Quick update

[gareth19]

I was just offered a new job in my career path at a local univeristy. I won't start for another month, but I am thrilled. This is a very long-term assignment with excellent benefits and possibilities, too!

Good to hear.

[Uncle Flo]

Wonderful news, indeed. --FLO--

[Slammr]

Congratulations! Well deserved.

[transward]

Its about time the universe recognized your skills.

Congratulations.

Transward

[Danya]

Thanks, all!

[Danya]

Tomorrow will be interesting, the first day at my new job. I am excited and just a bit apprehensive. I don't have a clear idea of what it is they want me to do, so I expect to be asking a lot of questions right away. My start day is a mere three days short of being a year since my last job ended. I am very relieved that this period of unemployment is ending. Although I need to focus on saving lots of money, after going through tens of thousands of well-spent dollars for transitioning, my paychecks will give me a little 'mad' money to get out and have more fun.

Perhaps I'll be able to start dating. If I do, there will be no need for me to reveal my history unless things start to get serious.

I almost did a little bar-hopping last night. It got to be too late before I could get ready to go. My roommate was surprised I'd bar-hop. She's 56 and I will soon turn 61. She thinks that I may be too old for this. I don't agree. While I have no intention of become a bar 'regular,' there's not reason why I can't enjoy karaoke and dancing at bars.

Several friends have agreed with what I read about dating and making friends in the Twin Cities. It seems it's more difficult here than in places like Chicago. My own, non-scientific, experience seems to confirm this. I was hit upon fairly regularly in Chicagoland. On the 'L', at gas stations and waiting in line at the post office. In the 11 months I've been back in Minnesota, this hasn't happened once. I hope I am presently surprised and find that, once I'm out and about more, this changes.

I am hopeful that working will take my mind off my ongoing pelvic pain. I continue daily physical therapy exercises and dilating. These help, but prolonged sitting is still difficult. Fortunately, at the office I should be able to stand at the computer.

'X', my ex-boyfriend from Chicago - still a close friend, will visit the first weekend in Novemeber. We've been talking once or twice a week for months. Initially, I had mixed feelings when he mentioned visiting. I still have some strong feelings for him that I've been gradually letting go. His visit might reignite some of those feelings. Now, though, I am excited about his visit and planning lots of fun activities.

'X' will bring along the digital piano I left behind when I left Chicago. I'm very glad I'll be able to start playing again. After a few weeks, I will have regained enough dexterity to apply for substitute organist/pianist jobs and part-time staff organist/music director opportunities. These would bring in more money and won't seem like work at all, but mostly pure enjoyment. I hope to find time to get back into studying music theory and composition. Playing the piano brings on my own inspiration.

One day next week, I will attend a hospital workshop designed to help staff become more aware of different minority groups and how to be more sensitive to diverse needs. My role will be to answer questions and provide fairly detailed information about transgender people.

[Riverwind]

I am excited that you will finally be back working, that is great.

I am sorry to hear that your still experiencing pelvic pain, (I am sending you good vibes, no more pain)


Keep us informed and the best always.


River

[Danya]

Thanks for sending the good vibes, River! They may have just done the trick. Turns out I was able to sit all day, and everyday, at the office this week. I'm very happy.

For about two weeks before I started the new job, I tried a number of things that may have contributed to my ability to sit. My physical therapist asked me if I had an idea on what hed helped. I rattled off a list of five possibilities.

My pain is not gone, but it's now easier to live with.

The job is going well. Despite two days spent in meetings , I learned a lot of new things.

[butterflyjack]

Things have certainly improved for you Danya..I'm so glad to hear about your recent employment and improvements in your pain recovery...Go easy with Mr.X...He may have changed...Just don't dive in head first...Don't get hurt...smooches Jackie

[janekane]

Danya,

Having met you in person at the 2012 MoM, I am especially thrilled and delighted that you have apparently, finally, landed a suitable job.

There is the advice of the late Joseph Campbell, "Follow your bliss."

May you fully achieve that if you so desire.

I know that you are worth it.

[Danya]

Things have certainly improved for you Danya..I'm so glad to hear about your recent employment and improvements in your pain recovery...Go easy with Mr.X...He may have changed...Just don't dive in head first...Don't get hurt...smooches Jackie

'X' hasn't changed, for the most part. Some of his views are gradually shifting as he continues to be exposed to a diverse group of people at school. I have altered my own outlook on the importance of certain things, including some that tended to be flash points between 'X' and me when we first dated.

'X' now tends to largely avoid certain topics that he knows have caused trouble in the past. I get the sense, though, that he is now testing how far he can go with those subjects without causing a problem.

Thanks for your advice on not diving in head first. I agree. There's also the possibility that he does not want to go further than friendship. I don't know that I do.

Two days ago, however, he sent an email stating he's now planning another visit over his winter break. I'm not sure what to make of this.

During his November visit, we will attend a concert by the San Francisco-based male a capella chorus Chanticleer. I first heard them four or five years ago and was very impressed.

Danya,

Having met you in person at the 2012 MoM, I am especially thrilled and delighted that you have apparently, finally, landed a suitable job.

There is the advice of the late Joseph Campbell, "Follow your bliss."

May you fully achieve that if you so desire.

I know that you are worth it.

Thanks for your very kind remarks. For the next two years or so, this job will be a pleasant way to make money. Beyond that, it will enable me to follow my bliss evenings and weekends as I pursue my ongoing musical development. It will also provide breathing room so that I can investigate some related and not so related career options that will bring me more satisfaction.