KC: OK, Amanda, let's cover the basics: where were you born and how old are you? How tall are you, and how little do you weigh? And what are your measurements?

AR: I'm a mid-western girl. I was born in Illinois and grew up in Iowa. I'm 41 years old, and proud of it. I'm 5'8" tall in my stocking feet. My weight is 170 lbs. My measurements are 38C-29-39.

KC: What's your first childhood remembrance? And when did you first realize that there was a difference between boys and girls?

AR: My first remembrance is of my sister and I sitting on the kitchen floor banging pots and pans. We were having a wonderful time. My mother was cooking dinner and trying to be patient with us. I was about 3 years old, and she about 1. One of my other very vivid childhood remembrances is of playing with my hair, and that of my sister. I would twirl it around my fingers for hours and hours. I had very curly red hair as a child, and always seemed fascinated by it. I'm still in love with hair. I could sit in front of a mirror styling my wigs for days. I don't have a specific recollection of my realization of the difference between boys and girls. I had my first girl friend in second grade. Her name was Julie.

KC: 1970. You've just reached teenagerhood and the age of the miniskirt is at its peak. Tell me about what you remember best about you and the girls of junior high school.

AR: Well, KC, junior high was a very enjoyable time for me. I really hadn't discovered my TG self at that point. What I remember was discovering girls for real. I had a few really cute girlfriends who definitely loved miniskirts. I was a flirt even back then.

KC: When did you first discover the pleasure of fine clothing?

AR: I think that I've always loved the feel of good material. I learned early on that well made clothing fits better, and lasts longer. My tastes are expensive. If I were to truly indulge myself I'd be broke inside of a week (smile). I'm fortunate enough to be able to shop for clothing in regular misses sizes. I usually buy my things at department or outlet stores. I love Liz Claiborne, Jones New York, BEBE, Ann Taylor, DKNY and the like. For shoes I favor Nine West, and Bandolino. Needless to say my credit card bills rival the national debt.

KC: How far did you dress up in the first few years?

I started out dressing in my sister's and mother's clothing as a teenager. The first time I was ever in public, completely transformed, was in college. It was for a fraternity prank. As part of the "hell-week" initiation rites, the active chapter of the fraternity held a nice sit-down steak dinner for the new pledges. This was done at the end of the week as a reward for all the hard work and embarrassment they had endured throughout the rest of the week. It was called the "redhead" dinner. The pledges were instructed to put on their best suits, and told that some of the best looking girls on campus had been invited over to be their dates for dinner. The pledges were sequestered upstairs while the girls arrived. They were then brought downstairs and introduced to their dates for the evening. It was true, some of the most enticing ladies on campus waited there in the living room of the fraternity house for them. There was also one surprise. Seated with her back to the boys was one vision of loveliness with auburn locks. Me! The active brothers had arranged for several of the girls to come over early and do a complete makeover on me. They brought clothes, makeup, undergarments, hair curlers, for my long red hair, the works! I got to spend 2 hours having these gorgeous sorority girls apply makeup for me, and help me get dressed. It was quite a thrill, especially since none of them knew just how much I was really enjoying it.

I was to be the date for the "BMOC" of the pledge class. The number one ladies man. We had dinner together and chatted. After dinner there was dancing and flirtation. All of this was in fun, the pledges were very good sports about it. I enjoyed it most of all. I was able to do this twice during my college years.

KC: Wow, what a story. We're all wondering - how well did you fool the BMOCs? Ever wish you could point them at your web page now?

AR: They didn't know it was me until they were told. Yes, I definitely would like to point them at my page now. I remember our housemother being taken with the way I looked. She couldn't stop telling me what a beautiful girl I would make. If she could only see me now...

KC: After college and before marriage - what was Amanda's lifestyle and (cringing to ask this) were you always this attractive?

AR: I was finding myself as a TG person. I started exploring my femininity in earnest as soon as I graduated from college. For the most part I dressed at home. My first adventures out were walks around the block at 3:00 in the morning. These didn't take place until I was about 25 years old, so I guess I was a bit of a late bloomer. At the time I was sharing an apartment with 2 girls. I would sneak in and borrow their clothes on occasion if they happened to be away for the weekend. I didn't come out to them until later on in life. I often think back on the fun I missed by not coming out to them while we lived together. We could have had a great time going to clubs and breaking guys hearts. They were gorgeous! I dated quite a bit searching for the perfect girl. At the age of 30 I finally found her. It took a while, but she was worth the wait. Girls, if it seems like you'll never find someone who understands and loves you, don't give up. It can happen to you too!

KC: How did you decide who to let in on your "secret"?

AR: There are really only 3 people outside of the community who are in on my secret. My wife, a woman I was engaged to marry when younger, and one of the girls I used to share an apartment with. It's pretty much on a need-to-know basis right now. I'm bursting to tell the whole world, and who knows, someday I just might.

KC: Where was the strangest place you hid your stuff? And did you ever get caught?

AR: I used to keep my stuff inside these wooden boxes that I salvaged from a metal yard. They were built to hold metal coils. I cleaned them up and used them for Amanda's storage chests. I still have those boxes. They weigh a ton and are of no esthetic value, but I just can't bring myself to get rid of them. There's too much history there. I've had lots of close calls, but I've never been caught by anyone that I didn't want to catch me.

KC: Let's talk about Amanda today. What general part of the country do you call home?

AR: I live in the northeastern part of the country. I moved out here because of work, and have really grown to like it here. The change of seasons affords me lots of opportunities to switch my wardrobe. I just love the feeling of a light sundress on my skin, almost as much as the feel of frosty winter air on freshly shaven stocking clad legs.

KC: We've talked about how you have an understanding spouse who actually encourages your activity. How did you find such an angel, and how did you tell her about Amanda?

AR: My wife is the greatest. We met after a softball game. A mutual friend introduced us, and for me at least, it was love at first sight. She's a petite blonde and has the cutest face and the sexiest butt you'd ever want to see. We had been going out for a month or two, and I realized that marriage was definitely on my mind. I had kept my secret from all but two people in my life up to that time. I couldn't live my life with her and keep such a secret from her. One evening on the way home from a movie I decided that the secret needed to be revealed. I started out by telling her that this was probably the last time we'd ever go out together - I was not expecting a positive result. I told her that there was something about me that she needed to know. After having said that, I basically chickened out. I couldn't get the words out of my mouth. We drove home and later in the evening she decided or I decided, can't remember for sure, for her to guess what the secret was. After we got through axe murderer, prison record, and all that she hit the nail on the head. She guessed the truth.

She was pretty accepting from the start. She asked for a couple of weeks to get used to the idea so I let it be. Eventually, I showed her some pictures I had taken, and then we moved on to having me dress for her. She has been my confidant, photographer and number one fan. It was my wife that encouraged me to get out to a support group meeting for the first time. She accompanied me to the first and several subsequent meetings.

I'm a very lucky lady. My wife is priceless.

KC: What has she taught Amanda, and what has Amanda taught her?

AR: My wife has taught Amanda to love herself, and to be courageous. She has given me the strength to be where I am today. Amanda has taught her a bit about makeup and accessories. She says I have a better sense of fashion and color than she does.

KC: Amanda, your Glamour Shots photos are simply incredible. What was your reaction when you saw them, and what was your spouse's?

AR: Thanks, KC. I was so nervous when I went to the Glamour Shots location. I had been anticipating that moment ever since I first read Tiffany Michelle's page describing her adventure there. The first time I saw them was on a monitor in the shop. I was pretty nervous sitting in a mall en femme gazing at my image on the screen. Once I relaxed a bit I became absolutely fascinated with them. I had hoped that they would come out okay, but the staff there did an incredible job. It was an exhilarating experience that I hope to repeat one day soon.

My wife likes the pictures. As with many of the things I put myself through in my transgendered life, she just shook her head and smiled.

KC: All of the photos on your home page have a sort of feeling to them, like you know the camera loves you. How much work goes on behind your photos?

AR: A lot of work goes into those photos. I have piles of pictures that are definitely not for publication. It takes a lot of clicks to get one good shot. I have spent my share of time posing in front of a mirror to try and figure out what works for me. My wife took several of the pictures on my home page, the black and white shots are an example. She and I used to do hours of photo sessions. She's a very patient woman. Some of the shots I did myself using my camera's self-timer. With those you just have to take the good with the bad. Recently, I've found a new friend who has a wonderful home that she allows me to use for photo shoots. I go there and make lots of outfit changes and she runs through eight or nine rolls of film. Out of that we might get ten or twelve good shots.

Taking pictures is a lot of work, but what a wonderful way to spend a few hours. It's always exciting to see the results for the first time.

KC: I've got to ask about your figure - what magic to you use to achieve that bodacious body?

AR: Why KC, it's all completely natural. Actually, I do use a couple of things to help out a bit. I acquired a pair of attachable silicone breast forms last year. I absolutely love them. When they are attached to my chest, after a while I really feel that they become a part of me. To give my waistline a bit of help I use a lovely black satin corset that makes me feel oh so curvy. The bottom, it's all mine.

KC: What clothes look best on you? And what clothes feel best on you?

AR: I wear a large variety of clothes. I especially like the feel of clingy spandex mini dresses and skirts. Lately I've been wearing a lot of pants. Tight jeans, black or blue mostly. I'm a bit of an exhibitionist. I like to attract attention. I don't go for outrageous, but I do go for clingy and sexy.

KC: I know you've got a large wardrobe - what are your tastes in swimsuits? Formal gowns? Naughty wear?

AR: I don't actually own a swimsuit yet. That's one of my goals for this year. I like one-piece tanks and bandeaus. Spandex would be the material of choice. I just love the way it clings to my curves. I have several formal gowns. I've got a red satin Liz Claiborne which is cut very simply with a squared off neckline. I wore that when I won Princess of the Poconos last year. I love clingy materials here too. My most recent evening gown purchase was a Jessica McClintock halter style gown with this amazing swirling pattern on it. It's very curve conscious, and I felt extremely sexy wearing it. Naughty wear… I love the feel of leather skirts, pants and boots. In lingerie I prefer very feminine styles, Victoria's Secret, of course. I love those sale catalogues!

KC: Okay, let's get a little deeper. At what point in the transformation do you look at yourself and say, "Damn, that's one foxy lady in the mirror?"

AR: That's an easy question for me to answer. The moment I slip on my wig is when I become a woman. It's like stepping into an alternate universe. I leave my male self behind and Amanda walks the earth.

KC: When you're dressed, what part of your body enjoys the experience most?

AR: My mind absolutely loves the experience. Dressing used to be a lot more physically arousing for me. It has since evolved beyond that. Now it's more of a centering experience for me. I am truly at peace when dressed these days.

KC: We don't ask "boxers or briefs" here, but we do ask "pantyhose or garter belt"?

AR: When I first started out I was a garter belt girl exclusively. I wear pantyhose almost exclusively these days. That doesn't mean you won't see me in a garter belt and stockings. I'm still looking forward to a garter belt photo shoot.

KC: Hmmm, we'll be waiting for the pictures from that! So which part of your legs do you cross when you sit - the ankles or the thighs? And which gets the most attention?

AR: I cross my thighs most often. I do think that a pair of entwined legs crossed at the ankles and angled just so is about the sexiest sight around. I think that my thighs probably get the most attention.

KC: Amanda, sometimes people at my site leave drool marks on your photos and heavy breathing in my guest book. What do you say to those folks who look at your pictures and don't keep both hands on the keyboard?

AR: I love my admirers. There is no greater compliment I can receive than for a gentleman to tell me he finds me attractive. If they feel compelled to go beyond just typing with their hands, I guess it's ok with me. They're certainly not hurting anyone.

KC: Does Amanda ever turn her "alter ego" on?

AR: Amanda's alter ego thinks she's a pretty hot looking woman. I think it's only logical that the image of Amanda would be very close to the ideal image held by her alter ego.

KC: When you go out, Amanda, where do men's eyes look: top to bottom, bottom to top, or just sort of hang around the middle?

AR: The ones I notice look top to bottom. I like to make eye contact. A guy who wants my attention should start at the top. It's certainly ok to wander about the rest of the scenery after that.

KC: There's a couple sitting at the resturant - he's a good looking fellow, well dressed and obviously has a wandering eye. She's attractive, but doesn't dress in a way that flatters her or keeps his attention. Amanda walks into the place and passes by their table, her perfume wafting behind. How does he react (be specific), and how does she react?

AR: Our gentleman has been boring his wife with a description of his latest hostile takeover plans. He pauses as I walk in the room, making eye contact with me as I pass by. I give him a glance and a little smile as I walk by. My perfume (Opium, by the way) and the movement of my hips sends him into a momentary trance. He forgets about his financial exploits and his mind turns to conquests of another sort. She speaks his name firmly, bringing him slowly back from his fantasy. She then asks him to explain those silly financial terms to her again, and makes a mental note to catch up with me in the ladies room and ask where I got that dress.

KC: Got that picture! So, does your spouse ever ask Amanda to "dress down a little"? Do the two of you ever venture out together?

AR: No, my spouse let's Amanda dress as she pleases. We do go out to friends' homes and on occasion to support meetings together. We often shop together, on those occasions I am in drab.

KC: What have support groups and the internet done for Amanda and how she feels about herself?

AR: I'm a member of Renaissance and a dedicated surfer of the net. The people I have met at Renaissance mean the world to me. They have welcomed me and helped me to feel so good about myself. I have met dozens of new friends on the net over the past year or so. I would never have believed what a wonderful and extensive TG world was all around me. In addition, my web site has given me a place to let Amanda run free 24/7. What a wonderful dream come true.

KC: Amen, Amanda, amen.

KC: Some lighter questions now - what's the best bargain you've ever found in a clothing store?

AR: Last year I found this great Dana Bachman jacket at Macy's department store. It was originally priced at $350. I got it on final sale for $45. I'm wearing it on my "Taking Care of Business" page with a pair of black slacks. I also love to shop for earrings, and have found a couple of places to get great looks on the cheap.

KC: If I sneak over and hit eject on your CD player, what singer will I find you've been listening to?

AR: You might find Elvis Costello, The Chieftains, Smash Mouth, No Doubt, Bare Naked Ladies, Queen, Allison Krause, Junior Brown or who knows what. I love all types of music, and one of my favorite activities is rummaging through CD stores for something new and exciting to listen to.

KC: Is Nicole Kidman too good for Tom Cruise or is Tom Cruise too good for Nicole Kidman?

AR: Nicole is way too good for Tom. I would love to have that body.

KC: Who's body - Tom's or Nicole's?

AR: Hmmm... good question!

KC: Last question: You seem to have it all - looks, fame, someone who really cares about you. If Ed McMahon rang your doorbell and gave you ten million dollars, what would you do with it?

AR: Shop baby! Shop!

KC: Amanda, thanks for your time and willingness to sit for this interview. And thank you for being the lovely lady you are, and for brightening our lives with your dazzling beauty! Hugs, sister, and thanks!