My new roommate and I get along very well. The welcome dinner she prepared tonight was superb.

For a few days now, I have been feeling more my normal self. For a time, with all the changes and hassle in my life, I was starting to feel depressed. I need to be mindful of that, so that I take action if this feeling returns. Sharing living space with someone compatible will help prevent this.

I will see my gender therapist Wednesday evening, so I'll mention this recent depression to her. I'm not sure, though, she's very good at talking at much beyond gender identity.

When I returned home after my electrolysis appointment, I realized even more what a great location my new place is. It's less than a mile from the intersections of three major highways: I-90 - the Northwest Tollway (which become the non-toll Kennedy Expressway in Chicago), the major freeway to the northwest suburbs and I-290 (which becomes the Eisenhower Expressway in Chicago). These in turn give me easy access to other interstates and major arteries.

I'm feeling, as I sometimes do, that I do not have much new to say. I'm sure that will change. I never seem to be able to stay away from here long.

For now, I'm going to keep 'working' at having fun and enjoying life on a very regular basis. That may keep me offline for a time.

Danya (imported) wrote: Mon Jul 26, 2010 8:17 pm For now, I'm going to keep 'working' at having fun and enjoying life on a very regular basis. That may keep me offline for a time.

Congrats Danya, about time you enjoyed life

MacTheWolf (imported) wrote: Tue Jul 27, 2010 1:38 pm Congrats Danya, about time you enjoyed life

Thanks, Wolfie!

Hugs,

Danya

Work continues to go very well and I am receiving additional positive comments about my work from my own group and from other departments.

I have decided to schedule Gender Reassignment Surgery with Dr. Brassard in Montreal. I discussed this with my gender therapist earlier tonight. He is a top rated surgeon and his fee is several thousand less than what Toby Meltzer and Marci Bowers charge. About six weeks ago, I received information from Dr. Brassard. He can often schedule surgery within 6 - 9 months. If I find I need to postpone it for any reason, like landing a permanent job, I will be able to do so.

The near record stretch of hot and humid weather we've had moderated a bit today. I had a very pleasant walk along the Chicago River at lunch time.

Thats great news! Congrats on picking a doctor and hope you get a date soon!

Hi!

That sounds great, as far as I have heard one should always prefer to have bigger operations made in the cooler part of the year as the risk of infections is much less then.

Greetings

John

Congratulations. Over the years I have known eight or ten of Dr. Brassard's SRS patients. To a woman they have been very pleased w/ the outcome. All surgeons can have problems, but the three you mentioned Toby. Marcie and Brassard seem to have fewer than other SRS surgeons. (Plus Dr. Brassard has the reputation of being way cute) You go girl.

Transward

mrt (imported) wrote: Fri Jul 30, 2010 8:12 pm Thats great news! Congrats on picking a doctor and hope you get a date soon!

I'll be getting to work on

John (imported) wrote: Sat Jul 31, 2010 7:58 am setting things in motion in the next few days.

Hi!

That sounds great, as far as I have heard one should always prefer to have bigger operations made in the cooler part of the year as the ris

k of infections is much less then.

Greetings

John

Montreal can be quite cool in January or February! I've be

transward (imported) wrote: Sat Jul 31, 2010 8:29 am en there twice and enjoy the city. With surgery, though, I wouldn't have much chance for sightseeing.

Congratulations. Over the years I have known eight or ten of Dr. Brassard's SRS patients. To a woman they have been very pleased w/ the outcome. All surgeons can have problems, but the three you mentioned Toby. Marcie and Brassard seem to have fewer than

other SRS surgeons. (Plus Dr. Brassard has the reputation of being way cute) You go girl.

Transward

Knowing these women have been happy with their surgery results is good news. Way cute, huh? Definitely an added bonus!

My boss is often out of town. When she's at the office she is extremely busy. Today was the first time we had to chat since I started in late June.

She shared that she had heard many good comments about my work, and me, from people in her group and those in other groups. There are some meetings coming up which I would not have to attend since I am not a permanent employee. I told her, though, that I was very interested in learning ways to more effectively perform my job.

She then reminded me of something she said at the interview. After 6 months, they will look about 2 years down the road to determine if there would be enough work to justify brining me on permanently. Then she added that, since I am respected in several other departments, I might well be offered a job by one of those. One of these departments is more technically oriented, which I am especially well prepared for. It is far too early to get an inkling of how this will play out, but I have reason to be hopeful.

Were I to be offered a permanent position, I would be thrilled but not only because I need a good job with great benefits. This company is one of the small minority of corporations that will pa

Danya (imported) wrote: Sat Jul 24, 2010 7:05 pm y for Gender Reassignment Surgery. I

double-checked last night.

Whether or not I am hired on there, I will proceed with GRS for several reasons. I need to be even more cautious with my money to ensure this works out. If I become their employee, I will likely need to wait a year to be eligible for a leave of absence. The wait would be worth it.

'X' and I attended the concert at Millinnium Park this evening where Franz Liszt's Piano Concerto #2 was performed. The pianist was technically very fine. It seemed the sound from orchestra and piano were not well balanced. This piece no longer excites me the way it did in my high school days, but it was enjoyable. I was not moved by Stravinsky's "The Fairy Kiss"

Danya (imported) wrote: Sun May 24, 2009 7:51 pm . For the first time in my life, I

feel asleep at a live performance! Of course, having gotten no more than 6 hours sleep the night before and working all day contributed.

I'm a big fan of some of Stravinsky's earlier works like "The Rite of Spring." Back when it was first performed, it was considered revolutionary. The late "The Fairy's Kiss" seemed too conventional.

My favorite part of the concert was the final work, Tchaikovs

Danya (imported) wrote: Sat Jul 24, 2010 7:05 pm ky's "Capriccio italien."

On t

he way out, I saw that the Chicago Symphony Orchestra will be giving a free Millennium Park concert on a Sunday in September. I don't want to miss that.

My friend 'X' and I stopped for burgers at "The Billy Goat." Years ago, there was a Saturday Night Live skit based on this joint. I think Bill Murray and John Belushi were in it. They took orders and repeated something like "Cheezeboger, cheezeboger, no fries, cheeps." Back then, I didn't think such a place actually existed. It does and they speak just as they were portrayed in the skit.

The deceased owner used to own a goat. He would take it with him to places that would not normally allow a goat in! Once, he tried to take the goat to a Cubs game. He, or at least the goat, was refused. The guy put a curse on the Cubs and they haven't done well since!

Danya,

That sounds like a good opportunity for you. Hang in there!!