I haven't done much, but here are some developments coming up that will help my writing along.
First, the dinner scene, which is taking longer than anticipated. I have developed it quite a bit, and I will try my best to finish it within the next two weeks. I want Sarah to pummel me with questions on why I made her do certain embarrassing things - like a last-minute visit to the sperm bank right before her surgery. We've already found out that I happened to be on the very first international flight that Sarah worked, in December 1999. Sarah is also pleasantly surprised about my similarities to her spouse Kirsten; after all, Kirsten was based on me...
Second, my business will take me to Seoul by the time my dinner scene is done; I will reserve my airline ticket today. It will allow me to visit spots in downtown Seoul, where Sarah and two coworkers strolled about in 2003. I will probably get to visit spots reminding me of Sarah's grandfather Warren and his service in the Korean War, as well as souvenir stores (maybe even the tacky Itaewon district next to the US Army Base) where Sarah bought gifts for Kirsten. In addition to following Sarah's footsteps, I will follow my own footsteps from the past, to gather materials for my memoir. My goal is also to make a day trip to the southern port city of Busan, where my parents grew up - but where I've never been - so that I could hopefully even pick up some cues for a Middlesex-like perspective into a previous generation.
I won't be flying Sarah's airline though; given United's inconvenient schedule, I will be booking with its partner Asiana Airlines instead. Having taken Asiana to China previously, I know that it'll be a pleasant ride.
EDIT: Looks like Busan will be hosting the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation summit while I am there (November 18-19). With 21 heads of state in town, including W, security will be heavy. I hope it won't be too much of a hassle.
31 October 2005
25 October 2005
In search of transgender nightlife
One of the things I've wanted to do in recent months, to allow myself to meet other transgender women for my own well-being and for developing Sarah (and her first girlfriend Martha), has been to explore the transgender nightlife scene in the Los Angeles area. I'm a complete newbie to the scene, at least here in Los Angeles, so I have a lot to learn.
To start off, I spent last night in West Hollywood, at the venerable lesbian bar named The Palms; since I also identify with the lesbian community (and so do my characters), it was a very appropriate venue. It was Monday night, so it was slow, but it was a relaxed pool/karaoke night where lesbians, transgender women, and their admirers could mix freely. As soon as I entered, I started chatting right away with a tall African-American lesbian named Rhonda, and ended up having a good night's chat with her acquaintances. Once a glass of Heineken loosened me up, I ended up taking a shot at the karaoke machine, singing Mariah Carey's "Hero" - I sounded horrible, but at least I could hit most of the high notes. Next time, I'll probably honor the lesbian theme and sing Melissa Etheridge's "Come to My Window."
At the Palms, Mondays and Wednesdays are unofficial transgender nights. I wonder how Wednesday, with a dance format, would go.
Another place I need to check out will be Club 7969, also in West Hollywood. Its transgender nights are Mondays and Fridays, and it is frequented by working girls and johns. Although I remember Trannie Chaser at Nowbar back in NYC in the late 1990s, where I could watch some transgender lap dancers in action, it's been a long time, and I could definitely use a refresher. Since Martha spent her late teens as a sex worker, I want to explore the working girls' world and be familiar with it. I will need to come up with a "slut" look that will allow me to blend into the crowd without going overboard.
To start off, I spent last night in West Hollywood, at the venerable lesbian bar named The Palms; since I also identify with the lesbian community (and so do my characters), it was a very appropriate venue. It was Monday night, so it was slow, but it was a relaxed pool/karaoke night where lesbians, transgender women, and their admirers could mix freely. As soon as I entered, I started chatting right away with a tall African-American lesbian named Rhonda, and ended up having a good night's chat with her acquaintances. Once a glass of Heineken loosened me up, I ended up taking a shot at the karaoke machine, singing Mariah Carey's "Hero" - I sounded horrible, but at least I could hit most of the high notes. Next time, I'll probably honor the lesbian theme and sing Melissa Etheridge's "Come to My Window."
At the Palms, Mondays and Wednesdays are unofficial transgender nights. I wonder how Wednesday, with a dance format, would go.
Another place I need to check out will be Club 7969, also in West Hollywood. Its transgender nights are Mondays and Fridays, and it is frequented by working girls and johns. Although I remember Trannie Chaser at Nowbar back in NYC in the late 1990s, where I could watch some transgender lap dancers in action, it's been a long time, and I could definitely use a refresher. Since Martha spent her late teens as a sex worker, I want to explore the working girls' world and be familiar with it. I will need to come up with a "slut" look that will allow me to blend into the crowd without going overboard.
23 October 2005
Gather the Women
I just came back from a full day. An organization called Women Creating Peace held an event called A Gathering of Women, at the Holistic Renewal Center located in Beaumont, California, an hour's drive from me. I went there, on an invitation from my mentor Gayle Brandeis, who was presenting a writing workshop there. This was the first time in a long time that I was able to participate in a women-only activity.
It was wonderful being surrounded by women who at least respected, if not downright shared, my developing maternalistic spirituality, and to talk about our life stories. I dozed off during one of the workshops, being tired from an early morning drive out there, but otherwise I enjoyed every bit of the activities. My favorite part was a workshop where my preferred symbols (from a list of five - circle, triangle, square, spiral, cross) told me a lot about my life priorities, my past, and my dislikes.
In any case, I loved soaking in the entire women's spirituality atmosphere, so refreshing and different from the paternalistic world outside. And either I was passing perfectly, or the women were very polite to me, and I had a good time with everyone.
Gayle recognized me right away, as she pulled up behind my car in her Honda Civic Hybrid, even before I got out of my car, or recognized her sitting in hers. Again, this was my first opportunity to present myself to her as Rachel, and she was pleased. Finally it feels good to be known to my mentor, and presenting, in my proper identity. We exchanged a lot of stuff, basically catching up on our lives (and commenting on Gayle's daughter Hannah's vandalism stint over at Wikipedia!). I promised to send her my dinner scene with Sarah, along with my pictures from the Korean Folk Village 3 years ago (which are relevant to her novel, The Book of Dead Birds). I also spent time with her best friend Catherine, who, in fact, was the only person to choose the three exact same workshops as I did.
Now I need to jump on that dinner scene, and also to savor today, when my womanhood was never in question. I need to make sure that down the road, Sarah will have a similar moment.
It was wonderful being surrounded by women who at least respected, if not downright shared, my developing maternalistic spirituality, and to talk about our life stories. I dozed off during one of the workshops, being tired from an early morning drive out there, but otherwise I enjoyed every bit of the activities. My favorite part was a workshop where my preferred symbols (from a list of five - circle, triangle, square, spiral, cross) told me a lot about my life priorities, my past, and my dislikes.
In any case, I loved soaking in the entire women's spirituality atmosphere, so refreshing and different from the paternalistic world outside. And either I was passing perfectly, or the women were very polite to me, and I had a good time with everyone.
Gayle recognized me right away, as she pulled up behind my car in her Honda Civic Hybrid, even before I got out of my car, or recognized her sitting in hers. Again, this was my first opportunity to present myself to her as Rachel, and she was pleased. Finally it feels good to be known to my mentor, and presenting, in my proper identity. We exchanged a lot of stuff, basically catching up on our lives (and commenting on Gayle's daughter Hannah's vandalism stint over at Wikipedia!). I promised to send her my dinner scene with Sarah, along with my pictures from the Korean Folk Village 3 years ago (which are relevant to her novel, The Book of Dead Birds). I also spent time with her best friend Catherine, who, in fact, was the only person to choose the three exact same workshops as I did.
Now I need to jump on that dinner scene, and also to savor today, when my womanhood was never in question. I need to make sure that down the road, Sarah will have a similar moment.
20 October 2005
A noteworthy blog
A quick look at Damian McNicholl's blog this morning led me to another blog, one by Helen Boyd, named (en)Gender. This blog is about a book named My Husband Betty, a book about her crossdressing husband.
Because of its links to transgender and other resources, I will add this blog to my list of other blogs. There are lots of substantive posts here too.
(en)Gender
Because of its links to transgender and other resources, I will add this blog to my list of other blogs. There are lots of substantive posts here too.
(en)Gender
More thoughts on flight attendants
I suddenly woke up right now - just after 3 in the morning - full of thoughts on flight attendants. It was as if I had become Sarah in my dream, walking the aisles of the 777 and checking up on the 300+ passengers on board. Okay, I did not become Sarah in my dream, but it still felt like it as I woke up.
Sarah shares with me one trait: a love of flying and airplanes. She inherits this from Grandpa Warren, who flew for the USAF during the Korean War, and takes her on many trips to airports and air museums when she was little Sanford. I end up having a field day at those places too, but I know that neither my temperament nor my philosophy is well suited to the life of a flight attendant. As much as I love traveling, I just can't see myself going through 8 grueling weeks of training, then having to deal with increasingly irate passengers, only for $15,000 per year. I know I won't even make it past the training.
Something else must guide and motivate Sarah and other flight attendants. It seems that one must really love the lifestyle - where adventure awaits every corner, and where the travel experiences add up to more than the low paycheck. Drawing satisfaction from the safety and well-being of one's passengers is very important too, I presume. And the camaderie of the coworkers... that would be something to take into consideration too, since I am not a very social person.
When the time is right, I will start corresponding with my classmate who used to be a United flight attendant, just like Sarah. I want to be sure that I am in the right state of mind before I start throwing questions at her!
Sarah shares with me one trait: a love of flying and airplanes. She inherits this from Grandpa Warren, who flew for the USAF during the Korean War, and takes her on many trips to airports and air museums when she was little Sanford. I end up having a field day at those places too, but I know that neither my temperament nor my philosophy is well suited to the life of a flight attendant. As much as I love traveling, I just can't see myself going through 8 grueling weeks of training, then having to deal with increasingly irate passengers, only for $15,000 per year. I know I won't even make it past the training.
Something else must guide and motivate Sarah and other flight attendants. It seems that one must really love the lifestyle - where adventure awaits every corner, and where the travel experiences add up to more than the low paycheck. Drawing satisfaction from the safety and well-being of one's passengers is very important too, I presume. And the camaderie of the coworkers... that would be something to take into consideration too, since I am not a very social person.
When the time is right, I will start corresponding with my classmate who used to be a United flight attendant, just like Sarah. I want to be sure that I am in the right state of mind before I start throwing questions at her!
19 October 2005
Even more shopping
I got more shopping done tonight - I know, I need to start watching my money!
For me, tonight was a big watershed moment for a transgender woman: the first time I got to see myself in that item every woman must have, an LBD (Little Black Dress). Until now, I've been very shy about even trying one on, much less buying one, because of fears of showing off my wide shoulders, not being able to pull off the strapless look, and so forth.
The one I ended up buying, at $98, is sleeveless, with a plunging neckline, but still covers me nicely - no worries about the bra straps ever showing. My still-wide shoulders and upper arms manage to look good in it too. After years of covering myself up in suits (nice as they are, they are not for parties), I am finally confidently showing my "assets" off, and ready for a night out on the town. My double-female necklace looks even more stunning with this dress.
This is a feeling I need to capture for Sarah. The nervousness over trying the LBD on a masculine body, and the joy at finding the right dress that makes her look good - this must be factored into some point in Sarah's early stages as a woman. I expect Sarah to be shy and stay away from LBDs for her first few years, but I'll give her the added advantage of significant hormone therapy by the time she gets to try one on, perhaps a year or two into her flight attendant duty.
For me, tonight was a big watershed moment for a transgender woman: the first time I got to see myself in that item every woman must have, an LBD (Little Black Dress). Until now, I've been very shy about even trying one on, much less buying one, because of fears of showing off my wide shoulders, not being able to pull off the strapless look, and so forth.
The one I ended up buying, at $98, is sleeveless, with a plunging neckline, but still covers me nicely - no worries about the bra straps ever showing. My still-wide shoulders and upper arms manage to look good in it too. After years of covering myself up in suits (nice as they are, they are not for parties), I am finally confidently showing my "assets" off, and ready for a night out on the town. My double-female necklace looks even more stunning with this dress.
This is a feeling I need to capture for Sarah. The nervousness over trying the LBD on a masculine body, and the joy at finding the right dress that makes her look good - this must be factored into some point in Sarah's early stages as a woman. I expect Sarah to be shy and stay away from LBDs for her first few years, but I'll give her the added advantage of significant hormone therapy by the time she gets to try one on, perhaps a year or two into her flight attendant duty.
16 October 2005
A day in the life of a flight attendant
A few hours ago, I logged on to FlyerTalk to get any tips on my possible trip to Seoul (I am trying to use my miles to upgrade, and I want to know my chances). I ran across a USA Today article instead, chronicling a day in the life of a United flight attendant.
The more reading for me, the better I can shape Sarah's reality. This is definitely going into my virtual scrapbook.
I was furious at the pathetic wage levels for flight attendants, both in general and specifically at United. I was even more furious when I came across a neocon in the FlyerTalk forums who defended these wages as "free market at work," and blamed the unions for preventing the airlines from replacing old, expensive flight attendants with younger, sexier, and cheaper ones. He openly declared that flight attendants are disposable commodities with a shelf life of at most 5 years. I hope HIS job is just as disposable in the free-market economy, and that he loses all the elite perks he currently claims to have with United and Continental. As for me, experience is just as important as good service, and more important than good looks.
At least I am glad to know that Sarah doesn't have to wear 3" heels or girdles like her predecessors did.
USA Today article
The more reading for me, the better I can shape Sarah's reality. This is definitely going into my virtual scrapbook.
I was furious at the pathetic wage levels for flight attendants, both in general and specifically at United. I was even more furious when I came across a neocon in the FlyerTalk forums who defended these wages as "free market at work," and blamed the unions for preventing the airlines from replacing old, expensive flight attendants with younger, sexier, and cheaper ones. He openly declared that flight attendants are disposable commodities with a shelf life of at most 5 years. I hope HIS job is just as disposable in the free-market economy, and that he loses all the elite perks he currently claims to have with United and Continental. As for me, experience is just as important as good service, and more important than good looks.
At least I am glad to know that Sarah doesn't have to wear 3" heels or girdles like her predecessors did.
USA Today article
15 October 2005
The dinner scene
I just started it, and it may take up to a week to write a satisfactory rough draft. It's still a lot of effort, considering that it won't ever be part of the novel.
So far, this much is clear. The scene is written from my point of view, and takes place in early 2007 in London, where Sarah had moved the previous year. Sarah already knows of me, because I had been messing with her thoughts all her life. When we meet up, we will be like old friends - even though this would be our first-ever meeting. I don't know which topics we will exactly discuss, I will let that evolve as I write. For now, I have described Sarah's physical attributes, as I followed her into a trendy Japanese noodle house near Leicester Square in the heart of the city's theatre district.
This will be a fun scene to write, and will reveal as much about me as it does about Sarah, especially in regards to what we think of each other.
So far, this much is clear. The scene is written from my point of view, and takes place in early 2007 in London, where Sarah had moved the previous year. Sarah already knows of me, because I had been messing with her thoughts all her life. When we meet up, we will be like old friends - even though this would be our first-ever meeting. I don't know which topics we will exactly discuss, I will let that evolve as I write. For now, I have described Sarah's physical attributes, as I followed her into a trendy Japanese noodle house near Leicester Square in the heart of the city's theatre district.
This will be a fun scene to write, and will reveal as much about me as it does about Sarah, especially in regards to what we think of each other.
14 October 2005
Did shopping a bit early
I was dead tired, but somehow forced myself to do some shopping last night anyway.
I ended up picking up a hooded sweatshirt dress, something I needed for a sportier look; my wardrobe is currently too dressy (like Kirsten's), and I need to dress down sometimes.
A surprise find last night: two pairs of footless tights. Paired with the sweatshirt dress, I can definitely go for that 1980s athletic look, updated for today of course. I'll think of other ways I can pull of the footless look. (Note to self: it would be great to find long tops that double as dresses.)
What does this mean for my novel? I can make Sarah experiment away with her style, as I do the same for myself. I even want her to make some fashion mistakes (even embarrassing ones!) as she establishes a set of looks for herself. As Sarah's body develops, I will move her into ever more flattering designs, like the all-important LBD (something I still can only dream of for now). I can also think of ways to dress Kirsten down; I cannot have her wear a suit 24/7! I need to come up with two distinct sets of looks that reflect the two characters' personalities (and my own).
I ended up picking up a hooded sweatshirt dress, something I needed for a sportier look; my wardrobe is currently too dressy (like Kirsten's), and I need to dress down sometimes.
A surprise find last night: two pairs of footless tights. Paired with the sweatshirt dress, I can definitely go for that 1980s athletic look, updated for today of course. I'll think of other ways I can pull of the footless look. (Note to self: it would be great to find long tops that double as dresses.)
What does this mean for my novel? I can make Sarah experiment away with her style, as I do the same for myself. I even want her to make some fashion mistakes (even embarrassing ones!) as she establishes a set of looks for herself. As Sarah's body develops, I will move her into ever more flattering designs, like the all-important LBD (something I still can only dream of for now). I can also think of ways to dress Kirsten down; I cannot have her wear a suit 24/7! I need to come up with two distinct sets of looks that reflect the two characters' personalities (and my own).
11 October 2005
Dinner with Sarah
I will soon attempt, as my next scene, something that I wanted to do since back in spring: a dinner with Sarah. This will not be used in the novel itself, but it will let me understand Sarah that much better.
I will be able to take Sarah to a restaurant of her choosing, sit down together, and talk about how our pasts compare. I will also be able to "interview" her about her experiences around the world, both as a child and as a flight attendant. I will be noting everything, from the way she dresses to the way she uses her utensils, to even her makeup - and whether she re-does her lipstick after the meal! (I don't, btw.) I will be able to highlight the similarities and the differences between Sarah and me. I'll even have the appropriate music play while we eat, such as Sarah McLachlan.
I will probably share the dinner scene with some of the former classmates, and maybe with the public at large through Epinions' member corner.
I will be able to take Sarah to a restaurant of her choosing, sit down together, and talk about how our pasts compare. I will also be able to "interview" her about her experiences around the world, both as a child and as a flight attendant. I will be noting everything, from the way she dresses to the way she uses her utensils, to even her makeup - and whether she re-does her lipstick after the meal! (I don't, btw.) I will be able to highlight the similarities and the differences between Sarah and me. I'll even have the appropriate music play while we eat, such as Sarah McLachlan.
I will probably share the dinner scene with some of the former classmates, and maybe with the public at large through Epinions' member corner.
07 October 2005
Religion... and Fashion
Those of you who know my personal life already know that my difficult finances, partly due to rampant discrimination in the job market (even in San Francisco!), forced me to move in with my parents a few years ago - taking my identity away against my will in the process. (Yes, it can be done - since I lived in a conservative state, Arizona, where I had ended up after fleeing San Francisco.) I've fought back ever since by re-assuming my lost identity whenever possible, such as during trips away from home. And under their watchful eyes, even taking hormone pills has been a big source of conflicts. And until I can build my own business - and therefore have a source of discrimination-proof income - I am stuck in that rut.
I will have some time to myself soon though, very soon. This will enable me to do a few things - like visiting a Unitarian Universalist congregation near me. Since I am fed up with traditional Christianity and its teachings, this will be a good thing for me. But more importantly, I will be able to explore and understand the very belief system that plays a key role in Kirsten's life - and to a lesser extent, Sarah's. The two will meet at a Unitarian church, and will eventually marry there, so it is imperative that I understand the organization as thoroughly as possible. I will make sure that the congregation will be "open and affirming" - specifically trained to accept LGBT members. I am split between attending a smaller congregation in Montclair, close to me, and a larger congregation in Pasadena, a bit of a drive. I will figure out.
I also expect to do some clothing shopping - again. I will be developing a personal style not only for myself, but for Sarah as well. So far, I've developed four different looks for Sarah: the Ally McBeal inspired miniskirt suit (her first outfit), empire-waisted babydoll dresses, tank top and shorts, and of course the flight attendant uniform. Of those, the suit won't take her far, because I expect Kirsten to also favor - really favor - miniskirt suits, and I can't have two identical suits walking around together. Recently, I stumbled upon the Urban Outfitters website, despite the company's undesirable political activities. The see-through and tunic dresses seemed like something Sarah could potentially wear over a pair of jeans or slacks. Or, if by some chance Sarah prefers black (as I do), she could pick up a dozen pairs of textured and/or bright colored tights for accenting her legs. Now that I mentioned that, this could be a casual look I need badly for myself too - a black casual tunic dress that could be worn over khakis or by itself, but preferably with bright tights! (I already have plenty of other black outfits as well that will also work with those tights.) I'm definitely making a stop for window-shopping at the earliest opportunity. I'll also be shopping at a few other stores while at it, like the Gap, J. Crew, and possibly the politically correct, Los Angeles-made American Apparel (I hear they have great T-shirts!).
Another opportunity for pushing my story forward. And I'll make the best out of it.
And it also looks like I will have to take another business trip in about a month, one that will have me follow Sarah's footsteps - and her grandfather's. Yes, South Korea, the country Grandpa Warren defended in his F-86. Whether I will be arriving in a United Airlines 777, like Sarah, is an unknown (I would love to observe Sarah's coworkers though!). Between the super-modern electronics and the backward customs, the country is sending very mixed signals to me; I will see how I will be able to navigate all that. This will be my first opportunity to experience the Far East as a woman.
I will have some time to myself soon though, very soon. This will enable me to do a few things - like visiting a Unitarian Universalist congregation near me. Since I am fed up with traditional Christianity and its teachings, this will be a good thing for me. But more importantly, I will be able to explore and understand the very belief system that plays a key role in Kirsten's life - and to a lesser extent, Sarah's. The two will meet at a Unitarian church, and will eventually marry there, so it is imperative that I understand the organization as thoroughly as possible. I will make sure that the congregation will be "open and affirming" - specifically trained to accept LGBT members. I am split between attending a smaller congregation in Montclair, close to me, and a larger congregation in Pasadena, a bit of a drive. I will figure out.
I also expect to do some clothing shopping - again. I will be developing a personal style not only for myself, but for Sarah as well. So far, I've developed four different looks for Sarah: the Ally McBeal inspired miniskirt suit (her first outfit), empire-waisted babydoll dresses, tank top and shorts, and of course the flight attendant uniform. Of those, the suit won't take her far, because I expect Kirsten to also favor - really favor - miniskirt suits, and I can't have two identical suits walking around together. Recently, I stumbled upon the Urban Outfitters website, despite the company's undesirable political activities. The see-through and tunic dresses seemed like something Sarah could potentially wear over a pair of jeans or slacks. Or, if by some chance Sarah prefers black (as I do), she could pick up a dozen pairs of textured and/or bright colored tights for accenting her legs. Now that I mentioned that, this could be a casual look I need badly for myself too - a black casual tunic dress that could be worn over khakis or by itself, but preferably with bright tights! (I already have plenty of other black outfits as well that will also work with those tights.) I'm definitely making a stop for window-shopping at the earliest opportunity. I'll also be shopping at a few other stores while at it, like the Gap, J. Crew, and possibly the politically correct, Los Angeles-made American Apparel (I hear they have great T-shirts!).
Another opportunity for pushing my story forward. And I'll make the best out of it.
And it also looks like I will have to take another business trip in about a month, one that will have me follow Sarah's footsteps - and her grandfather's. Yes, South Korea, the country Grandpa Warren defended in his F-86. Whether I will be arriving in a United Airlines 777, like Sarah, is an unknown (I would love to observe Sarah's coworkers though!). Between the super-modern electronics and the backward customs, the country is sending very mixed signals to me; I will see how I will be able to navigate all that. This will be my first opportunity to experience the Far East as a woman.
04 October 2005
Progress...
Spending the past week in the Nation's Capital meant that I did not get much writing done... I mean, I got nothing done in terms of actual writing.
I do have to say though, however, that participating in a number of political activities, as Rachel, was a very positive, empowering experience. On my other blog, I've compared my relationship with the United States to a marriage on the rocks, and it seems that I have at least delayed the divorce filing, for now. Since I see Kirsten as being a political type, and Sarah as being interested in LGBT-related issues as well, I may need to have a smaller-scale political gathering back in California for the two to attend together, possibly. I will think about it.
In addition, my pink miniskirt suit (especially the skirt) was the talk of the town among the activists whom I met. I need to have a similarly catchy outfit for Sarah, and have it become her "trademark" outfit at one of her early outings. Of course, I found full acceptance as a transgender woman named Rachel; I need to make sure that Sarah has a circle of people who will accept her at face value as well.
The memoir class is helping me out tremendously at this time. I was asked to write about all the important places I've ever lived in (I named over a dozen, including a hotel room in London), and picking one of them, to write about three shimmering images from a dozen objects in and around the place. I ended up capturing the nervousness and the excitement of me trying to present as a woman for the first time. This is the same feeling that I need to carry over to Sarah.
My classmate, who once worked for United Airlines, has finally logged on - and was pleasantly surprised when she read about Sarah. I will start sending her some specific questions very soon.
I do have to say though, however, that participating in a number of political activities, as Rachel, was a very positive, empowering experience. On my other blog, I've compared my relationship with the United States to a marriage on the rocks, and it seems that I have at least delayed the divorce filing, for now. Since I see Kirsten as being a political type, and Sarah as being interested in LGBT-related issues as well, I may need to have a smaller-scale political gathering back in California for the two to attend together, possibly. I will think about it.
In addition, my pink miniskirt suit (especially the skirt) was the talk of the town among the activists whom I met. I need to have a similarly catchy outfit for Sarah, and have it become her "trademark" outfit at one of her early outings. Of course, I found full acceptance as a transgender woman named Rachel; I need to make sure that Sarah has a circle of people who will accept her at face value as well.
The memoir class is helping me out tremendously at this time. I was asked to write about all the important places I've ever lived in (I named over a dozen, including a hotel room in London), and picking one of them, to write about three shimmering images from a dozen objects in and around the place. I ended up capturing the nervousness and the excitement of me trying to present as a woman for the first time. This is the same feeling that I need to carry over to Sarah.
My classmate, who once worked for United Airlines, has finally logged on - and was pleasantly surprised when she read about Sarah. I will start sending her some specific questions very soon.
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