Awhile back I asked readers here for ideas for my middle name and the name I favored was Rea. However, it is my sister-in-laws middle name and this weekend up at the cottage I asked for suggestion for my middle name. I had a list of “R” names that I had prepared including Rea and asked my sister-in-law if she had a problem if I chose Rea. She said that she rather that I didn’t use it. After going over the list my sister-in-law came up with the name, Royce and I liked it. It just added “ce” to my middle name Roy.
So my name is going to be Diana Royce L.
Thursday, May 31, 2007
Wednesday, May 30, 2007
Painter girl asks 3 questions
Painter girl asks 3 questions
1. What is your favorite color?
Green, for me it is the color of spring and summer; it is the color of re-growth.
2. Who is your favorite artist?
Salvador Dahi because I love the Surrealist school of art and such artist as Max Ernst, Piet Mondrian, Kay Sage, Tanguy and Peter Blume and Calder. I can get lost in Salvador Dahi’s Apparition of Face and Fruit Dish on a Beach and Persistence of Memory (The painting with the melting clocks).
Did you know that many of the surrealist painters of that time lived or visited Connecticut and that the American Surrealist school had its roots in Woodbury where Sage and Tanguy lived. Because of the Connecticut connection, the Wadsworth Atheneum, in Hartford, was the first museum in America to present an exhibition of Surrealist art. A year later, the museum was the first to purchase a work by Dahi.
3. If you were a painting, which one would you be? Why?
I think the name of the painting is Nemesis, I don't remember the the painter but it was a American Impressionist in France, painting from the turn of the century (not this one but the 1900’s). The painting was of a sailboat with everyone lounging around on the deck drinking wine on a hot summer day. The picture looked so tranquil that I just wanted to be there.
1. What is your favorite color?
Green, for me it is the color of spring and summer; it is the color of re-growth.
2. Who is your favorite artist?
Salvador Dahi because I love the Surrealist school of art and such artist as Max Ernst, Piet Mondrian, Kay Sage, Tanguy and Peter Blume and Calder. I can get lost in Salvador Dahi’s Apparition of Face and Fruit Dish on a Beach and Persistence of Memory (The painting with the melting clocks).
Did you know that many of the surrealist painters of that time lived or visited Connecticut and that the American Surrealist school had its roots in Woodbury where Sage and Tanguy lived. Because of the Connecticut connection, the Wadsworth Atheneum, in Hartford, was the first museum in America to present an exhibition of Surrealist art. A year later, the museum was the first to purchase a work by Dahi.
3. If you were a painting, which one would you be? Why?
I think the name of the painting is Nemesis, I don't remember the the painter but it was a American Impressionist in France, painting from the turn of the century (not this one but the 1900’s). The painting was of a sailboat with everyone lounging around on the deck drinking wine on a hot summer day. The picture looked so tranquil that I just wanted to be there.
Getting To Know You
The Infamous Proust Questionnaire
* Your most marked characteristic?
Being Transgendered.
* The quality you most like in a man?
Being a good listener.
* The quality you most like in a woman?
Being a good listener.
* What do you most value in your friends?
Being a good listener. No I do not mean to be funny, I think being there and being willing to listen through good times and bad times is what I value most in a person.
* What is your principle defect?
I worry too much.
* What is your favorite occupation?
Any occupation that helps someone (i.e. nurses, doctors, social workers, etc.)
* What is your dream of happiness?
Not having to have a 40 hour a week job. That you can get up when you want to and to work when you want to.
* What to your mind would be the greatest of misfortunes?
Loosing my family
* What would you like to be?
Retired (See above. What is your dream of happiness?)
* In what country would you like to live?
USA or more specially Connecticut
* What is your favorite color?
Green
* What is your favorite flower?
Lilac
* What is your favorite bird?
Cardinal
* Who are your favorite prose writers?
Me. Hmm, I thought I wrote poems but maybe it is more like prose.
* Who are your favorite poets?
Robert Frost – The Road Not Taken
* Who is your favorite hero of fiction?
Hmm, I don’t I have one.
* Who are your favorite heroines of fiction?
Admiral Honor – lets see if anyone else knows what series she is the heroine in.
* Who are your favorite composers?
John Lennon
* Who are your favorite painters?
Salvador Dali
* Who are your heroes in real life?
My parents.
* Who are your favorite heroines of history?
Oh, there are some many. Susan B. Anthony, Harrier Beecher Stowe, George Sands, Joan de Arch, etc. all the women who fought for a cause that they believed in or were on the cutting edge of society.
* What are your favorite names?
Diana. I know it’s a cop out.
* What is it you most dislike?
Bullies.
* What historical figures do you most despise?
I don’t think I despise anyone, what is passed is passed.
* What event in military history do you most admire?
Washington crossing the Delaware on Christmas Eve.
* What reform do you most admire?
Civil Rights
* What natural gift would you most like to possess?
Good health
* How would you like to die?
Sudden, when I am in my nineties.
* What is your present state of mind?
Racing, thinking of all the things I have to do.
* To what faults do you feel most indulgent?
Food.
* What is your motto?
Do to others as you would want them to do to you.
* Your most marked characteristic?
Being Transgendered.
* The quality you most like in a man?
Being a good listener.
* The quality you most like in a woman?
Being a good listener.
* What do you most value in your friends?
Being a good listener. No I do not mean to be funny, I think being there and being willing to listen through good times and bad times is what I value most in a person.
* What is your principle defect?
I worry too much.
* What is your favorite occupation?
Any occupation that helps someone (i.e. nurses, doctors, social workers, etc.)
* What is your dream of happiness?
Not having to have a 40 hour a week job. That you can get up when you want to and to work when you want to.
* What to your mind would be the greatest of misfortunes?
Loosing my family
* What would you like to be?
Retired (See above. What is your dream of happiness?)
* In what country would you like to live?
USA or more specially Connecticut
* What is your favorite color?
Green
* What is your favorite flower?
Lilac
* What is your favorite bird?
Cardinal
* Who are your favorite prose writers?
Me. Hmm, I thought I wrote poems but maybe it is more like prose.
* Who are your favorite poets?
Robert Frost – The Road Not Taken
* Who is your favorite hero of fiction?
Hmm, I don’t I have one.
* Who are your favorite heroines of fiction?
Admiral Honor – lets see if anyone else knows what series she is the heroine in.
* Who are your favorite composers?
John Lennon
* Who are your favorite painters?
Salvador Dali
* Who are your heroes in real life?
My parents.
* Who are your favorite heroines of history?
Oh, there are some many. Susan B. Anthony, Harrier Beecher Stowe, George Sands, Joan de Arch, etc. all the women who fought for a cause that they believed in or were on the cutting edge of society.
* What are your favorite names?
Diana. I know it’s a cop out.
* What is it you most dislike?
Bullies.
* What historical figures do you most despise?
I don’t think I despise anyone, what is passed is passed.
* What event in military history do you most admire?
Washington crossing the Delaware on Christmas Eve.
* What reform do you most admire?
Civil Rights
* What natural gift would you most like to possess?
Good health
* How would you like to die?
Sudden, when I am in my nineties.
* What is your present state of mind?
Racing, thinking of all the things I have to do.
* To what faults do you feel most indulgent?
Food.
* What is your motto?
Do to others as you would want them to do to you.
Monday, May 28, 2007
Work Weekend at the Cottage
I was up at the cottage this weekend working on the wiring with my brother and his wife and my niece. I got the wiring finished in two rooms finished, bathroom and the utility closet (That’s me always in the closet.). I also cooked Sunday dinner, see Manic Monday below.
My brother is now getting picked on more with three women in the house; he jokingly called me traitor when we ganged up on him one time. My sister-in-law gave the wall by the fireplace a first coat of Burgundy paint and it came out pink. I said I thought it looked nice in pink and my niece and sister-in-law agreed, my brother said “We are not having a pink wall!” Also when we picked out the evening movie he got out voted in favor of “Because I Said So” with Diane Keaton, Lauren Graham, Mandy Moore and Piper Perabo. My brother was asleep in about fifteen minutes.
My sister-in-law and niece are getting better at calling me Diana, about over half the time now they are getting it right. My brother is calling me “D” some of the time now. I think we are all getting more comfortable with me as Diana. My sister-in-law thinks that I should introduce myself to the neighbors but I don’t, I figure it is on a need to know basis and they don’t need to know. If they come over to talk, then yes I will explain it to them then.
My brother is now getting picked on more with three women in the house; he jokingly called me traitor when we ganged up on him one time. My sister-in-law gave the wall by the fireplace a first coat of Burgundy paint and it came out pink. I said I thought it looked nice in pink and my niece and sister-in-law agreed, my brother said “We are not having a pink wall!” Also when we picked out the evening movie he got out voted in favor of “Because I Said So” with Diane Keaton, Lauren Graham, Mandy Moore and Piper Perabo. My brother was asleep in about fifteen minutes.
My sister-in-law and niece are getting better at calling me Diana, about over half the time now they are getting it right. My brother is calling me “D” some of the time now. I think we are all getting more comfortable with me as Diana. My sister-in-law thinks that I should introduce myself to the neighbors but I don’t, I figure it is on a need to know basis and they don’t need to know. If they come over to talk, then yes I will explain it to them then.
Manic Monday
Manic Monday
What's your favorite food item that is in your refrigerator right now?
Eggs. The ever versatile edible egg.
Do you enjoying barbecuing on the grill? What's something that you make often?
Most defiantly, I mostly like to barbecue chicken. I cooked the Sunday dinner for this weekend at the cottage; pork tenderloin, rice pilaf and a salad ( lettuce, spinach, walnuts, cranberries, apple, Gorgonzola cheese and raspberry vignette) with a chardonnay.
What one item (kitchen gadget, appliance, food item) in your kitchen best describes your personality? Why?
A blender. I am a blend of male and female.
What's your favorite food item that is in your refrigerator right now?
Eggs. The ever versatile edible egg.
Do you enjoying barbecuing on the grill? What's something that you make often?
Most defiantly, I mostly like to barbecue chicken. I cooked the Sunday dinner for this weekend at the cottage; pork tenderloin, rice pilaf and a salad ( lettuce, spinach, walnuts, cranberries, apple, Gorgonzola cheese and raspberry vignette) with a chardonnay.
What one item (kitchen gadget, appliance, food item) in your kitchen best describes your personality? Why?
A blender. I am a blend of male and female.
Patrick’s Weekender
Saturday Six - Episode 163
1. What color car do you drive?
Red
2. How many cars have you had in the past of this same color?
Two, my previous car was also red.
3. What does this particular color mean to you?
That was the color of the car they had on the lot that had the options that I wanted.
4. Take the quiz: What color car should you drive?
5. Would you ever consider driving a car the color the quiz suggests?
No way! I do not want to drive a banana or a canary.
6. Do you consider yourself the most-aggressive driver on the road, the least-aggressive, or something in between?
I am about average. I haven’t had an accident since college.
1. What color car do you drive?
Red
2. How many cars have you had in the past of this same color?
Two, my previous car was also red.
3. What does this particular color mean to you?
That was the color of the car they had on the lot that had the options that I wanted.
4. Take the quiz: What color car should you drive?
| You Should Drive a Yellow Car |
 You're the type of driver who doesn't mind giving someone a break on the road. You are eternally cheerful, and a little bad traffic is never going to effect your mood. And while you're definitely laid back, a part of you also loves to be noticed. You're a performer at heart. And you love showing off a few slick driving moves every now and then! |
5. Would you ever consider driving a car the color the quiz suggests?
No way! I do not want to drive a banana or a canary.
6. Do you consider yourself the most-aggressive driver on the road, the least-aggressive, or something in between?
I am about average. I haven’t had an accident since college.
Friday, May 25, 2007
Friday Fiver
I know you're mad about me
1. If you could have a superpower, what would it be?To be able to read minds. It could save me from faux pas.
2. Which is more attractive to you: physical appearance or personality?I rather be with a person who has personality because you might not be able to get along with a person who only has their looks.
3. Who did you last fight with?
I think maybe fifty years ago when I use to fight with my brother.
4. What did you eat last night?
Tomato salad, I forget the Italian name for it. It is diced tomatoes, chopped onion, black olives and mozzarella with Italian dressing.
5. Who are you mad about?
I don’t get mad, life is too short. I might mad for a moment or two but I don’t stay that way for long.
1. If you could have a superpower, what would it be?To be able to read minds. It could save me from faux pas.
2. Which is more attractive to you: physical appearance or personality?I rather be with a person who has personality because you might not be able to get along with a person who only has their looks.
3. Who did you last fight with?
I think maybe fifty years ago when I use to fight with my brother.
4. What did you eat last night?
Tomato salad, I forget the Italian name for it. It is diced tomatoes, chopped onion, black olives and mozzarella with Italian dressing.
5. Who are you mad about?
I don’t get mad, life is too short. I might mad for a moment or two but I don’t stay that way for long.
Thursday, May 24, 2007
Once in a While Great Things Happen
Yesterday something really great happened. Sometimes politicians can step above politics and show leadership and foresight, yesterday was one of those day. In the state Senate they voted on the Anti-Discrimination bill, SB1044 and the vote was almost unanimous, it was 30 Yeas, 4 Nays and 2 Absent. They were able to set aside their political differences and vote for what is right. From what I was told, the Chair of the Judicial Committee Senator McDonald (D) and Ranking Minority Member Senator Kissel (R) both made passionate speeches in favor of the bill.
Some would say this bill only affects a couple of thousand individuals in the state, but this bill affects ever citizen because when we treat everyone equally and fairly everyone benefits.
And I want to say a heartfelt Thank You to all the Senators who voted for this bill.
Some would say this bill only affects a couple of thousand individuals in the state, but this bill affects ever citizen because when we treat everyone equally and fairly everyone benefits.
And I want to say a heartfelt Thank You to all the Senators who voted for this bill.
Wednesday, May 23, 2007
Getting to Know You Day
My question for this week:
If you could have a redo moment in your life, would you do it and what would it be? Not changing history drastically-it's all just a what if.
For example-would you have waited to get married later? Would you have had your children at an earlier age. Not have dated that strange girl/guy back in 11th grade.
Now looking back at high school there was this girl that always found some excuse to be with me. But, as a typical male, I never realized until much later that maybe she liked me and wanted to go out on a date. However, it never dawned on me until much, much later that that might be the case. Maybe I might have gotten married and had kids; however if I did then it might have been much harder on me and them for me to transition. Oh well.
If you could have a redo moment in your life, would you do it and what would it be? Not changing history drastically-it's all just a what if.
For example-would you have waited to get married later? Would you have had your children at an earlier age. Not have dated that strange girl/guy back in 11th grade.
Now looking back at high school there was this girl that always found some excuse to be with me. But, as a typical male, I never realized until much later that maybe she liked me and wanted to go out on a date. However, it never dawned on me until much, much later that that might be the case. Maybe I might have gotten married and had kids; however if I did then it might have been much harder on me and them for me to transition. Oh well.
Monday, May 21, 2007
Manic Monday
Manic Monday for May 21, 2007
What was the best day of the past week for you and why?
Tuesday in Washington DC, it was a very empowering day. I went and lobbied my Representative and Senators for the Hate Crime and Employee Non-Discrimination Act (ENDA), I felt that I was making a difference.
What is the best thing about the city in which you currently live?
I live in the suburbs and I like it because I am only a half a hour away from Hartford and New haven. Also I am only ninety minutes from New York, Boston, the ocean or the Berkshires mountains.
What do you love most about yourself?
Hmm, that is hard to answer. I think what I like best about myself is that I have turned my life around. I now feel that I have meaning to my life.
What was the best day of the past week for you and why?
Tuesday in Washington DC, it was a very empowering day. I went and lobbied my Representative and Senators for the Hate Crime and Employee Non-Discrimination Act (ENDA), I felt that I was making a difference.
What is the best thing about the city in which you currently live?
I live in the suburbs and I like it because I am only a half a hour away from Hartford and New haven. Also I am only ninety minutes from New York, Boston, the ocean or the Berkshires mountains.
What do you love most about yourself?
Hmm, that is hard to answer. I think what I like best about myself is that I have turned my life around. I now feel that I have meaning to my life.
Sunday, May 20, 2007
Total Miles Driven This Week = 1174 Miles
Round trip to Washington DC= 759 miles
Round trip to Ogunquit ME = 415 miles
Average miles per gallon ~ 51 mpg
Round trip to Ogunquit ME = 415 miles
Average miles per gallon ~ 51 mpg
Ogunquit Weekend Getaway
The weather was cold and wet but our sprits were high. Friday when I arrived at the B&B it was raining lightly and I met up with another member of Connecticut Outreach Society who had just had arrived shortly before. It was a getaway weekend for our members, to give them a safe place where they could go out in public. We went window shopping and I brought a sweatshirt because all I had were short sleeve tops. Afterward we had dinner at the Oarweed restaurant in Perkin’s Cove and since this is Maine, I had Haddock stuffed with Lobster.
The next day was cold and dreary but the rain held off until late afternoon. We walked down to Perkin’s Cove and checked out all the art galleries and craft stores. We then walked back along the Marginal Way. What’s the Marginal Way? It’s a foot path that goes along the ocean edge for about a mile and a half. The waves along the shore were unbelievable the way they were pounding against the rock. An offshore storm caused the heavy surf and the roar of the surf could be heard several blocks inland. In the afternoon we went over to York beach to watch the surfers and then on to Nubble Lighthouse to watch the waves break on the rocks. One of the problems I had taking pictures was salt spray; the air was so think with the spray that it looked like fog. You could taste the salt in the air and it was getting all over my camera and lens.
That night we ate dinner at Impastable Dream and I had a fantastic Lobster Ravioli in a Newburg Sauce. If you every go to Ogunquit, I recommend going there for dinner.
Here are a few of the many photos that I took of the waves at Perkin’s Cove, Marginal Way and Nubble Lighhouse.
More of my photographs are here.
Still photographs just don’t do any justice to the power and sound of the waves; I wish I had brought my movie camera. But I do not think that even that can do justice, you had to be there to feel the power.
The next day was cold and dreary but the rain held off until late afternoon. We walked down to Perkin’s Cove and checked out all the art galleries and craft stores. We then walked back along the Marginal Way. What’s the Marginal Way? It’s a foot path that goes along the ocean edge for about a mile and a half. The waves along the shore were unbelievable the way they were pounding against the rock. An offshore storm caused the heavy surf and the roar of the surf could be heard several blocks inland. In the afternoon we went over to York beach to watch the surfers and then on to Nubble Lighthouse to watch the waves break on the rocks. One of the problems I had taking pictures was salt spray; the air was so think with the spray that it looked like fog. You could taste the salt in the air and it was getting all over my camera and lens.
That night we ate dinner at Impastable Dream and I had a fantastic Lobster Ravioli in a Newburg Sauce. If you every go to Ogunquit, I recommend going there for dinner.
Here are a few of the many photos that I took of the waves at Perkin’s Cove, Marginal Way and Nubble Lighhouse.
More of my photographs are here.
Still photographs just don’t do any justice to the power and sound of the waves; I wish I had brought my movie camera. But I do not think that even that can do justice, you had to be there to feel the power.
By the Way Sunday
~Summer Vacation 2007~
By the way...
Do you have any plans for a summer vacation this year?
Work up at the cottage in New Hampshire.
Will you spend more time in the lawnchair outside or in the air conditioning inside?
Depends on how muggy it is; if it is really humid you will find me inside.
What's your favorite cool treat?
Lemon favored ice tea.
What's your favorite summer activity?
Floating in a lake on a swimming raft.
By the way...
Do you have any plans for a summer vacation this year?
Work up at the cottage in New Hampshire.
Will you spend more time in the lawnchair outside or in the air conditioning inside?
Depends on how muggy it is; if it is really humid you will find me inside.
What's your favorite cool treat?
Lemon favored ice tea.
What's your favorite summer activity?
Floating in a lake on a swimming raft.
Saturday Six - Episode 162
Patrick’s Weekender
1. Do you order Girl Scout cookies each year? If so, how many boxes do you buy in an average year?
I use to buy a box or two a year, but they are too fatting to buy any now.
2. How long does it take you to finish off a box of cookies?
A day or two.
3. What's your favorite kind of cookie to dip in milk?
Chocolate Mint.
4. Take the quiz: What kind of cookie are you?
5. If you had to bake cookies for a party, what flavor would you bake?
Chocolate chip with nuts.
6. What's the right way to eat an Oreo? As a whole, or by licking off the filling and then eating the two wafers individually?
Licking off the filling and then eating the two wafers individually, is there any other way?
1. Do you order Girl Scout cookies each year? If so, how many boxes do you buy in an average year?
I use to buy a box or two a year, but they are too fatting to buy any now.
2. How long does it take you to finish off a box of cookies?
A day or two.
3. What's your favorite kind of cookie to dip in milk?
Chocolate Mint.
4. Take the quiz: What kind of cookie are you?
| You Are a Jam Cookie |
 On the outside, you project a straight-laced, innocent vibe. But on the inside, you're complex, exotic, and full of flavor. |
5. If you had to bake cookies for a party, what flavor would you bake?
Chocolate chip with nuts.
6. What's the right way to eat an Oreo? As a whole, or by licking off the filling and then eating the two wafers individually?
Licking off the filling and then eating the two wafers individually, is there any other way?
Friday Five
Now and always
1. What was on your mind yesterday?
Not much, I was on vacation. I was trying to capture the beauty and power of the waves along the rocky coast of Maine.
2. What is on your mind today?
Getting home and going back to work tomorrow after a week’s vacation. It was a fantastic week, beginning in Washington DC where it was sunny and close to ninety and ending on the rocky coast of Maine in the rain and forty-three degree weather.
3. Do you like bonfires?
Not really bonfires but a campfire. I could watch them for hours, there is something that is so primitive about them.
4. Do you believe in the paranormal?
Nope.
5. Can you swim?
Yes, but I am so out of shape that I do not think I could swim more the a couple of feet.
1. What was on your mind yesterday?
Not much, I was on vacation. I was trying to capture the beauty and power of the waves along the rocky coast of Maine.
2. What is on your mind today?
Getting home and going back to work tomorrow after a week’s vacation. It was a fantastic week, beginning in Washington DC where it was sunny and close to ninety and ending on the rocky coast of Maine in the rain and forty-three degree weather.
3. Do you like bonfires?
Not really bonfires but a campfire. I could watch them for hours, there is something that is so primitive about them.
4. Do you believe in the paranormal?
Nope.
5. Can you swim?
Yes, but I am so out of shape that I do not think I could swim more the a couple of feet.
Thursday, May 17, 2007
More on My Washington Lobbying Trip
At lunch time our impromptu office in the House Office Building cafeteria had to move to make way the lunch time crowd. So we moved to a Committee Hearing Room thanks to a friendly Representative. Soo…
Doesn’t it look like that I was made for that chair?
Also Newsweek has an article about Gender Identity in this weeks issue, you can read it here.
Doesn’t it look like that I was made for that chair?
Also Newsweek has an article about Gender Identity in this weeks issue, you can read it here.
Getting to Know You!
I would like to know-
"If you could live anywhere in the world, where would you be? You'd be able to do what you love and make money. Your spouse, children, significant other, pets all would be able to come with you.”
Since I am retiring this year I could move to any retirement spot anywhere, but I think I would stay right here in Connecticut. Our winters are mild and the summers do not have that many hot and humid days. I like the changing seasons, I like the spring with all the flowers and I love the fall with all there bright leaves. We are half way between New York and Boston. We are close to the mountains of Northern New England and New York. We are close to the ocean beaches of Rhode Island and Cape Cod.
But most important of all is that all my friends are here, why move and start over? My brother tried a couple of times to get me to move up to Maine, but I am happy here.
"If you could live anywhere in the world, where would you be? You'd be able to do what you love and make money. Your spouse, children, significant other, pets all would be able to come with you.”
Since I am retiring this year I could move to any retirement spot anywhere, but I think I would stay right here in Connecticut. Our winters are mild and the summers do not have that many hot and humid days. I like the changing seasons, I like the spring with all the flowers and I love the fall with all there bright leaves. We are half way between New York and Boston. We are close to the mountains of Northern New England and New York. We are close to the ocean beaches of Rhode Island and Cape Cod.
But most important of all is that all my friends are here, why move and start over? My brother tried a couple of times to get me to move up to Maine, but I am happy here.
Wednesday, May 16, 2007
Manic Monday
Manic Monday for May 14, 2007
Is it easier for you to forgive or to forget?
It is easier to forgive. I do not want to go through life holding a grudge, life is too short.
Do you believe people can change?
Yes, I have seen people change. Both for the better and for the worst, I think I have changed for the better.
Has life made you more cynical or more hopeful?
More hopeful, I has seen more understanding and tolerance in the last couple of years.
Is it easier for you to forgive or to forget?
It is easier to forgive. I do not want to go through life holding a grudge, life is too short.
Do you believe people can change?
Yes, I have seen people change. Both for the better and for the worst, I think I have changed for the better.
Has life made you more cynical or more hopeful?
More hopeful, I has seen more understanding and tolerance in the last couple of years.
More TV Coverage of the Lobby Days
There are some additional film clips of the "Lobby Days", the clips are mostly of Susan but in the second video, I am in it for a couple of seconds or rather my back.
You can see the other story here.
There is also another clip here.
I messed up on the other blog entry, somehow comments were left off the post.
You can see the other story here.
There is also another clip here.
I messed up on the other blog entry, somehow comments were left off the post.
Tuesday, May 15, 2007
Washington Lobby Days
Lobby Days was a great success! They had over 130 attendees from over thirty states.
I visited all my Connecticut legislators and I walked so much between the House Office Building and the Senate Office Building that I got blisters on my feet.
For me it was easy to lobby my Congressmen because they all are so supported of the two bills and all of the aids I talked to said that they believe that the Congressman would co-sponsor the bill. But it still was important that they got to meet someone who is trans to put a human face on the bill.
One of the other lobbyists was the former Largo Florida City Manager Susan Stanton and there was a TV news crew that followed her around filming her and others of the lobbyists from the group, National Center for Transgender Equality, that I was with. Here is the interview that she did for Tampa Bay Channel 10 News.
The video link is here
Did you recognize anyone in the film clip?
After we had our pictures taken on the steps of the Capital and I was walking back to the House Office Building the camera crew asked me what my schedule to visit my Congressmen and I told him the I had a 10:30 appointment with my Representative from Connecticut. Well when I turn the corner onto the hall where my Representative’s office is there was the TV crew filming me as I walked down the hall and then when I exited his office they interviewed me.
I visited all my Connecticut legislators and I walked so much between the House Office Building and the Senate Office Building that I got blisters on my feet.
For me it was easy to lobby my Congressmen because they all are so supported of the two bills and all of the aids I talked to said that they believe that the Congressman would co-sponsor the bill. But it still was important that they got to meet someone who is trans to put a human face on the bill.
One of the other lobbyists was the former Largo Florida City Manager Susan Stanton and there was a TV news crew that followed her around filming her and others of the lobbyists from the group, National Center for Transgender Equality, that I was with. Here is the interview that she did for Tampa Bay Channel 10 News.
Transgender groups lobby for protection
By: Mike Deeson
Washington, D.C. - More than 100 transgendered people lobbied Congress for protection from being fired because of gender. Susan Stanton, who is in Washington for the event, stayed away from some of the media circus early in the day when the group began the lobby effort.
While you could tell from some of the looks that their agenda wasn't going to be an easy sell, when they went to see their congressmen, they found some sympathetic ears.
"Discrimination is not right in this country," says Rep. Jan Schakowsky, (D-IL). Schakowsky says she is aware of what happened to Susan Stanton and she will co-sponsor the Employment Non-discrimination Act. "It would include gender identity in there," she says. "You can't discriminate on the basis of gender identity."
Unless Congress passes the law, there will be no recourse against those who discriminate against people like Stanton. That's why Stanton says she's not angry she lost her job.
Saying she holds no animosity, Stanton adds, "I love my community. They [the Largo Commission] were all extremely good elected officials, and I don't know how many other commissioners could have done different, given the situation."
But the situation isn't likely to change anytime soon. Even those who had a good reception from their representatives admit that most in Congress aren't ready to support the idea or bill.
Diana L, who lobbied her Connecticut Congressman, says, "It will be the long haul. I don't think we'll get it passed this year."
Stanton says she didn't come to Capitol Hill Tuesday morning to lobby with the big group, because some members of Congress felt uncomfortable with the intense media coverage. Stanton also maintains that the bigger goal is to get hired in Sarasota to prove she can do as good a job as he did in Largo.
The video link is here
Did you recognize anyone in the film clip?
After we had our pictures taken on the steps of the Capital and I was walking back to the House Office Building the camera crew asked me what my schedule to visit my Congressmen and I told him the I had a 10:30 appointment with my Representative from Connecticut. Well when I turn the corner onto the hall where my Representative’s office is there was the TV crew filming me as I walked down the hall and then when I exited his office they interviewed me.
Sunday, May 13, 2007
Off on Another Adventure...
Tomorrow I am leaving bright and early to drive down to Washington, DC with a friend to lobby Congress for the Hate Crime bill and Employee Non-Discrimination Act (ENDA). The Hate Crime bill would add Sexual Orientation and Gender Identity to the list of hate crimes that the FBI tracks and it will also make it a federal crime to physically attack someone because of their sexual orientation or gender identity and ENDA would protect someone from being fired, denied house or services because of their sexual orientation or gender identity. These bills protect everyone, not just the GLBT community because it covers anyone who is perceived to be GLBT.
Of course I am nervous, but it is not about seeing my Congressmen, but it is about getting back and forth to the reception Monday night by alone. It is a worry that I think anyone in a strange city would feel traveling alone. I am going down to Washington, DC with a friend but she is not going to the reception at the National Press Club Monday night. I hope someone else staying at the hotel will also be going so that we can travel together.
So, it’s off on another of Diana’s Great Adventures…
Of course I am nervous, but it is not about seeing my Congressmen, but it is about getting back and forth to the reception Monday night by alone. It is a worry that I think anyone in a strange city would feel traveling alone. I am going down to Washington, DC with a friend but she is not going to the reception at the National Press Club Monday night. I hope someone else staying at the hotel will also be going so that we can travel together.
So, it’s off on another of Diana’s Great Adventures…
By the Way Sunday
By the way...
Happy Mother's Day to all you Moms out there!
What qualities do you think a "Mom" should have?
Loving
Caring
Compassionate
Understanding
Forgiving
Tell us about a special "Mom" in your life.
I think that she possessed all of the above attributes. She was always there and ready to listen, to both the good and the bad.
Share a fond memory of Mother's Day.
I do not a fond memory of Mother’s Day but many and I think it is more important not to single out one day of the year to remember but all of the days.
The day the day that comes to mind is the day I took this photograph on their wedding anniversary. They want me to take some formal poised pictures of them. But while they were getting ready for to take the picture I quickly took this candid shot, which shows their love for one another so deeply.
Do you have any unique Mother's Day gift ideas?
My mother passed away in 2002 and I am just going to visit her grave and leave a rose.
Friday, May 11, 2007
What does it mean to have “Gender Identity Disorder”?
The medical model is: you will transition, have surgery, blend in and be your true gender, you will happily ever after.
But unfortunately life isn't always that simple. The medical model is great if you can pass and blend into society, but for us who will never pass for one reason or another life is really hard. If you do not transition your life is miserable because you can never be yourself and if you do transition your life is still miserable because of society's pressures but at least you can live you own life as yourself.
If all goes as planned, I should begin my transition the end of next month. That means…
Telling my neighbors;
Telling my gardener;
Telling my banker;
Telling the Town Hall Clerk;
Telling the Auto Dealer when I have my car serviced;
Telling…
It is a never ending list.
You will always be known as “That transsexual guy” and heads will always turn as you walk by and elbows will poke friends with a nod in your direction and giggling will be heard as you walk by.
I always got to class early and there would be about three or four other students there early. One day, one of the students noticed other students poking their heads in the door, that went on for six or seven times and the students in my class commented about it. Wondering what they were doing, for me it was obvious; they were looking for the Trannie. When I told them what it was they were aghast that other social work students would do that, but they all realized that I was right.
That’s what it means to have GID.
Being Gay is Soo much easier. But unfortunately we do not have a choice in the way we were born.
As you can tell I had a down day today.
But unfortunately life isn't always that simple. The medical model is great if you can pass and blend into society, but for us who will never pass for one reason or another life is really hard. If you do not transition your life is miserable because you can never be yourself and if you do transition your life is still miserable because of society's pressures but at least you can live you own life as yourself.
If all goes as planned, I should begin my transition the end of next month. That means…
Telling my neighbors;
Telling my gardener;
Telling my banker;
Telling the Town Hall Clerk;
Telling the Auto Dealer when I have my car serviced;
Telling…
It is a never ending list.
You will always be known as “That transsexual guy” and heads will always turn as you walk by and elbows will poke friends with a nod in your direction and giggling will be heard as you walk by.
I always got to class early and there would be about three or four other students there early. One day, one of the students noticed other students poking their heads in the door, that went on for six or seven times and the students in my class commented about it. Wondering what they were doing, for me it was obvious; they were looking for the Trannie. When I told them what it was they were aghast that other social work students would do that, but they all realized that I was right.
That’s what it means to have GID.
Being Gay is Soo much easier. But unfortunately we do not have a choice in the way we were born.
As you can tell I had a down day today.
Friday Fiver
Funky, funky club on Fairfax Avenue
1. What do you obsess about?Oh, just about everything. My brother says I inherited my mother’s “Worrying Genes”
2. What do you do for a living?
Currently I am a supervisor of an electronic testing department of a large international company.
3. Where do you call home?
Right in the middle of Connecticut. I lived here since when we moved to town in 1955
4. Have you lived up to your parents' expectations?
They passed away a couple of years ago. I do not know if they would approve, I would like to think so, but I will never know. I think they would have been happy to see me trying for a Master’s degree in Social Work.
5. Are we more likely to find you in a coffee bar or a nightclub?
Coffee Bar or Tea Room, I like the quiet. I like to be able to sit back and talk with friends. I do not like to loud chest pounding music of a nightclub, where you have to shout to be heard.
1. What do you obsess about?Oh, just about everything. My brother says I inherited my mother’s “Worrying Genes”
2. What do you do for a living?
Currently I am a supervisor of an electronic testing department of a large international company.
3. Where do you call home?
Right in the middle of Connecticut. I lived here since when we moved to town in 1955
4. Have you lived up to your parents' expectations?
They passed away a couple of years ago. I do not know if they would approve, I would like to think so, but I will never know. I think they would have been happy to see me trying for a Master’s degree in Social Work.
5. Are we more likely to find you in a coffee bar or a nightclub?
Coffee Bar or Tea Room, I like the quiet. I like to be able to sit back and talk with friends. I do not like to loud chest pounding music of a nightclub, where you have to shout to be heard.
Thursday, May 10, 2007
Getting to Know You
This week I want to know-
If someone from your local community college approached you about teaching a class, would you do it? What subject? Would there be field trips? What books would be required reading? Any guest lecturers?
Timely question since I just finished my classes at UConn. for this semester.
I would teach a class on Diversity (No surprise there) and I would have a field trip to the Hartford Gay and Lesbian Health Collective. The text books for the class would be; “She’s Not There: A Life in Two Genders” by Jennifer Boylan, “My Husband Betty” by Helen Boyd and “The Visible Man” by Jameson Green. And I would have some friends as guest lecture.
On a serious note; I do about three or four guest lectures a year at various college and universities in the area because I feel education is important. Almost all of the students have never met anyone who was transgendered and by going out and talking to them it put a human face to an abstract concept. One day I was standing line for our reservation at a restaurant and this woman came up to me. She said, “You talked in one of my classes and I now have a transgender patient, because of that class that day I knew how to relate to her.”
With summer reading season upon us, I urge you to read one of those books. They are all very good; Jennifer Boylan was on Oprah Winfrey twice and an Oprah’s Book club selection.
If someone from your local community college approached you about teaching a class, would you do it? What subject? Would there be field trips? What books would be required reading? Any guest lecturers?
Timely question since I just finished my classes at UConn. for this semester.
I would teach a class on Diversity (No surprise there) and I would have a field trip to the Hartford Gay and Lesbian Health Collective. The text books for the class would be; “She’s Not There: A Life in Two Genders” by Jennifer Boylan, “My Husband Betty” by Helen Boyd and “The Visible Man” by Jameson Green. And I would have some friends as guest lecture.
On a serious note; I do about three or four guest lectures a year at various college and universities in the area because I feel education is important. Almost all of the students have never met anyone who was transgendered and by going out and talking to them it put a human face to an abstract concept. One day I was standing line for our reservation at a restaurant and this woman came up to me. She said, “You talked in one of my classes and I now have a transgender patient, because of that class that day I knew how to relate to her.”
With summer reading season upon us, I urge you to read one of those books. They are all very good; Jennifer Boylan was on Oprah Winfrey twice and an Oprah’s Book club selection.