Good morning All. Coffees on.

[April Marie]

2 minutes ago, Willow said:

Thanks for this - and for the perspective on jumping back and forth and using it as practice and learning. You're such an awesome role model and guide!!!

 

Have a great weekend!!!!

[Jackie C.]

23 hours ago, GlitchedSalvation said:

The whole thing's just become a popularity contest.

 

It was a popularity contest back in the 80s too. Probably always has been.

 

Hugs!

[Rianon]

6 hours ago, kira_k said:

 It can be so frustrating having to go back and forth, but I keep telling myself that I'm only really at the start of my journey, even though I've felt like this for a long time.

Good morning, everyone!

 

Finally, I'm back. For the past 10 days I've had no phone or internet service. It seems the squirrels had chewed through the lines, necessitating some major restringing of the neighborhood cabling.

 

I quoted you, Kira, because of what you said about having to go back and forth between your female and male personas. It reminded me of a lunch with a dear old friend I had only a few weeks ago. The dear old friend, whom I'll call Jim, was AMAB. We had met some 30 years ago when Jim was "Bess." I'd known Jim as Bess, with very few exceptions, the entire time we've been friends. Bess lived alone and worked from home, so being Bess almost full-time hadn't been a problem. However, because of Bess's advancing age, was recently taken to live with her brother and sister-in-law. The brother and sister-in-law had always been understanding of Bess's two personas, but because her new bedroom had limited space (and because the brother and sister-in-law had friends and neighborhoods dropping in unannounced), Bess has totally purged Bess and is now living as Jim 100% of the time. She told me saying farewell to Bess hadn't been all that hard; somehow, however, I didn't believe her. Our lunch together left me feeling sad.

 

I don't mean this to be a downer post. I mean it to underscore the importance of achieving harmony between our two personas.

 

And now I'll end in wishing us all a beautiful Friday!

Rianon

[kira_k]

1 hour ago, April Marie said:

I don't have anxiety attacks but it definitely spikes my dysphoria

I get a bit anxious over a long period - everything feels hidden and cooped up. That's just in general, staying in or going out. My therapist suggested wearing the underwear that makes me feel more comfortable or other smaller things like shoes that might not necessarily make me stand out. Basically finding ways to express myself regardless. I guess it helps, but wondering why it's such a big deal and to be made like I have to hide it is the real problem. But there again, that's not something I can change, so change what I can about myself is the only way. Still a work in progress.

[Marcie Jensen]

2 hours ago, Willow said:

 

@Marcie Jensen I’m sorry you aren’t able to find a church that you can be at home with.  I know how much that can mean in our lives.  Especially for you.  I am fortunate in that we found a very accepting congregation quite close by.  That’s not easy South of the Mason Dixon line.

 

 

 

Hi Willow. I think I may have misspoken or was unclear or posted this in the wrong thread. It's been a crazy couple of days. I sure didn't mean to imply this. I do have a church here in AZ where I'm accepted and am at home with. What's funny is that here in the Valley of the Sun (Phoenix metro area) there is a general lack of support for the trans community, meaning only that resources are few and far between compared to other areas. For example, my home town of Kansas City is much more trans friendly than here and with better support resources. I find that a bit odd.

 

I'm also happy for you that you've found an accepting congregation. That can be difficult in the South. 

 

Hope all is well with you, and you continue to to have an accepting church home.

[Dillon]

@Rianonwelcome back!

[Dillon]

21 hours ago, GlitchedSalvation said:

get a little water on your fingers and brush it over your hair.

This usually doesn't work for my hair but I'm happy that it did work today! I used a blow dryer and gel and dried the top so it would go straight back. A couple hours later, I saw that the part was back, which is what usually happens, so I remembered and tried the water. It worked and it held. People at the lgbt center today said it looks masc. 

[GlitchedSalvation]

2 hours ago, Dillon said:

This usually doesn't work for my hair but I'm happy that it did work today! I used a blow dryer and gel and dried the top so it would go straight back. A couple hours later, I saw that the part was back, which is what usually happens, so I remembered and tried the water. It worked and it held. People at the lgbt center today said it looks masc. 

Glad it worked! It probably was the fact that you gelled it earlier, but I'm not sure, I'm just a kid.

[April Marie]

Good morning, everyone!!! Dogs are walked and fed and I'm working on my second cup of coffee. Hoping to finish up cutting the grass today but we might get some rain. I can always work a bit out in the garage so I'll keep busy.

 

My wife was out running errands, at a Dr.'s appointment and having lunch with friends. She texted me that she had a present for me - when she got home so said she'd had some extra time so she stopped at a local store and found they had Laura Ashley pajamas on sale - so she bought 2 pairs for me. How blessed I am.

 

Enjoy your weekend and this day!! Life is too short not to find some joy in every day.

[Dillon]

14 hours ago, GlitchedSalvation said:

I'm just a kid.

Just imo the wisdom and life experience of kids is just as important, and needed, as adults. We need both. 

[Willow]

[Dillon]

@WillowHey that looks just like my yacht, where I plan to spend most of the weekend!  

[miz miranda]

Finished this mornings coffee,made from fresh Kona  beans; a real treat. Done with stretching and about to do today's workout (a moderate run of 50 mins). I have a 5k in 2 weeks and a triathlon in 4, so I have been training hard for the last 5 weeks.

 

On my own for the week as wife is with her sisters dealing with selling and the family home and accumulated stuff. I'm planning the weekend as recovery time for all my training lately and my find some time to pamper myself with bubble bath or a massage.

 

I find that my dysphoria and ruminations are at their worst when I am alone.

 

Happy weekend all

[April Marie]

Good morning, everyone! Already finished my 3rd cup of coffee. Dogs have been walked, fed and are sleeping peacefully. 

 

I spent yesterday cutting the grass grass and doing a few small projects before going to church and out to dinner with my wife.

 

Today, I think I’ll clean out my car and then spend the afternoon relaxing.

 

Enjoy this beautiful day!!!

[KymmieL]

Morning all. less sleep last night, the three grandsons are here. our youngest wouldn't sleep and kept the wife up. which kept me up. OH, well. Its my weekend, however, won't be able to get to anything until my son and DIL pick them up. No big deal. Some times these guys can be brats.

 

Well work is getting worse. Now, I have accused of theft. Maybe when the regional manager is here on Weds. I'll ask him why he allows a hostile work environment, and retaliation to happen. Probably get me in trouble. Well I am looking for other work gone when I find it.

 

I was hoping I could keep this job longer than I was in the service. in the 30+ yrs I have been out haven't been at a job longer the 9yrs. I guess I am just a failure at everything. Oh, well.

 

Hope you all have a better day than I currently am.

 

Hugs,

Kymmie

 

[Ivy]

55 minutes ago, KymmieL said:

haven't been at a job longer the 9yrs

Shoot, that doesn't sound bad to me.  These days jobs aren't what they used to be, where you stayed at one till you retired with a pension.

[Dillon]

@KymmieLWork conditions these days suck. That's not your fault, but they want employees to think they are the ones who don't measure up. I worked in publishing, now retired, and they merged and sold companies and did layoffs so many times that I probably wasn't at any one job for 9 years. 

[miz miranda]

Washed down some cold medicine with last of my 'morning' coffee. Feeling pretty miserable and planning on doing nothing but rest today.

 

@KymmieLSorry to hear about your work environment. It is saddening to see such a gentle soul being bullied while trying to earn a living. It is not you; modern management theory is geared to keeping employees in stress in hopes of getting the best performance. Just remember you were looking for a job when you found this one! Keep your head up.

[April Marie]

Good morning everyone!! Happy Monday to those still in the workforce and Happy Whatever Day It Is to those of us fortunate enough to be fully retired. The dogs have been walked and fed and I've downed a cup of coffee. After I finish up posting this I'll check out the local paper.

 

My wife and I need to drop off one of our cars for an oil change and state inspection. Then I will spend the rest of the day just working on small projects around the house. I can't wait until the pool is open in a few weeks and I can spend some time just basking in the sun.

 

I am sorry about the continued stress at work @KymmieLand hope that you find something better soon. And, I hope you're feeling better this morning @miz miranda!!

 

Be safe and enjoy this beautiful day!!

[rachel w]

good morning  its raining here still have a little bit of snow, have today off holiday, I been trying to find myself a lot of up and downs I think one of is that I am going this journey alone. there is one thing I am not going back to the old me, I still have to be him part of the week witch is alright for now 2 years to go. have a good day

[Willow]

Good morning 

 

I thought this was a particularly appropriate Snoopy for us.

 

I heard from a number of friends last night.  Some who are having issues with loneliness, others with issues with jobs, and a couple with issues wind doctors.  It makes you realize just how lucky some of us have it.

 

Thoughts of suicide can come from all ages and for many reasons.  If you are depressed and contemplating suicide please seek help.

 

hugs

 

Willow

 

[April Marie]

1 minute ago, Willow said:

Good morning 

 

I thought this was a particularly appropriate Snoopy for us.

 

I heard from a number of friends last night.  Some who are having issues with loneliness, others with issues with jobs, and a couple with issues wind doctors.  It makes you realize just how lucky some of us have it.

 

Thoughts of suicide can come from all ages and for many reasons.  If you are depressed and contemplating suicide please seek help.

 

hugs

 

Willow

 

Great thoughts here, Willow - Snoopy's and yours.

 

One of the best things my therapist helped me with was to create a safety plan the not only includes a list of people and agencies I can reach out to but also a set of Red and Amber signals that help me to identify if I am slipping into depression. There are also Green signals that are positive things for me to focus on instead of succumbing to the negative.

 

And I wholly echo your sentiments on reaching out if anyone is considering harming themselves. We all need help at times. It's here for us to use - or just to reach out for a friendly word and a virtual hug from friends here.

[KymmieL]

@April Marie maybe I should make up one of those lists, however short it would be. I'd waste paper writing it. With me depression is almost a constant thing. Something I have lived with most of my life. Any who.

 

Wound up taking our grandsons home. My wife miss understood my son. But got a meal out of it anyway. Good seeing my Son and DIL.

 

My Sunday. going to work on something today. I want to get something going. Still waiting on the intake for the wagon. Emailed with no response. Unfortunately this company is the only one who makes this intake. So the waiting game it is.

 

Have a good day, I am going to try. Right now coffee is calling my name.

 

Hugs to you all.

Kymmie

[JoniSteph]

I am hoping your work life turns for the best soon @KymmieL, good fortune finding that new environment.

 

I have a busy day of prepping my antique from storage for the summer season of driving. Wash off the accumulated grime and wax to shine it up. Clean and Armor-All the interior. Clean and treat the top from any more sun damage. Then oil change and mechanical inspection for any pending problems.

1991 Mazda Miata MX-5 with, yes, 188,000 miles -an american car from San Francisco.

 

Have a great Day all

Big Canadian Hugs all around

JoniSteph

[JoniSteph]

Intended to attach pictures, but had a brain fart and forgot.

 

Have a great day all

Big Canadian Hugs all around

JoniSteph