Hi from NW Denver, Colorado <delurk>

JoanieC · Post by **JoanieC** » Fri Aug 05, 2005 2:55 pm

Hi-

</delurk after a long time viewing with a very brief intro>

First, thanks to Beauty, Sharon (SO), CJ, and all others for hosting, moderating and discussing lots of things on crossdressing!

Here is a very brief intro about me (hopefully I'll post more later...).

I'm a very part-time CD, 37, married with a 2-year old, and live in northwest Denver, CO. I've been dressing on-and-off (really off-and-on) for about 5 to 6 years. I am in the closet and dress occasionally (about once or twice a year) at home in private when my wife and son are away. I am very happily married and am struggling to slowly integrate crossdressing into my everyday life. At least I can regularly underdress, shave on occasion and have flashy purple toenails that my wife will match hers with on occasion. I do consider myself a regular, garden-variety (irises, anyone?) heterosexual crossdresser. I don't struggle with any transition issues. I do struggle with communicating my crossdressing needs to my wife, time management with my 2-year old, finishing my PhD dissertation, and full-time work.

When I do dress, I may get out to a cd-friendly store or a club in Denver, or a locally-sponsored CD event.

I have to admit I don't get a lot of time to read and/or post. What really prompted me to sign up is Kyra's post about moving. I'll start another thread over in the crossdressing talk about Fort Fun and post some links for those interested in the Denver/Ft Collins/Colorado goings-on.

Thanks again for the good forum.

Hugs-
-Joanie

joaniecurt@yahoo.com

Sallee · Post by **Sallee** » Fri Aug 05, 2005 3:20 pm

Welcome aboard
I lived in that area for awhile and it had a very active support group I still many friends inthe comunity there.
I can relate to your struggles. I am very part time also and only dress when the time and situation allow. Look forward to your comments and contributions....Sallee

Post by **DonnaT** » Fri Aug 05, 2005 5:51 pm

Hello Joanie,

to the forum.

Beauty · Post by **Beauty** » Fri Aug 05, 2005 5:53 pm

Hi Joanie!

Welcome to the forum. The original creator of the forum was Shannon (Sharon(SOs)) hubby so we can't forget him too for founding the site.

I hope you have a great time here!

Beauty

Joanna_S · Post by **Joanna_S** » Sat Aug 06, 2005 3:56 pm

Hi Joanie!

Greetings from another 37-year old cd

In my opinion the fact that your wife volunteers to polish your toenails proves that she´s an open-minded woman. Does she already know about your underdressing? Anyway I think, telling her honestly about your hopes might be the solution.
All the best to you both!

Joanna

Virginia · Post by **Virginia** » Sat Aug 06, 2005 8:34 pm

Welcome Joanie,
Glad you joined us! You know we have a motto here, "Just small steps, honey, just small steps." Take your time, if you feel you have the gift, make the most of it, understand it and share it everyday! It will come back to you 10 fold. Look forward to hearing more from you!
Virginia

Steffie · Post by **Steffie** » Sun Aug 07, 2005 6:39 pm

Hi Joanie,

Welcome to our forum. Sometimes it takes a wife a while to completely accept. I think the key is patience: don't expect too much too soon. The fact she can accept your toenails painted is promising I beleive. If you don't push too hard and communicate, things will go smoothly in the end; there will always be rough spots along the way but it is the end that counts. The great thing about having crossdressing in your life is the good people you encounter (both online and in person) and this can also help you through any difficult times that come up.

Steffie

Kyra · Post by **Kyra** » Sun Aug 07, 2005 7:19 pm

Hi Joanie,
Thanks again for the info on the local area. I'm glad you finally de-lurked and posted a little about yourself. You'll find (or have already found) a wealth of information, and wonderful people from around the globe. This site is truly amazing.

I hope you enjoy it.

Hugs,
Kyra

Gelinda · Post by **Gelinda** » Sun Aug 07, 2005 8:15 pm

Welcome Joanie:

That is a beautiful part of the country that you are living in. I just moved from that area about a year and half ago. Scottsbluff, NE that is. But I came to Fort collins alot and also Denver some. Loved the area. Gelinda

JoanieC · Post by **JoanieC** » Mon Aug 08, 2005 2:00 pm

Hi all-

Wow, what a great reception/party! Thanks for the warm welcome by everyone !! It is much appreciated.

Some details were left out as I wanted to keep that initial post brief. So, here are some answers (more or less) to some of the Q's.

Joanna - Yes, my wife knows about my underdressing. I "came out" in 2000 or so (we'd been married 2 years). I wear panties daily - she doesn't mind at all. I had a couple of brief counseling sessions on CDing, and had some long discussions with my wife on and off. We've both read Joanne Roberts' books and some others on couples and crossdressing. She does want me to do what makes me happy and get time by myself, but doesn't want to actively participate in me dressing and hasn't seen me dressed up. So, we take things day by day and balance everything in life. We have a great relationship and that comes first. She puts up with me shaving - she prefers hair on my legs and chest, but doesn't really complain too much. Overall, she is the best!!

Virginia and Steffie- small steps is definitely the plan I'm living by. We've honestly talked in depth on occasion, but really it only comes up once in awhile. She just had the "common" fears about am I gay, am I happy with her, etc. We've worked through that, and are very happy as things go now. I just get my complete dressing up "fix" (full makeup, etc) once a year or so.

Overall, I am the luckiest guy in the world! My wife really truly does support me. I'm also pretty fortunate (in some respects) that I've had long hair (nearly to my waist) for over 10 years and both ears pierced for at least 5 years. It has no impact on my job or employer.

Thanks again for the welcome!
-Joanie