Hello From Hot And Sunny Phoenix, Az

[Paula ult]

I am in Phoenix, Az this week for company training, my company picked up the whole tab, 102 degrees when my plane landed, i love traveling but since 9/11 and strict security everywhere it is more of a hassle than it is worth, i am sure if all my documentation was not changed and in order there would be lots of questions everywhere, i had to show my id no less than 4 times, once at the ticket counter when i checked my bag then again at security, in Phoenix at National car rental then again leaving the car rental lot, and last but not least when i got to my hotel. everywhere i was treated like the woman l am and all the proper pronouns were used, ma'am, miss and of course Paula.

Tomorrow my boss and some co-workers will see Paula for the first time, though they all have known about my transition for almost a year and are accepting, so tomorrow should be quite interesting seeing their reactions.

Packing for this week was another very interesting experience compared to when i was him, i could not decide what i was going to wear for the week, i probably ended up over packing and it took me 2 days and a big pile of clothes, then there is makeup, bras, jewelry etc.

Paula

[Guest miss kindheart]

I would melt Paula

It has been 40 to 60 here lately and the trees are turning yellow

<<<< hug >>>>

vanna

[JJ]

Have a wonderful time Paula!

The desert heat never seems a bad to me a the humid South.

And even though everyone already know it should be such a validating experience to meet them all as yourself face to face.

Hugs

JJ

[Guest sarah f]

I hope you have a wonderful time there Paula. Let us know how it went with your co-workers meeting Paula for the first time.

Try to stay out of the heat if you are not used to it because it will sneak up on you really quick. Drink lots of fluids.

[Guest Donna Jean]

.

TA DA! You're there!

It sounds as if it won't be all work and no ply!

And, don't forget my bucket of sand!

Fave fun!

Huggs

Donna Jean

[Guest ricka]

You go girl!!! Wishing you all the best, dear sister!

Hugs, Miss Ricka

[Sally]

Hey Paula,

Now you know first hand why Phoenix is called the valley of the Sun - and yes you do need to drink lots of water, if you are going outside drink some before you go out - even if you are not that thirsty.

Dessert heat has a way of sneaking up on you and by the time you feel thirsty it is almost too late.

On the bright side - you seem to have arrived during a cool spell!

I am so glad that you will finally get to meet everyone as the real you - let me know just how great it really is.

Love ya,

Sally

[Carolyn Marie]

Have a wonderful time, Paula.

I know from experience that such training trips aren't all that much fun, but you have

other things to make it more so. I hope you have a few hours to enjoy yourself, do some

site-seeing and shopping. You might be able to find some great deals on turquoise jewelry.

Carolyn Marie

[Guest Mia J]

Hi Paula,

Did anyone give you any grief when you had to show your license? Mine still shows me very male mode from at least 12 years ago with mustache and eye glasses which I no longer wear. I am not sure how they can match me to my picture any longer.

Sorry to hear you are in Phoenix in August. I have to go there for work every once in awhile and the last time I was there in August I did not think I was going to survive the heat. Stay inside during the day and go out at night.

Mia

[Guest NatashaJade]

Welcome to the Surface of the Sun, Paula! Lucky you, we're having a cold spell this week it is a little humid for us, though, as it is the Monsoon.

If you need any recommendations for eating or whatnot, let me know.

Luv

Gin

[JenniferB]

Hey Paula,

Welcome to the desert. Tell your boss to have his meetings during the winter when the temperature is perfect. I live about 100 miles from Phoenix where the daily high averages about 10 degrees cooler during the summer.

Love Jenny

[Guest Opal]

Hi Paula,

My first introduction to Phoenix was getting off of a bus at about four in the morning in early June and it was about 105 F. Had never been in heat like that day or night!

Glad to hear everyone was good on pronouns. Hope you have a wonderful week!

Huggs,

Opal

[Guest Amanda joan]

Hi Paula,

It feel like it has been a long time since I tagged on to one of your threads. I was thinking about you earlier when I was advising someone to do their research and have a timeline. I used yours for mine and it has served me well.

I hope that this step in your journey is a positive experience. I believe you are going to have a great time. See if you can get the company to pick up the tab for a hour long massage.

Peace & Love Amanda

[Paula ult]

It was 110 today, i met up with John this morning in the hotel lobby, i was the only woman there so it was obvious it was me, he did say he did not recognize me, he went to shake my hand but i gave him a hug instead, not sure what he thought of that but we talked over breakfast then to the office, Mike my boss reacted like he has known Paula a long time, he also got a hug, the same for Jon our instructor, all day the correct pronouns were used and of course my name, there were a few inadvertent pronoun slips but i did not correct them as they were accidents, when John and i went out for lunch and after work, he was the perfect gentleman and held the doors open for me.

Paula .

[Guest sarah f]

It was 110 today, i met up with John this morning in the hotel lobby, i was the only woman there so it was obvious it was me, he did say he did not recognize me, he went to shake my hand but i gave him a hug instead, not sure what he thought of that but we talked over breakfast then to the office, Mike my boss reacted like he has known Paula a long time, he also got a hug, the same for Jon our instructor, all day the correct pronouns were used and of course my name, there were a few inadvertent pronoun slips but i did not correct them as they were accidents, when John and i went out for lunch and after work, he was the perfect gentleman and held the doors open for me.

Paula .

Sounds like a wonderful day for you Paula. I am happy it turned out good for you. I hope they continue this way if not better the rest of your trip.