Good morning All. Coffees on.

[Elizabeth Star]

Good morning and Merry Christmas everyone.

 

 

[KathyLauren]

Merry Christmas, y'all!  I know it isn't merry for some of you, but I hope it gets better.

 

For the space nerds in the group, the JWST launched successfully about half an hour ago.

[Davie]

22 minutes ago, KathyLauren said:

Merry Christmas, y'all!  I know it isn't merry for some of you, but I hope it gets better.

 

For the space nerds in the group, the JWST launched successfully about half an hour ago.

Merry Christmas, Lauren . . . and to everyone at TgP!

And thanks for making this an amazing, challenging, but happier year.

Big hugs,

Davie

[Heather Shay]

I second the comments above. Without you I don't know if I would have made it. You lift me up when I'm at my lowest and make me laugh and smile when I need it the most.

My best wishes and hugs,

Heather

[KathyLauren]

1 hour ago, Erica Gabriel said:

This tired Mail Lady wishes a Bah Humbug to you all 😊

 

😀 LOL!  I tend towards the humbug end of the spectrum myself, but for one day, I try to be nice!  May your Humbug be full of joy!

[Marcie Jensen]

Merry Christmas to all! May your 2022 be much better than 2021 and my your lives be filled with joy, hope and love.

[Jackie C.]

I'm sorry you're having a hard time @Bri2020. 'Tis the season I guess. I hope your dad is on the mend.

 

@KymmieL... depression is a silent killer. You really need to be talking to a professional, but we're all here and we all understand to some degree or another what you're going through. We've all been there. We've all had just crushing depression sitting on our chests. I hope you can find a way to move past.

 

For myself, I'm looking at beating seasonal depression by breaking away from the whole Christmas cycle. Starting this year, I'll be building new, fun traditions and trying to keep the stress to a minimum. Nobody should be beating themselves up for some retail chain's bottom line.

 

Hugs!

[LindaMarie]

Wishing all a good Christmas.  

 

[Ivy]

Yes, Merry Christmas Y'all.  

 

It is true this can be a hard time for many.  My father went into ICU (years ago) at Christmas and passed a few days later.  This year my daughter-in-law's mother is in the hospital with a broken pelvis.  And a son-in-law's father (I believe at least 90) is in the hospital with some kind of infection.     

I'm alone today - except for you all - and texting family.

 

I live alone in this house where we raised our family.  It's kind of bitter-sweet at times.  Like today, thinking back on Christmas past with all the kids and tasty treats.

[Aggie1]

18 hours ago, HollyNG said:

Counting down the days of my trachea shave.Happening on Monday.Seeing my Adam's apple has been bothering me and I want to make it easier when I transform into Holly when I do my make up.Wife is going to be there for support and did my research very well

Very cool. I had mine done three weeks ago and am very happy with the results. It used to be I knew exactly where my Adam’s apple was and could see it move up and down when I talked or swallowed. I put my finger on my throat now and swallow and I have no idea where it is. I have a little scar which is still a bit bumpy to the touch but the doctor said they put it in a crease and it should become much less visible over time.

 

good to have someone helping to research it with you because it is possible for an inexperienced doctor to botch it. I’ve read stories of how the musculature was impacted negatively or even the vocal cords themselves damaged by someone being too aggressive. Hopefully your doctor has a track record of success? There are risks but the end result for me has been worth it. I had mine done at OHSU a teaching hospital by a professor who teaches residents how to do it. 

[MetaLicious]

I have a moment to breathe, so I am taking a break to wish everyone here a very Happy Holiday, whatever you may be celebrating!

[KymmieL]

@Jackie C. Oh, I am in therapy. It does help. There is just the underlying depression that lurks down deep.

 

Again, Merry Christmas to all my friends and Family, here on TP.

 

Kymmie

 

[Heather Nicole]

Merry Christmas everyone! 🎄🎄

 

A few weeks ago I picked up a pair of christmas tree stud earrings for the occasion, wearing them today 🙂

 

I'm very grateful for this community, too. If it weren't for TG Pulse I most likely still wouldn't have started any of the steps I've made toward transition, still thinking it was something I couldn't do. I'm much happier already for it, and I'm grateful.

❤️🧡💛💚💙💜

 

[HollyNG]

6 hours ago, AgnesBardsie said:

Very cool. I had mine done three weeks ago and am very happy with the results. It used to be I knew exactly where my Adam’s apple was and could see it move up and down when I talked or swallowed. I put my finger on my throat now and swallow and I have no idea where it is. I have a little scar which is still a bit bumpy to the touch but the doctor said they put it in a crease and it should become much less visible over time.

 

good to have someone helping to research it with you because it is possible for an inexperienced doctor to botch it. I’ve read stories of how the musculature was impacted negatively or even the vocal cords themselves damaged by someone being too aggressive. Hopefully your doctor has a track record of success? There are risks but the end result for me has been worth it. I had mine done at OHSU a teaching hospital by a professor who teaches residents how to do it. 

Has a good record,did my cousin Lisa Ann's trachea shave last year.She is genderfluid and said they did a good job on it

[HollyNG]

Had a great and fun Christmas.Wife got me 4 pairs of jeans and a pair of stilleto heels.I loved them on the spot and she saw that.I gave an updated picture of me as Holly as her present.Even had my side of the family over dressed as Holly.A niece of mine was happy that I was dressed as Holly and said I was a big help with her coming out as her trueself.Came out as a lesbian to me and told her I love her no matter what.She is 14 and knew she liked girls only

[MirandaB]

Mixed emotions for Christmas-first one for me without Mom around, one of those people who just loved Christmas so much. And family scattered and struggling to find time to get together. 

 

But my wife's pile of gifts for me were mostly clothes, the Christmas I had always wanted but never thought I'd ever have. A lot of warm things, which are very welcome since for some reason I feel the chills a lot more than I used to. 

 

And our sizes are close enough that we can share some items, but that also means that she can choose to keep something that was originally meant for me. I had ordered one top that was a little more dressy than the casual things I've acquired for my mostly working from home life-it was a little big on me, but looked good on her so, tada, instant bonus present for her. 

[Jackie C.]

Survived the holiday celebration. Only got misgendered once. Left with a massive headache. Honestly I'm pulling for Chinese food and movies next year.

 

1 hour ago, RhondaS said:

And our sizes are close enough that we can share some items, but that also means that she can choose to keep something that was originally meant for me. I had ordered one top that was a little more dressy than the casual things I've acquired for my mostly working from home life-it was a little big on me, but looked good on her so, tada, instant bonus present for her.

 

Susan and I do the same thing. Sometimes something fits me better. Sometimes it looks better on her so we swap.

 

Hugs!

[Heather Shay]

Been another hard Christmas. I have seasonal depression on top of other things and having family here but only my wife knowing.... Hurts. But I braved through it again and put on the traditional happy face mask and got through. Now to get through new years and back to regular issues. 

Hope your Christmas brought you joy and some needed R&R.

Hugs

Heather

[Kylie]

I am saddened to read about the depression this time of year, I know it can be rough from personal experience. I have been a tad sad just because of having to stay away from everyone for fear of CoVID. I feel as if the past two years I try and isolate myself as much as possible to avoid it. Yet to keep my mind at ease here I go working in the covid unit, at least I know they have it and I take all precautions to avoid it. With this variant I figure unfortunately I’ll probably end up with it since everyone I know is getting it now despite having the booster shot. I just pray when I do get it I overcome it quickly! 
 

I do hope everyone was able to have a relaxing day free of stress, this is to 2022 and hopefully the world mending all the trauma over the past few years! 

[Artpetal]

I just had an epiphany about rereading some things that I like a lot. In the past, I used to think it was all the same thing, and it wasn't that fun to reread, but now it's harder to read new stuff and a lot easier and more comforting to go back to something familiar. At least, that's how the epiphany went. I have started getting super feminine epiphanies like this ever since getting on E because ... um... newness is more of a male virtue than a female one? I'm learning daily sometimes and it's so fun and fulfilling.

[Guest]

We had a fun Christmas at my Brother and Sister-in-law’s house. We were surprised to meet some of his family that flew in from Pennsylvania as much as they were surprised to meet me. I know they were told beforehand but I could tell they had no idea what to expect. In the end we were all laughing and sharing stories and drinking wine and beer. 

[Marcie Jensen]

It was a good Christmas for me, and I hope everyone had a wonderful time. As my family is all on the east coast, and this pandemic thing has me a bit apprehensive about flying (I hate airport crowds, too) I spent the day volunteering at a shelter. It was nice to give back a bit. 

Hugs and best wishes for a joyful and prosperous Ne Year.

[Elizabeth Star]

Good morning. Already on my second cup.

 

I think I'm  just done with the holidays.  For weeks I've listening to my partner cry about not seeing her father because she's fighting with her mother. We had plans to see her brother but we're both still too sick to be around other people. What's pushing me over the edge is her constant whining about how her mother took x-mas away from her. When I try to console her she reminds me I have no real family to speak of and tells me I'm used to it. Like I never had the desire to have fun family Christmas full of love and joy. While she layed in bed half sick and pouting, I crocheted a hat. Could've been any Saturday. We finally open gifts early evening.

 

I decided to be an adult and call my family. First I called my mother. I found out she moved out of her old place and in with her new boyfriend. I had no idea any of this was going on but still congratulated her on finding someone that makes her happy. After we said our good-byes she didn't hang up right away and I hear tell someone. "That was my son. The one that thinks .....".

 

The next 2 calls were to my brother and sister. Didn't fare much better. Both of them seemed to go above and beyond to avoid saying my name or using and pronouns what-so-ever. especially my brother who always, until now, answered the phone with a "hey sis". I know it was Christmas but feel I deserved more then 5 minutes of their time. Since I was the one to reach out to them again, I already know the truth. As always, I'm on my own.

 

Although it hurts today I know I'm better off without them. I know have new friends and family here at tp and few other places and I'm grateful them, grateful for all of you.❤️

[Ivy]

Just stayed home alone Christmas Day.

My family had gotten together earlier this month to exchange gifts and celebrate.

 

The covid has made things worse as far as being around other peeps, which is hard when you live alone.

I'm so used to staying here by myself now, that I've gotten to the place where I make excuses to not go out when I have the opportunity.  It's not that I'm afraid of catching it, I have had all the shots.  And then, it is probably inevitable at this point.  It's more like depression - I just don't care anymore.

 

Sometimes I think about fixing a special meal for myself.  But that's no fun without someone to share it with.  You just eat, and stare at the wall - or YouTube maybe to occupy the mind for a bit.

I did fix some turkey thighs for dinner, but really, it was just like any other day and evening.

 

Sometimes I just wonder what's the use in going on with anything.

 

Meh....  I'll get over it I suppose.  

Sometimes it just helps to get it out.

[Teri Anne]

In a way not having to shop for gifts or having to deal with family that just doesn't quite "get" you being alone has its perks.

I drove a truck so long being alone is not a big deal and having two wives walk out on me I am used to not having to deal with spouses complaining all the time.

That part of being married always did suck.

I have friends that feel they have to be in a relationship  so they are perpetually getting married and divorced. Thats just not for me.LOL