Bari Jo's Corner

[Bari Jo]

Hi Bari Jo!

I just read through this whole thread...it didn't feel right to just read the last few pages lol...and I am super glad I did. It is very comforting to follow the journey of somebody who is ahead of you on a path. It affirms that the path can be walked...and in great style. I look forward to reading more as time passes!


xoxoxoxo
Alyssa

Hi Alyssa, thanks for the kind words.  It's hard to believe that I am ahead of anybody.  It seems like I am moving so slowly.  I've been told by a few now that I have a new style since coming out.  I'd just call it finding my groove. I've experimented with dress, hair, nails, makeup, even hobbies and friends.  When I find something that makes me happy, I keep doing that. My latest is deciding on opaque nail polish.  I can't seem to find one I like.  I've tried two, going to try a third today, maybe glitter this time.

I think the way I've been handling my transition is a good way though. I'm glad others do too. I dont think this will work for everybody, but if it helps anybody I'm happy.

Bari Jo

[Laurie]

Hi Bari Jo,

Glitter nail polish? Okay try it but be forewarned the glitter dosn't like to come off easily. Yes it can be fun but it can also be a bit of a pain.  Glad you are doing well,Hun.

Hugs,
  Laurie

[Bari Jo]

Hi Bari Jo,

Glitter nail polish? Okay try it but be forewarned the glitter dosn't like to come off easily. Yes it can be fun but it can also be a bit of a pain.  Glad you are doing well,Hun.

Hugs,
  Laurie

I spoke too soon, it's more of a pearlescent pink.  Of the three I tried, I like this one best. I'll probably go to work with this polish on.  My work doesnt care how I dress:)

Bari Jo

[Northern Star Girl]

I spoke too soon, it's more of a pearlescent pink.  Of the three I tried, I like this one best. I'll probably go to work with this polish on.  My work doesnt care how I dress:)

Bari Jo

Bari Jo:  It is many times the "little things" that make you feel good about yourself in transitioning and making an effort to feel more feminine as you begin to present yourself as your "new you"
 
Even while temporarily having to be in the male-mode for various reasons, details like subtle shades of fingernail and toenail polish, ear studs, eyebrow shaping, hair styling, body hair removal and light makeup, wearing feminine cut clothing and perhaps shoes are great ways to start expressing your feminine side and soon may become an advertisement for your transition intentions.  All of this can help pave the path for you to officially come-out to more and more people that cross your path.

Oh, and @Laurie is absolutely correct about some nail polishes like glitter polish.... it can be very, very difficult to remove completely.  For days after you think that you have removed it... you may still be able to see remnants of the glitter on your fingers.   Also deep and bright shades like blue, maroon, red, etc can be difficult to remove entirely and at the edges of each nail there can be tell-tale signs of it's past existence....   In my own experience, when attempting to remove all traces for whatever reason, I have found that using a discarded toothbrush dipped in polish remover helps to clean up those areas more easily.

I am enjoying reading about your exciting journey... all the trials, tribulations, frustrations and YES, and especially the SUCCESSES too.
Keep the updates coming... and pictures too, as you feel comfortable sharing with us.

Hugs, and well wishes,
Danielle

[Jessica]

Bari Jo, I'm going about things as quickly as you are.  My hair is slowly getting longer, I shaved my mustache off and keep it close, I wear a neutral shade of pink on my nails, I wear women's cut clothing.....all no big tells.  I have though began to shave my legs and I need to work on my tan to make that less evident against a white background (my wife's suggestion).  I see in the future the same pace movement towards who I want to be.

Pearlescent pink sounds wonderful!

PS: I guess you should add bigger boobs, but no one has said anything

[Laurie]

I spoke too soon, it's more of a pearlescent pink.  Of the three I tried, I like this one best. I'll probably go to work with this polish on.  My work doesnt care how I dress:)

Bari Jo

My fave is called sheer pink it is a pearlesent also.

Sent from my LGL44VL using Tapatalk

[Jessica]

My fave is called sheer pink it is a pearlesent also.

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The last time I saw you @Laurie , your two tone creation was interesting.

[Bari Jo]

My fave is called sheer pink it is a pearlesent also.

Sent from my LGL44VL using Tapatalk

I'm currently using On Cloud Shine from Sally Hansen.  I've tried the more expensive gel coats but this cheaper one is os much more controllable.

Bari Jo

[Bari Jo]

Alright back to more trans issues.  A while back I wrote about being in a funk.  I was actually hoping that it was levels related.  I received my lab results this morning and they are perfect, so it's not that. The only other med I take which we don't test with is progesterone.  I've been taking that about 7 months.  I haven't seen anything online about it causing people to be testy, irritable, depressed so I'm thinking that's not it. It must be other things.  The short hair growing in is grey, I look like a man like this and I've got a project that's finishing up over the next couple weeks. Im now attributing these stresses to being the root of my funk.  The more I talk about it, the better I feel.  Hopefully I will be my old self soon again.  How long does it take to grow hair?  Grrr!

Bari Jo

[Jessica]

Hi Bari Jo!  As far as progesterone, I've read accounts where it can affect your mood dramatically.  It should not be discounted as a cause for your funk.

Hugs, Jess

[Bari Jo]

Hi Bari Jo!  As far as progesterone, I've read accounts where it can affect your mood dramatically.  It should not be discounted as a cause for your funk.

Hugs, Jess

Interesting.  I'll bring it up to the doc.

Bari Jo

[KathyLauren]

If you suspect it's the hair, how about a wig to tide you over until your own grows?

My hair is too far gone to come back, so it's wigs for me to "tide me over" for the rest of my life.  Or at least hats.  I used to have a ponytail, but I had it for so many years that I've forgotten how long it took me to grow it out.  My maximum length was just past my shoulders.  It probably took a couple of years to grow it that long.

[Bari Jo]

If you suspect it's the hair, how about a wig to tide you over until your own grows?

My hair is too far gone to come back, so it's wigs for me to "tide me over" for the rest of my life.  Or at least hats.  I used to have a ponytail, but I had it for so many years that I've forgotten how long it took me to grow it out.  My maximum length was just past my shoulders.  It probably took a couple of years to grow it that long.

Interesting suggestion.  I did try a few wigs on just to see how I looked in different styles and found one I do like.  However, the hair doc doesn't want anything tight on the scalp while the new hair grows in.  So for the next couple months I have to just struggle.

By then I may just be able to dye it and be happy.  I look fine with short hair, just not a crew but or grey.

Bari Jo

[Jessica]

Honestly Bari Jo, your avatar's hair is just like Julie Andrews cute and sassy one

[Bari Jo]

Honestly Bari Jo, your avatar's hair is just like Julie Andrews cute and sassy one

Thank you Jessica.  That picture was just before the hairline restoration.  I had to be shaved for it, so I'm months away from looking like that again. Plus it's all grey, boo!

Bari Jo

[Rachel]

I had hair grafts twice. Shedding and then waiting for growth takes forever, have patience it will pay off. Definitely do not wear anything tight on your scalp. Keep those grafts happy.

[Jayne01]

Alright back to more trans issues.  A while back I wrote about being in a funk.  I was actually hoping that it was levels related.  I received my lab results this morning and they are perfect, so it's not that. The only other med I take which we don't test with is progesterone.  I've been taking that about 7 months.  I haven't seen anything online about it causing people to be testy, irritable, depressed so I'm thinking that's not it. It must be other things.  The short hair growing in is grey, I look like a man like this and I've got a project that's finishing up over the next couple weeks. Im now attributing these stresses to being the root of my funk.  The more I talk about it, the better I feel.  Hopefully I will be my old self soon again.  How long does it take to grow hair?  Grrr!

Bari Jo

My ending told me that Progesterone can cause PMS like symptoms. I have been taking Progesterone from the start and have not wanted to stop to see if it causes my periodic funky moods. If it is affecting your mood too much, it may be worth going off it for a while or adjusting your dosage, Speak with your doctor.

Hang in there with your short hair issue. It's a short term pain for a long term gain.

Jayne

[Roll]

I've had several doctors swear by Viviscal (Professional Grade) for hair growth, but it takes a few months even then. I'm giving it a try right now.

I didn't realize you can't wear a wig after transplants, that really messes me up since I was hoping to go full time around then! How long did they tell you for that?

[Bari Jo]

I've had several doctors swear by Viviscal (Professional Grade) for hair growth, but it takes a few months even then. I'm giving it a try right now.

I didn't realize you can't wear a wig after transplants, that really messes me up since I was hoping to go full time around then! How long did they tell you for that?

Yeah, I'm told to wait at least 3 months.  I'm about 1.5 months in now.  I can't wait to just have HAIR again!  BTW, @Jessica your Julie Andrews comment has had me smiling all day.  What a roll model she is.  I'd gladly be compared to her, beauty, talent, smarts, spunk.  I love her!

Bari Jo

[LizK]

I had transplants and it took a good six months before it really started to get going. It is a tough time when the hairs are coming through creating all that mess...but I have to say after 12 months I was absolutely astounded by how good it looked. They are expensive (for me they were) but in my book well worth the inconvenience and time it takes to look right.