of the bras and went shoe shopping. Unfortunately, the store only carried sizes up to 11 (I wear a 12). I think my outfit may have been noticed, but nothing too overt.

Later, I changed into the khaki pants and heels and went to Starbucks for some coffee. I sat outside while there were others out there also. I don't think anyone noticed what I was wearing even though I tried to make the heels visible. I was there for about 30 minutes and returned to the hotel. As I walked in the front door, I saw a 20-something girl and two guys sitting on a couch. She immediately took notice, open mouth and wide eyes. I stopped for a second to scratch my leg, pulling the pant leg up, to really expose them. I turned down the hall to the elevator and I could hear her say to the guys "That guy's wearing heels!" I stopped, turned, and saw one of the guys get up to look, and then he went back. Such a thrill! I went back to my room and vegged for a bit.

About 11PM, I went back down to the lobby to hang out. Just as I exited the elevator, two 30-ish couples were walking in from the outside. The first woman immediately noticed my outfit and started laughing out loud (yes!). As I walked by, I saw that she was openly looking and pointing at me, and she was very much laughing out loud. I think she was lingering outside of the elevator just to watch me and laugh some more. This was a very exciting experience!!

The rest of my trip was uneventful even though I ventured out several more times.

6/21/05

The trip that I was supposed to be on this week will now take place next week. I'll have some new opportunities to really get dressed up in a strange town and not have to worry about running into anyone I know. Just making a mental list of the clothes I'll take with me is getting me excited! The new VS bra, the white short shorts from The Limited, probably the khaki pants, the white blouse, and either the pink or aqua t-shirt. Oh, and lots of panties, a pair of pantyhose, and the garter belt and stockings. I'd like to go shopping before then to get a new pair of heels. If not, I'll then try to buy some while I'm there. Yes, that would be the way to go - I could get all dressed up and go shoe shopping!!

Does anyone read this? Please leave a comment!! Thank you!

More Thoughts

Its finally cooled off, but no hosiery today - just didn't have time to put any on this morning. I am wearing a pair of white cotton bikini-style panties today so that will have to do for now. I was in Atlantic City for a day trip yesterday. This would be a great place to spend a few days in women's clothes. There are so many people from all over the world dressed in so many ways that I could dress in any degree of women's clothes and not raise an eyebrow. There are a lot of new clothing outlet stores in which I could spend lots of time (and money). I could even wear the bottoms of a bikini swim suit to the beach ("That guy must be from Canada or Europe to wear a Speedo" they would think).