Do Not Pee on Me

I saw this today from a blog called our-trans-mission,
It's called "I Gotta Pee" 
by Cathy Serino.
It's definitely worth a read!

Below is a picture of a transgender man who makes Cathy's point-dramatically!!

  

The "Ego" of Gender

Tyson

As I am truly blessed to be riding my little dosage into estrogen land again-I am going to channel one of my hero's- Neil deGrasse Tyson into another post. If you remember, I recently ran a review of his "Star Talk Show"  (on the 'Nat Geo' network) 

On the recent show, he mentioned his chair was a transgender woman: Rebecca Oppenheimer and he said ,I paraphrase 'what if there was no gender at all?'

Oppenheimer

I think eventually Neil deGrasse Tyson will be right, there will be no evident genders if the human race lasts that long. But, in the meantime, I am over thinking an idea about gender ego's. We all know men are considered to have to carry around the majority of the poundage where ego is concerned,,,,but-

When I set down with pen and paper and began to write what ego was gender specific, much was the same. The tough part was throwing out the old stereotypes like "What came first, the chrome Harley or the blonde on the back,"  Perhaps less emphatic though is what a woman thinks when she is "picking out" a mate. What are her friends going to think?  Or,her parents if she brings "Joe the Scud" home? 

Then what happens if life goes on all goes to hell and you did bring Joe home and married him? Well then it is time to take a seat at the foot of the "Victim Goddess."

Don't worry and grab a number though - by that time a substantial group of women and men will be right there with you. And, worse yet have no idea why.

As transgender women and men though (if we find our voices and are allowed to speak) should be allowed to whisper a couple hints into the Goddess' ears of how it really is to dwell on both sides of the gender fence!

Cyrsti's Condo "Sunday Edition"

KerPlunk! Listen closely, another Sunday edition has hit your virtual front porch. Clear and chilly here in Cincinnati and we are fortunate the Ohio River pretty much stayed in it's banks. It seems every week these days, someone is getting hammered by 'Momma Nature'.
Hope you are safe and sound and grab a cup o joe and lets gets started!

Page One-the Week that Was or Wasn't: During the week we 'leaped' into a New Year. Or should I say 'limped'. During the year we saw the glitzy  'out coming' of Caitlin Jenner with mixed feelings in the transgender community. Past Jenner though, the year seemed to be a step forward followed by a step backward. Fortunately, approximately five states have shot down ridiculous potty bills. 

Page Two-Yesterday's Coffee Opinion: As we enter into the last year of Barack Obama's presidency, I very selfishly see a lot he could still do. Primarily, transgender military troops getting the right to serve. As Europe threatens to blow up over it's problems, we Americans continue to grow farther apart on issues such as gun control etc. I guess, just being transgender is a small deal - but it's not. My blood literally runs cold when I hear what most all the Republican candidates would do with any and/or all LGBT women or men. The scary thing is you almost have to go to a 'second tier' Republican candidate such as Governor Kasich from Ohio who takes a moderate stance. If I am missing others, I know our regular visitor Pat will let me know.

Page Three-The Back Page: It's going to be 'see ya!' for this week. Thanks for following Cyrsti's Condo through 2015 and best wishes for 2016!!!

Luv ya all!!!

Can't See My Behind-Got to Look Ahead

I have never really been one to make convenient New Years resolutions which in a week or a month just sort of dissipate. This year though, I have certain life activities which are 'on going.' Just another way of saying I want to 'git r done' before I die.

Lets take HRT for example- I restarted my estrogen patches on New Years Eve. Not well I might add, as the patches wouldn't stick without a band-aid.  No problem, just call me the Teflon Trans Girl.

And,  even more important is my continuing "gender marker" work I will have to pursue again as early as Monday. As of right now, the holiday's have slowed most of everything. (naturally)

Of course, there is always more! 

Just before New Years the Hamilton County/Cincinnati public library announced a service which is just appearing across the country-a chance for you to hard copy print your e book at cost. I can't wait to try it with my "Stilettos on Thin Ice" book. I simply have not had the money to self publish. My problem is I have a deep paranoia with meeting "Stilettos" in person.

Finally, my only real resolutions are to get started on a new book (from Cyrsti's Condo archive posts) and to get into Yoga. Then maybe I could see my own behind?

(Yoga example here shown here by the 'Aflac Duck')

The problem is the duck has more coordination!

Indiana Hates Me???

Bigots are nothing-if not persistent. This time it's an Indiana  Indiana state Sen. Jim Tomes (R) who proposed a bill that would make it a crime for transgender people to use public sex-specific restrooms that don’t conform to their gender at birth.

Under the legislation, which the Chicago Tribune reports was proposed last week, doing so would hit transgender individuals with a Class A misdemeanor, punishable by up to one year in jail and a $5,000 fine.

“If you were born a man, then you are obliged to use the males’ restroom,” Tomes told the Tribune on Christmas Eve.

The misdemeanor charge wouldn’t apply to students, juveniles, or facilities in private residences.

Or to Tomes when he crossdresses and goes out on Saturday nights.

This important to me because I live just across the border from Indiana in Cincinnati. I will need to plan to never drink anything before I go. Thanks 'Jimbo"!!!

The good news is, Similar bills aimed at restricting transgender peoples’ access to public restrooms failed to pass in Kentucky, Florida, Nevada and Texas this year. Kentucky is even closer to me than Indiana.

She's a Man? or a Ghost?

As I wrote, Liz and I went to the Sinatra tribute concert last night at the Cincinnati Music Hall. The music hall by the way, was built on top of an old potters cemetery and is roundly rumored to be haunted.

Then, we went to dinner at a venue we have been to several times The Moerline Lager House for vittles.

The view above was taken from our table. 

When we got to the Music Hall and were making our way to our seats, we passed a 70 ish couple in the crowd. The woman in particular, began to give me the side looks I so hate. I mean just come out and say it. But I heard her say it to hubby - "that's a man."

The whole moment reminded me of an idea I had years ago; print a set of business cards that say "Yes I am a transgender woman!" Then on the back put a disclaimer "Legally approved-won't bite." I am sure the old bitch would have cherished her card!!!

In the meantime, I hope you had a great/safe New Years Day!

Got a Dime Buddy?

New Years 2016 is upon us.

I have never purported to have as much wisdom as many to bounce through this life.

One fact I DO live by is...when I feel lonely and down and out....

"Any day your life can turn on a dime-you just have to find the dime."

If you need a dime, you can have mine!!!!

Another Trans Vet Center Opens!

From NPR:  "A Veterans Affairs hospital in Tucson, Ariz., is expanding treatment to a previously under-served faction of the armed services: transgender veterans.
It's one of the first VA hospitals in the country to open a clinic devoted exclusively to trans vets.

Now, more than 130 transgender veterans are receiving treatment at the Tucson VA. Due to the high demand for these services, the women's clinic at the hospital is now devoting one day a month to the expansion of care for transgender veterans.

Trans Woman Veteran Carla Lewis

"We have been flooded with phone calls since we've announced that the clinic will be opening — patients from all over wanting to know about it, to be able to take advantage of this opportunity," says Sonia Perez-Padilla, the women's clinic director. She's now also in charge of the transgender clinic, which includes a psychologist, social workers, clinical pharmacists and a therapist."

If you are a transgender vet. and you haven't had much experience in the system (V.A)- I think much is determined about where you are and how big your hospital is.

My belief is going forward, our future with approved procedures up to and including SRS will be tied into what happens with our active trans military brothers and sisters.

I have already heard them bitching  about the cost. But, when you consider all the other money the 'govnment' wastes in a couple hours, it's not much of an argument.

 Plus, I don't think I am going out on too thin of a limb when I am thinking all the changes better take place before any of those certain 'Repub' candidates happen to get elected.

Just 'guessin'

It's Fun Being A Girly Girl

YAY! Tomorrow night is New Years Eve. Yet another chance to look back on the dumb and smart things I did during 2015. Guess which out numbers the other? However, crashing through the world like a pin ball machine for me has nothing to do with being transgender.

Roebling Bridge

I am looking forward today to doing some real live girl stuff to prep for an evening out with Liz. This year we are going back to the Cincinnati Music Hall to hear the Cincinnati Pops do a Frank Sinatra tribute...then head down to the river to eat at one of our fave places with this view of the "Roebling Bridge" over the Ohio River. (If the architecture looks familiar-it's because Roebling went on to build the 'Brooklyn Bridge' in NYC.)

Of course, my usual jeans and sweater/boots outfits I wear most of the time won't work for the evening. So, I'm working with a couple outfit ideas I have thought of. It's a radical idea I know, but this year I am going to try them on ahead of time. I simply don't have the funds to go on a big shopping spree - or even a small one but I do have quite a few pieces in my wardrobe to work with. Plus I love to work with scarves!

To start with though, I have two big factors to think about. How cold is it going to be. Is the weather going to be dry and how will my weight fluctuations effect my outfit. The weather is going to be dry, down into the 20's and my weight is significantly down (still) from last year. (If I keep eating like I am-it won't be.)

The only real item of clothing I may have to work around is an old set of dress "culottes" I like to wear with a belted crochet style top. My other choice would be one I wore a couple weeks ago when Liz and I went out for dinner. I take a long fringed top, belt it at the waste and wear a black light sweater and leggings under it with ballet flats.

I think either outfit would work with my long wool coat specifically and my short leather maybe. Like I wrote, I will know by the time the afternoon is over.

Finally, I have my "Big Four"  of considerations to look at: 

1. Does the outfit fit the occasion?
2. Is the outfit comfortable to wear?
3. Will the outfit fit the overall 'spirit' of the occasion (and not embarrass my partner?)
4. Am I careful to not go "over the top" and look like a drag queen?

Assuming all those are a "go" I have another special treat planned for myself today after I wash and blow dry my hair-I I finally  have hands which are sufficiently healed to paint today and add some Jamberry decoration!