Category: Lessons Learned

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Lessons Learned: Part XVII – Going bust

Lessons Learned, Uncategorized

Hi, Hopefully you’ll forgive the pun. It felt a better choice than anything to do directly with boobs or related slang terms. One of the things I find affirming about my body, is when I put my bra on and – after some careful medical tape powered scaffolding and related tweaks – I can look down to see what I think should be there. Namely, my boobs. Now, if through genetics, age, and/or just good ‘ol pot luck, there’s always been a certain amount of tissue in that department. Not quite “there are lots of people on the balcony” but enough to give things a helping hand. I mention this – not as a Ms Smug-Pants brag – but very […]

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Lessons Learned: Part XVI – The route to new

Lessons Learned, Uncategorized

Hi, If you’ve been reading YATGB, you may have picked up on my occasional ‘down the rabbit hole’ curiosity of what makes us do what we do. I guess I am trying to make sense of what it is to be trans-something-or-other, somewhere under that big ‘ol inclusive trans* umbrella of identities and possibilities. Now, two things I love – other than the perfect heel, good hair, and a lippy that stays the course 😉 – are a diagram that helps with understanding something. Think of it not so much as a map of where we are, but some things we can point at, and maybe reflect, learn, or discuss. A smart person might have said a shared metaphor, but […]

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Flurrying

Lessons Learned, Uncategorized

Hi, A day late, tut tut eh? 🙂 It’s been a full week; both in terms of working Monday to Friday, plus it’s been busy at home and otherwise. With Friday zipping by and most of the evening given over to Child 2.0’s activity out, his driving experience, and a late tea for both of us; I was tired. Mind you, I was tired at 5 PM, so another four hours on the go just topped me up nicely to TGIF night 🙂 I am, however, observing rather than complaining. Okay, maybe a bit on the tiredness 😉 It’s great to spend time with Child 2.0 as I know he’ll be looking to go to university in about 18 months […]

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Learning, not failing

Lessons Learned, Uncategorized

Hi Trans Mafia and allies 😉 A shaky start to the week, given a ‘blessing’ from the Faery of Colds. Cue two plus days of a visit by Professor Sneezy McSneezeface and their executive colleague, Dr Sleepin Allday-Ont-Sofa. Buuuut, it was only two days and that goodness for decent sick pay. At least there’s no worries about being stuck in the awful position of not being able to afford time off ill. Lifestyle of the non rich and poorly I should point out that I completely agree with our Prime Miniature – sorry! Mini Sinister. Goddamnit! Minister 😉 – that being ill is a lifestyle choice. He’s absolutely right that the Ever Lovely Mrs J’s long term health conditions are […]

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Lessons Learned: Part XIII – Mindsets and Maps

Lessons Learned, Uncategorized

Hi, Not so long ago, I was talking with a (trans) friend about their worries about their gender and where it might be taking them. As with any conversation about emotions and where are experiencing difficulties, often – or may it’s just me :-)- we use metaphors. Firstly, I need to say that any metaphor you use, is one that works for you. This doesn’t make it wrong if you use it and I don’t. Indeed, it may be that we need to respect a phrase or story someone uses, rather than dump our own interpretation on top. The risk, otherwise, is that we break the flow of the other person’s story or sharing, as we draw them into explaining. […]

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Lessons Learned: Part XII – Bothering

Lessons Learned, Uncategorized

Hi, How often have you heard or said the phrase “Ah, why do we bother eh?“. I ask this not out of judgement, but from curiosity. That and to lead into this chapter of Lessons Learned. 🙂 As a genderfluid person, I spend most of my life in bloke mode. What helps keep me okay, is enough time to express all of who I am. To anyone who thinks being genderfluid is just about dressing up, it’s not. My nature and needs do not switch off, I am always me, with whatever gubbins is going on in my head. The backchatter of “That’s nice… Ah, but not in Richard mode #SadFace”. Moreover I have to mask who I am or […]

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