I’ve been off-line for a while due to server problems. My son, Ryan, who is a computer genius, finally sorted all of this out for me and got my site operational again. Kudoos to you, Ry; you’re amazing! And I love you!
So, let’s see; what are the last few months’ highlights? Hmmm….
Well, around the ranch, there were a total of three foals born, two colts and one filly. All three are very nice and doing well. One has show horse potential. They’ll be weaned soon.
I’ve had lots of fun with my kids and grandkids over the last few months. A surprise birthday party for Travis, concerts with Ryan and Brian, family get-togethers at the ranch. Ryan and I have been getting into some photography also, in addition to our love of live music events.
On other fronts, I’m going to be a grandma again: twice……youngest daughter Jill and her husband Jay are expecting their second child, and oldest son Travis and his wife Carrie are expecting their first, Baby Elijah. This is pretty amazingly cool. Also, my ex-stepson and his wife are expecting their first.
OK, trans-related stuff:
I continue to leave that part of my life behind, inch by inch. It will always be a part of who I am and certainly had a major impact on shaping who I’ve become, but it’s not the focus of my life like it tends to be for all of us as we go through the transition years. I’ve done a couple more lectures on TSism and will likely do more in the future.
I had my yearly mammography recently. Since I’m a radiologist and interpret mammograms on a daily basis, of course I had to look at my exam. After I assured myself that it was normal, I was struck by another observation: my breasts look soooo natal. Sure there are implants, but otherwise, no one would be able to tell by looking at the mammograms that I EVER started life any differently. The breast tissue I developed looks natal. I found this to be very reassuring and affirming.
I have my final visit to E3K in Dallas soon, for my last major electrolysis session. I cannot tell you how I love having this finished, but will actually miss the people at E3K. They are wonderful, not to mention very talented. For those reading this who need such services, they are absolutely the best!
A couple months ago, I traveled to Washington, DC to participate in a Congressional Lobbying Day for members of Congress sponsored by the National Center for Transgender Equality. Some of you may be aware that in recent months there was a bill introduced that would have made it illegal to discriminate against anyone based on their sexual orientation OR their gender identity. This bill was strongly supported by numerous organizations, including the largest GLBT organization, the Human Rights Campaign. The HRC had repeatedly promised to accept no comprimises, that ALL members of the GLBT community HAD to be included. At the last minute, they betrayed us, as did Rep. Barney Frank, and a bill that included ONly the gay, lesbian, and bisexual community was introduced. The legal protection for trans people was DROPPED, despite numerous assurances that such a thing would never happen.
It caused, and still is causing a major uproar in the GLBT community. The HRC has lost much of the community’s, certainly the trans part, confidence. So the lobbying day was for each of us to speak, one on one with our individual representatives and senators about this, the problems we face, etc.
It was a unique experience for me on many levels: first the chance to meet 150+ trans people from all over the country, including many of the most visible and well-known trans-community leaders and activists….pretty amazing people. Secondly I got to tell my story and my views to my members of Congress. And I got a glimpse of how Washington works, or doesn’t, whatever you believe. A good experience in all.
Like I always say: life is good.