I told y'all in my next-to-last post that I lucked into a weekend off. I put said weekend to good use. Friday I rested, then stayed up to watch the premiere of Stargate: Universe and Real Time with Bill Maher.
Saturday morning, I cruised through the monthly neighborhood flea market and bumped into an old, old friend. The flea market itself yielded a mother lode of teeny, tiny model airplanes, which will soon be winging their way around the world to various friends who collect them.
Saturday evening I attended my second consecutive GEM (Gender Expression Movement). I like the new name. Before going to the meeting, I checked out the nail salon in my neighborhood, and got them to wax my eyebrows. They're now higher and more prominently arched than they've ever been before. The meeting was a little different, from previous, in that LLLLL presided over the meeting, instead of De. We spent a couple of hours going around the room talking about everyone's perceptions of sex and gender. By the time my turn came up, I felt like everything I feel had already been said (a cop-out, I know).
Sunday I was set to go back to work, but Athens Boys Choir were performing at the Hershee Bar in Norfolk, and I had to go. The show was awesome! On top of that, I saw some old friends, met some new people and had a good time.
Showing posts with label new life. Show all posts
Showing posts with label new life. Show all posts
Monday, October 5, 2009
Saturday, May 2, 2009
Writing to Write
Last night was my first time at an NLTO function since the March meeting. I had to work last night and tonight, but I wasn't going to let that stop me from coming. That's a long time to go without seeing one's brothers and sisters. We're always connected over the web, but it's nice to see people up close and personal too.
The last few meetings I've dressed casual - jeans and a top. When I came to the March meeting, I wore flip flops. That's cool, because the meetings are casual, but I like to dress up sometimes, and I haven't been out en femme in almost two months. So I wore a dress. Specifically, I wore a black, sleeveless cotton shirtdress. It's got little star-shaped buttons down the front. I wore black patent peep-toe slingbacks, because I was dressing up. They've got, 4.5" heels, but they're actually comfortable to walk in. I wouldn't want to run around in them for extended periods, but I haven't had a chance to wear them out, so I did.
Getting dressed was an adventure. I had originally planned to wear a different dress, but that didn't work out with the bra I had, so I had to make a change. I had time getting into the black dress. It's always been snug, because that's how it's cut, but when I bought it two years ago, I was wearing smaller breast forms. It took me some creative maneuvering to get the dress buttoned over my newer, larger forms. When all was said and done, I looked stacked.
I haven't worn makeup a lot lately, but I didn't have any trouble putting my face together until I was nearly finished. I was putting a second coat of mascara on my right eye when I twitched. My lashes on that side ended up in a clump over the center of my eye. I wiped all the makeup off that eye and started over. Around that time, the Kentucky Derby had started, and I wasted precious time looking at a horse race for the first time in years.
Once I was dressed and made up, I scrambled to get everything together. In addition to my usual purse-load, I had to pack a change of clothes for work, which I headed to directly from the meeting. I packed all of the essentials, but in my haste omitted a few accessories, like a pair of studs to replace the hoop earrings I was wearing out. My boss is pretty open-minded, but somehow I can't see her approving of me wearing those at work.
I am embarrassed to say that I don't remember any of the group business from the meeting. I can tell you how many were there (thirteen, including one new girl I hadn't met before, Shawna, plus the dog De is sitting). After the serious discussion was done, I chatted with Julian and Rebecca about movies. My geek streak was showing, but I don't care. I left out around 2145 so I could get on to work.
I was a little nervous about coming to the job en femme. It wasn't the first time I'd done it, but it's been a while, and I wasn't sure how the associate I was relieving would take me. I came in while he was assisting a guest, and he recognized me immediately, but didn't bat so much as an eyelash about my appearance. I immediately adjourned to the employee break room and set about returning my appearance to some semblance of masculinity. Practice does make perfect, as I was (reluctantly) back in my male guise in about fifteen minutes. *Sigh.*
The last few meetings I've dressed casual - jeans and a top. When I came to the March meeting, I wore flip flops. That's cool, because the meetings are casual, but I like to dress up sometimes, and I haven't been out en femme in almost two months. So I wore a dress. Specifically, I wore a black, sleeveless cotton shirtdress. It's got little star-shaped buttons down the front. I wore black patent peep-toe slingbacks, because I was dressing up. They've got, 4.5" heels, but they're actually comfortable to walk in. I wouldn't want to run around in them for extended periods, but I haven't had a chance to wear them out, so I did.
Getting dressed was an adventure. I had originally planned to wear a different dress, but that didn't work out with the bra I had, so I had to make a change. I had time getting into the black dress. It's always been snug, because that's how it's cut, but when I bought it two years ago, I was wearing smaller breast forms. It took me some creative maneuvering to get the dress buttoned over my newer, larger forms. When all was said and done, I looked stacked.
I haven't worn makeup a lot lately, but I didn't have any trouble putting my face together until I was nearly finished. I was putting a second coat of mascara on my right eye when I twitched. My lashes on that side ended up in a clump over the center of my eye. I wiped all the makeup off that eye and started over. Around that time, the Kentucky Derby had started, and I wasted precious time looking at a horse race for the first time in years.
Once I was dressed and made up, I scrambled to get everything together. In addition to my usual purse-load, I had to pack a change of clothes for work, which I headed to directly from the meeting. I packed all of the essentials, but in my haste omitted a few accessories, like a pair of studs to replace the hoop earrings I was wearing out. My boss is pretty open-minded, but somehow I can't see her approving of me wearing those at work.
I am embarrassed to say that I don't remember any of the group business from the meeting. I can tell you how many were there (thirteen, including one new girl I hadn't met before, Shawna, plus the dog De is sitting). After the serious discussion was done, I chatted with Julian and Rebecca about movies. My geek streak was showing, but I don't care. I left out around 2145 so I could get on to work.
I was a little nervous about coming to the job en femme. It wasn't the first time I'd done it, but it's been a while, and I wasn't sure how the associate I was relieving would take me. I came in while he was assisting a guest, and he recognized me immediately, but didn't bat so much as an eyelash about my appearance. I immediately adjourned to the employee break room and set about returning my appearance to some semblance of masculinity. Practice does make perfect, as I was (reluctantly) back in my male guise in about fifteen minutes. *Sigh.*
Tuesday, March 31, 2009
Changes
After a hiatus of the last few days, I return. I wish I could say I'd accomplished something while I wasn't blogging, but this is not the case. I found out tonight that my supervisor has finally hired a relief person to work the weekends. Alas, she also scheduled me to work this weekend, presumably to train this person. I wish she'd given me a little more notice. I've had off almost every weekend, consecutively, since the first of the year. My New Life support group meeting is this Saturday, and for the first time since January, I'll have the use of my own vehicle for the weekend. AAAUGH!!!
I attended the meeting in January and then drove myself to work. I think I can manage that again. The associate I relieved back then knows me very well, and wasn't put off seeing me en femme. Naturally, I changed clothes before I clocked in. I'll be doing the same Saturday, but the person I'll be relieving doesn't know about me. I guess this will be a very eye-opening experience for her. Maybe for the both of us!
On the positive side of things, my nephews (Nick and Brayden) have come to visit this week. I haven't seen them since December, back before they moved to Florida. They're so cute! They love to play Halo, but they're not very good at it (they are 6 and 5, respectively). It's nice to have nephews again, if only for a few days. Later this week, we're talking about taking them to see Monsters vs. Aliens.
I attended the meeting in January and then drove myself to work. I think I can manage that again. The associate I relieved back then knows me very well, and wasn't put off seeing me en femme. Naturally, I changed clothes before I clocked in. I'll be doing the same Saturday, but the person I'll be relieving doesn't know about me. I guess this will be a very eye-opening experience for her. Maybe for the both of us!
On the positive side of things, my nephews (Nick and Brayden) have come to visit this week. I haven't seen them since December, back before they moved to Florida. They're so cute! They love to play Halo, but they're not very good at it (they are 6 and 5, respectively). It's nice to have nephews again, if only for a few days. Later this week, we're talking about taking them to see Monsters vs. Aliens.
Sunday, March 22, 2009
Another Saturday Night
and I ain't got nobody
I got some money 'cause I just got paid
And how I wish I had someone to talk to
I'm in an awful way
(My apologies to Sam Cooke an Cat Stevens.)
Tonight was NLTO Movie Night, and it was a special occasion. Ericka and Linda are moving to Northern VA to be closer to Ericka's job, and this was the last event they were to host. Yentl was this month's selection, because Julian likes it, and it's one of very few movies featuring FtM characters with a happy ending.
Alas, I couldn't get a ride. It's my own fault, really. I've known that Nate had to work all week. I should've put out the word that I was in need days ago, but I was so sure that if I called this afternoon, my friends would somehow come through. That's what I get for waiting.
So I stayed home. I surfed the internet for a bit. Commiserated with friends over the demise of Battlestar Galactica (though most of us did enjoy the series finale). I spent some time watching CSI: Miami reruns on cable, and was getting ready to pop Pineapple Express into the DVD player, when my phone rang.
I mentioned sometime before that I'm a hotel night auditor, I think. Last week they fired my relief, and until they hire another one, they've got various part-timers filling in. The girl who filled in last weekend is AWESOME. She did the work without a hitch. The dude they got to fill in this weekend is USELESS. He isn't really what I would call a properly trained auditor, but he can push buttons, and the audit here largely consists of button-pushing. He called me at about 2100 to say that he wasn't sure that he could come into work, and asked if I could cover for him. I told him, "No." Nate had the truck, so I couldn't come in. Plus, I'm already scheduled for 40 hours this week, and my employers HATE to pay out overtime, even when it's necessary. Especially when it's needful, because then they start bitching about, "Why did we need to pay so-and-so?" Plus, I was a little miffed still about not getting to go out. I didn't tell him to sod off, but I definitely told him I wasn't going to cover his shift.
Flash forward a couple of hours. Nate's home from work. I get the news that our uncle Gary passed away this morning. We have a late supper, and start settling in for the night. My phone rings again. It's my associate from the evening shift, calling to see if I'm coming in. Dude called off, and told the job I was going to cover for him, without clearing it with me. I'm out of makeup and back in drab, but I really don't want to go into work. My associate says that she's called both the Front Office Manager and the GM, and no one's answering their phone. Especially not Dude. I called her back in a few minutes and told her I was coming in.
I do need the money. As for management's attitude towards overtime, forgiveness is always easier to get than permission. I made a snap decision, and hopefully acted in the best interests of the company.
So here I am, at work. My "not mine" shift ends in an hour. I imagine my relief will be a little surprised to see me.
I got some money 'cause I just got paid
And how I wish I had someone to talk to
I'm in an awful way
(My apologies to Sam Cooke an Cat Stevens.)
Tonight was NLTO Movie Night, and it was a special occasion. Ericka and Linda are moving to Northern VA to be closer to Ericka's job, and this was the last event they were to host. Yentl was this month's selection, because Julian likes it, and it's one of very few movies featuring FtM characters with a happy ending.
Alas, I couldn't get a ride. It's my own fault, really. I've known that Nate had to work all week. I should've put out the word that I was in need days ago, but I was so sure that if I called this afternoon, my friends would somehow come through. That's what I get for waiting.
So I stayed home. I surfed the internet for a bit. Commiserated with friends over the demise of Battlestar Galactica (though most of us did enjoy the series finale). I spent some time watching CSI: Miami reruns on cable, and was getting ready to pop Pineapple Express into the DVD player, when my phone rang.
I mentioned sometime before that I'm a hotel night auditor, I think. Last week they fired my relief, and until they hire another one, they've got various part-timers filling in. The girl who filled in last weekend is AWESOME. She did the work without a hitch. The dude they got to fill in this weekend is USELESS. He isn't really what I would call a properly trained auditor, but he can push buttons, and the audit here largely consists of button-pushing. He called me at about 2100 to say that he wasn't sure that he could come into work, and asked if I could cover for him. I told him, "No." Nate had the truck, so I couldn't come in. Plus, I'm already scheduled for 40 hours this week, and my employers HATE to pay out overtime, even when it's necessary. Especially when it's needful, because then they start bitching about, "Why did we need to pay so-and-so?" Plus, I was a little miffed still about not getting to go out. I didn't tell him to sod off, but I definitely told him I wasn't going to cover his shift.
Flash forward a couple of hours. Nate's home from work. I get the news that our uncle Gary passed away this morning. We have a late supper, and start settling in for the night. My phone rings again. It's my associate from the evening shift, calling to see if I'm coming in. Dude called off, and told the job I was going to cover for him, without clearing it with me. I'm out of makeup and back in drab, but I really don't want to go into work. My associate says that she's called both the Front Office Manager and the GM, and no one's answering their phone. Especially not Dude. I called her back in a few minutes and told her I was coming in.
I do need the money. As for management's attitude towards overtime, forgiveness is always easier to get than permission. I made a snap decision, and hopefully acted in the best interests of the company.
So here I am, at work. My "not mine" shift ends in an hour. I imagine my relief will be a little surprised to see me.
Monday, March 9, 2009
March NLTO Recap
I forgot to mention that Saturday was this month's NLTO meeting. There were a few more people there this month, which is a good thing. My friend Debbie (who has appeared here before) brought another lady named Debbie. We met Sharon, who is getting out of the Navy this year. My friend Kathy brought her genderqueer friend Ashley. We spent the first part of the meeting getting to know each other.
LLLLL did a presentation about this year's Camp Trans; it sounds like a lot of fun, but I'm a city girl at heart. I'm too high-maintenance to rough it in the middle of nowhere (Michigan) in June. We talked about this month's Movie Night. It's the last that'll be at Ericka and Linda's; alas, they're moving to Alexandria. Anyway, this month's selection is Yentl, with Barbra Streisand and Mandy Patinkin. I haven't seen that since I was in grade school (it was on HBO), so it'll be almost like seeing it for the first time.
We had another clothing swap. There was more to choose from, and I actually found a few nice pieces. I got a (tight) pair of jeans and a denim mini that used to be Michelle Marie's, and a few tops that were Debbie's. One of the tops is leopard print (!) and I'll need to wear my smaller forms ('cause it's a little revealing). All that didn't go home with someone will be donated to the CHKD thrift store.
Before we broke up for the night, we broke up into little groups and chatted about stuff: blogs, Battlestar Galactica, physics, politics, etc, ad nauseam.
I got home a little later than usual. I didn't have dinner before the meeting, and as good as Giles' cookies are, I needed something more substantial. Nate rolled in from work a little after I got in, and he hadn't eaten either, so I ended up ordering in Domino's. If you're looking for a recommendation, the Memphis BBQ Chicken pizza is awesome! The delivery driver hardly batted an eye when I answered the door en femme.
I stayed up to watch a little TV: CSI Miami reruns on A&E, then Ghost in the Shell: Standalone Complex (my fave anime) on Adult Swim. There's a whole discourse I could write about being trans and relating to the themes on this show (and especially the music), but that'll wait for another post.
LLLLL did a presentation about this year's Camp Trans; it sounds like a lot of fun, but I'm a city girl at heart. I'm too high-maintenance to rough it in the middle of nowhere (Michigan) in June. We talked about this month's Movie Night. It's the last that'll be at Ericka and Linda's; alas, they're moving to Alexandria. Anyway, this month's selection is Yentl, with Barbra Streisand and Mandy Patinkin. I haven't seen that since I was in grade school (it was on HBO), so it'll be almost like seeing it for the first time.
We had another clothing swap. There was more to choose from, and I actually found a few nice pieces. I got a (tight) pair of jeans and a denim mini that used to be Michelle Marie's, and a few tops that were Debbie's. One of the tops is leopard print (!) and I'll need to wear my smaller forms ('cause it's a little revealing). All that didn't go home with someone will be donated to the CHKD thrift store.
Before we broke up for the night, we broke up into little groups and chatted about stuff: blogs, Battlestar Galactica, physics, politics, etc, ad nauseam.
I got home a little later than usual. I didn't have dinner before the meeting, and as good as Giles' cookies are, I needed something more substantial. Nate rolled in from work a little after I got in, and he hadn't eaten either, so I ended up ordering in Domino's. If you're looking for a recommendation, the Memphis BBQ Chicken pizza is awesome! The delivery driver hardly batted an eye when I answered the door en femme.
I stayed up to watch a little TV: CSI Miami reruns on A&E, then Ghost in the Shell: Standalone Complex (my fave anime) on Adult Swim. There's a whole discourse I could write about being trans and relating to the themes on this show (and especially the music), but that'll wait for another post.
Sunday, February 22, 2009
NLTO Movie Night
The third Saturday of the month is usually our group Movie Night. A number of us gather at a friend's house in Virginia Beach, and we watch a movie that explores some element of being transgendered. This month's selection was the HBO movie "Normal", with Tom Wilkinson and Jessica Lange. Oftentimes, most of those assembled have seen the movie, but we use these gatherings to share with our friends who haven't seen them. A few of the people we were expecting didn't appear, so those that were left had all seen the movie. We debated what else to watch, when I mentioned the new movie premiering on HBO, "Taking Chance", with Kevin Bacon.
"Taking Chance" is not the least bit trans-themed. It's a beautiful movie, though. Marine Lieutenant Colonel Michael Strobl is a Gulf War veteran. In 2004, his unit was one of several assigned the duty of bringing home the bodies of those who have fallen in Iraq. It is highly unusual for officers to escort enlisted Marines, but Lt. Col. Strobl felt strongly about this one Marine, PFC Chance Phelps, who enlisted in Strobl's hometown in Colorado. The movie is based on an essay Strobl wrote about bringing Chance Phelps home. Here's the HBO site:
http://www.hbo.com/films/takingchance/
I also found the original essay.
http://www.blackfive.net/main/2004/04/taking_chance.html
Powerful stuff.
"Taking Chance" is not the least bit trans-themed. It's a beautiful movie, though. Marine Lieutenant Colonel Michael Strobl is a Gulf War veteran. In 2004, his unit was one of several assigned the duty of bringing home the bodies of those who have fallen in Iraq. It is highly unusual for officers to escort enlisted Marines, but Lt. Col. Strobl felt strongly about this one Marine, PFC Chance Phelps, who enlisted in Strobl's hometown in Colorado. The movie is based on an essay Strobl wrote about bringing Chance Phelps home. Here's the HBO site:
http://www.hbo.com/films/takingchance/
I also found the original essay.
http://www.blackfive.net/main/2004/04/taking_chance.html
Powerful stuff.
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