Hi folks,
A later than usual post this evening. I’ve been out all day and got back late. No grand drama or suchlike – thankfully. Something on the job front which didn’t come to pass.
Still, on the upside, I won’t need to travel that way for some time again, and as the gig was not far from Suzie‘s part of the world, I got to meet up with a blogging friend. Due to travel distances, it was a bit of a quick coffee and off, but better than nothing. Talking of which I might be in luck for a day out on Tuesday (hint hint Val! ❤️) if all goes well.
Escalating
In the past I’ve heard and read of partners use the world escalating when it comes to being trans. We’ll skip over the cheap pun about motorised stairs…. although at middle age, maybe some hints & tips might be good 😉
Some of you may know that I did a coaching course a few years back. I must confess the written exam was quite hard, but I think that says more about me, than it does the coursework. For a peopley person like me, I was really fascinating and I learned a huge amount. It didn’t just change how I worked with others, but I think it helped me do more hands-on support at Chams. I guess that’s leaning into the empathy elements of me, so we’re ticking a number of boxes on the Good Stuff Chart straightaway.
For the record, a chunk of it is active listening, noticing cues in people, and knowing when to keep your trap shut (and ideas to yourself). I certainly don’t go around with my ‘coaching hat’ on all the time. It’s more a case of the proverbial item is there, should I need to draw on it.
Preamble aside, I’ve been working on a diagram that tries to show how this might work, and what might be needed to make it better. I am looking to share this next week, as I didn’t want to muddle that release with a Wot Lynn Did At Chams section. I know, I’m odd. But you knew that 😉
Chams (what no ‘wot’?)
With week two of being between jobs, I had time to pack while the washing was running, and the hounds sleeping after a walk.
It was going to require something long sleeved: not because the weather is beautifully cool & autumnal, but because I’ve been a bit bumped about this week. Partly my own fault and partly just bad luck. The first is a cracking looking bruise, following me not getting out of the way, when the Ever Lovely Mrs J was opening the car boot. Ooops. The second is from my donating blood this week. Indeed, I hit a milestone this donation was my fiftieth. I might, if I’m lucky, get a badge through the post. I’m a wee bit excited about that!
As to the night itself, I was on time and getting changed wasn’t too much of a faff. Unlike separates – and not to be Captain Obvious – a dress is one part, so it’s fairly easy to pop on.
I did try my new liquid foundation and powder from Bare Minerals. It gave better coverage that my usual go to, and I seemed need less concealer too. That’s good news given I don’t like to waste money on things that don’t quite work.
I am not quite there in terms of getting my lippy to stay put on the inner part of my lips. While reusing a ‘stay put’ eyeshadow primer helps, I think I’m not quite doing it right, so more practice is required. I think I managed last time, but….. I…..uhh, got distracted chatting 🤭
I did try some new shorts and pads (not pictured) earlier, but had to swap them out, as I’d not fastened them to the material. I was hoping they would help me to stay cool. If you’re thinking about a joke about overheating and ‘a woman of my age’ – Val’s already made that joke. I’m not a scientist, but I am fairly sure you need extra internals and hormones to go through the menopause. Neither I have AFAIK. I am, however, struggling to keep cool, despite it being more clement. I don’t know if it’s the wig cap, wig, tights, or slap; but I would like to work out the issue, and not be ‘glowing’ too much.
Future stuff
In other news, the Chams road testing of the mystery item has just about finished. I’ve sent some of the results off already, and I’m hoping to hear from Isobel and/or Ann if they want in too. Indeed, we had two more volunteers this Thursday. Again, all good feedback for the UK vendor, so fingers crossed the product will launch shortly.
I’ve managed to book in a chat with an image consultant that Val suggested. I think we’ll be looking towards late November for a visit, and I wanted a chat to make sure the lady in question has all she needs before coming over. Pretty much to help her ask questions and to set the scene around the group’s ages, needs, etc.
L x
Cute frock and shoes, and the big hoop earrings are great. Looking very good as always, Lynn.
Sorry to hear about the bruise. I guess if you have to be hit by a car, it’s better that it be the back end and not the front.
Now, about that blood. Fifty pints of high octane trans blood could transform up to fifty cis people into fifty trans people, if they drink a pint each. Eventually, we will take over the world! Mwa ha ha ha haaa! It’s the perfect plan, Dr Draculenstein! Award on its way.
Sue xx
Top marks for the car joke, Sue. I made a most undignified snort on reading it. I would say that’s the sign of a good gag and also wise words around car safety 😁
Thank you for the kind words re the outfit and accessories.
As to the blood of trans people having the cissies on the turn – I’m sure we’ll read about that in some online rag – other than this one 😉 – in due course.
Is your blood safe from the tRanzgEduh meAnce? to Waht iF a ill truzngendr wumun sneezes – caN you cath wokiness? etc
Hi Lynn
Good to meet you at last even if we both had to be in self mode, and that it just just for a quick coffee, natter and snap before your trip back.
Shame about the job offer, especially if the nudge from you colleague was “no, but you really need to apply”. Still, early days and something will hopefully turn up that ticks all or most of the boxes.
Fingers crossed for your day out on Tuesday.
I’m intrigued to see your thoughts and diagram on escalating.
As for lippy, do you use Lipcote? It seems to hold it, but does give a matt finish, but I found an odd tube a gloss coat in the knock down shelf at Tesco and at 63p (down from £2.60) I had it away instantly and it does give that glossy ’40s look that seems to stay put (and doesn’t leave tell-tale lipstick marks on my coffee cup)
Nice dress for Chams.
Sorry it was a quick coffee, rather than a stroll and a natter. It took a while to get back, given roadworks, lane closures, and the volume of traffic. I guess this explains why I prefer working remotely! 🙂
Mixed feelings about the job, but if I’m honest, it felt like a stretch – mainly as my skills aren’t directly in that area. I wondered if it was a case of “oh, but they could do all this as well” made it worth interviewing me? Still, the good news is I won’t need to travel once a month (which really impacted Mrs J’s fatigue, bless her ☹️), and I won’t be facing Imposter Syndrome, while I try to get up to speed. Thank you for the week wishes, and you’re right: it’s still early days. Back on the horse and let’s give it another go. 🤞
I’ll share the diagram with you and hear what you have to say. I think this is release 0.3, so expect bugs and feature enhancements 😉
So, lippy. I have used Lipcote previously. I have some ‘stay put’ liquid lipsticks – the ones in the glass tube and with an applicator. They do work.
The issue I’m having is… How to describe this? Umm. If I think of my lips as four zones: edge (where the lip liner goes), visible lip, inner lip, and inside the mouth. The lip liner and outer lip are fine. Clearly putting lippy inside the mouth, what’s the point of that? 🙂 It’s the space that’s revealed as I talk, smile, and laugh – sort of inner lip – that’s missing colour.
I nearly got it sorted using a eyeshadow potion (Urban Decay) last time. It’s giving the liquid lipstick something to bond too, rather than sliding off. Lipcote doesn’t help here, as the base isn’t set.
Intrigued by the gloss coat product, though!
Hey Lynn,
I’m sorry to hear about the job troubles (working backwards through the list right now, so this is my starting point). I hope that you manage to get something that works for you.
For lipstick I canno reccomend L’Oréal Infallible 24h. I can apply it in seconds (ok, I do my eyeliner and mascara between the base coat and wax top layer) and it lasts all day. Easy to apply to the outer lips, the corners, and the bits you only see when smiling. And there is less chance of getting lipstick on your chin when you eat a burger… I’m not a messy eater, honest…
Oh! And when you rush and end up looking like a vampire, it comes off of teeth super easily too 😅
Chat later,
Stace
Hi Stace. Thank you for the suggestion about the lippy. I’ll have a look for that when I’m about this week.
Does Infallible help shift blood from your teeth after feeding? Asking for a fiend – sorry, friend 😉
The job situation: it’s only been about two weeks and I’ve had two interviews in the last month. Looking on the bright side, that feels fairly good. I guess my worry is that fully remote stuff doesn’t come up every day. In the words of Anya (from Buffy the Vampire Slayer): “I tried being patient, but it took too long” 🙂
As usual a nice outfit photo Lynn, love the look. As you know I’m a big fan of floral and ditsy dresses and that dress is very nice. The nude heels go well with it too.
It’s nice that you’ve been able to put to use what you learned on the coaching course to good use at Chams. It’s clear to see that you’re definitely a pillar of support to those who attend.
I’m intrigued about the mystery item, is it a potion that you drink and it permanently removes unwanted hair? Wishful thinking on my part lol!
The diagram sounds interesting, look forward to seeing that.
Well done on the blood donating, very kind of you to do that. I’d gladly donate but I’m not good with blood and faint when i see it!
Glad to read you’re having good results with the Bare Minerals Foundation and powder.
Best Wishes
Lotte x
PS
Sorry for the late reply
Hi Lotte. No worries about reply time. There’s no obligation; just the option to observe, maybe comment if you want 🤗
Thank you for the outfit props, that’s kind of you. I felt the need to get in the last chance of something bright, before autumn colours – and weather – settle in.
I can only hope that the coaching stuff helps people. Same with any of the stuff I try to do at Chams. That’s not to play down your compliment. I guess it’s more me being uncertain and also wanting to keep my feet on the floor. Does that make sense?
Wishful thinking on the potion! Ideally it would remove hair where we don’t want it and keep it (or restore it in my case 😁) where we do. No such alchemical luck, though. This is more clothing and product testing really.
Loving the new foundation choice. Did a practice run earlier this week to check out daytime cover and finish. It’s more than if usually spend, but it’s not like I’ll be using it everyday.
I was going to release the diagram today (Weds), but I’ve been out – sadly not Out & About – so no time…. unless I get my act together quickly.
Lastly, I hope my blood donation helps spread wokeness through the recipients 😉