Ugh, this damn carrier letter...

The open question is this bit: "Carriers must establish an exceptions process for coverage of excluded services for enrollees who are mid-treatment within a surgical and/or hormonal regimen"

Not holding my breath, but it's not nothing.

This is such a pretty look. I'm reminded of the iridescence of the hummingbird you posted with a previous makeup post. You wear these vibrant colors so amazingly well!

You are so pretty and your makeup is amazing! I love the rich depth of your eyes in these photos and how well the green compliments the colors of your hair

Nope, wouldn't know anything about it either 😅

The Razer Viper is an ambidextrous design with two buttons per side. It is rechargeable wireless, but I used it corded. I don't recall paying A Lot for it.

Ah yes, "just wait until they pancake *your* boobs" as my wife likes to remind me

I honestly didn't know if it's possible in the world we live in, sadly. It should be, but so much would have to be different

Intellectually, I knew this period of time was going to be tough. Turns out that doesn't equate to being emotionally prepared. 😅

Thank you! I really needed some encouraging 🫂 💜

Don't get me wrong. I had a decent day. Went to a great movie and got my base labs back and they're fine

But so many big and small things, impersonal things not aimed at me specifically, made me feel so unseen and unwelcome for the different aspects of my being.

Tomorrow can and will be better

(It's doing the same for me too. I always needed purple in my gothic palette, whether art, makeup, or dress. And if it's not too much to say so, I adore your hair coloring)

Purple is a such a regal and empowering color to me, while carrying a depth and a touch of melancholy. Purple has always treated me well in dress.

With no disrespect to the joy of sparkles and shine, I was surrounded by team purple before my egg cracked, so now it's kind of ride-or-die now 💜😄

I mean, true, that's a thing 😅

In my last office, I was one of 6 people with given name (3 with same last initial). Someone started using the element our surnames abbreviated. I was not mad about being (Name) Silicon. Dr. Silicon, Dr. Samarium, and Mr. Sulfur. Dr. Tantalum was far too pleased 😆

It's a concern to me, especially with friends at work, who can see each mask crack and quiet struggle.

I'm mentally preparing for a long stretch, but I need to build space to be myself and celebrate the good of this journey. And I'm going to worry about the weight of it all on others

I'm glad to know I'm not alone with this, except that it's hard and it'd be great if it were not. I was also asked by friends about reverting pronouns "for my safety" - it stung. Getting to comfortably out is going to be both a long road and a needle to thread. Thank you 🫂

I really needed this validation and reminder. The whole world is new, and I new to it, except in ways like this. I am close to a name I really like for myself, and want to use, but I'm also a ball of anxiety and fears sometimes. Thank you, Asha 💜

This is two questions:

1. How to identify self by name, I can't even, what?
2. Why is my instinct that my name is harmful to others and friendships? Not about me or out-vs-not circles, but "if they know this, then I have imparted upon them a curse" and "I can't be serious going by old name" What?

Oh, right he was there but had to call it early, IIRC - Also a great stand-up guy. This fellow was lifetime platonic bestie of another guest

It is such an incredible feeling. This is part of why, in the year 2025, I still host Rock Band parties.

My last one was (by accident, really) long-term committed lesbian couples only (plus this one guy, he's cool) - It was amazing