See you in heaven, one day
Fine, I was going to do a lighthearted birthday celebration piece today (actually for yesterday), but then I realised what date it was, and fine, plans change! So sorry, Nancy Carroll, maybe some other time (or place, for those who know? 😉 )
Yes, this year, 20th November is the date I truly wish we didnt have to remember, transgender remembrance day. Sadly, far too many transgender people over the years have died, either at their own hands, because they couldnt face the struggles of life any more, or at the hands of others, in a more violent way.
In the latter sense, I’ve been lucky. Only once have I been assaulted, and that guy was so drunk, he could do little damage. Besides which, the bus driver soon sent him on his way anyway. I was stood at the bus stop, waiting for the bus to turn up one Sunday afternoon when this guy grabbed me, but I was easily able to fight him off. As I got on the bus, he knocked me over from behind, but thats as far as it went. I’ve been called a few names at other times, but thats pretty much it, and I can easily cope with that. After 20 years (in total) managing betting shops, thats nothing compared to what I was called then!
Sadly, others have had it far worse than me, either in terms of violence used on them, or as I say, killed! And yes, more than a few have taken their own lives, because believe me, living as a transgendered person is not easy! I’ve got through it, but fine, I’ve had my moments of depression about it, all the same.
Me, now. Yes, it makes a huge difference when all your paperwork, and ID says you’re female, I feel so much better for having got to that point. In fact, now, I’m working in my first job (at 58!) where I’ve only ever been known as a woman, and yes, loving it! But for others, its not so easy, and I guess for Americans, over the next 4 years, things will definitely be tough! But hopefully we can all get through, ideally safe, sound, and living in our desired gender.
Right, video. I’m not sure if this really works, or not, but I thought it suitable. Two versions, first, the original video
Secondly, a recent Maggie Reilly version where she is clearly singing live!
As they say, take your pick, or play both, your call. Just for one day though, remember all those transgendered folks in your thoughts too. No, I’m not expecting Mr Trump to do that lol!
Now I know the end of 2013 is near
Why, because today almost certainly marked my last venture out shopping for things this year. And yes, unsurprisingly, it was to Wakefield, rapidly becoming my favourite shopping spot. Well fine, it already is, but…
No, I cant guarantee it will be my last, but it looks a safe bet, and given where I work, I should know these things. My days off for the rest of the year are Tuesday and Sunday next week (former is beauty treatment day, latter is last Sunday before Christmas), then Christmas Eve (no way am I going shopping anywhere then!), Christmas Day (pretty obvious), and the Sunday after, when I will be on my own (and public transport is awful anyway). After that, well the next day off is New Years Day, and there are no buses then, and besides which it will be 2014 by then! So, as I say, good bet that today was it.
Surprisingly, 2 weeks before the big day, Wakefield wasnt overly crowded. I know, its midweek, but…To be honest, given all my purchases today (apart from my coffee and cake) were from charity shops, I havent helped the retailers much myself!
Most of it was practical stuff, 4 tops, and 1 skirt, which will all get used for work, and things. Well fine, the skirt to work is only a maybe bet, but…I should do really, they seem to be better for the circulation in my legs than trousers, but its just…I know, I know! Err, one of those tops, no, fails the work test. But…let me explain,
At work, we have a rule that all tops should cover the shoulders completely. Fine, understandable, though some choose to ignore it, and get away with it, but anyway…I try to be a good girl lol! One of the things I love about Wakefield is the quality of clothing options in the charity shops there, some really nice stuff, at very good prices. One especially, the Wakefield Hospice shop, is the creme de la creme. Seriously, I saw a gorgeous silver dress there today, must have cost a fortune new, for £15. Thankfully it was a size 12, with a zip at the back, so no way would I have got into it, because otherwise…drool…
But sneakily, they also, in a size 14, had a top that looked quite literally as if it had arrived direct from the 1920’s. It hadnt, its good a ‘made in Asia, somewhere’ tag in it, so clearly it hadnt, but…Snag, its got nothing more than 2 thin(ish) straps over the shoulders, so I cannot wear it to work. And to be honest, in that sense, whats the point in buying it, even at £4.50? Even though its perfect for a Flapper…? So I talked myself out of it, left it in the shop, even though I regretted doing so.
Fine, I walked round the corner, and after about 5 minutes, changed my mind, and went back and bought it! No idea when, or where I wear it, but, its mine! I know, I know, silly thing to do, but I would have regretted it for ever more if I hadnt.
But anyway, famous last words and all that, it should be the last silly buy of 2013! Stop laughing now!
The video, not the last Christmas one of the year, of that I’m sure. I’d forgotten about this little gem until You Tube reminded me!
Arrival
The one thing I do from time to time, is let the music pick the blog subject, and in a sense, tonight was one of those times. Even more so when I found a great cover of a song being performed live by a musical genius. More on that later.
I actually picked out a few songs before this, thinking it fitted a good blog, without having a definite plan on what I would write, and then the You Tube randomiser suggested this, and lo and behold…
Arrival is actually a moot point, though when Benny and Bjorn wrote this, they didnt actually specify a moment of arrival. Possibly because they knew what a certain train franchise’s punctuality record would be like lol!
When I started blogging, I mentioned a certain train company who were the bane of my travelling life, nothing has really changed since then. First Transpennine Express are that recalcitrant train company, though they are more often announced at Huddersfield as Delayed First Trans Pennine Express, so maybe they’ve changed their name? Happened twice today, so just maybe… 😉
I’d love to say good things about them, but on the whole, its hard to do so. Their punctuality record is dreadful, despite setting themselves up decent stopovers at Leeds, York etc, they still are very often late. Despite umpteen promises, trains are badly  overcrowded at nearly all times of the day, its the main cross Pennine route, and also serves Manchester Airport, so draw your own conclusions. If the fares were reasonable, it might all be forgiven, but they’re not, they are one of the more expensive per mile franchises in the country. They do have a few lovely staff, the class 170 trains on certain runs are very cute, but after that, I struggle to say a nice word!
My journey should take just under 20 minutes with them, tonight it was 27! No train in front of us or anything, just a typically slow, annoying journey on an overcrowded train! The train that stops at all stations from Leeds only takes between 34 and 37 minutes!
Hopefully someone there checks categories at places like this to see comments, but I doubt it somehow. Right, rant over, I’d better let you have the music video, which is probably what people come here for by now!
The title gives away what the song is, the mention of the writers should make most realise it was originally an Abba song, but I’ve never found a proper video of them performing it. Tonight, I was lucky enough to find this, a Mike Oldfield cover, live version, and a pretty good one at that. Please enjoy
stevielounicks 
Recent Comments