Aww... thanks @Jayne01 and @Alaskan Danielle -

The previous week I splurged with a trip to lululemon and bought two skirts after Zumba. Skorts actually - a combination of short and skirt. Many of the women in Zumba wear skorts , so I wanted to fit it.

My legs took a turn to the worse since I discovered a few spider veins. I may not be able to show them off much longer.

Oh - the neon orange tops are still around, I did wear one during the personal trainer session. They are just in the laundry.

On a positive note: I managed to talk to one of the ladies from Zumba afterwards. We were in the same section in the locker room. Pretty nice, hope to continue next time.

No new playground adventures [emoji16]

Today was a bit of an odd day for me, it took quite some energy not to fall back into where I was a few weeks ago. We have had 12 straight hours of heavy rain which did not help much with either. Over 3 inches so far (79mm) and no real end in sight.

I started another round of research for my next transition steps and learned a few new and interesting things.

So much from my end of the world...

Hugs,

Sarah

@sarah1972
Dear Sarah...  I kinda figured it might have been a skort that you were wearing... very popular in the warmer weather... and skorts do show off your legs...

I am glad that you are making efforts to find workout friends that will make your exercise much more enjoyable as you engage in girl talk while at the gym... and perhaps you can build a little gym group that meets at the gym on a regular basis, kinda like my gym-girls group that I have mentioned on my thread.... lots of fun, make exercise much more enjoyable.

Oh yes, rainy days can bring on depressing times,....  time to pick up a good book and get your mind off of less happy thoughts.  There is a thread that I am certain that you have heard of that might be worth reading....   
                   "Positive Mindset... put away negativity"

Thanks for sharing your thoughts today....  I am always rooting for you.
Hugs and hugs and hugs,
Danielle

Quote from: sarah1972 on July 21, 2018, 05:49:21 PM
A
Today was a bit of an odd day for me, it took quite some energy not to fall back into where I was a few weeks ago. We have had 12 straight hours of heavy rain which did not help much with either. Over 3 inches so far (79mm) and no real end in sight.

I started another round of research for my next transition steps and learned a few new and interesting things.

So much from my end of the world...

Hugs,

Sarah

Hi Sarah1972

I have read a few of your posts along your journey but never posted in your thread before but was so enjoying reading your thread that I thought I would. I was interested to read the stuff about Zumba as I have a cis GF who is an instructor, she has been telling me I should be doing it and she may be right but just at the moment I can't physically do half the stuff you do in Zumba....lucky for me she lives in New Zealand otherwise I would not escape her as easily as I do. It looks like terribly hard work to me...but then I guess no pain no gain.


I love the rain it always puts me in a wistful mood, its one of the things I never ever thought I would miss...but where I live now rain comes infrequently and when it does its just normally a short shower..we will occasionally get a showery days in the winter but nothing like what your are describing...

Take care

Liz

@ElizabethK
Hi Liz -

Welcome to my thread, I am glad to meet a few more of my readers!

My regular Friday Zumba class has a fairly interesting mix of participants: The majority is at it for several years. Usually, we are around 20 women and one man. I think he is trying to hit on one of the ladies, so he is excused. He is actually doing fairly well. We also have one lady in her early 70's (I overheard her talking about her age) and while she is doing great, she is taking it easy as well. There is another regular lady who usually takes it very easy on the moves.

You might want to give it a try yourself, follow as much as you can. I have seen many participants making moves easier for themselves.

It also largely depends on the instructor, there is one instructor I actually like more since everything is a bit slower but it does not work with my schedule.

The lady I talked to last time mentioned that it takes 7 - 10 classes to get the hang of it. I think I may need a lot more.  I just try my best. I can usually coordinate 2 of the three movements: feet and hips. If I have to add arms, it has to be a song I have been doing for a while. New songs usually throw me off for a few times.

I still believe I look really awkward doing it, so I try to hide in the last row. I always fear my moves will give me away one day, I just do not have the flexibility in the hips (twerking class). It does get better though.

I still enjoy it very much and if I can fit it into my work schedule, I do go.

Not even sure how I ended up with Zumba, in parts due to the class fitting into my schedule and I also wanted one group activity which is typical "girly". If you would have asked me 3 years ago, I would have made a lot of bad jokes about it. Even a year ago, I would have still made jokes...

If you are ever in my area, we should go together!

Hugs, Sarah

Quote from: ElizabethK on July 21, 2018, 06:18:50 PM

Hi Sarah1972

I have read a few of your posts along your journey but never posted in your thread before but was so enjoying reading your thread that I thought I would. I was interested to read the stuff about Zumba as I have a cis GF who is an instructor, she has been telling me I should be doing it and she may be right but just at the moment I can't physically do half the stuff you do in Zumba....lucky for me she lives in New Zealand otherwise I would not escape her as easily as I do. It looks like terribly hard work to me...but then I guess no pain no gain.


I love the rain it always puts me in a wistful mood, its one of the things I never ever thought I would miss...but where I live now rain comes infrequently and when it does its just normally a short shower..we will occasionally get a showery days in the winter but nothing like what your are describing...

Take care

Liz

Thanks for the Zumba invite Sara, but aren't we in different countries? I am in Adelaide Australia but if you live here I am keen so count me in... LOL

Liz

Quote from: ElizabethK on July 22, 2018, 07:04:35 AM
Thanks for the Zumba invite Sara, but aren't we in different countries? I am in Adelaide Australia but if you live here I am keen so count me in... LOL

Liz

Yes, we are in different countries. I keep trying to lure Australian members here with the promise of Zumba classes... I may have to rethink my approach [emoji23]

I know I am siding with your friend in New Zealand with my enthusiasm for Zumba [emoji23]

Hugs,

Sarah

While we cannot compete with the breathtaking landscape up north, we at least had similar temperatures this morning (mid 60's).

This is about as romantic as it gets unless you like the view of high rises...



We ended Saturday with a little over 5 inches or rain (129mm). A book might have been a good idea. Instead we opted for Indiana Jones night. I had seen it before, so I continued my research into GCS.

For the remaining Sunday we expect more rain. We may end up going into one of the Museums we have close by.

Hugs,

Sarah

Wait what?! I can't even tell that you used to be male! Your shift went very very well!!!

Quote from: sarah1972 on July 22, 2018, 10:57:01 AM
While we cannot compete with the breathtaking landscape up north, we at least had similar temperatures this morning (mid 60's).

This is about as romantic as it gets unless you like the view of high rises...



We ended Saturday with a little over 5 inches or rain (129mm). A book might have been a good idea. Instead we opted for Indiana Jones night. I had seen it before, so I continued my research into GCS.

For the remaining Sunday we expect more rain. We may end up going into one of the Museums we have close by.

Hugs,

Sarah

@sarah1972
Dear Sarah:  Thanks for your update...  rain is good, sunny is good.... and snow is good in reasonable quantities, all in moderation of course.   
Very hot and humid weather is not good, also bitter cold icy and snowy blizzaard  weather is not good either.

I love the picture that you posted...  it makes me want to bring a loaf of cheap bread there, sit on a bench, and feed the ducks...

Every area of the country, of the world, has it's own form of beauty.  In my area, it is mountains, lakes, snow, constant daylight or constant darkness, star filled nights without street light pollution, etc.   Sometimes I tend to not look around and appreciate the scenery in my area because it its always around me...  We all need to take time to smell the roses and enjoy what is available where we live.

Yes, good indoor activities, especially with kiddo in tow, would be a museum, or perhaps a G rated movie at a big screen theater (with buttered popcorn of course)...  A suitable lunch out with your family... or if kiddo is entertaining herself for a while, yes.. a good book would be in order.

Thanks for keeping your followers updated with your life events.
Hugs and hugs..... and stay dry.
Danielle

Quote from: sarah1972 on July 22, 2018, 10:57:01 AM
> Instead we opted for Indiana Jones night. I had seen it before, so I continued my research into GCS.

Which movie - was it Raiders of the Found Gender?

Hm - my blood tests came back. E is lowest over the last 3 tests (90) even though I am on a higher dose. Since my doctor does not want to do implants, I may have to look at injections. Not my favorite but patches don't really work for me. On the bright side: My T is the lowest ever, at around 4.5.

We skipped the Museum after discovering a line almost 2 blocks long. We ended up strolling the new waterfront and took a peek at the fish market. Splurged in some "i-cake" as kiddo says (ice cream).

Busy week coming up for me.

Quote from: Kendra on July 22, 2018, 01:50:40 PM

Quote from: sarah1972 on July 22, 2018, 10:57:01 AM
> Instead we opted for Indiana Jones night. I had seen it before, so I continued my research into GCS.

Which movie - was it Raiders of the Found Gender?

OMG @Kendra - I seriously peed myself laughing about this. Yeah, Indiana Jones movie titles can be easily adjusted to match our special circumstances...

Quote from: Alaskan Danielle on July 22, 2018, 11:18:49 AM
I love the picture that you posted...  it makes me want to bring a loaf of cheap bread there, sit on a bench, and feed the ducks...

Danielle

@Alaskan Danielle
Ha, Danielle, you would be kiddos best friend. We actually did exactly that, brought a bag of cheap bread and some leftovers from my wife's bread baking hobby and fed the ducks. Kiddo loves feeding them and we actually go regularly. She can run around quite a bit too since it is a large recreation area.

I did look at the pictures again I took today and I have to say, they really turned out nice. It was a really nice day too, and yes, there are many more very pretty areas around where I live. If you have ever seen the Great Falls after a day of rain, then you can imagine the power of nature. Taking time to smell the roses is sometimes a lost art. It has been years since I saw an unobstructed sky, I think Montana a few years ago was the last time. I need to get out more...

Quote from: SallyChoasAura on July 22, 2018, 11:07:06 AM
Wait what?! I can't even tell that you used to be male! Your shift went very very well!!!

Aww... Thanks, @SallyChoasAura! You are so sweet. I still see a few male features I want to work on, and of course, voice is still a struggle. Overall I am happy about the changes. Especially looking at my HRT before/now picture


August 2016 vs. May 2018...

Thanks to all my readers taking the time to read and comment here.

Hugs,

Sarah

WOW Sarah, the photos comparing August 2016 to 21 months later... incredible difference.

Quote from: sarah1972 on July 22, 2018, 09:16:34 PM
Hm - my blood tests came back. E is lowest over the last 3 tests (90) even though I am on a higher dose. Since my doctor does not want to do implants, I may have to look at injections. Not my favorite but patches don't really work for me. On the bright side: My T is the lowest ever, at around 4.5.

We skipped the Museum after discovering a line almost 2 blocks long. We ended up strolling the new waterfront and took a peek at the fish market. Splurged in some "i-cake" as kiddo says (ice cream).

Busy week coming up for me.

Which movie - was it Raiders of the Found Gender?


OMG @Kendra - I seriously peed myself laughing about this. Yeah, Indiana Jones movie titles can be easily adjusted to match our special circumstances...
@Alaskan Danielle
Ha, Danielle, you would be kiddos best friend. We actually did exactly that, brought a bag of cheap bread and some leftovers from my wife's bread baking hobby and fed the ducks. Kiddo loves feeding them and we actually go regularly. She can run around quite a bit too since it is a large recreation area.

I did look at the pictures again I took today and I have to say, they really turned out nice. It was a really nice day too, and yes, there are many more very pretty areas around where I live. If you have ever seen the Great Falls after a day of rain, then you can imagine the power of nature. Taking time to smell the roses is sometimes a lost art. It has been years since I saw an unobstructed sky, I think Montana a few years ago was the last time. I need to get out more...


Aww... Thanks, @SallyChoasAura! You are so sweet. I still see a few male features I want to work on, and of course, voice is still a struggle. Overall I am happy about the changes. Especially looking at my HRT before/now picture


August 2016 vs. May 2018...

Thanks to all my readers taking the time to read and comment here.

Hugs,

Sarah

Guuuurrrl what chu talking about? I can't find anything wrong in the new picture! Stop worrying so much~!🤩

Wow whata difference Sarah...you really have changed a heap haven't you. Thanks for the update...and oh Yes while Zumba classes are enticing you may need a little more than that LOL but thanks anyway

Take care

Liz

@ElizabethK, @Kendra, @SallyChoasAura -

Thank you so much for the compliments about my changes. I think I will have to keep this dress and wear it once a year for a progress picture 

It was actually funny finding this picture and realizing it was one of the early dresses I had bought.

I recently put together a picture review of the 3 and a bit years since discovering the real me for a new social media thing I am trying. It was really interesting to compare and I realized that one big step forward was a 6-week work assignment in February of 2018 where I only had to focus on work and looking pretty. It was also about 1 year into growing my hair and it finally was long enough to look somewhat decent. Day to day life sometimes means shortchanging Sarah.

Anyways, I am very happy with my progress. There are a few funny (and very affirming) stories I have talked about earlier.

Thanks again for reading my stories.

Have a great week everyone!

Hugs,

Sarah

@Kendra

I could not find a good thread for this Kendra, so I'll have to post it here...



Guess I owe you a coke [emoji3]

Hugs,

Sarah

Pst...  hey you should give me all your cokes...

(I may have an addiction to my carbonated goodness.)

Quote from: sarah1972 on July 23, 2018, 05:31:21 PM
> I could not find a good thread for this Kendra, so I'll have to post it here...

huh what?  Ok now I'm baffled.

I heard that some of my readers are questioning.... what happened to the orange workout gear? It is well alive...



A new time for me to go after work and it was packed. I was also accompanied by kiddo and her friend from Daycare along with one of the other hot moms from Daycare....

Today regular workout, tomorrow with my trainer and Friday Zumba... busy workout week.

Hope one day it will show.

Hugs, Sarah

Quote from: sarah1972 on July 24, 2018, 06:47:56 PM
I heard that some of my readers are questioning.... what happened to the orange workout gear? It is well alive...



A new time for me to go after work and it was packed. I was also accompanied by kiddo and her friend from Daycare along with one of the other hot moms from Daycare....

Today regular workout, tomorrow with my trainer and Friday Zumba... busy workout week.

Hope one day it will show.

Hugs, Sarah

@sarah1972 
Dear Sarah:   
I will fess up... I am one of the guilty ones asking you about your orange workout top. 
I recall that when you first wore it at the gym that you were very self-conscious and worrying that it made you stand out.....  I would think you are over that now ... is my assumption correct?   
Oh and the pinks sneakers look great on you and make the statement "I am a woman"  !!!!

That is terrific that you are making workout buddies too.... other hot moms... 

Thank you for posting your good-news update.... 
Hugs,
Danielle