Author Topic: Jessica's Rose Garden (Read 77152 times)

RandiL · « **Reply #1100 on:** June 12, 2022, 03:18:06 pm »

Hi Jess,

For some reason Tapatalk has stopped updating my notifications. Since I do all my Susan's reading on my phone I have missed a lot.

I'm glad to read about your two recent trips. Kris had told me about the parts of your visit where she was involved, and it's fun to see a photo of the shoes here!

I understand a bit about having social time with friends and not discussing your transition. I just spent a week at music camp and it was kind of like that. Lots of conversation around instruments, songs, artists, families, etc. Just normal stuff. I have joined a nice group of women friends there and I felt welcomed and included.

My smartphone thinks it's smarter than me. It's probably right.

Jessica_Rose · « **Reply #1101 on:** July 07, 2022, 05:06:08 pm »

Glad to hear you're able to experience some 'normal' life occasionally Rayna. 'Normal' feels like a reward after all of the things we must go through to simply be ourselves.

Over the last few years I have had increasing issues with my throat and voice. A few months ago it was so bad that it felt like someone had their hands around my throat choking me, so I made an appointment with an otolaryngologist. I was given a prescription to treat acid reflux. It helped, but my voice was still not what it should be.

Today I had a follow-up appointment, which included the use of a strobe. Having a camera snaked through my nose into my throat was not as bad as it sounds. The worst part was having a numbing spray blasted up my nostrils several times. The doctor took video of my vocal chords as I made different sounds, and it was interesting to watch the playback as she described what was going on.

The verdict? My vocal cords and all of the other structures in my throat are fine. The issues I'm having are due to the stress I have been using to tighten my vocal cords and speak in a higher pitch. A y-shaped structure above my vocal cords is now stretched out from where it should be. They are confident that voice therapy can resolve the issue while allowing me to retain my current voice. My doctor will try to get me scheduled with a specialist at UAMS (University of Arkansas Medical School), who is considered to be one of the best in the nation. Hopefully I will be able to see them in August or September.

We visited my dad a few weeks ago, and plan to visit again this weekend. Last time down he mentioned a flat tire on his car. I jacked the car up and removed the tire, then looked for damage. The culprit was easy to see, a large screw dead center in the tread. Normally that could be repaired, but apparently my dad ignored the 'low pressure' warning and drove on the flat for a long time -- the sidewall had split open across most of the tire. No one had the tire in stock, but we got it ordered and I took the rim into town so they could mount the tire for my dad as soon as it arrived.

Two weekends ago I peeled up some sod near the back of our house and put in another flower bed -- more daylilies, some lantana, and a hydrangea. Last weekend I straightened up our garage and got rid of a few more boxes left over from our move last year. I also washed, waxed and thoroughly cleaned the interior of both our cars.

Life goes on...

Love always -- Jessica Rose

ChrissyRyan · « **Reply #1102 on:** July 20, 2022, 09:07:45 am »

Jessica Rose,

You are such a wonderful person, a very nice woman. You continue to be an inspiration to me.
Please continue to be here to share your wisdom and help and all about your life with Susan.

I am gateful you are here.

Hugs,

Christine

@Jessica_Rose

[36000]

Jessica_Rose · « **Reply #1103 on:** July 25, 2022, 02:27:53 pm »

Thanks Chrissy! I don't post very often because I really don't have much going on, but I do want people to know that life can return to normal after transition. I will always respond to personal messages if someone has questions or comments they would prefer to keep off the forums.

My trip to Colorado Springs went well. I left late Thursday morning and spent the night in Amarillo, TX. Friday morning I saw a really nice sunrise near Channing, TX. I got into Colorado Springs early enough for lunch and a little shopping before meeting Kris for some electrolysis. I had not been able to have electrolysis in eight weeks, so Kris had a lot of work to do. After what wound up being a 5hr session, I checked into my hotel then visited Old Chicago for an 'individual' pizza -- it was much more food than I expected!

Kris and I were able to start around 9:30am Saturday. Although it took another 5hr session, she cleared every area we usually work on, including ankles and hands. We had a late lunch at a nearby Mexican restaurant, then I hit the road for Clayton, NM. The next morning I was in Channing, TX once again for another nice sunrise (I was in the exact same spot for both sunrises). I also saw some local wildlife, something I had not seen in the wild for a long time -- a horned lizard! After taking a few photos, I resumed my drive home. I got home around 5:00pm, unloaded the car, and even fixed dinner.

Sunday night I confirmed success in a long-running fight with EquiFax. Susan and I have decided to trade in one of our vehicles, which will require a new loan. The last time I tried to get a loan, EquiFax had flagged my credit due to my name change and we had a real struggle. This time my application sailed through without issue, and I was approved for a new loan within a few minutes. If all goes well, we'll be getting our new car tomorrow. Yea!

Love always -- Jessica Rose

ChrissyRyan · « **Reply #1104 on:** July 25, 2022, 06:29:47 pm »

Congratulations on seeing the horned lizard and sunrise! Plus your credit record being made right, your electrolysis, and a safe trip home.

Cars are expensive.

For that matter food is expensive. A lot of grocery foods have went up more than this so called 8% USA inflation rate. It must in reality be a much higher rate.

Chrissy

Northern Star Girl · « **Reply #1105 on:** July 26, 2022, 10:13:57 pm »

@Jessica_Rose cc: @Susan_Rose
Dear Jessica:
As one of your avid followers I am always eager to read your posts and updates as you
describe your life endeavors and various activities.
The way I see it... you are living a blessed life with your accepting wife Susan.

I have much enjoyed getting to know you since we met on the Forum years ago.
```````````````````````````````````
Now that I have your attention... obviously you know (and Susan, your wife knows) that
your "Special Day" is tomorrow on July 27th.

I am wishing YOU
....a very

Happy Birthday

I hope that your special day includes time with family and friends...
... and with CAKE and CANDLES .... LOTS of candles

***NOTE: On your July 27th birthday be certain to check your profile for a special birthday surprise!

HUGS and best wishes on your special day and birthday.

Danielle

davina61 · « **Reply #1106 on:** July 27, 2022, 02:47:42 am »

Happy birthday my dear, I am pleased you have found your happy place XX

ChrissyRyan · « **Reply #1107 on:** July 27, 2022, 08:29:47 am »

@Jessica_Rose

Jessica Rose,

Happy birthday!

Chrissy

Northern Star Girl · « **Reply #1108 on:** July 28, 2022, 11:53:59 am »

@Jessica_Rose
Dear Jessica:
I have been waiting and waiting for you to share and post regarding
about what you did on your "special day" yesterday....

HUGS,
Danielle

Jessica_Rose · « **Reply #1109 on:** July 28, 2022, 01:50:02 pm »

Thanks Danielle, Davina, and Chrissy!

My birthday went well, but I stayed busy all day. Maybe one day I can retire, but for now I do have a great day job with an awesome employer!

After work, Susan and I dressed up a little and visited our local Toyota dealer. We traded in our small SUV for similar a plug-in hybrid SUV from Toyota. I got on a wait list for the car in March, and the timing just happened to work out perfectly for my birthday. The dealer was really nice and friendly. We got a good trade-in offer on our old car without haggling, and they didn't try to hard-sell us on any warranties, maintenance plans or SiriusXM. They didn't even add a dealer mark-up to the price. Including the test drive, paperwork, and final prep, about 2.5 hours after arrival we were headed towards dinner in our new car.

We decided to eat at Longhorn Steakhouse. Susan ordered pork chops, and I ordered salmon. Yes, we were at a steak place and neither of us ordered steak. Dinner went well, and we had a nice conversation with our young server. At one point she asked if we were sisters. I told her 'no, Susan is my wife.' The server got a big smile and said that we were 'blessed' to be together. She asked how long we had been married, and I told her '38 years'. She thought that was great, mentioning many marriages don't last 8 years, let alone 38!

By the time we got home it was a bit too late for cake. Hopefully we can have some tonight. I'm a firm believer that your birthday lasts until the cake is gone, so I don't mind waiting a day or two.

Love always -- Jessica Rose

Northern Star Girl · « **Reply #1110 on:** July 28, 2022, 02:02:56 pm »

@Jessica_Rose
Dear Jessica:
Thank you for posting your reply and update regarding your birthday events....
>> new car, wonderful dinner, friendly server, and then cake tonight

Just be certain to blow out and extinguish ALL OF THOSE CANDLES
before you go to bed. (29 candles?)

HUGS,
Dnaielle

Jessica_Rose · « **Reply #1111 on:** July 31, 2022, 05:32:05 pm »

I've been doing some mild customization on our new car over the last few days:

1 - Replaced all six speakers. The factory speakers were terrible.
2 - Installed front and rear dash cams.
3 - Replaced the factory 'meep meep' horns with some louder ones.
4 - Installed aluminum mesh screens to protect radiator and A/C condenser.
5 - Removed dealer decal.

Before transitioning, just about any one of these could have resulted in hand injuries, foul language, or have been a source of enough frustration for me to blow a gasket. This time? Not only were there no injuries, there was also no foul language or frustration.

Even though it's been over four years since transition, I still occasionally wonder if I made the right decision. All I have to do it think about all those things which used to frustrate me and cause my anger and rage to burst forth, and I know I chose wisely. My life will never be perfect, but it's certainly better than it used to be.

And yes Danielle, my birthday cake had a few candles... I didn't want to set off the fire alarm though.

Love always -- Jessica Rose

Jessica_Rose · « **Reply #1112 on:** **Yesterday** at 08:31:02 am »

I had been putting it off for too long, so last week I finally visited a local dentist for a cleaning. I arrived early to fill out all the paperwork. One question asked if I ever had any major surgery and to provide details. I answered 'Yes, cosmetic'. I wonder if that will lead to more questions later?

The dental hygienist took a panoramic x-ray followed by several bite-wing x-rays, then got to work on my cleaning. Although it had been nearly a year since my last cleaning, she said it wasn't too bad. The dentist came in later to review my x-rays and said everything looked good. The appointment went well, there were no comments about my lip implants or jaw surgery, and no probing questions.

Yesterday I spoke to the speech therapist who works with my ENT. I mentioned that I had stopped taking the omeprazole (as suggested), but after 3 - 4 weeks the choking symptoms returned. The symptoms improved within 24hrs of restarting the medication. My ENT now plans to set up an appointment to take x-rays while I drink barium (I'll ask for chocolate barium) in an attempt to see what's going on. Hopefully we'll get this figured out soon.

Love always -- Jessica Rose

davina61 · « **Reply #1113 on:** **Yesterday** at 09:30:00 am »

Well just to make Alaskan Danielle feel colder its 26C in my kitchen with the blind down to keep to sun out before I start to cook , have a very thin shift dress on and sweating before I start . Phew .

Northern Star Girl · « **Reply #1114 on:** **Yesterday** at 10:21:40 am »

Quote from: davina61 on Yesterday at 09:30:00 am

Well just to make Alaskan Danielle feel colder its 26C in my kitchen with the blind down to keep to sun out before I start to cook , have a very thin shift dress on and sweating before I start . Phew .

@davina61 @Jessica_Rose
It's a little warmer here at my home early this morning... 35deg(f) [1.7 C]
Danielle

Northern Star Girl · « **Reply #1115 on:** **Yesterday** at 10:33:22 am »

@Jessica_Rose
Dear Jessica:
I pray, hope, and trust that your doctor diagnosis and x-rays/barium (chocolate barium? ... is there such a thing?) will help to solve your choking and possible GERD issues.
Are they planning to do a Upper Endoscopy (down the throat and stomach camera procedure")
There are all kinds of things that can be related to long term GERD .... it is good to get it taken care of right away.
`````````````````````````````````
Hmmm, your mention of a new dentist and new dental hygienist.... makes me think of what happened with me when I first arrived in my new small town and went to my new dentist and dental hygienist.... if you recall my "Hunted Prey Blog" story in early 2018, my dental hygienist became my tooth-fairy sweetie.
.... and it was "obvious" to the dental professionals that I "might" be a transgender woman based on the appearance of my mouth and teeth. Hmmmm.
````````````````````````````````
Again, I will be thinking of you while you deal with your health issues... I will be looking for your updates as you feel comfortable sharing.
I am always wishing you the best in all areas of your life.

HUGS and many more HUGS,
Danielle

News:

Author Topic: Jessica's Rose Garden (Read 77152 times)