Would I like to sleep here? You bet I would!
Yes, I think if I was ever in a position to create my dream home, it would either look like something out of the 1920’s, or 1930’s, or it would look like something from 2030. Alternatively, if some wealthy person wants to buy me a ‘certain mansion’ on Easton Drive, Beverly Hills, and provide me with a self drive car, or something to get me around, I wouldnt say no.
But in truth, any home in the LA area, with a vintage feel would probably be heaven for me. Oh fine, nowadays, I’d need cable TV, and internet supplied, but otherwise, in truth, I could probably very happily settle into a 30’s lifestyle, and live that way.
Fine, but this blog is more about a couple of more futuristic places to lay my head at night, and in the case of one of them, to make home.
This morning, on one of those silly articles on MSN, that I read to many of, it was about quirky hotels. And fine, the crazy one that took my eye, is in Japan, no surprise there, I guess? This one
https://www.tripadvisor.co.uk/Hotel_Review-g298564-d6028872-Reviews-9_Hours_Capsule_Hotel_Kyoto-Kyoto_Kyoto_Prefecture_Kinki.html appeals to me, simply because of what it is, a pod that you climb into, and sleep in. Fine, I’d like to think of something being done to my mind, and body while sleeping in it, but I would imagine its quite an experience regardless. Sadly, I’m not likely to ever go to Japan in my life, and I have no idea if there are any in the UK, or not? Its probably one of those ‘just once’ things I’d like to do, but it appeals to me no end. Mind, I’d probably want to wear something in silver (ideally metallic silver) while sleeping in it, cant think why!
The other futuristic thing I’d love to live in, and apparently they are homes, is one of these
As far as I can guess, its one of the Futuro homes, designed in Finland, in the early 1970’s. Why I say its a guess, is because it looks in remarkably good condition to be one of the originals of those. So whether, its a rare, well preserved one, or whether its an old photo, or a modern take on them, I have no idea.
Yes, I know, it looks like a flying saucer. Great, in my eyes at least! As far as I can tell, from all reports, sadly, they dont fly at all, let alone at hyper speed, for deep space travelling. Still, I might be lucky with the one I get to go in, lol? I have no idea how comfortable those things would be to sleep/live in, but I’d love to give it a go, all the same.
Yes, I know, humour me, but I’m a huge sci-fi fan, and those 2 designs just appeal so much. If anyone can give me the chance of a visit/stay in something like that, or knows of a pod I can be brainwashed sleep in, in the UK, please let me know!
The video, a Slade oldie, a rare live performance, of where I’d like to be taken, if it was one of these
How much do I need to say?
One of the things that always amazes me, is how many men go chasing after me, online, at least. Oh fine, I know those from the sub continent only see me as an easy entry into the UK, and dont look too closely at the profile, only see that I’m single, middle aged, and I might feel flattered by a young guy wanting to chat me up. The other ‘popular’ group, are those pretending to be in the US Military, divorced, or widowed, who are nothing of the kind. Judging by their likes on their accounts, they are in Africa, generally in either Nigeria, or Kenya, or those kind of areas at least. The funny bit is, they try to take the surname of said military person, to match the image, but all take as their Christian name, rather than Surname. So I had one earlier today, who was Miller Geogre (yes, cant even spell George) Mutumbi. Yes, image was of a white American guy, with the surname, Mutumbi. Yes, I know, quickly deleted.
The funny thing was, a little while back, I got a friendship request that wasnt an exact match of one of these guys, but had similarities. But he just had enough additional profile info, that I took a chance, and accepted him. Shock horror, I think he’s genuine, even if he is a Marine Engineer (second only to military with these), and as my friend Stacie said, his schooling was at a strange place for a white guy. Given it was in LA, I was inclined to agree, but anyway, at the moment… Yes, his times on, would generally seem reasonable for someone in that time zone.
Thing is, that old chestnut, despite it being all over my profile that I’m transgendered, I’m not convinced he knows! Maybe he does, and doesnt care, but from the way he talks about his children, and things, I dont think he does. I mean would you want a pre op trans woman as a mother to your children? Fine, I know, some would, but generally…Oh, he’s in California, so it is a more open minded state, but…
Big question, how much does etiquette say that I have to say it out loud to him, or is it fair for me to assume that because its there, in big letters on my profile, that if he’s ignoring the fact, its not my fault? I mean, if it ever comes to a point where he wants me to go out there (ha ha), I would mention it, to make sure, but before then, as its not likely to happen? What do you think?
Right, video time. What he is already claiming, but I think he wants a genuine woman, not a woman like me? Oh fine, its not the greatest version, but lets face it, if I had been a teen girl in the 70’s, I’d have probably been one of those girls screaming at this band.
Perfect planning? What?
So, I was just wondering when logic, when arranging fixtures went out of the window, in this case, horse racing. A little while ago, I was making my selections for tomorrow afternoon’s Pick 6 races, and suddenly realized the 2 main meetings tomorrow, are Chester, and Haydock Park, which is near Newton Le Willows. For those not of a geographical, or racing talent, these tracks are about 30 miles apart! Thats right, the race going community for both these tracks, is pretty much the same area! So, by racing at the same time, they are cutting both their neighbours throat, but their own as well.
Because, if you think about it, if they raced on different weekends, there is a good likelihood that many people would support both tracks. But short of cloning, tomorrow, its one, or the other. To add to things, just 80 miles up the road, is Cartmel, and guess what, they race tomorrow too! Slightly further afield, but again, less than 80 miles apart from each other, Beverley, and Catterick both race tomorrow too!
So fine, you’re thinking, the rest of the country, south of that line, will have plenty of options too? Wrong, south of that line, on a Bank holiday weekend, there are 2 meetings, and one of those is in the very west of Wales. The last, Salisbury. And yes, thats it!
Meetings used to be arranged by central planning, and if that was still the case, then the meetings would have a better spread, I’m sure. But no, the glorious greed of bidding for meetings, or simply arranging them regardless, has left us with this ridiculous situation.
I know, I wouldnt be going anyway, but it just all seems crazy, and ill planned, to me. Its not only the small area of England that has more than 1 meeting, its the very large area of England that really has no viable racing option tomorrow, too.
Whereas, with a little bit of sensible planning…Oh, I forgot, sensible planning has gone out of the world, nowadays!
OK, rant over, time for the video, and all that. You could say there are a pair of clues to this, but besides all that…
Putting it into words
Nearly a fortnight ago, a dear friend sent me an email about a website that wants 30 second pieces, to celebrate the Transgender Community to put up on their website next month. What a great idea I thought, should be easy to put something into words for that, and its a worthy, and special cause. That website
http://thirtysecondsorless.net/
Yes, I gave it a try. Did I get anything close to 30 seconds worth? No! I cant even vaguely get close to that brief a piece, for love, or money, and I could definitely do with either, or both of those at the moment. Oh, the exact words
#30SOL + Pride 2016
Reflections from the Transgender and Gender Nonconforming CommunityThe month of June at Thirty Seconds or Less will feature transgender and gender nonconforming people offering words of hope, reflections on faith and their gender identity, proclaiming their truth to the world, and more.
To contribute to the series sign up in an open space below and then write 75-100 words, record yourself reading it aloud (a voice memo on your phone usually works just fine), and send the recording and transcript to email@thirtysecondsorless.net by Friday, May 27. (You can also record audio online at ThirtySecondsOrLess.net.)
•What is a word of hope you want to share with other transgender or gender nonconforming people?
•Are you a person of faith? If so, how do your faith and gender identity impact one another? Where do you find hope and encouragement from your faith tradition?
•What is something you want to say to our world today?
Please share this with anyone that you think who should contribute to this series. And if you have any thoughts or questions, contact email@thirtysecondsorless.net or @ThirtySOL.
I know, I know, I write stories, so I should be able to write my own piece. In truth, I can, but unlike my stories, I cant keep it short. And yes, I’m happy to do the voice bit, not an issue. I did one recently, a robot piece, though given I never heard back about it, I have no idea if the project just never took off, or whatever?
Yes, I know, it should be my own words, but I’m not good at short, and snappy. Believe me, I’ve tried. So, if anyone feels they can put the right sentiments into about 75 words, for me to read, I’d be grateful.
What am I looking for? Something that says I want to be there for other people in the same situation as me. Something that says that not all the world is against us, maybe? You get my drift, something lifting, anyway.
I’ll be honest, it would be nice to do something positive at present, given my current situation. Yes, its fair to say I’m very down, with the whole job thing at present, and not in a good way too. So doing something like this, might just help me to feel better again, who knows? Well, it might, if I could get the words down to about 75!
Right, video time. The perfect question for someone living the transgender life, with doubts, I guess?
Nothing more than a dream
Yes, I’m a bit of a sucker for contests, principally free ones, that might at least give me a bit of joy, if I ever won one. I know, stop laughing, with my record, I’m about as likely to win one, as swimming the Atlantic, but anyway, I give it a go.
So, I admit it, each time there is one, I give the Pick 6 on Channel 4 a go, even though my horse tipping skills were never great, and even less so nowadays. But someone might be going to win £10,000, and if I enter it, well, yes, fine, I enter it, and make a losing entry, for sure! Something went wrong last Saturday, I actually picked the first 2 winners, but it went rapidly downhill from there!
The one sport I do decently on contests on, is Golf. I assume its because there is a major stats element to selections for that sport, aided by the fact there is a major ‘horses for courses’ feel to the game. Hey, there is one running on CBS at present, where I am 52nd overall, out of over 15,000 entries! I know, cant last, but the prizes are only open to US residents, so its just practically for fun. But yes, loving doing it.
About the only other sport I do much fantasy stuff on, is the NFL. Again, I know a bit, and as they only play once a week (a major reason I do not look at baseball games), I can find the time to do my entries. Skill level? Modest, I do decently, but never threaten to win anything, for sure.
So yeah, now I’m going to do a contest on a sport I know little about, and care for even less, football, or soccer, as they call it, depending which side of the pond you’re reading this. In truth, the last few weeks of the season, I was doing some silly game, attempting to pick 6 correct scores on English football, for £250,000, if you got them all right, but lets just say I never got close!
Next month, something that would have driven me nuts, if I was still in a betting industry call center, will happen. Euro 2016, or something like that? Yes, that big a football fan, arent I? Well, one company that I may not ever work for, but have great social media contact with, is The Hager Group. The reason I probably wont work for them? They’re in Europe, and my foreign language skills nowadays wouldnt pass muster. Shame, because they seem a nice set of people to talk to, but anyway…Fine, they’re running a prediction competition for Euro 2016, and I’m going to give it a go. If you want to, the link is http://www.hagergroup.com/en/media/online-prediction-game/1024-783.htm and I’m sure they’ll appreciate your entries. Some nice prizes, by the look of it, for those who like gaming, and things, by the look of it. Yes, again, I’m not a major gamer in the slightest, so I may not be the expert to say things like that, and I certainly dont need a football, at my age. All irrelevant, the chances of me finishing anywhere close, has to be zero, or less!
OK, if anyone wants to give me any helpful tips for selections, feel free, I havent a clue! But fine, it should be good for a giggle, if nothing else. And hey, someone has to come bottom, it might as well be me!
Right, the video. What I might have for about 5 minutes of the first game, just maybe?
Anyone want to complete the job?
Last Sunday, given I had the house to myself, and being in a silly mood, I decided to do something I hadnt done since Christmas, and hadnt done decently since Hollywood, do a few selfies. But yes, the emphasis was, on being silly. So, I put on a metallic silver dress I bought cheap in Primark several years ago, and had probably never worn in the end, because of length issue (its above the knees, for heavens sake!), and to save people’s eyes, put on a pair of metallic silver leggings, to match.
Eventually, and I mean, eventually, I managed to get a couple of decent ones, so I saved them. Then, being extra silly, I went and got my Cyberman helmet that I still own, and did a few more wearing that. Believe me, you have no idea how much “fun” it is, trying to take pictures of yourself while wearing that!
Alright, that wasnt the end of the fun, as when I went to download them on to here, I couldnt find my USB connector to do so. So fine, I had a hunt around, still couldnt find it, so I paid out for a new one on Amazon. Yes, all of £4, so I’ll survive! So today, I finally got everything together, and loaded them on to here, and I thought I’d better share a couple.
So firstly, the full length one of me, dressed in a silver look, but before the Cybermen got me (I wish!)
Digital Camera
Oh, and secondly, a close up one, after the Cybermen had upgraded me
Digital Camera
If anyone wants to complete the process, properly for me, I’d love it! Equally, if anyone (within reasonable distance, ideally) wants to take some photos properly of me, dressed fully in silver, then feel free to offer. Snag, I’ve got no money to pay a fortune for images, just saying…
Right, the video. Well, who’s the most famous robot of all time, in my opinion at least? Yes, we’re talking about a 20’s creation here. Oh, lets see…
How am I going to get through?
Apologies, I’m going to get all whiny, and moan a bit tonight, but its been a lousy fortnight or so, on the job hunting front. And yes, sadly, its getting worse, rather than better, though strictly, is it at least an improvement to know I’m not going to get a job, or be put forward for a job, rather than just hearing nothing? And yes, sadly, the phone has gone much quieter too, the last couple of weeks, doing nothing for my mood, or despair.
Oh, and on top of all that, when an agency did actually ring up yesterday re one of my applications, and heard my situation, and age, pretty much said that they wouldnt be interested in me in that case, and despite saying they would consider my application, I pretty well knew they werent going to do so. No shock, I havent heard back from them, as promised.
Today, I applied for a role at 9.20 this morning, with an agency, and not for the first time, by about 4.00, I had an email back telling me that they wouldnt be going forward with my application. At least in the past they’ve waited a day or two to do back, so I’m beginning to suspect I’m on an age related black list with them! No, I’m sure ‘officially’ I’m not, but in reality…
Oh fine, at the moment, I can survive, with the unemployment pay, and the rent benefit, I can just about get through. But in terms of a decent lifestyle, I wish! Next week, at the moment, I have got one recruitment open day related to a job application in Leeds, on Wednesday, but thats it!
Anyway, today, in a moment of depression, and craziness, I applied for a couple of jobs in betting industry call centers. I know, sounds perfectly good logic, but these jobs arent in the UK, they’re in Malta! I got a LinkedIn request re one,and thought, oh why not, given I’ll probably get my normal result on it, anyway, I decided to have a mad moment. And having done so, another, in the same place was suggested, so I went after that one too!
The funny thing is, when I checked Malta for LGBT quality of life, one table puts it as the best nation in Europe! In my heart, I cant see me going there, at my age, but in truth, at the moment, anything reasonable, I’m going to look at, and think about. Yes, get an interest from that, I’ll have to vote to remain in Europe next month, lol!
Oh, tonight, I got send details of a job that would be ideal for me. Customer Service Rep, in a call center, perfect! Its even through Transtech, so they clearly would be happy with a Trans Woman too. Snag, yes, there had to be one, its in Chicago, and I’m pretty sure they want someone able to instantly work in the US, not an awkward case like me!
Right, the video. As so often, there is a clue in the blog title. And yes, fine, those showgirl outfits would be a lot of fun to wear, just saying…
LA Beach Baby, so much easier!
One of the pains of going to the beach, both times I was in Hollywood, was getting there. Well, fine, it was a dozen miles or so, and slightly more from downtown LA, but that wasnt the heart of the issue. Even in these days, when public transport in the city has improved no end, no trains went anywhere near the sea. So, getting to Santa Monica was an, err, interesting, and lengthy bus journey both ways, when I decided I needed to go there. Its fair to note that Pacific Palisades is an even tougher journey, but that wont be changing in the near future. Santa Monica, however…
The last time there was any kind of passenger train service to Santa Monica, was 1953. Well, fine, until Friday, the last time any kind of official train service to Santa Monica was 1953. Yes, railway services return on Friday, care of the Expo line, which will cut the time to get there from downtown, to about 45 minutes, as opposed to the 75-80 at good times, and heaven knows, during the rush hours!
Yes, fine, we Hollywood lovers would either have to bus to a connecting point on the Expo line, or go via downtown, but in truth, the latter will probably be about as quick, and more pleasant than the bus service! In truth, from downtown at least, to Pacific Palisades, you’d probably be better off taking the train, then getting the local bus from Santa Monica!
My main problem at the moment, getting there, to travel on it, of course. But hopefully, one day in the not too distant future, I’ll be able to arrive at dear old Santa Monica pier, without feeling worn out by the bus journey. That will be special, in more senses than one.
LA, and Hollywood, I really miss you, crazy as that sounds!
The video? Well, what I will hopefully be, once again, in Santa Monica.
Stepping out…for work?
To tell the truth, as much as I can remember, I’ve never worked in a place where the dress code was exceptionally smart. Having said that, I must have worn a shirt, and trousers, back in the 70’s in an office, and I guess, jacket, and work quality shoes too, though hardly surprisingly, 40 years on, I cant really remember all the details of that.
What I do know, is that the last 3 roles, pretty much covering the last 12 years of my working life, the dress code has been smart casual, at most. I think Blue Square was respectable casual, but its over 10 years ago now, so again, dont quote me on that. Of course, the last 8 years or so, have tended generally between top and slacks, or blouse and slacks, generally. I did, a few times after transitioning, wear a skirt, but not all that often. And yes, the one internal interview I did, in the last few months before I left, was done in my best black dress.
Of course, in this round of job hunting, I’ve always worn smart dress, and suit jacket, for interviews. But yes, you’re right, the reason for this blog is nothing to do with the clothes I wear to work, its to do with the shoes!
Clearly, in the pre-transition days, I either wore shoes with a flat base, or very low heels. In truth, even post transition, I’ve tended to do the same, though maybe the heels are a little bit higher than they used to be. Fine, they are, but anyway…What I never wear, are stilettos, my knees simply are so beat up, I’d never be able to walk in them, due to balance issues. I do however, from time to time, wear what I would call medium height heels. As long as there is a decent base, I can do it, with surprising ease, nowadays, in fact. But yes, walking very far in them, or wearing them for more than a couple of hours, no thanks! They make my ankles ache, my knees certainly grumble, so thats about my limit. So yes, wearing them for a full working day, I dont think so.
Oh, that job interview at Hills? Yes, I wore them for that. How? Simple, I took them in a bag to work, put them on a few minutes before the interview was due to start, and they were off again, a few minutes after getting back to my desk! Mind, they were a bit higher than normal, so…
Yes, I know, in the ‘old days’, women were expected to come to work in high heels, pure and simple. I guess I would have got used to it, and coped, but glad I didnt have to. Nowadays, I assumed, as long as the shoes were smart, and respectable, flats were fine, as they should be.
That was, until last week, when I read the article about the temp secretary who was relieved of her duty in an office, because she refused to wear high heels. Yes, her shoes were smart, but they were flats! Anyway, as social media would have it nowadays, public outrage ensued, quite rightly, and a few days later, said company changed their shoes rule. Oh, and by the way, as you’ve worked out, the men didnt have to wear heels, just the women. In fact, she did say that if the men wore heels, she would, but no, it was one rule for her, and another for the guys. So good for her. I suspect, despite changing their rules, that firm are going to be unpopular with temp agencies for a while, somehow.
Would I wear high heels in an office, if ‘required’, I hear you ask? Well, I guess that if I have to wear them in the office, I could do it, as long as I didnt have to walk very far, wearing them. But hopefully, it wont ever be an issue for me, nowadays.
Of course, this did bring about that classic feminist facepalm moment, as one or two of the more radical types suggested that the men in that firm would soon be looking to have all women wearing dresses (probably with a corset underneath) in the office, which is taking the issue way too far, and hopefully a totally unrealistic claim. Its why I have as much to do with that type of feminist, as I do with that type of transgender activists! Ah well…
Right, the video. Yes, this 80’s number, is mentioned in the blog title.
Its time to make your mind up
And to think, at one point I was working out what I was going to blog today, and then I realised what was happening later today, Eurovision! Apologies to any North American readers seeing this, you wont have a clue what you’re missing out on. Mind, nowadays, thats probably for the best. Or is that just because I’m getting old lol?
At this point in time, I have no idea what year I first saw Eurovision. I’m guessing somewhere mid 60’s, but its the old story of, did I see that live, or just years later, and I cant be sure. What I do know, is that by the early 70’s, I was hooked! Whereas nowadays, half the world seemingly takes part in it, including Australia in the last 2 years, but back then, entries were pretty much limited to Western Europe, not how it is now, with just about every possible East European country taking part eagerly.
What I, and just about everyone around at the time remember, is 1974! Yes, some Swedish group that most of Europe had never heard about, called Abba! And yes, the rest of that story is history! In fact, that was probably the height of Eurovision, as about half a dozen entries from that contest went on to find fame. Nowadays, most acts are forgotten in weeks! It could also be said that in a few hours, on a Saturday night, and that was it! Nowadays, we have to have 2 semi finals, and a final, just to include everyone that wants to take part! Yes, the collapse of the Iron Curtain, and even more so, the break up of the Soviet Union has led to that.
Ah, the voting! Well, that has always been amusingly political, but even more so nowadays, given the large clump of ex Soviet countries supporting each other. Oh, and the Scandinavians, and…say no more!
One sad fact this year, for us Brits, even if he hasnt presented it for years, no Terry Wogan! Graham Norton has continued to present it, in a similarly irreverent style, and in truth, thats the best bit nowadays, at least for me. No, I havent see it in years, just tending to watch You Tube on Sunday, for the collection of commentary funny bits, and thats it.
Yes, the UK hasnt won it in a long time. Hardly surprising given the lack of friends in Europe that we have. Oh, and the fact that most of our songs are awful too, in all probability! But yes, its that night when camp fun rules all!
OK, the video. Yes, its a UK winner, and fine, the clue is in the title. Interestingly enough, this was the first time any one heard it, as its the performance from when the UK was deciding its entry for that year.
stevielounicks 
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