As most of you know I have been very nervous about going to certain places, like the car dealer last week. Well I had got go to a home improvement store to get some electrical supplies for the cottage and I was just dreading the idea, but last night I did go and as usual there was no problems. I did go in the evening just before closing because I figure there would be less people there, I was right there were only a dozen or so of shoppers and there were no tradesmen. You know the type; “T” shirts, old jean, tool belts and the top of their boots untied, right out of “Home Improvements”. They are the ones who I most fear.
However, I just couldn’t bring myself to ask for help in finding what I needed to put in a through the wall an outlet outdoors, so put off that fear until another day. I know eventually I will get it and I will someday go shopping during the day. I will conquer my fears one by one.
Tuesday, July 31, 2007
Monday, July 30, 2007
Manic Monday
Manic Monday; July 30, 2007
Quick! Off the top of your head list 4 words to describe you today, just as you are right now. (It could be thinking, feeling, looking, etc.- use your imagination.)
Newspaper
Mail
Errands
Groceries
Amended 7/31/07: I guess these four words best describe me because being retired my world is slowly turning into a routine. Get up in the morning trudge out to get the paper and read in over breakfast, then write checks for any bills I have to pay, get the mail and run errands in the afternoon or get groceries. I try to break up the routine by going out to lunch we friends or helping out a various non-profits organizations.
If you had an extra hour in your day today what would you do?
Oh, I have no idea; now that I am retired I really do not need an extra hour.
When is the last time you got lost and what happened?
The last time I felt lost was I was in Washington DC this spring. The building were so tall I couldn’t see the sun so I had no idea which direction the HRC offices were and which direction we had to go to get there when we got out of the subway. For me it was weird because I have a very good sense of direction and the subway confused my sense of direction and not seeing the sun for a reference made it hard to sense which direction we were going.
Quick! Off the top of your head list 4 words to describe you today, just as you are right now. (It could be thinking, feeling, looking, etc.- use your imagination.)
Newspaper
Errands
Groceries
Amended 7/31/07: I guess these four words best describe me because being retired my world is slowly turning into a routine. Get up in the morning trudge out to get the paper and read in over breakfast, then write checks for any bills I have to pay, get the mail and run errands in the afternoon or get groceries. I try to break up the routine by going out to lunch we friends or helping out a various non-profits organizations.
If you had an extra hour in your day today what would you do?
Oh, I have no idea; now that I am retired I really do not need an extra hour.
When is the last time you got lost and what happened?
The last time I felt lost was I was in Washington DC this spring. The building were so tall I couldn’t see the sun so I had no idea which direction the HRC offices were and which direction we had to go to get there when we got out of the subway. For me it was weird because I have a very good sense of direction and the subway confused my sense of direction and not seeing the sun for a reference made it hard to sense which direction we were going.
Sunday, July 29, 2007
A Couple of Things
First there is a really good article that I would recommend in Curve On-line magazine that I am reading.
The other thing is I haven’t gotten use to having doors held open and men letting me in line before them. I went to one of those convenience stores yesterday, after I pumped my gas I went inside to pay and buy some milk and a guy opened the door and held it for me. (It wasn’t like he held the door as he walked and I was following him, he actually stepped ahead of me an opened the door and stood aside.) Then later I went to get in line to pay and he stepped aside and let me go ahead of him. (Yes, I did thank him on both occasion.). It felt nice that he did that but at the same tine I felt he didn’t have to do that, I could have opened the door or waited in line a little bit longer.
The other thing is I haven’t gotten use to having doors held open and men letting me in line before them. I went to one of those convenience stores yesterday, after I pumped my gas I went inside to pay and buy some milk and a guy opened the door and held it for me. (It wasn’t like he held the door as he walked and I was following him, he actually stepped ahead of me an opened the door and stood aside.) Then later I went to get in line to pay and he stepped aside and let me go ahead of him. (Yes, I did thank him on both occasion.). It felt nice that he did that but at the same tine I felt he didn’t have to do that, I could have opened the door or waited in line a little bit longer.
Patrick’s Weekender
Patrick’s Weekender: Saturday Six - Episode 171
1. If you could forever save one kind of animal, besides human beings, from extinction, which would you choose and why?
A Loon, because it is a wild and crazy bird.
2. If you could make a pet out of a wild animal (and could guarantee that it wouldn’t go “wild,” which would you choose and why?
A Leopard, so that I could walk down the street in my stiletto heel boots with her.
3. Have you ever believed in the concept of “guardian angels” or “spirit animals”? Which of the two do you think are more likely to be real?
No, I do not believe in any sprit aminals.
4. READER’S CHOICE QUESTION #97 from Otowi: Take the quiz: What is your spirit animal?
5. How accurately does your spirit animal’s description fit your personality?
I liked the idea of the Wolf and the fact that: “You scored higher than 99% on Nobility”. Ops… I think I just lost some points.
6. If you could make a pet out of your spirit animal, would you want it?
Yeah, I think so, it is somewhat like a dog.
1. If you could forever save one kind of animal, besides human beings, from extinction, which would you choose and why?
A Loon, because it is a wild and crazy bird.
2. If you could make a pet out of a wild animal (and could guarantee that it wouldn’t go “wild,” which would you choose and why?
A Leopard, so that I could walk down the street in my stiletto heel boots with her.
3. Have you ever believed in the concept of “guardian angels” or “spirit animals”? Which of the two do you think are more likely to be real?
No, I do not believe in any sprit aminals.
4. READER’S CHOICE QUESTION #97 from Otowi: Take the quiz: What is your spirit animal?
Your Score: The Wolf
Here's your results! Your spirit animal has a Nobility ranking of 12 out of 18.
Your spirit animal is the wolf. It is a ferocious companion, and a loyal friend. It is both a respectable and noble creature; to have this spirit animal says good things about you, and that you are starting to figure things out. Wolves are pretty rare spirit animals.
***Wondering how this animal was chosen for you? These questions were carefully thought out to see how important you hold certain virtues such as: humanism, self-knowledge, rationalism, the love of freedom and other somewhat Hellenic ideals. Some of the questions were very subtle. Your score was then matched with an animal of corresponding nobility. However, you shouldn't think this was a right/wrong sort of test, but more of an idealistic values test. It's ok to not hold these values, you'll just get an animal spirit of lower stature if you do!***
| Link: The What is Your Spirit Animal Test written by FindingEros on OkCupid Free Online Dating, home of the The Dating Persona Test |
5. How accurately does your spirit animal’s description fit your personality?
I liked the idea of the Wolf and the fact that: “You scored higher than 99% on Nobility”. Ops… I think I just lost some points.
6. If you could make a pet out of your spirit animal, would you want it?
Yeah, I think so, it is somewhat like a dog.
What Kind of Dating Diva Are You?
| You are a Romantic Date |
 Your dating philosophy? "Date to fall in love" You prefer your dates to lead you down a romantic path If there's no soulmate connection, you're just wasting your time Search for guys looking to "settle down" or "meet my match" Because if a |
Now change Guy to Woman and they got it right. (Just because I am a Transwoman doesn't automatically mean I am attracted to men.)
Saturday, July 28, 2007
If Today is the Twenty Club Picnic, It Must Be Raining
Well it seems every time the Twenty Club has their annual picnic at Stratton Brook State Park it rains and this year was no exception. It poured and it poured at first there were only four of us when I got there at around 1:00 but a number of the members attended the Memorial Service for Dr. Petit’s family. Eventually when that got out, we had nine members show up along with a family and their son whom they believe is transgender.
There was a time when if you came out to your family, you were thrown out on the street. That is slowly changing, not that it still does not happen, but more families are standing by their children. Love wins out. They were asking where they could get more support, where are the psychologists who treat GID (Gender Identity Dysphoria), what can they do to help him, etc. There is hope for the next generation.
Also today, I had my hair colored to the color of my wig this morning; I washed that grey right out of my hair! Interesting experience and also smelly. A friend’s wife has a hair salon in Hartford where I normally had my hair cut but this morning I decided to try and have it colored, I had no idea what to expect, it was kind of like washing my hair with a paint brush. It has a very strong ammonia that I can still smell faintly still ten hours later.
There was a time when if you came out to your family, you were thrown out on the street. That is slowly changing, not that it still does not happen, but more families are standing by their children. Love wins out. They were asking where they could get more support, where are the psychologists who treat GID (Gender Identity Dysphoria), what can they do to help him, etc. There is hope for the next generation.
Also today, I had my hair colored to the color of my wig this morning; I washed that grey right out of my hair! Interesting experience and also smelly. A friend’s wife has a hair salon in Hartford where I normally had my hair cut but this morning I decided to try and have it colored, I had no idea what to expect, it was kind of like washing my hair with a paint brush. It has a very strong ammonia that I can still smell faintly still ten hours later.
Friday, July 27, 2007
Create a Connection
Photo Thursday: Beauty is in the eye of the beholder
I took this photo (The size photograph just doesn't come through on the blog uses, it is a lot nicer on Picasa Web Alblum), well actually three photos, last year up on Cape Cod MA. The photo is of Race Point Light house, the lighting was just right and the only thing I could wish for is clouds. I think that would have made the picture even better, I could have added them with Photoshop but I think that is cheating.
I liked to photograph because I feel it brings to life the feeling of the vast bareness of the salt marshes and the dunes and the solitude of the lighthouse.
On another topic; I went up to UConn (University of Connecticut) main campus in Storrs today with a friend and we went to see the Alpine Views: Alexandre Calame and the Swiss Landscape exhibit at the William Benton Museum of Art.
I never knew that they had a museum there on campus and I was quite impressed with the exhibits and I particularly liked Calame “Torrents” series of waterfalls in the Alps. But looking at the paintings a question came to mind, the contrast on the darker areas was very low making it impossible to make out the details in the shadow areas. My question is; did he do it on purpose to draw the eye into the center of the painting or did the painting lose the contrast over time, maybe because of smoke or aging of the oil paints? Was I looking at the actual colors when it was painted or like the Sistine Chapel is it covered with the smoke and dust of the ages? However; the beauty and the technique of the artist still came through and I enjoyed the exhibits.
I took this photo (The size photograph just doesn't come through on the blog uses, it is a lot nicer on Picasa Web Alblum), well actually three photos, last year up on Cape Cod MA. The photo is of Race Point Light house, the lighting was just right and the only thing I could wish for is clouds. I think that would have made the picture even better, I could have added them with Photoshop but I think that is cheating.
I liked to photograph because I feel it brings to life the feeling of the vast bareness of the salt marshes and the dunes and the solitude of the lighthouse.
#######
On another topic; I went up to UConn (University of Connecticut) main campus in Storrs today with a friend and we went to see the Alpine Views: Alexandre Calame and the Swiss Landscape exhibit at the William Benton Museum of Art.
I never knew that they had a museum there on campus and I was quite impressed with the exhibits and I particularly liked Calame “Torrents” series of waterfalls in the Alps. But looking at the paintings a question came to mind, the contrast on the darker areas was very low making it impossible to make out the details in the shadow areas. My question is; did he do it on purpose to draw the eye into the center of the painting or did the painting lose the contrast over time, maybe because of smoke or aging of the oil paints? Was I looking at the actual colors when it was painted or like the Sistine Chapel is it covered with the smoke and dust of the ages? However; the beauty and the technique of the artist still came through and I enjoyed the exhibits.
Wednesday, July 25, 2007
Laney`s Original Inkblot Test
| Laney`s Original Inkblot Test Outcome C - The Scientist. Based on the descriptions you chose, you have quite a unique mind. You are creative, introverted, and find it hard to meet new people. You are constantly looking for new methods and ideas, and find excitement in learning.
|
 Quizzes and Personality Tests |
The results struck a little too close to home for me.
Create a Connection
Getting to Know You Day: Advice
1) When you were growing up, who was the "wisest" person you were close to? How did you know they knew what they were talking about?
It was so long ago that it is lost in the haze of time but when I was little I would have to say my father, I thought that he was the wisest person. As I grew up I listened to the advice of Mr. Downer, science teacher and I guess I listened because he was a teacher.
2) Did you ever have a relative/friend give unsolicited advice that perhaps at the time it was given, were resentful, but later came to find out they were right?
Once again it is lost in the haze of time, but I cannot remember anything that stands out.
3) Have you ever regretted not taking someone's advice?
Not that I remember, but I had many regrets for not following my heart.
4) What words of wisdom would you give to someone trying to find their way in the world? What words did you hear that helped you find your way?
My words of wisdom to the next generation who are trying to find their way is to go into a field that cannot be exported over seas. Like the trades (construction, plumbing & electrical), medical, police and fire. I think we are going to become a nation of service jobs everything else is going to be exported overseas, even corporate executives. Why do you need to have the corporate headquarters here, when Bahrain can do just as good and it is cheaper.
My other bit of advice is to start saving as soon as you get out of school. Start an IRA, 401(k) or what ever tax free saving plan you can have. No one is going to look out for yourself except you.
1) When you were growing up, who was the "wisest" person you were close to? How did you know they knew what they were talking about?
It was so long ago that it is lost in the haze of time but when I was little I would have to say my father, I thought that he was the wisest person. As I grew up I listened to the advice of Mr. Downer, science teacher and I guess I listened because he was a teacher.
2) Did you ever have a relative/friend give unsolicited advice that perhaps at the time it was given, were resentful, but later came to find out they were right?
Once again it is lost in the haze of time, but I cannot remember anything that stands out.
3) Have you ever regretted not taking someone's advice?
Not that I remember, but I had many regrets for not following my heart.
4) What words of wisdom would you give to someone trying to find their way in the world? What words did you hear that helped you find your way?
My words of wisdom to the next generation who are trying to find their way is to go into a field that cannot be exported over seas. Like the trades (construction, plumbing & electrical), medical, police and fire. I think we are going to become a nation of service jobs everything else is going to be exported overseas, even corporate executives. Why do you need to have the corporate headquarters here, when Bahrain can do just as good and it is cheaper.
My other bit of advice is to start saving as soon as you get out of school. Start an IRA, 401(k) or what ever tax free saving plan you can have. No one is going to look out for yourself except you.
Tuesday, July 24, 2007
Two Steps Forward, One Step Back.
TWO STEPS FORWARD
New HRC Report Shows Major Increase in Basic Workplace Protections for Gay, Transgender Employees
Among Fortune 500 Companies, Transgender Protections Quadruple Since 2003;
Nearly 90 Percent Protect Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual Employees
WASHINGTON– The number of Fortune 500 companies that ban workplace discrimination for transgender Americans has risen 60 percent since Jan. 2006 and has quadrupled since 2003, according to the Human Rights Campaign Foundation’s “State of the Workplace for Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual and Transgender Americans 2006-2007,” released today. The report also showed steady growth in the number of employers offering domestic partner benefits over the last year.
“It took the gay civil rights movement nearly two decades to see the growth that the transgender community has seen in the last five years in terms of workplace protections,” said HRC Foundation President Joe Solmonese. “Fortune 500 companies are moving decisively to protect the entire GLBT community from workplace discrimination and it is time for our nation’s laws to catch up.”
Since Jan. 2006, the number of Fortune 500 companies that include gender identity in their non-discrimination policies went from 78 to 125. In 2003, only eight companies had such policies. Employers across industries have added protections for transgender workers. In the aerospace and defense industries, Honeywell, Northrop Grumman and Boeing followed Raytheon’s 2005 announcement that it will protect transgender employees from discrimination. Other companies that expanded their non-discrimination policies include Internet giants Google and Yahoo!; supermarket giants Safeway and Costco; pharmaceutical firms Merck, Eli Lilly and DuPont; and Marriott, Hilton and Starwood among hotels…..
…..“This is a clear indication that successful, mainstream American businesses can do well while also doing the right thing for their transgender employees,” said Daryl Herrschaft, director of the HRC Foundation’s Workplace Project.
For the full report in PDF click here.
ONE STEP BACK
World's largest retailer stops donating to gay-rights organizations. Fortune's Marc Gunther reports.
FORTUNE Magazine
By Marc Gunther, Fortune senior writer
June 22 2007: 11:52 AM EDT
NEW YORK (FORTUNE) -- Wal-Mart, the world's largest retailer, has decided to curb its support of gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender (GLBT) organizations after conservative Christian groups threatened a boycott, and after some of its own employees expressed disapproval.
The move comes a year after Wal-Mart (Charts, Fortune 500) had put on a gay-friendly smile. The company joined the National Gay and Lesbian Chamber of Commerce. It sponsored the annual convention of Out & Equal, a group that promotes gay rights in the workplace, and sold gay-themed jewelry in stores.
Harry Potter Mania
I want to say I’m sorry to the mother who walked by me when I was buying “Harry Potter and the Deathly Hollows”. I went to a Target store to buy the new Harry Potter novel, as I was walking to the check-out counter she walked by me with her two kids and older of the two spied the book. I heard him cry out; “Mommy, they have Harry Potter! Can we buy it?” Then both the kids were pleading “Mommy we want to get Harry Potter!” and their pleads faded off as I continued walking away.
I’m so sorry!
I’m so sorry!
Life Goes On
I have to take my car in for the 10,000 mile service, I dread going to the dealer. Too much testosterone, I can just imagine how fast the word will go trough the shop that there is a trannie in their midst.
Appended 1:05pm:
Once again my worrying was for nothing; everyone was courteous and called me Diana. The bad thing that happened was they found a nail in sidewall of one of my tires. Chug Ching $$$$
Appended 1:05pm:
Once again my worrying was for nothing; everyone was courteous and called me Diana. The bad thing that happened was they found a nail in sidewall of one of my tires. Chug Ching $$$$
Monday, July 23, 2007
Sometimes Evil Strikes Close to Home.
Sometimes evil strikes close to home. Today in Cheshire CT a horrible crime was done on a doctor, his wife and two beautiful daughters. The kindest, gentlest, compassionate and understanding doctor I have ever known. He was always there to listen; he never hurried you through the office visit.
I remember one time I was his last patient of the day and he had a student from UConn Medical School there. He sent him in to do a work-up on me, the student was from Columbia and was a little fluster with having a transsexual patient but was trying so hard to be polite and keep the pronouns correct. When Dr. Petit came in and asked him what he learned, the student recited everything that he had found out from me. After he went through his findings Dr Petit said, “And?” He said some more things that he thought of and Dr Petit said, “And?” By this time the student was getting a little nervous trying to figure out what he forgot to ask and Dr Petit said, “Did you notice that she is a transsexuals?” and the students nodded his head realizing that he had not stated the obvious. The three of us then sat and talked for about a half hour about transsexualism.
Tonight he lies in a hospital in Stable condition, but his wife and two daughters were killed. I ask all of to pray for him and his family tonight.
I remember one time I was his last patient of the day and he had a student from UConn Medical School there. He sent him in to do a work-up on me, the student was from Columbia and was a little fluster with having a transsexual patient but was trying so hard to be polite and keep the pronouns correct. When Dr. Petit came in and asked him what he learned, the student recited everything that he had found out from me. After he went through his findings Dr Petit said, “And?” He said some more things that he thought of and Dr Petit said, “And?” By this time the student was getting a little nervous trying to figure out what he forgot to ask and Dr Petit said, “Did you notice that she is a transsexuals?” and the students nodded his head realizing that he had not stated the obvious. The three of us then sat and talked for about a half hour about transsexualism.
Tonight he lies in a hospital in Stable condition, but his wife and two daughters were killed. I ask all of to pray for him and his family tonight.
Manic Monday
Manic Monday: Monday, July 23, 2007
Have you planned your funeral and/or written your will?
Oh! What a fun topic ;-)
No I have not planned my funeral, why bother, it’s not my problem; I will be dead.
But I have written my Will and also a Living Will, plus a Power of Attorney.
Do you carry an umbrella when rain is forecast or do you just risk it?
I keep one in my car and carry it if it looks threatening.
How bad is the traffic in your town? Does it bother you or do you take it as it comes?
Living is a small town in the suburbs the traffic isn’t bad, but I do avoid I-84 through the city, especially during the rush hour; too many left hand exits and entrances.
Have you planned your funeral and/or written your will?
Oh! What a fun topic ;-)
No I have not planned my funeral, why bother, it’s not my problem; I will be dead.
But I have written my Will and also a Living Will, plus a Power of Attorney.
Do you carry an umbrella when rain is forecast or do you just risk it?
I keep one in my car and carry it if it looks threatening.
How bad is the traffic in your town? Does it bother you or do you take it as it comes?
Living is a small town in the suburbs the traffic isn’t bad, but I do avoid I-84 through the city, especially during the rush hour; too many left hand exits and entrances.
Sunday, July 22, 2007
I was at a Campout this Weekend in Vermont
One of the support groups that I am a member of had a campout at a house of one of the members up in Vermont this weekend. She has a house on several acres out in the country in southern Vermont and is surrounded by forest. There were about twenty-five members there a long with about four or five spouses. The weather was beautiful, we couldn’t ask for better weather.
As with all campouts there were large quantities of food and booze. For some, I think, too much booze but at least no one was going anywhere. She has an above ground pool that I stayed in most of the day playing “keep the beach ball in the air”.
That night we had a big bonfire that we all sat around eating s’mores and singing. A friend always has her guitar with her and she lead the singing a companied by a couple of drums and tambourine. As we sat around the fire in the cool Vermont night I got the feeling of being apart of a tribe/community. These are my people, my friends. It was a very primal feeling.
I turned in just after midnight and when I awoke and fell back to sleep around 3:30, I still heard voices coming from around the bonfire. The next day I was back in the pool and was playing “keep the beach ball in the air” again.
Of course I brought my camera and here is some of the photographs that I took…
As with all campouts there were large quantities of food and booze. For some, I think, too much booze but at least no one was going anywhere. She has an above ground pool that I stayed in most of the day playing “keep the beach ball in the air”.
That night we had a big bonfire that we all sat around eating s’mores and singing. A friend always has her guitar with her and she lead the singing a companied by a couple of drums and tambourine. As we sat around the fire in the cool Vermont night I got the feeling of being apart of a tribe/community. These are my people, my friends. It was a very primal feeling.
I turned in just after midnight and when I awoke and fell back to sleep around 3:30, I still heard voices coming from around the bonfire. The next day I was back in the pool and was playing “keep the beach ball in the air” again.
Of course I brought my camera and here is some of the photographs that I took…
Saturday Six - Episode 170
Saturday Six - Episode 170
1. Think about your best friend in high school: how long has it been since you’ve seen him?
Six months ago at a party at my house with my high school friends.
2. Think of the last time you saw more than one of your high school classmates together at the same time: how did you happen to run into each other?
See answer to question #1
3. How many of your teachers do you think you would love to visit in person after all the years since you graduated, just to talk about having them as a teacher and catch up: one or two, three to five, five to ten, or more than ten?
I don’t know, it has been over forty years since I was in high school and I really don’t think any of them would remember me after all those years.
4. Take the quiz: Could you pass high school?
5. What was the best lunch food your high school served?
Wow, I can’t even remember what the cafeteria looked like let alone what I ate there.
6. Did you participate in any extra-curricular activities in high school, like sports, band, etc? If so, how many?
Just one, Science Club (Did you expect something else?)
1. Think about your best friend in high school: how long has it been since you’ve seen him?
Six months ago at a party at my house with my high school friends.
2. Think of the last time you saw more than one of your high school classmates together at the same time: how did you happen to run into each other?
See answer to question #1
3. How many of your teachers do you think you would love to visit in person after all the years since you graduated, just to talk about having them as a teacher and catch up: one or two, three to five, five to ten, or more than ten?
I don’t know, it has been over forty years since I was in high school and I really don’t think any of them would remember me after all those years.
4. Take the quiz: Could you pass high school?
| You Passed High School with an A |
 You have the brains of a high school graduate... at least! |
5. What was the best lunch food your high school served?
Wow, I can’t even remember what the cafeteria looked like let alone what I ate there.
6. Did you participate in any extra-curricular activities in high school, like sports, band, etc? If so, how many?
Just one, Science Club (Did you expect something else?)
Friday, July 20, 2007
Friday Fiver
Friday Fiver: I'll always be there when you wake
1. Tea or coffee?
Tea
2. Do you speak your mind?
It depends on the circumstances. I weigh what I hope to get out of it by speaking my mind vs. what might the adverse reactions might be, like getting fired or a punch in the face or losing a friendship that I enjoy.
3. What is your escape?
Photography and reading.
4. When is the last time you cried?
Days ago.
5. What are your bedtime rituals?
I do not have a ritual other than plopping bed on the bed and falling asleep.
1. Tea or coffee?
Tea
2. Do you speak your mind?
It depends on the circumstances. I weigh what I hope to get out of it by speaking my mind vs. what might the adverse reactions might be, like getting fired or a punch in the face or losing a friendship that I enjoy.
3. What is your escape?
Photography and reading.
4. When is the last time you cried?
Days ago.
5. What are your bedtime rituals?
I do not have a ritual other than plopping bed on the bed and falling asleep.
I Have Been Away for the Last Couple of Days
I have been up at the cottage putting in the wiring for a new washer and dryer for the cottage. One of the annoyances with the cottage is that there are never any sheets or towels no matter how many we buy. We all take them home after we used them to wash and don’t bring them back until we came up there again, hence the chronic shortage. So hopefully this will solve the problem.
Today I am helping out at a GLBT Youth organization in the afternoon for the first time; I would like to help them at least once a week. Hopefully I will like working there. I have helped out there before but that was with the conference that they have each year and also I helped them with outreach at various colleges in the state.
Then this weekend I am going to a party up in Vermont. The party is at a uniTy members house and we are all camping out over night. I imagine that it will be an all night party so I am pitching my tent far, far away from the main building because I know I will not make it pass midnight.
Today I am helping out at a GLBT Youth organization in the afternoon for the first time; I would like to help them at least once a week. Hopefully I will like working there. I have helped out there before but that was with the conference that they have each year and also I helped them with outreach at various colleges in the state.
Then this weekend I am going to a party up in Vermont. The party is at a uniTy members house and we are all camping out over night. I imagine that it will be an all night party so I am pitching my tent far, far away from the main building because I know I will not make it pass midnight.
Tuesday, July 17, 2007
Tuesday Twosome
Tuesday Twosome: What you didn’t know about me…
Two nicknames that friends and family call me:
My brother calls me “D” and a friend call me Di
Two items of clothing I would never get rid of:
I am not really that attached to any two pieces of clothing.
Two movies that I can watch over and over again:
I will cheat and say Harry Potter movies and the Lord of the Rings trilogy.
Two people that have influenced me the most:
I will cheat again and say my parents and my brother.
Two goals/dreams I hope to fulfill in my lifetime:
My first choice is a dream is to see the Anti-Discrimination laws passed to include Gender Identity and Expression on both a national and state levels. My second choice is a goal, to get my Master degree.
Two nicknames that friends and family call me:
My brother calls me “D” and a friend call me Di
Two items of clothing I would never get rid of:
I am not really that attached to any two pieces of clothing.
Two movies that I can watch over and over again:
I will cheat and say Harry Potter movies and the Lord of the Rings trilogy.
Two people that have influenced me the most:
I will cheat again and say my parents and my brother.
Two goals/dreams I hope to fulfill in my lifetime:
My first choice is a dream is to see the Anti-Discrimination laws passed to include Gender Identity and Expression on both a national and state levels. My second choice is a goal, to get my Master degree.
Monday, July 16, 2007
A Picture is worth a 1000 Words
My brother sent me these....
Ops.... Did you forget something?
I didn't mean it!
A sad little kitty
Now that's something I would do...
Ops.... Did you forget something?
I didn't mean it!
A sad little kitty
Now that's something I would do...
AMA Passes Comprehensive Gender Identity Policies.
We are slowly making progress for Transgender Rights
This article is from the Windy City Times
In another blog I read that the
So there hope that some day that the treatment for Gender Identity Dysphoria will be covered by insurance.
This article is from the Windy City Times
AMA Adopts Trans-Inclusive Nondiscrimination Policy
by Bob Roehr
2007-07-04
The American Medical Association ( AMA ) amended its nondiscrimination policies to include transgender persons at the annual meeting of the AMA House of Delegates in Chicago, which ended on June 27.
The comprehensive change in policy affects all aspects of the functioning of the AMA, including relations with patients, employment issues and insurance coverage. It also will affect accreditation of medical schools.
The report recommending the changes noted that “Transgender individuals face complex medical, psychological, and social issues. Within the health care system issues of discrimination and unique access barriers to important medical and social support services can occur.” This can lead to perceived and real discrimination against those individuals.
In another blog I read that the
AMA opposes the denial of health insurance on the basis of sexual orientation or gender identity.
So there hope that some day that the treatment for Gender Identity Dysphoria will be covered by insurance.
Sunday, July 15, 2007
A Mixed Weekend
I just got back from the weekend at the cottage with some friends. On Saturday the weather was fantastic no humidity, sunny and high temperature was around 75F. most of us went in for a swim and we also paddled around the lake in kayaks and a canoe. I got a slight sunburn from being out in the sun all day even with a suntan lotion of SPF 45. Today in the morning I went kayaking and then thunder storms moved in during the afternoon with hail and high winds. We lost power at the cottage just before we were leaving and they had a road closed due to the downed power line.
I think we probably each gained ten pounds from my cooking: Saturday morning I made blueberry pancake, for dinner I cooked a pork tenderloin on the grill, rice pilaf and a salad ( lettuce, walnuts, cranberries, apple, Gorgonzola cheese and raspberry vignette) and this morning we had omelets with onion, peppers, ham, cheese and tomatoes.
When I got home I checked the mail and my new credit card was there and I looked at the card and saw they also changed my last name. Aggh! So I called them up and told them they should not have changed my last name only my first name but the operator had a hard time believing that I was Diana and she transferred me to security. After talking to him, I think I got him to understand, I had to tell him that I am trans, so I shall see if I get a new card or not or if the put a hold on my card. When I called them up last week, I talked to someone who had a heavy Indian accent and he had a hard time understanding me and I had a hard time understanding him.
I think we probably each gained ten pounds from my cooking: Saturday morning I made blueberry pancake, for dinner I cooked a pork tenderloin on the grill, rice pilaf and a salad ( lettuce, walnuts, cranberries, apple, Gorgonzola cheese and raspberry vignette) and this morning we had omelets with onion, peppers, ham, cheese and tomatoes.
When I got home I checked the mail and my new credit card was there and I looked at the card and saw they also changed my last name. Aggh! So I called them up and told them they should not have changed my last name only my first name but the operator had a hard time believing that I was Diana and she transferred me to security. After talking to him, I think I got him to understand, I had to tell him that I am trans, so I shall see if I get a new card or not or if the put a hold on my card. When I called them up last week, I talked to someone who had a heavy Indian accent and he had a hard time understanding me and I had a hard time understanding him.
Friday, July 13, 2007
Friday Fiver
Friday Fiver: Here Fishy Fishy
1. Have you ever gone fishing?
Yes, I use to be an avid fisherman. But then I had a change of heart, even though I caught and released the fish, I just couldn’t bring myself to continue torturing the fish just for sport.
I am not against fishing, but it is not "my cup of tea" now.
2. Do you have an aquarium?
No, maybe someday. But it seems like a lot of work and it would be a pain in the neck if I go on a long trip.
3. Do you eat fish?
Yes, my favorite is Stuffed Sole with a crab (or lobster) meat stuffing.
4. Have you ever seen Finding Nemo?
No. I saw part of it with my niece’s and nephew’s kids and I think I would like it.
5. What do you think of Sushi?
YUCK! Raw fish! :-(
1. Have you ever gone fishing?
Yes, I use to be an avid fisherman. But then I had a change of heart, even though I caught and released the fish, I just couldn’t bring myself to continue torturing the fish just for sport.
I am not against fishing, but it is not "my cup of tea" now.
2. Do you have an aquarium?
No, maybe someday. But it seems like a lot of work and it would be a pain in the neck if I go on a long trip.
3. Do you eat fish?
Yes, my favorite is Stuffed Sole with a crab (or lobster) meat stuffing.
4. Have you ever seen Finding Nemo?
No. I saw part of it with my niece’s and nephew’s kids and I think I would like it.
5. What do you think of Sushi?
YUCK! Raw fish! :-(