Crossdresser social clubs were once fairly prevalent but have declined consistently year over year since they heyday of the 1990’s. That said there still seems to be considerable interest in them based on my website clicks. CROSSDRESSER CLUBS ranks # 6 in popularity over the other pages and posts. I am very curious as to why clubs have vanished if there is so much interest in them.
CROSSDRESSER SOCIAL CLUB
Last Saturday was my crossdresser social club CHIC’s monthly meeting and we had 16 of us attending. That number includes 5 wives who are always part of the fun. We had the whole upstairs floor of the restaurant for the group which was great because there are no time limits on us.
In the picture below I am wearing a navy jacket with a multi white / navy skirt outfit . The jewelry I am wearing was featured in a previous post and was made from two necklaces from Macy’s.
Crossdresser socializing is what CHIC is all about and some of our outings lend themselves to it better than others. This weekend being upstairs with 6 booths to choose from allowed some to table jump during the evening. That allows for sitting in small intimate groups and socializing until the dinner gets served. Because we have no time constraints it allows for more socializing afterward also. This month we had a new applicant so the upstairs table hoping allowed all of the members and wives an opportunity to meet the prospect. The small group allows others at the table to hear the answers of others questions and formulate their own accordingly.
When dinner concludes we usually have a contingent of members go down to the bar below and mix with the civilians. Its something I look forward to because we are well accepted and I have had some very nice conversations there. Crossdresser socializing is not restricted to just other crossdressers. I had to pass this month though because I was not feeling up to it but look forward to next time we go there.
Crossdressering at DIVA21 is behind us now and I think the organizers of DIVA Las Vegas did a great job pulling it off after last years was cancelled. I’m not sure about the headcount but there seemed to be quite a few crossdresser’s there. Even though there were two events going on a the same time DIVA Las Vegas and Wildside there was no conflicts. I think the highlight of both events was the costume party Saturday night where both groups attended together. I attended as a military officer which looked like a general but had Sargent stripes so I’m quit sure.
CROSSDRESSING AT DIVA21 COSTUME PARTY
Crossdressering at DIVA21 was different this year because it was changed from Spring to Fall and landed right on the Halloween weekend. I think the most fun I had was sitting at the back bar with the civilians dressed like a general. I got lots of compliments on my costume but nobody saluted me.
CROSSDRESSING AT DIVA21 1ST NIGHT
My 1st night crossdressing at DIVA21 was Thursday and after shopping in the afternoon I came back to the hotel and changed for dinner. Cleaver & Butchered was the restaurant and they had about 20 of us there. They gave us our own room in the back and the food and service were very good. The only downside was they would only do two checks for 20 people so the girl sitting to my left had to try and decipher who had what and collect the cash for the ten people on our side of the table. The good news was the count came out on the money so we tipped a bit extra.
I’m still working on my photography skills and made the mistake of having the bar manager take this shot of me wearing a favorite suit. I had to tweak the colors and lighting because the background was too dark to show the suit. The lights in the cabinet behind me confused the camera I think. The suit is still a favorite and will try again to take a picture with a better background.
CROSSDRESSING AT DIVA21 2nd NIGHT
The second night of crossdressing at DIVA 21 I had dinner with 7 of my CHIC sisters at Giada’s in the Cromwell Hotel. I’ve been there before with good and bad results but, this time they were great. Our waiter was very attentive and the food was awesome with my friend Tonya getting the fresh made pasta. When I say fresh I mean like in Italy where they don’t use the dry stuff but make from scratch every day, Tonya loved it.
I wore my new snake skin jacket from Venus over a black sleeveless sweater dress. It was a good choice as a got a lot of compliments on it. Surprisingly it was not uncomfortably hot which, I was concerned about in that the fabric does not breath. I guess having an open front gave it the needed ventilation.
I’m looking forward to the mask mandates ending possibly with the new therapeutics currently going through approvals. Wearing a mask indoors not only is uncomfortable but it really screws up your hair. I solved the makeup \ lipstick smearing issue with my MAC lipstick and my mask basket. Unfortunately I have not gotten around the mask steaming up glasses and making you face sweaty.
Crossdresser accessories are where the fun begins for me because I like to experiment. I like to think of my dressing style as classic but I am also trying new things to see how I like the look. Eyelashes are great crossdresser accessories for putting some glam in your style for the night and my latest discovery I am in love with. I bought my first pack of magnetic eyelashes as an experiment about 9 moths ago. I had used the Ardell glue on lashes for decades but never mastered the technique for putting them on. So I tried some magnetic ones and liked them right away. I did not care for the assortment though because half of them are too radical for my conservative style. About 6 months ago I discovered a 7 set package for around $10.00 on Amazon and a company called GXO BEAUTY. These were great for day to evening crossdresser accessories and thankfully I bought more before they ran out of stock. I don’t know if they will ever be back so I went on the hunt again.
CROSSDRESSER ACCESSORIES FALSE EYELASHES
Not one to wait and see I went back to Amazon searching for a replacement with all one style instead of the assortment. It wasn’t long before I found something even better although a little more expensive with 2 fewer pairs. They are a different crossdresser accessory more on the glamorous side and they look so pretty on. I especially like the way they taper from the inside getting longer as the go to the outside of the eye. The Arishine magnetic lashes
CROSSDRESSER ACCESSORIES JEWELRY
Jewelry accessories are a mainstay of every woman’s closet and are used to define her look for the day. Finding jewelry off the rack for crossdresser accessories can be a challenge. It can be done though with a little work and an imagination. Pictured below are two necklaces I bought on sale along with some needle nose pliers and lobster clasps. My intention was to make a larger necklace to fit me along with a bracelet and some earrings. It takes two of each style necklace in order to have enough links to make all three items.
I always end up making changes along the way like with the blue and gold set below. I decided to dump the bracelet idea with this project because the links are not very strong. This is sometimes an issue when converting necklaces because they are designed to be worn around the neck. Weight is a concern so they are sometimes made light to be more comfortable. There isn’t much chance they will snag on something and break. This necklace was designed to look heavy but the backs are hollowed out to make them lighter. Odds are I would be lucky to get a couple of wearings out of it before noticing it fell off somewhere.
I had better luck with the silver necklace below which was heavier material so I could make all three items. The bad news is that the earrings are too heavy and I will look like Dumbo by the end of the night.
I have not made up my mind yet what to do with this set which I am probably not going to wear. Possibly I will just toss it into my jewelry making box and incorporate the links into a future project. I never stop looking for closeout sales on jewelry and can pick some of it up for about $10.00 per necklace. I buy the earring hooks and lobster caws at Michael’s craft store in person or on Amazon online.
Mainstream crossdressing is something I only dreamed of when I was a young crossdresser. Actually fantasy is probably a more accurate term because it occupied my mind mostly while awake. Leaving the house dressed did not really start until my mid 30’s. It was still something you could be arrested for so was an irregular occurrence. My mainstream crossdressing only existed on business trips and consisted of driving around late at night then back to the motel. I think it was in the late 80’s when I made my first mainstream crossdressing trip In Dallas Texas.
MAINSTREAM CROSSDRESSING THE 1ST TIME
While at one of the beloved Texas “T” Parties friends insisted that a friend and I join them for dinner. We assumed it would be a Gay restaurant which was the typical (SAFE) destination in those days especially in Texas. I knew I was in trouble as the city lights faded behind us but hoped maybe dinner was in Houston. Nope! They reserved a very nice steakhouse in a suburb of Dallas filled with regular folks. Not my idea of a perfect place for a paranoid CD to do mainstream crossdressing. Everything went well when they seated us at a nice table until we took our seats. There were crossdresser wives with us so I let them decide who sat where and I guess one of them hated me because I ended up directly under the spotlight. Its the perfect place for a CD who rushed to get ready and not ecstatic about her presentation that night preferring a dark corner of the restaurant.
My first time mainstream crossdressing was an education as the guys I was worried about in the restaurant really did not want to look at us. It was the women they were with that kept looking at us all night. They kept pointing us out to the poor guys who obliged them with a brief glance then back to their meal. The staff was very nice to us and when we left their was no gallows or rope tied into a hangman’s noose so it was all good. Then again maybe the fact that we pulled up our friends new Rolls Royce Silver Shadow that night made a difference. The first and only time I have ridden in one but it was cool. So it was two firsts that for me that night mainstream crossdressing and the Rolls.
MAINSTREAM CROSSDRESSING TODAY
Fast forward to today and mainstream crossdressing is very common especially in big cities. Last weekend I met with 5 other CHIC members for dinner Friday night at a favorite place in Long Beach. We had two wives and 4 crossdressers for dinner and had a fun night eating inside for a change. I reserved a private room in the back of the restaurant which gave us a relaxing unhurried atmosphere to socialize in.
MAINSTREAM CROSSDRESSING WITH THE PUBLIC
I got a pleasant surprise when GG acquaintance came back to say hello after noticing me walk through the bar. I had just come in from going outside to take a picture for this article. She had not been around for a couple of years so it was good to know she was doing fine.
I intentionally blurred her face because I did not have her permission to put her picture online. I liked the picture of me so I included it.
This post was getting a little long so the rest of the weekend will follow shortly.
Public crossdressing is being done more and more as CD’s become increasingly comfortable being seen in the open. Years ago most preferred the relative safety of Gay bars or DRAG clubs. Pretty much all of my dressing is done at mainstream venues whether they be stores, restaurants or bars. The world is pretty tolerant if not accepting of crossdressers now especially the younger folks.
PUBLIC CROSSDRESSING FOR DINNER
This month our Friday night group went from 7 to 4 because of last minute scheduling conflicts. I arrived first and opted to sit in the bar so I could people watch. It was a bit cool to sit outside and you see eveyone that comes in. The owner Mario is an old friend and came to sit with me until the others arrived. We talked about how long he has known our club CHIC along with his successful restaurant. It has been 25 years since we started doing public crossdressing at his first restaurant and he expressed his gratitude for our support over those years. I thanked him for being there for us too. Many a beginner went to his restaurant for their first outing en fem and was made to feel comfortable. We have gone to his restaurants through good times and bad and are especially enjoying his current success.
PUBLIC CROSSDRESSING WITH THE PUBLIC
Many times I have walked into a restaurant alone public crossdressing to rendezvous with friends and had patrons take notice of me. Most don’t have too much reaction some smiling while others sort of take it in then look away. Some though give kind of a WHAT IS THAT DOING HERE look then check to see if others noticed me also. My favorite outcome to this situation is when the bartenders and servers notice I have arrived and great me warmly by name. Often if the owner is around they come over and shake hands or hug me again calling me by name. The reason its my favorite public crossdressing is the negative folks figure out the only person with a problem with this crossdresser is them so maybe they are the one out of step.
SATURDAY NIGHT
Saturday night we had a much bigger group for dinner with 18 club members total. Our group was seated upstairs due to our size but it worked out well because we had the whole upper level. The only drawback was upstairs is all booths so we were in many small groups. Around 10 PM most went on their way but a few of us descended the stairs to the bar for more cocktails and public crossdressing. Once in the bar seating was scarce so I went to the ladies room to freshen up and get ready for a picture.
When I left the restroom I had to walk behind the owner who was seated at the end. I did not want him to back into me when I said hello so once directly behind him I put my hands on each of his upper arms then said hi in my deepest Trace Atkins voice. He spun around laughing and shook my hand vigorously asking how I was doing. I said great chatted for just a minute and moved on to my group. A few minutes later my folks were commenting on some guys who rolled their eyes and said some negative things about our group. The bartender heard it and was upset then spoke with the owner. The next thing I knew two of the three left and the one left behind felt bad and wanted to buy us a round of drinks. The owner told them we did not need his drinks and just to be nice.
PUBLIC CROSSDRESSING SUCCESS
It is important in closing to note that each of the restaurants mentioned above are places I have gone public crossdressing to for decades. The relationships with owners and staff are based respect for them and their business. We always dress appropriately, act lady like, spend lots of money and tip well. We are never loud, obnoxious, crude or do anything that could negatively impact the business.
Mature crossdressers face taping is a great way to get rid of the dreaded TURKEY NECK. I did a post last October called CROSSDRESSER FACE TAPE where I talked about a face tape technique.
I used the Secret Lift Pro system for over a year and it worked most of the time but the rubber band broke occasionally on the top one placed on my temples over my head. I had less success with the one placed on the back of the neck. It came loose a lot when I turned my head. Every time they failed my Turkey Neck cam back instantly so I needed something more reliable for nights out.
I started searching on the internet and found a much better mature crossdressing face taping solution on Amazon. I tried this last weekend in Long Beach and it worked great. The straps below are designed for COVID 19 face masks but work perfect for lifting the face skin. They cost $10.99 for the 45 piece assortment and will probably be a 50 year supply in that they appear very sturdy.
CROSSDRESSER FACE TAPING PROCESS
The first night I selected the strap on the far left. I opened the adjuster to the maximum length then cleaned the temple area right under my sideburns with alcohol. Then I coated the area with New Skin liquid bandage letting it dry.
Next I cut a strip of 3M medical tape long enough to cover the temple area I prepared plus 1 inch extra. I placed the tape on my temple area letting the extra curl back away from my head. Taking the strap by the end I attached it to the tape on my temple. Then I ran the strap over the top of my head and attached the other temple the same way. Just like wearing headphones.
It worked great all night with the strap staying in place but stretching when I spoke or chewed dinner. One problem with just taping your face is that it typically does not stretch. If it pulls your skin too tight it can blister. Its fun trying to explain the blister in such a strange place to friends and family.
UPDATE APRIL 2021
I later found that the tape on the ends was hard to remove when the sticky glue built up on it. I went back to the drawing board for a
mature crossdressing face taping solution and found it at Home Depot. I bought a small sheet of acrylic plastic so I could cut it into small squares and glue them to the existing ends of the straps.
I cut the sheet into roughly 1 inch squares then sanded all the edges to remove sharpness. I glued them with clear Liquid Nails onto the flat side of the straps. The upper strap on the right shows the adjustment buckle facing upward which is the side that you glue to. That way the strap lays flat against your head and the strap pulls smoothly. The taping process is the same I just added the plastic tabs for better holding power.
8 in. x 10 in. x 0.050 in. Clear Non-Glare Acrylic Sheet by OPTIX
The strap stays in place all night and you clean it with alcohol before you use it again. The plastic tabs offer a larger holding area for the tape so they stay put all day or night.
Crossdressing clubs are still around and mine met last weekend in Long Beach California for our monthly meeting. We were just under 20 people with crossdresser wives making up about a third of the attendees. Those who commute a great distance typically stay at a local hotel for the weekend so we go out both Friday and Saturday nights. Under the current COVID restrictions it has been a challenge finding places to go but we manage. Our crossdressing club CHIC enjoys a very active membership with attendance at meetings being about 85 percent each month. With outside dining only in California (unless your the governor) jackets are becoming part of the wardrobe. Friday night I wore a hounds tooth skirt with a black V neck sweater. with the cool damp ocean air I needed the black leather jacket all night.
CROSSDRESSING CLUB FRIDAY NIGHT
CROSSDRESSING SATURDAY NIGHT
Saturday night wasn’t any warmer so I wore another leather jacket over my black and white dress. The dress was made of a light weight material so the jacket was a must.
CROSSDRESSING CLUB
There were 7 of us on Friday night two couples and three single where we ate at one of our favorite restaurants. We had a first when headed for the valet after dinner when we came upon another crossdresser on her way to dinner alone. We spoke with her and I naturally promoted our crossdresser club thinking she was eating alone. I am not sure if it was a coincidence or not but Saturday night she came to the same restaurant we were at. She got a table by herself when some of our girls spotted her and invited her to join our group. I did not want her to think she was being interrogated so I let others chat with her.
If she submits an application and is accepted she won’t have to go out alone anymore.
Crossdressing in Las Vegas for Halloween is something I dreamed of as a kid but was afraid for many years. That all changed about 20 years ago when a few of us took a chance on San Francisco being tolerant or possibly accepting of us. They were and we went back every year since until this 2020 when COVID 19 got in the way. Friends there advised against doing it this year so we opted for Las Vegas Crossdressing instead. We spent three nights there and had a wonderful time masks and all dinning at great restaurants and shopping during the day. The weather was amazing with the high at 80 and the lows around 60.
NIGHT #1 THE PALM RESTAURANT
The first night we went to The Palm restaurant at the Forum Shops in Caesar’s Palace. Great food and service and we were treated like ladies seated in a nice booth with a view of everything. For my first night of Las Vegas Crossdressing I wore my new zebra skirt that fit perfectly. I paired it with a black zippered jacket I already had. The Micki Finn mask is real not Photo Shopped I had it made for the trip.
THE FORUM SHOPS AT CAESARS
NIGHT #2 DELMONICO’S
The second night was at Delmonico’s Steakhouse between the Venetian Hotel where I was staying and the Palazzo where Ashley stayed. Delmonico’s is a favorite every time we go to Vegas not just for the food and service but the location also. We were seated at a great table next to the wine room with a nice view of the restaurant. Our server was attentive, fun and did not rush us through the dinner.
DELMONICO STEAKHOUSE
CROSSDRESSING LAS VEGAS
Trips for Las Vegas Crossdressing always include lots of walking long distances on hard tile floors for the most part . That’s why I pack my fold-able ballet slippers in my purse and change a short distance from my destination. This night I opted for my leopard jacket over a sleeveless dress. I forgot to have Ashley take a picture of me at the restaurant so I had to take this one in my suite on the timer.
MY VENETIAN SUITE ENTRY
NIGHT #3 COSTA di MARE
Our last night a special occasion because of Halloween and we were in Vegas so we went to a new restaurant. It is the Costa di Mare located in the Wynn Hotel and was exceptional. It was quite possibly the best food and service I have ever had. Although it came at a price similar to the GDP of a small country. The hostess gave us a choice of taking the elevator or the stairs and I jumped on the elevator. I wish I had taken the stairs because it is the grand entrance to the lower level dinning room. We took the elevator option because the black patent pumps I was wearing were 4.5 inches tall. I ordered them by mistake and love them but they are too high for Vegas. I did not want to make my Las Vegas Crossdressing entrance going end over end down the stairs.
COSTA DI MARE DINNING ROOM
Our servers were terrific with a head waiter showing us the large fish cart displaying the fresh catch of whole fish, lobster, scallops, and octopus. We opted for the chefs recommendation that was a assortment of items from the cart. The fish we selected was a mild flaky salt water fish carved perfectly by one of our servers. Neither of us found a bone on our plates. Ashley talked me into giving octopus another try after my Hawaiian experience years ago. Selecting it from a buffet I chewed for half an hour on what seemed like an inter-tube! Costa di Mare sold me on octopus because it was tender and very flavorful. I guess the buffet is not the best place to get it.
THE PALAZZO SHOPS
The Wynn had more security than any other hotel on the strip putting us through electronic wand sensors and purse searches. There has been some violence on the strip in recent weeks so they are on the lookout for problems. Most of what I have read about was late at night so I was not too concerned. One takeaway from the experience is that the American people want their life back! The Strip was packed the streets, the casino’s, the restaurants, and even the Showtime Mall across the street. Everybody everywhere was wearing a mask which, was mandatory so I guess people are sick of staying locked up.
Crossdressing balance came into mind this week for several reasons so I thought I would write something on it. Everybody has to balance family time with work time along with other pursuits and crossdressing is no exception. Summer typically results in a crossdressing imbalance for some because warm weather and shorts preclude shaving legs for many. In addition there are lots of activities that crowd out gurly time. Personally I re balance my crossdressing mid September when I try to makeup for lost time dressing during summer. The hair comes off in two weeks and travel plans are being made so next is packing my outfits.
CROSSDRESSING BALANCE
There is more to crossdressing balance than hairy summers in shorts and the beach though. While crossdressing is important its not my only interest hence the need to balance it with the other activities. I just returned from another Duke & Rocco adventure that involved and out of state golfing trip with my BFF Ashley AKA Rocco. I use the name Duke. We traveled through four states playing 5 great golf courses in the process. We have known each other for 30 years after meeting at a Texas “T” Party at lunch with our wives. Since that time we have become great friends and belong to the same crossdressing club.
BALANCING THE CROSSDRESSING
Ashley gets out dressed more than I do because my crossdressing always involves traveling so cost and time are a factor. I achieve crossdressing balance by setting aside a long weekend each month that coincides with the monthly CHIC get together. I can dress 24/7 during that weekend but typically don’t preferring evening over daytime dressing. The exception is when we do a Las Vegas or San Francisco trip where gurly shopping moves up in priority. Its not that we don’t play golf we just alternate golf in the morning followed by dressing that night. The next day we shop en fem followed by dressing, dinner and many times a show. You can see the balance golf, gurly shopping, dinner & show.
COMPARMENTALIZING YOUR CROSSDRESSING
Crossdressing balance and compartmentalization also apply to myself and others I have known. In my case I compartmentalize my crossdressing with an all or nothing mind set. If I am going to crossdress it is all of nothing dressed completely head to toe. Its once a month and fully dressed or not at all. I know others who wear panties or other women’s garments under their male attire to work or other daily activities. They say its the feeling or sensation of the garment against their skin they enjoy. Me too but, its just going to make me want to dress so I avoid wearing them.
Wives and girlfriends also appreciate balance and compartmentalization because it gives them a better insight into what is going on and what to expect. It also lets them plan around or with your activity.
Crossdresser in Las Vegas is back and yours truly was there with my BFF Ashley from CHIC to get it started. After 3 months of solitary confinement we were ready for a crossdressing adventure it was just a question of where. When Vegas reopened and the Venetian announced their discounts it was a done deal for us. They opened on the 4th and I got there on the 6th late in the afternoon to get the lay of the land. Our plan was to dress Sunday, Monday and Tuesday nights with golf in DRAB as Duke and Rocco Monday & Tuesday during the day. Crossdressers in Las Vegas in not that unusual but I am pretty sure there were only ones doing it that week. Rest assured we were the best dressed ladies anywhere in town as there was a sea of shorts tank tops and thongs to compete with.
CROSSDRESSER PASSING
Maybe Ashley the night she wore jeans but definitely not me overdressed absolutely as always! We were noticed for sure but nobody really cares so they observe, smile then drink some more. Some people wore masks but not in the casino’s and restaurants along with the bars. I did not devote the time it takes to put Ms. Micki together to wear a mask so did not. All servers and resort personnel wore masks at all times along with taxi drivers. There was constant cleaning everywhere all the time so Vegas is on it big time.
DINING OUT CROSSDRESSED
Crossdressed in Las Vegas may be back but not everywhere with some casino’s not open yet and mainly the anchor stores open in the mall. Others were scheduled to open June 12th and were getting ready. I think by the 4th of July everything will be open again.
Ashley suggested we stay within the Palazzo and Venetian hotel where we were staying to avoid having to mask up for UBER. Taking her suggestion I booked CUT by Wolfgang Puck at the Palazzo for Sunday night where we got an awesome booth. The server asked if it was a special occasion and I replied yes, my first Cosmo in 3 months! The servers although masked were wonderful treating us as ladies never missing a pronoun.
On Monday after golf was Italian night so we walked over to Canaletto restaurant in the St. Marks Square section of the Venetian Canal Shops. There weren’t any acceptable tables outside so we opted for one inside. The only available one outside was right next to the hostess station so we would be in a fishbowl all night. We were not comfortable with kids staring at us all night. YES KIDS! They were everywhere with parents escaping to Vegas for the inexpensive hotel rates and dragging their kids along masked or not. No wonder the divorce rate is so high in America. Maybe seeing gurlz Crossdressed in Las Vegas will convince them to leave the kids at home.
Anyway, we had a great Italian dinner and of course more Cosmo’s before calling it a night because of an early tee time Tuesday morning.
Tuesday night we went to Smith & Wollensky just off the Canal shops at the Venetian for an amazing steak dinner.
I had a bit of a fashion emergency when I wore the snake skin pumps for the first time. I broke them in using my freezing technique so they felt OK walking around my house but the tile at the Canal shops was a problem. They loosened up after a while and the heel started slipping which has never happened before. Thank goodness I keep a thin pair of ballet flats in my purse to switch. I did put the pumps back on for the grand entrance into the restaurant. It was a bit slippery walking on their tile floor but I made it to our booth which was the farthest one in the back.
They did not rush us so we took out time even chatting with the staff as the night progressed. We called it a night around 10 so we could leave early the next day for home.
CROSSDRESSED IN LAS VEGAS OBSERVATIONS
The town is coming back to life each day and more venues open each day. When I arrived Saturday afternoon the Sephora store next to the Venetian still had plywood over the windows. Monday afternoon they were gone and employees were stocking the shelves. There was a sign on the door stating they would reopen June 12th. The Fashion Show Mall had Macy,s, Dillard,s, and Nordstrom’s stores open with a few smaller ones on Sunday. More smaller ones opened on Monday and the same at the Venetian Canal Shops. I expect this will continue daily until everything is open. I know many were waiting to see what the demand was before opening and were shocked at the bookings. The Palazzo and both Wynn hotels changed course quickly
