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Thursday, September 29, 2016

At SCC This week


I am at The Southern Comfort Convention today, Friday and Saturday.  I will be participating in a presentation Thursday afternoon with Dr Mardirossian and giving a presentation discussing Blogging after lunch Friday. 

 Busy!

Please stop by Dr. Mardirossian booth or come to the presentations, if you are there.  I hope to post photos later this week and next week.  



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Wednesday, September 28, 2016

Outrageous becomes Ordinary







“I am in love”. That is how a friend started a conversation this past Sunday evening. He was not talking about a person but was alluding to the sports car he had looked at. I understood fully. I wlll admit to the same lustful longings for the above Christin Louboutin “So Kate" 120 mm pumps. In fact if was the same friend, "I am in love", that sent me the photo of these beauties knowing my love for beautiful shoes.

However let’s get real for just a quick second. Shoe love and getting real do belong in the same post, but here goes. These are 120mm or 4.75 inch heels. Just a few years ago, they would have been branded “Hooker Heels”. However based on the brand and price, they are way out of that league; Unless you are Julia Roberts and Richard Gere is buying them for you.

I make no secret for my love of heels here and these are definitely of the pulse quickening variety. However, four inch heels are my upper limits and lately I have settled into the three inch heels height. Still sexy. Still feminine. Practical, maybe. Three inch I can wear at an event or cocktail reception almost all evening with only a few regrets the next day.

So the "Outrageous Has Become Ordinary". Not for these feet. Has practically come with age? Let's hope not.  But those red bottoms are so sexy!!! 
“I am in love”.

What do you think?

Tuesday, September 27, 2016

Feminine Differential - Pant Lengths


This is a simple clean and cool look for summer.  I have seen more off-shoulder tops this year than in seasons past, so I picked up several.  The one above is Nordstrom and I have seen them at Chico's and Banana Republic.  I wore this outfit to an outdoor event several weeks ago.  It is so much fun to play with different looks and venture out. Escape!


_______________________



When I purchased these jeans from Talbots I got them in a little longer length for heels.  I have a similar JAG pull-on style that is petite for sandals.  I guess having different pant lengths is a "Feminine Differential".   


Here is a great comment from WardrobeOxygen:
The proper length of pant will elongate your figure, make you look leaner, and have you look more polished and professional. Too long and the effect is sloppy, too short and it can ruin the line of your look and make you appear shorter, wider, and sartorially clueless.
Unless the pants or jeans are skinny, straight, or ankle, they rarely work with both flats and heels. Again, I recommend sticking to around the same height of heels so you can easily mix and match pants and shoes. If you have a beloved pair of pants you wish to wear with flats and heels… consider purchasing two pairs. I have JAG Paley bootcut jeans in petite, and hemmed a regular length to be perfect with my 3” heels. It may seem excessive, but it may prevent you from destroying your favorite pants or buying “not quite right” pants.



Monday, September 26, 2016

The Power of a Smile

The Power of a smile 
I am far from unnoticeable.  At my age I feel invisible at times. However we all know the look we get when someone notices something is "different". Many times, entering into a store or mall while someone is exiting, I will look at our reflections in the glass door.  Not to watch myself, but to see if anyone has stopped or turned around behind me - To better get a look. I am good, but not perfect.  

One occasion was at a San Diego Mall many years ago. I noticed that two women, middle age, were following me. Not in a good way and I was hearing comments. I made for an exit and went to my car. While sitting there my anger went internal.  What could I have done to 1) prevent and 2) defuse. 

Prevent - How I was dressed. I knew better than to go to the mall on Saturday afternoon overdressed. In my defense, I was heading to a group meeting and needed pantyhose. However, I stood out and invited unwanted attention. Blending in at a mall, movie, museum or restaurant is a matter of pre-planning, and forethought.   
   
Defuse – It is amazing the power of a smile.  If I see someone watching - I make eye contact and smile.  It is my way of say I am OK, you can be OK too. Many time I get a smile back and we both go on our way.  Several  time I have engaged and a conversation has occurred – outreach.  In fact, research shows that over 80% of all human interaction is nonverbal.  Thus a smile indicates we are receptive, open and non-threatening.

Try it next time.  A smile is one of the most beautiful accessories we can wear and cost nothing. Always in style.  Please share any experiences you might have had.  



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Sunday, September 25, 2016

Sunday Funnies - 9/25



I still miss Herman - Always a good laugh.

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I hope to see you there.


Saturday, September 24, 2016

Be Your Own



Have a good weekend and put on you escape mask.


Friday, September 23, 2016

Guest Post - Lessons Learned

November will be my two year anniversary of having facial work done.  It was one of the best decision I have ever made.  That is not to say that I did not have concerns.  I looked for almost five years before finding a Doctor that I liked, trusted and was comfortable.  Since that day Dr. Mardirossian, has become a friend as well as business associate.  He has the best followup skill I have ever encountered and his conservative approach head off many problems. Below is an article he wrote that talks about his approach.  It comes from his heart.

I want to mention again that I will be at the Southern Comfort Convention (SCC) next week with Dr.  Mardirossian.  Please drop in at our booth and attend our FFS / Age Reassignment surgery (ARS) presentation on Thursday afternoon.  



   ____________________

By Vartan Mardirossian



Throughout the years of my career as a facial plastic surgeon there are essentially two types of patient that I have encountered. The first type: the luckily more predominant one, are the patients whose exterior appearance has not caught up with their interior perception of themselves. These are 95% of my patients - they feel that their nose is too big for what they would like, that their jawline is too wide or that their cheeks are too sunken compared to the inner image of themselves. These patients, for the most part, are happy after the procedure as they observe their facial features, now transform to match what their idea of their own appearance was. These are the good ones. The other type is the patient who desires a facial plastic surgery procedure without the clear understanding of what the “much desired” final result will be. After all of the consultations and hours of detailed explanations are done and after the procedure(s) are completed, these patients remain unhappy - largely because they have not caught up with their new appearance. Their own idea of themselves has not yet matched what they have desired and what they have received. This is a “dangerous” group of patients as this mismatch may potentially cause serious emotional distress. But are there ways to avoid the second group from getting surgery or from getting it too prematurely? Is extensive pre-op counseling enough?

There are many reasons why patients come to us looking for facial plastic procedures and most of them have valid and reasonable reasons for it. I often say that my role is basically the one of a mitigator: I often have to “mitigate” between what the patient thinks they are going to be looking best and what would really look aesthetically pleasing for the people around them; I have to often reconcile what their needs are and what they have in mind; but most of all, my role is helping them achieve the result they want while keeping them safe and happy. I believe that facial plastic surgery is an investment in your own self, more than a luxury good expense. That is what makes it so special and different from the other things we want to have. It is something that stays with you and even more, becomes a part of you. Facial plastic procedures should be carefully weighed and “filtered” before proceeding. Here are some of the reasons that raise a red flag in my evaluation:


  1. To look like a celebrity
     
    Celebrities rise and fall sometimes within a year. Your face stays with you all your life. Why not enhance its own unique beauty? Why do you want to be someone else? Understanding the answer may start from inside-out…
  2. To fight depression
    Plastic surgery may increase self-confidence but should not be the only pillar upon which confidence is built. Once the depression is gone, then improving your appearance may "bolster" your victory.
  3. To please your significant other
    A big red flag there! If they love you they will love you the way you are. Why did they fall in love in the first place?
  4. To get a job
    This is a tricky one but it all depends on the job. Many patients want plastic surgery to look younger and to keep their current job.
  5. To get revenge or make jealous
    This is a spin-off of #3. If a story is over it is over. As they say in my country: "God closes one door and opens hundreds more.”

Of course there are many other “red flags” and situations that may undermine the good patient-physician relationship. To filter these out it is important to see the patient through a human lens even before we start talking about the intervention they would like. Because I deeply believe that to be a good facial plastic surgeon, someone should first be a good physician and even before that, a good person. 


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There will also be free private consultations at SCC Saturday.  Just come by our booth and schedule time with Dr. Mardirossian.


Link for Common Facial Feminization Surgical Procedures




Thursday, September 22, 2016

Reunion Outfit #1


Yesterday I posted on my upcoming 50th High School reunion.  Thank all of you for you encouragement and support.  Great comments. The best response I have has on any of my post.  

I am getting excited. I have searched my closet for just the right look and have come up with several options.  As I mentioned the Red Cocktail look that I had already worn to a Palm Beach event is one of my choices. I know that red always attracts attention, so do I want to do the double attention trick?  Maybe not?

Option two is the above.  This dress fits me very well and one of the school colors is blue.  I am petite with curves and this does hang beautifully. You can do the math as well as anyone, so for a "68 year old" it looks nice and almost age appropriate.    

I found some great advice at the VibrantNation site - "Clothes for women over 50: What to wear to a high school reunion?"

Even when the invitation says casual, the style of dress probably won’t be. Women especially will want to look amazing at their high school reunions, and no one is going to be really casual. By the same token, you don’t want to be over-dressed. If you’re attending an evening affair, try a low-key, elegant cocktail dress instead or a jacket with a great pair of pants.
You don’t want to wear anything old-fashioned, not even for nostalgia’s sake. At your high school reunion, you want to look like what you are: a stunning modern woman. Simple sheath dresses are fantastic for a high school reunion. They’re simple, and you can find them in plenty of vibrant colors that are totally in keeping with the latest trends. Dress up your simple sheath with the right accessories. Pair a simple outfit with a dazzling statement necklace, a fashionable belt and sparkling earrings.
Remember that elegance is the key word for a high school reunion. If you look classy, that’s a lot more sexy than looking like a woman who’s trying to dress like she’s still 30. No matter what you wear, confidence and a big smile are your most important accessories. So go have fun!
So what do you think?  I am still experimenting with looks and have not fully committed yet. What complicates, is that there is a Friday event also; a wine tasting at a local winery and/or a football game.  OH NO! Another outfit!  Back to the mall and drawing board. (computer screen).  I will keep you posted.  







Wednesday, September 21, 2016

50th High School Reunion

I have my 50th High School reunion in Southern Virginia the second Saturday in October. I have really debated in my mind what to do. My desire is to make sure that this small town knows that "transgender" is not an abstract concept or a Kardashian disorder. I guess the ultimate outreach event -  "Look what happened to the football co-captain!"

I weigh the fact that this is going to generate a lot of attention.  I do not fear the attention and at many levels, I celebrate
 there. However, do I want to make it about me?  After all it is the 50th anniversary of a collective group; their memories and experiences.   Am I selfishly putting my need ahead of the evening's?   

It fell to me to assemble a slide presentation for the evening - scanning and writing a PowerPoint that will run during the festivities. We will have over 200+ in attendance and 130+ classmates; an amazing turnout.  I have scanned the yearbook photos of those attending and senior event moment photos - prom, class elections, most likely to succeed...  It is a nice presentation that will elicit many memories. Included also is memorial photos of those we who have passed. Both presentations will self-run; not something I will need to narrate. 

As a backup and a one person support group, I have solicited the involuntarily help of an old girlfriend.  She is to push me through the door if I loose my nerve.  Assuming I get to the door and provided she does not take one look at me and run the other way.  

Here are the dynamics - I have not been back in town in over 10 years.  None of the class mates remotely knows about Rhonda (I think) and I have not shared Rhonda's FaceBook page or blog. I do not have family there, but many will still remember me - very small town. I will post on the blog in a day-or-so, a fashion layout that will show my intended outfit - much planning with trepidation.  Hint: My Cocktail Party Attire post or something similar.  

So, I guess I am having a little pre-show anxietyI am likely over exaggerating the impact and it might be just a "non-event"? Right? Readers please help me? Have you done it?  Do you know someone who has?  What happened? Was there a transgender person at your reunion, other than you? Would you do it?



Go?  No go?  Advice? 



     




Tuesday, September 20, 2016

Stunning




Laverne Cox rocks in an embellished, embroidered gown by Naeem Khan paired with a matching clutch by Atelier Swarovski and Stuart Weitzman heels. Walking the red carpet at 2016 Emmy Awards held at the Microsoft Theater on Sunday (September 18) in Los Angeles.

The 32-year-old Orange is the New Black actress was at the show to present the Emmy for Outstanding Directing for a Variety Special.


She represents us well - A class act!




Monday, September 19, 2016

Shoe Police


British PM criticized for wearing leopard print high heels


British Prime Minister Theresa May, right, and Northern Ireland's First Minister Arlene Foster walk away after posing for pictures outside Stormont Castle in Belfast, Northern Ireland, on July 25, 2016. (Photo: Paul Faith, AFP/Getty Images)


 ______________________

Tom Peck, The Independent

Theresa May should “finally set an example we can be proud of” and wear flat shoes instead of her trademark kitten heels to this year’s Conservative Party conference and beyond, according to the leaders of a trade union campaign.

The TUC conference in Brighton, England, is backing a new law to ban women from being forced to wear high heels in the workplace, and have asked the Prime Minister to support it.

The campaign began when 27-year-old temporary receptionist Nicola Thorp was sent home from work for wearing flat shoes. The damaging effects of high heels on the feet and the back are well documented.


Nearly 150,000 people have since signed a petition calling for a government inquiry and a debate in Parliament on the camTheresa May should “finally set an example we can be proud of” and wear flat shoes instead of her trademark kitten heels to this year’s Conservative Party conference and beyond, according to the leaders of a trade union campaign.

The TUC conference in Brighton, England, is backing a new law to ban women from being forced to wear high heels in the workplace, and have asked the Prime Minister to support it.

The campaign began when 27-year-old temporary receptionist Nicola Thorp was sent home from work for wearing flat shoes. The damaging effects of high heels on the feet and the back are well documented.

Nearly 150,000 people have since signed a petition calling for a government inquiry and a debate in Parliament on the campaign.

Read the complete atricle here in USA Today


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My Note:  This is ridiculous and any other words you would like to use to note the absurdity of this.  She should be able to year whatever she likes at any time without being criticized.  What she is wearing in tasteful and the shoe style has become her signature look. Women should have the right to close as well men.  However when we choose, who has the right to demand different.    I applaud her style!








Maybe Hillary could meet with Ms. May's fashion consultant for a little makeover.  

Beth Greenfield - Fashion Yahoo News: 


And while Clinton, for the most part, has opted for sensible flats (particularly on the grueling campaign trail), many of the leaders, as well as their supporters, have noted that it should be the individual’s choice, and no one else’s.


Sunday, September 18, 2016

Sunday Funnies - 9/18

My Request Exactly! 
_________________
  


I have no upcoming trips until the end of September and the first week in October.  September 29, 30 and October 1 I will be at the Southern Comfort Convention (SCC) in Fort Lauderdale.  October 3-10 I will be in Asheville NC,   Southern Virginia (50th high school reunion) and then in Jacksonville FL October 10th, for business.  

Are you attending SCC? 


Saturday, September 17, 2016

Friday, September 16, 2016

MX - New Title on Official Documents

Mr, Mrs, Miss... and Mx

 Transgender people will be able to use new title on official documents (UK)

  • Gender neutral title 'Mx' slowly introduced to official forms and databases
  • The first change to titles in decades, 'Mx' could be included in the dictionary
  • Heralded as showing the versatility of English to adapt to changing society 

My Note:  How did we miss this?  This is from UK where titles are more prevalent and used daily.  Maybe this will catch on in the US however it certainly does out one as gender nonspecific.  It took a while for "MS" to catch on for someone who wanted to be nonspecific as to her marriage status.  It was not until feminist saw it as a professional and independent female title that it caught on.

I much appreciate the term “MS” and use it myself.  Here is the Wikipedia description on “Ms” and its modern acceptance.

In 1961, Sheila Michaels attempted to put the term into use when she saw what she thought was a typographical error on the address label of a copy of News & Letters sent to her roommate. Michaels "was looking for a title for a woman who did not 'belong' to a man." She knew the separation of the now common terms Miss and Mrs. had derived from "Mistress", but one could not suggest that women use the original title with its now louche connotations. Her efforts to promote use of a new honorific were at first ignored. Around 1971, in a lull during a WBAI-radio interview with The Feminists group, Michaels suggested the use of Ms. A friend of Gloria Steinem heard the interview and suggested it as a title for her new magazine. Ms. magazine's popularity finally allowed the term to enjoy widespread usage.  In February 1972, the US Government Printing Office approved using "Ms." in official government documents. In 1976 Marvel Comics introduced a new superhero named "Ms. Marvel," billing her as the "first feminist superhero."
So is "Mx" something we should lobby and want to move into general use?  How do you feel about this?  I do see this as a positive occurrence in that being transgender moves further into the mainstream. 'Mx' I am not so sure. 
___________________

The Daily Mail article:

PUBLISHED: 04:47 EST, 3 May 2015

A new gender neutral title 'Mx' is to join the honorifics 'Mr, Mrs, Miss and Ms' on driving licenses and other official documents, the first change to officially recognized titles in decades.

Royal Mail, high street banks, government departments and some universities all now accept Mx which is used by transgender people or other individuals who do not identify with a particular gender. 


Oxford University introduced the title last year and has explained that it is 'the most commonly used and recognized gender neutral title'.

The title has been added, without fanfare, to official forms and databases and is under consideration by the Oxford English Dictionary for inclusion in its next edition. 





Thursday, September 15, 2016

Facial Feminization Surgery (FFS)




The Concept of Facial Feminization Surgery (FFS)




Facial feminization surgery (FFS) has recently developed within the field of facial plastic surgery and is defined as “a combination of surgical and non-surgical procedures which aim at increasing the femininity and the attractiveness of the face”.

The principles of FFS are the result of most recent studies focused on the perception of human beauty and gender. These studies, in large part authored by the World renowned Facial plastic surgeon, Dr Jeffrey Spiegel, show that feminine features increase the attractiveness of the face regardless of the gender of the person. In other words, feminine and and attractive are synonyms. Dr Vartan Mardirossian spent extensive years of his training with Dr Spiegel, who is also one of the fathers of modern FFS. Under his mentor-ship Dr Mardirossian developed not only his surgical skills but also the aesthetic judgement of what interventions to perform in order to make a face more feminine and therefore more attractive. FFS is not only a group of procedures aiming at the feminization of the face, most of all, it is a new philosophy of how to perceive the face in its harmony and balance between light and shadow, feminine and masculine, youthfulness and natural aging.
FFS Patient Testimonial:  Dr Mardirossian's easy demeanor and knowledge made me feel very confident that I had chosen correctly. His attention to my needs was truly touching as going through such a long operation and the healing can be very depressing. The warmth and understanding that he and his staff showed to me was above and beyond anything I expected. I wouldn't hesitate to recommend Dr Mardirossian to anyone.Allison Scott

That is exactly why, more than facial feminization surgery, this has been progressively more often referred to as “gender reaffirmation surgery”. The recent years have seen not only a significant number of patients who seek to feminize their masculine facial features, also women who want to look more feminine and therefore more attractive.

The surgeries that Dr Mardirossian is extensively trained to perform include forehead reconstruction, scalp advancement, tracheal shave, rhinoplasty and mandible contouring and chin modelling, as well as soft tissue work like dermal fat augmentation, lip lift or facelift. Non-surgical adjustments to feminize the face include botox to the forehead and around the eyes, chin and mandible and restoring volume to the face with injectable fillers.

During your visit Dr Mardirossian will evaluate your face and neck and will recommend, in the order of their importance, the procedures that will make you look more feminine and therefore more beautiful.

We are excited about the opportunity to work with you and looking forward to meeting you in our Office!



____________________


My Note: Doctor Mardirossian will be conducting a seminar on Facial Feminization surgery (FFS), Thursday afternoon in Ft. Lauderdale at the Southern Comfort Convention.  Please attend and/or come by our booth if you are in the area.  Also Doctor Mardirossian will be conduction free private one-on-one consultations, Saturday at the convention.


Call Palm Beach Plastics FFS Surgeon for a Free Consultation SKYPE, Phone Consultation or in office.




Vartan is my doctor, business associate, and friend.  


Wednesday, September 14, 2016

Geek Girl

Geek Girl 1970's 


What an incredible retro photo. I love the look, short skirt, bright colors, and the hair.  My first job was programming in COBOL on a very similar IBM 370 system.   The IBM system was a S/370-135 that we upgraded to a S/370-138 running DOS/VS. I remember that we did not have enough memory for VM to run well, so we added an attached cabinet just to left of where this woman is standing.  The full size cabinet, which you could physically stand in, increased our memory for 128K to a whopping 256K.  We were in heaven and could run several programs now simultaneously under VM - 5 partitions.  I remember an IPL/boot took almost an half hour. Any one else out there that remembers punch cards, JCL and ABEND S0C7 error codes?


I have always though of my self as an S0C7 code.  

I found on eBay a years ago a IBM header plaque similar to the one above.  In honor of my first IBM computer, I mounded it above an enclosed cabinet (fan cooled) I built that contains my current tower system, modem, router and backup drives. Yes, I built it the computer also. Current system - Asus P8P67 mother board, 16g memory, Intel I7 2600k 4.1 GHz - 4 cores 8 simultaneously threads and SSD storage (2x512g).    

We have come along way Geek Girl!



What systems did you work on, fellow geek girls?  

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//IGYWCLG PROC LNGPRFX='IGY.V2R1M0',SYSLBLK=3200,           
//             LIBPRFX='CEE',GOPGM=GO                       
//*                  
//*  COMPILE, LINK EDIT AND RUN A COBOL PROGRAM             
//*                  
//*  PARAMETER  DEFAULT VALUE    USAGE                      
//*   LNGPRFX   IGY.V2R1M0       
//*   SYSLBLK   3200 
//*   LIBPRFX   CEE  
//*   GOPGM     GO   
//*                  
//*  CALLER MUST SUPPLY //COBOL.SYSIN DD ...                
//*                  
//COBOL  EXEC PGM=IGYCRCTL,REGION=2048K                     
//STEPLIB  DD DSNAME=&LNGPRFX..SIGYCOMP,               
//            DISP=SHR                                     
//SYSPRINT DD SYSOUT=*                                     
//SYSLIN   DD DSNAME=&&LOADSET,UNIT=VIO,           
//            DISP=(MOD,PASS),SPACE=(TRK,(3,3)),           
//            DCB=(BLKSIZE=&SYSLBLK)                   
//SYSUT1   DD UNIT=VIO,SPACE=(CYL,(1,1))                   
//SYSUT2   DD UNIT=VIO,SPACE=(CYL,(1,1))                   
//SYSUT3   DD UNIT=VIO,SPACE=(CYL,(1,1))                   
//SYSUT4   DD UNIT=VIO,SPACE=(CYL,(1,1))                   
//SYSUT5   DD UNIT=VIO,SPACE=(CYL,(1,1))                   
//SYSUT6   DD UNIT=VIO,SPACE=(CYL,(1,1))                   
//SYSUT7   DD UNIT=VIO,SPACE=(CYL,(1,1))                   
//LKED   EXEC PGM=HEWL,COND=(8,LT,COBOL),REGION=1024K       
//SYSLIB   DD DSNAME=&LIBPRFX..SCEELKED,                        
//            DISP=SHR                                          
//SYSPRINT DD SYSOUT=*                                          
//SYSLIN   DD DSNAME=&&LOADSET,DISP=(OLD,DELETE)                
//         DD DDNAME=SYSIN                                      
//SYSLMOD  DD DSNAME=&&GOSET(&GOPGM),SPACE=(TRK,(10,10,1)),     
//            UNIT=VIO,DISP=(MOD,PASS)                          
//SYSUT1   DD UNIT=VIO,SPACE=(TRK,(10,10))                      
//GO     EXEC PGM=*.LKED.SYSLMOD,COND=((8,LT,COBOL),(4,LT,LKED)),
//            REGION=2048K                                      
//STEPLIB  DD DSNAME=&LIBPRFX..SCEERUN,                         
//            DISP=SHR                                          
//SYSPRINT DD SYSOUT=*                                          
//CEEDUMP  DD SYSOUT=*                                          
//SYSUDUMP DD SYSOUT=* 
JCL - COBOL compile link and go stored procedure

I do not miss JCL