Hello dear reader,
Let’s start with the good news; it’s a long weekend this time around. Friday’s my non-working day – although given the amount of housework to catch-up with, I’m not sure I’d call it not working 😉With a busy week – which I’ll come to in a bit – things start to pile up, and I’m glad I’ve Friday to get things straight. Mind you, that was always part of the plan.
Good News
I spotted this during the week: it’s the Westminster Hall debate around e-petition 701159, relating to transgender people self-identifying their legal gender.
It is a joy to report that the bulk of the debate was very much around supporting equality, and pushing the truth that trans people are people. Often, I feel, naysayers – yes, I’m being kind with that word – treat us as an abstract ‘thing’ rather than young folk, parents, partners, grandparents, professionals, etc.
Will things magically change overnight? No, they won’t, but it is – IMO – in an important change, as it shows that people in the UK believe in fairness & kindness, not division & hostility. Seeing MPs stepping up to be allies and reporting their constituents – cis & trans! – wanting positive change is amazing.
Family Stuff
So busy stuff (not business), my dear old Dad, bless him, took ill last week, and a trip to A&E was required. For any Daily Heil readers looking for rage farming: A) this wasn’t for a sniffle, but a heart problem*; B) I’m not a medical professional, but I kinda feel heart issues are somewhat important!; and C) what happened to the money slogan on that red bus eh? 😏 Oh, we spent it on checkpoint buildings we would never need! 🙄
The good news is that Dad is okay and is back home. The medical staff – an amazing set of local, national, and international professionals – took care of him, so he’s still with us 💖Mum treated him to a new miniPC, so that’s keeping his interest – Dad does love a gadget! I guess all those years of gardening, walking, and tinkering with tech has kept his body & brain going. Some life lessons there, perhaps.
Other than time off to see my folks, I was also Dad Taxi for Wee Man + partner. They are looking to move back to Nottingham, and needed a lift to get to a viewing appointment on the other side of the city. We had a chat in the car on the way, and Wee Man is doing his best to find a job. I’m hoping he finds something that matches his talents. He’s a smart and kind person, so fingers crossed eh?
Talking of offspring, Child 2.0’s Parents’ Evening went very well, and his teachers had nothing but good things to say about his work ethic, effort, and commitment in school. If anything, one teacher said that they don’t set him extra stuff, because it’ll stress him out, and there’s no need: the extra arrives as standard. There’s mock A Levels next term, and I’m hoping he can remain chill for those.
The Ever Lovely Mrs J had decided to embrace her old school, err alternativeness, and has had her hair coloured. Growing old disgracefully, bless her! 💖 Of course she looks fab, and no, there won’t be a photo. Let’s just say that Mrs. Slocombe of Grace Brothers Department Store would be suitably impressed.
Chams
With One of Those Thursdays on the calendar, I set off early despite a high level of tiredness. I dunno. Was it a mix of a late night, traveling, and running around the county? Despite a Disco Nap to round off my half day off on Thursday, I had to depend on the shower to wake me up a bit.
I got there early as Nicola from Wigeroo was attending, and she’d promised to restyle a wig of mine. However, due to unforseen circumtances, she was delay, but not prevented. Phew! 😅
In the process of packing – and I am hoping this is not becoming A Thing – I forgot my hip pads. Keys, yes; wigs, yes; bank card, yes; etc. But not pads. Gah, I was cross with myself. So, that put the dress option as a no. However, Lady Luck smiled as the other outfit was a very floaty A line skirt. The Joe Browns one I got from Vinted and then had to tweak by putting in elastic to the waist. No padding required, or so I hoped!
Talking of new to me, with it being late Spring, I felt I might give my (new to me) shoes an outing. Again, from Vinted as it’s easy to find the right sizes, colours, etc. Jeez, I should probably be on comission or something. 😉 I should add that they’re not the only gig in town. Oxfam have a similar system where you can search their online catalog for clothing/shoes in your size, and their local brand will post it to you. Yes, I’ve had stuff from them too. Still, I doubt Amazon Execs will be crying into their spacesuit helmets any time soon eh? 😏
I was just about ready as Pat appeared, followed by Ann and Isobel; so we had a bit of a catchup while my face cement set. Val wasn’t far behind, and had brought the milk for teas & coffees. I had brought along Joanna’s graphic novel to return, but I think she was working, so no show.
[ Wig related pun goes here ]
I couldn’t gone with Right Hair, Right Now, but I feel that riff on Fat Boy Slim’s track would then be looping in my head as a type. Like now…. oh, pants!
With Chams HQ suitably populated by The Unusual Suspects, I nipped round with to collect the subs for the night. Mainly so I didn’t forget. I’m afraid Jayne hadn’t had time to sit down before I was asking for monies, but she took it well! 🙂
With Nicola and colleague set up with tables for the hair, a beverage to settle them in, and gift chocolates as a thank you; I retreated to the changing room for a restyle. I had bought an auburn wig a few months from Nicola, and I was very much enjoying the colour. However, the length… was a bit much, so I asked if she could restyle it for me.
If the WordPress formatting pixies are with us, hopefully you’ll get the before, during, and after.
The centre piccy does look a bit like we’ve give Chewbacca his yearly summer trim, but I had my pins done last month 😁 I am now the proud owner of a bob with a suitable amount of swish. Dare I say, I felt rather posh and sophisicated. Not bad for an old bird from the Midland swamps! 😁
A number of other folk tried things on and I know Pat bought a new one. Likewise Stevie and Jayne. Nicola also did some trimming/tidying up for Chams folk, so Debbie had a fringe put in, which really suited her. By the end of the night, there was much Hoovering to be done, and everyone was happy. I’ll take that as a win!
We’ve had to relocate Hollywood Corner as the Centre have fitted a wide screen TV to the wall, and the spare chairs take up that spot. Luckily, no one tuned the telly in to watch ‘the game’. Apparently it’s a sport related thing. Something to do with men in shorts and a ball. No, I don’t get it, but who am I to judge 🙂
With a new spot – and hopefully with more forgiving lighting – Val was kind enough to take my photo. This was post Emergency Boob Tape As Cut Hair Removal, I should add. I’d forgotten how itchy having your hair cut makes you. Maybe that’s one advantage of being a slaphead, eh? 😁
As much as I loved the look of the heels – Ruby Shoos – I had been on my feet for most of the night, so I was glad to switch back to Birkies and give them a rest.
Righto, best go and catch up with the chores! Enjoy your weekend and stay fabulous.
L x
Loved this update — especially the packing bit. That “did I forget something this time?” feeling hits way too close to home. ADHD doesn’t help either… my brain treats packing like a chaotic side quest.
I’ve actually been trying to use my natural hair more lately, but I just found one of my old wigs in the back of a drawer. It’s a total mess, but I think it’s salvageable. Might have to attempt a little DIY restyle and see what happens.
Wishing your dad continued healing — and hoping the long weekend gave you at least some space to breathe. Thanks for sharing all of this 💜
Thanks Michelle. Yes, the overly busy (distractible? 🤔) ADHD mind can be quite the mixed blessing. The good news, I guess, is new ideas come quickly, and I think it’s about balancing those with getting the basics right. In my case, I think I’m going to have to go back to the double checking, uhh, check list, to make sure I’ve got hair, make-up, clothes, shoes, and foundation items. Oh, and keys! Maybe a printed list on the inside of the wardrobe with icons! 😁
Good luck with your wig. Hopefully a gentle wash & dry, plus a careful “jusing” (needs a French accent), will bring it back.
Thank you for the well wishes for Jones Senior; I think he’s picking up and as he’s getting care, that’s a good thing.
Thank you, Lynn. I enjoy your chats. And yes, do like the re style.
Cheers, Vivien
Thank you, Vivien. I’m rather pleased with the new look. I think I may need to lean back into bobs/lobs again.
Hope you’re keeping well.
Good to hear your dad is OK and recovering. That’s a scare none of us want to go through.
I didn’t know about Oxfam online. As I’m in the middle of a much needed cull (taking my Rule of Three to heart) I should probably resist the urge to immediately refill the space, at least until the frocks have a chance to breathe.
The shorter bob restyle works much better on you I think. Love the skirt and shoes.
Yes, it was not the best news, Susie – but it could have been a lot worse. Thankfully not, but at over 90 and Dad’s still sharp – including walking & driving – he’s doing very well.
Thanks for the kind words about the new ‘do. I feel this is more me, if that makes sense. A brighter colour and (hopefully) a more flattering cut for old snowplough jaw 😁
Good luck with the tidying and passing things along.
Glad to hear your Dad is well following a bit of a scare. If you’ll forgive me: 90 is a fine innings to be in as good a shape as he appears to be. That’s standing ovation territory.
I think the bob works well, I want to be able to be that person who can tell you why it works but, alas, beyond knowing that it does – I got nothing!
Not work, alas, just exhaustion. I’d just got back from time with my Mum – thought I’d try and then fell asleep instead, so was unable to make Chams.
And yes, the debate! Some lovely quotes, some heartening stands (some more equivocal) and significantly less of the usual cluelessness. I keep seeing signs that the letters and the groundswell of support are having effects as no one in power seems to have expected this level of response. Certainly the original purveyors of bigotry didn’t – two groups declared victory and are noticeably absent from the fall-out (poor planning?) – and that’s been nice too.
Yes, I’m with you on the ‘a good innings’ situation. Absolutely wishing Dad the best and I think we can agree he’s had his money’s worth, so to speak. 😁 In fact, the other month at a village social, someone asked him when would he be 80. Dad got a laugh saying about eleven years ago! 😉
Re: haircut – yes, with you on this. I think it’s the cut (obvs) that hides the sharper/wider/mahoosive ‘jawners’ (jaw corners?). But, analysis aside, I’ll take the win.
Sorry to hear you were cream crackered (for US readers, rhyming for knackered, as in tired) and I hope a good rest had helped. If you could let me know when you may pop along, I’ll make sure to bring your graphic novel along. Thank you for the loan – a very interesting and thoughtful read.
V good news on the MP discussion and – perhaps with rights for people of ethnic backgrounds – we don’t need to hear the ‘anti’ people speak.
Hi Lynn, hope the long weekend is going well and you’re chill. Sorry to hear about your father but glad he’s recovering. I wish him long life and haleness ahead.
It’s also good to read the nice things you say about your children and wife.
I love that skirt and the cute shoes. A floaty skirt has always been my hip cover of choice and so I’ve never gone for hip pads as I love the shape I get from the garment. The restyled wig works on you too.
I maintain that most people know the difference between right and wrong instinctively and they understand when others are being treated unjustly. So I think the government, supreme court, press and TERFs are on the wrong side of history. That said, I’m in the UK right now and this whole recent anti-trans episode has put me right off prolonging my stay. Thank you for your fighting this issue and reporting on it.
Sue x
Hi Sue. Jones Snr is doing well, thank you. He’s due a few more tests, but all part of the service I think. How’s things with you? Hopefully you’re enjoying your stop over in the UK.
Thanks for the kind words about the outfit. I guess the A line of the skirt helps. TBH, I’ve using pads for ages. I guess in an attempt to feel/look less, well, oblong. That and balance out my shoulders. They – hip pads – are another layer, so I think now I can see why folk might decide to skip them. To each their own! 🙂 Still, easier than a corset to pull in a waist…. and then put your shoes on 😁
As to the right and wrong of things, I may need to come back to that. At least, once I’ve had a rest in the philosopher’s armchair in Pseud’s Corner 😉
I think the kindest thing I can say, is we’re – as a society and also trans folk – are caught up in another moral panic.
It doesn’t seem that different in terms of accusation and segregation, that gay, lesbian, and bi folk were targeted with in the past. See also people of colour, folk of different religions/cultures, etc. My feeling is this – the targeting of trans folk – ‘keeps the libs busy’ while the bigots get on with their agenda to reduce rights for anyone not white, male, rich, cis, and straight. That or just plain crookedness, as we’re seeing in certain governments current and recent.