Transitioning at work and in all of my life

[Danya (imported)]

Hi Danya,

You have peaked my curiosity now after reading your last several posts, so if I could ask what is a "leave behind" package that you mentioned and what type of information would be contained in such a document? I'm not familiar with this term.

Hi Erica Ann,

A leave behind package is a marketing tool to keep your name and information in front of a hiring manager. It helps your submission to stand out among a number of competing applications and typically contains much more than your resume. The color of the folder helps keep it visible, too. Most people do not use this technique and that makes it even more effective for those who do.

As an example, the leave behind package I left with the hiring manager Wednesday consisted of a medium green translucent plastic folder with inside pockets. In the pockets, I had my resume, my portfolio and the PowerPoint presentation I created. One of the pockets had a slots to hold my business card. I could have also included a JIT card - a summary of my qualifications on a 3 x 5 inch card. Everything was kept together in one neat, colorful and attractive package.

Green is a good color to use because it is often associated with growth. Red and black are both power colors. For the jobs I am seeking, these are not good choices.

Hugs,

Danya

[Danya (imported)]

In less than a month, it will be two year[

quote="Danya (imported)" time=1235175240]
s s

ince [quote="Danya (imported)" tim
[/quote]
e=1230593160]
I transitioned to full-time living as
[/quote]
my true self. What a trip this has been. I wrote to a friend here last night something I have stated here many times. He's probably well tired of hearing the same story by now. Somehow, and beyond any expectations I ever had, my life continues to get more wonderful. In spite of being unemployed and some additional unpleasant events.

Certainly, when I first learned I would lose my job, and for several additional months, I was not always thriving. A number of therapist type people still commented on how resilient I was. I did not feel this way at all. I did, however, get beyond those difficult first few months of joblessness. Partly with the help of several people here.

It was not easy for me to decide to move to the Chicago area. I based the decision on a number of factors, my job search being just one.

Now, I often feel like I want to live in the city instead of a relatively distant suburb. Occasionally, I am frustrated by the metro area's hugeness. At times, it is very time consuming to get to where I need or want to go.

This remains one of the most difficult times of my life. I really have no clue as to when I will have a job. I am encouraged by responses I have been getting. These are still not the same as a job offer.

Some have written elsewhere that searching for a job, while unemployed, is one of the most difficult jobs you will ever have. I totally agree. I spend 60 - 80 hours a week on this work. I don't know if I am too much of a perfectionist and could do just as well putting in less time. Without changing the outcome. If I had to work this hard at a paying job, I might soon decide to find another. Or change careers.

I feel the need to also relax with play time, sometimes downtown. These excursions are not free. They refresh my spirit and give me the motivation to keep plugging away at my job search. I could not work so hard if I did not celebrate being alive; being me. That means getting out and being seen.

Today, I was downtown again but only for a short while. Then I returned home and worked.

I found the colorful paintings at the Art Institute to be too stimulating. I had to leave. It is difficult for me to accept that I am now totally stressed out. From both my work and play schedules. Like a fool, I am not heeding Uncle Flo's great advice.

Instead, I have gotten by on 5 - 5 1/2 hours sleep on each of the last four nights. Yet I do not feel tired. Instead, I want to do more. The stress has triggered my hypomania. I took action tonight by taking my prescription mood stabilizer.

Despite the stress, most of the time I am still amazed at how happy I am. I'm not talking about hypomania related euphoria, either. That is not a good thing. I mean genuinely happy with where I am and where my life is going. This still seems like an impossible dream that has come true and continues to get better.

I must rest more. Tonight, I do not think I will have a problem getting at least eight hours of sleep.

I also need to stop thinking I need to do everything and have everything in my life right now. Even my electrologist comments on this tendency.

What I'd really like is for an employer to pay me to fly around the world for my work. There was a sign in the Metra station Wednesday noting that non-stop flights from O'Hare to Beijing were starting soon.

Then again, I realized my driving habits are starting to match those of the downtown cab drivers. Another job possibility.

Whatever. Time to get to bed.

[Danya (imported)]

Challenge brings stress but greater happiness.

[Danya (imported)]

...the last ever appearance of the blonde Danya. I really look better with dark auburn hair.

[Danya (imported)]

I am back to 'normal' today. Mood stabilizer did the trick and I got a restful night's sleep. I also feel like sleeping again tonight.

Spent three hours at the electrologist's. She won't be in next Sunday :-\, so she wants me to see her in her downtown office on Wednesday. As many of you know, I love downtown Chicago. Nonetheless, I'd prefer not to go right in the middle of the week. She noted today that she is tired of dealing with all the fine facial hair I now have. It's that she will work on this Wednesday.

Applied for four jobs last night and several today. Ten left to go from this weekend's search. Including one from that terrific pharmacy company located nearby the begins with a 'W' and ends with 'greens.' I am a really good fit for this position and will work hard on a custom cover letter. Unlike the previous opportunity here, this is a permanent position. It is not a contract job. Plus, I am even a closer match for this permanent position. I will likely create a table in the body of the cover letter to show a comparison of what they want versus what I can offer. Employer's love this and it will more easily display what a good match I am.

It is entirely possible I will hear about setting up one or more interviews this week.

Best of all, I ran into 't' from Chicago in the TS dating chat room! We had quite a long 'conversation.'

Anyway, since I will be going downtown Wednesday I have put in extra work this weekend.

[Danya (imported)]

After I wrote the last post, two recruiters showed interest on applications I submitted yesterday. This was all after 10:15 PM, a good sign.

[John (imported)]

Hi My Friend!

I must say you look convincing as a girl!

Greetings

John

PS. If I had had the opportunity of hearing your voice I would have loved to give you "notes" of it too.

[EricaAnn (imported)]

She noted today that she is tired of dealing with all the fine facial hair I now have. It's that she will work on this Wednesday.

Hi Danya,

I don't quite understand what you're saying in your post.

She mentioned to me on Sunday morning as she was working on me is that all I have left are a few fine hairs and this is especially what she likes doing the most, yet you go on to say that this is what she will be working on during your appointment on Wednesday.

I'm not following what you meant by this comment.

[butterflyjack (imported)]

I second EricaAnn's emotion, Danya..You are a foxy lady... Do you still have a penis? Have you been castrated? Pardon my inquisitiveness..

dragonfly

[Danya (imported)]

Hi My Friend!

I must say you look convincing as a girl!

Greetings

John

PS. If I had had the opportunity of hearing your voice I would have loved to give you "notes" of it too.

It is good to hear from you, John. It's been awhile! Hope all is well with you.

Thanks for your very sweet comments.

Hugs,

Danya

[Danya (imported)]

Hi Danya,

I don't quite understand what you're saying in your post.

She mentioned to me on Sunday morning as she was working on me is that all I have left are a few fine hairs and this is especially what she likes doing the most, yet you go on to say that this is what she will be working on during your appointment on Wednesday.

I'm not following what you meant by this comment.

Hi Erica Ann,

All I am doing is repeating what our electrologist told me. Certainly I am not at the point you are, with only fine hairs remaining. I got the impression that she felt a need to keep ahead of things. After the lengthy sessions I had when I first moved here, it may be hard for her to keep everything progressing.

You have my permission to ask her for clarification on my situation when you next have an appointment.

Hugs,

Maren

[Danya (imported)]

I second EricaAnn's emotion, Danya..You are a foxy lady... Do you still have a penis? Have you been castrated? Pardon my inquisitiveness..

dragonfly

Thanks for the compliment, butterfly jack. As for your questions, a lady never tells all her secrets! What I will say is I am moving along a path with a definite outcome.

Hugs,

Danya

[Danya (imported)]

Last Thursday, the receptionist at my hormone doctor's office assured me 'the letter' went out in Wednesday'a mail. The letter will help me get an 'F' designation on my Illinois drivers license. It still hasn't arrived and this is the second week this has happened. I will call tomorrow and suggest I stop by their office later in the week to pick it up. This is very frustrating. Oh well, such is life.

I saw my therapist tonight and I let her know I am considering contingent plans should I not find a job here, say within the next 8 to 10 weeks. There is no way I want to move. I love this place.

On the other hand, I have got to have a job. I have already been asked by recruiters if I would be interested in contract jobs in Portland OR, Pittsburgh PA, Cedar Rapids IA and the Twin Cities, of all places. Right now, I cannot imagine moving back to Minnesota. It is difficult for me to return to a place once I have decided to leave.

I really like Portland, its climate and scenery. The nearby Cascade Mountains are absolutely stunning. The ocean is not far either. Sounds like a little bit of heaven.

Anyway, the point is I have got to survive. So in two months, or maybe a little longer, I will start to respond favorably to inquiries on my availability to move some distance. As long as the contract job is at least 6 months in duration. It would be even better if it were contract to hire. I will continue to look for work here at the same time.

I am not thrilled about the idea of moving again, especially since this is where I want to be. Still, having a plan (a 'what if?' scenario) eases my mind.

The fact is, I am alone and must find a way to take care of myself. I am not writing this to dismiss the value of my wonderful friends in this area and others. In the end, though, I am the only one I can count on to survive. I will do what I need to in this still difficult economy.

In another 8 - 10 weeks, I will probably be OK with the idea of another electrologist finishing the work started here.

Things have been going well in my on-going Chicago area job search. I put in eight applications today. There are also several contract and permanent jobs I am waiting on, to hear if these will proceed to next steps. So I am not feeling gloomy about things. I am being realistic.

My roommate has told me that I don't need to do and see everything in Chicagoland right away. The idea has always been in the back of my mind that my time here may be limited. So I am doing a lot of sightseeing and activities now, just in case.

[Slammr (imported)]

I live in Portland, OR, and I love it. The only place I ever lived that I liked better at the time - and I've lived in quite a few - was San Diego, CA, but I moved from there in 1974, and it's no place I would want to live now. Even when I was there in 1982, it was too big. Of course, being in college at the time, at UCSD, added to my impression of San Diego.

Portland has a great climate. Although it has a reputation for rain, that's mostly in the winter; the summers are great. It's rarely too cold or too hot. Even when it rains, it doesn't usually rain very hard. We had no snow last winter. Seattle, where I've lived also, is much wetter.

There's a lot of great scenery around Portland. Here is a folder containing folders of some pictures I've taken. pictures (http://thedarkspot.com/images/pictures/) . Click on each folder to see what's in it. Someday, maybe I'll set them up, so they're easier to view.

I'm not native to Oregon, but I've lived here about 25 years, and I can't think of any place I'd rather live. Even downtown Portland is great. It's small town compared to Chicago, but it's big enough.

[Arab Nights (imported)]

On the other hand, I have got to have a job. I have already been asked by recruiters if I would be interested in contract jobs in Portland OR, Pittsburgh PA, Cedar Rapids IA and the Twin Cities, of all places. Right now, I cannot imagine moving back to Minnesota. It is difficult for me to return to a place once I have decided to leave.

For whatever it is worth, one thing my wife and I both agree on in life is that everybody has a path and one should not take jobs or do things that take you back to an earlier stage or step. Move forward, do new things, live in new places, chin up and tits into the wind as they say in Texas.

[Arab Nights (imported)]

I live in Portland, OR, and I love it.

I am amused by this comment. My life has been spent in small, rural, resource-based communities and I can remember a few conversations where the people of Portland got insulted as whacko liberals, etc. Guess it just proves there is someplace for all of us. You get Portland and I get Arco, Yuma, Pahrump and Battle Mountain (sigh).

[kizahakan (imported)]

Dear,

This posts really turned out to be a daily series which Im sure everyone likes and gets curious about the next post from you.

BTW, english is not my mother tongue so sorry form the begining of any misspellings or misunderstandings...

It is really nice to watch/read some part of your daily routine from thousands of miles away and I had give you a big applause for being such an open hearted lady and how stubborn you are in the fight with obstacles...

I hope, you can have the job you want in a short period of time and inform us as usual

Though never been to US, I was thinking of you moving to Seattle rather than Chicago..Dont ask me why, only because Seattle (here) regarded as the cleaniest US city...

Looking forward to read the next episodes on "How to be Danya"

Cheers from Istanbul

----------------------------------------------------

Dorian Gray of Istanbul the addict of eternal youthness and beauty

[Danya (imported)]

I live in Portland, OR, and I love it. The only place I ever lived that I liked better at the time - and I've lived in quite a few - was San Diego, CA, but I moved from there in 1974, and it's no place I would want to live now. Even when I was there in 1982, it was too big. Of course, being in college at the time, at UCSD, added to my impression of San Diego.

[?QUOTE]

Hi Slammr,

I'm really glad you responded. I thought I would get NO responses to my post about a possible move.

All together, I've spent about a week in Portland and several days traveling through the Cascades. This was all in late February, I think. I found the city to be very pleasant and I really liked the very mild climate for such a northern city. Remember, I'm originally from the east coast.

There were huge camellias in bloom, reminding me of my days in the Deep South. But without the really bad humidity. Spring was arriving, too, as evidenced by the flowering bulbs and trees.

I've been to San Diego several times and while I find its climate very fine, I don't think I'd want to live there.

Portland has a great climate. Although it has a reputation for rain, that's mostly in the winter; the summers are great. It's rarely too cold or too hot. Even when it rains, it doesn't usually rain very hard. We had no snow last winter. Seattle, where I've lived also, is much wetter.

I've been to Washington state, but never as far north as Seattle. I appreciate your comparison of the Portland and Seattle climates.

Although I truly hope things work out for me here in Chicago - I'm still crazy about it and it has many advantages for someone in my situation - I have to be prepared to move for the right opportunity. The economic situation is still dire for many people. So, I am fortunate to be able to consider yet another move.

There's a lot of great scenery around Portland. Here is a folder containing folders of some pictures I've taken. pictures (http://thedarkspot.com/images/pictures/) . Click on each folder to see what's in it. Someday, maybe I'll set them up, so they're easier to view.

I forgot to look at your photos before responding. I will do that yet tonight.

I'm not native to Oregon, but I've lived here about 25 years, and I can't think of any place I'd rather live. Even downtown Portland is great. It's small town compared to Chicago, but it's big enough.

I have no doubt I would enjoy living in Portland and Oregon.

Thanks for taking the time to supply such great information!

Hugs,

Danya

[Danya (imported)]

There's a lot of great scenery around Portland. Here is a folder containing folders of some pictures I've taken. pictures (http://thedarkspot.com/images/pictures/) . Click on each folder to see what's in it. Someday, maybe I'll set them up, so they're easier to view.

Hello again, Slammr,

I just looked at your photos and they reminded me of my trip to Portland. Particularly the shots of downtown, Mt. Hood, and the waterfalls. Are some or all of those waterfall pictures from the road along the south side of the Columbia River, east of Portland? They remind me of falls I saw there.

The one taken from behind Horsetail Falls is among my favorites.

I also like the magnolia blossoms with the water droplets. Then there are the rhododendron photos. Those remind me of the east. It is too cold here for most rhododendrons.

Thanks for sharing some of your photos. I am considering putting up a link to some of mine.

Hugs,

Danya

[Danya (imported)]

For whatever it is worth, one thing my wife and I both agree on in life is that everybody has a path and one should not take jobs or do things that take you back to an earlier stage or step. Move forward, do new things, live in new places, chin up and tits into the wind as they say in Texas.

Greetings Arab Nights,

I totally agree with you and your wife. Even with vacations, I rarely return to places I have seen before. I make a few exceptions, and certain places in California I have and will return to. Some other places in the West, too.

I lived in Texas for over six years and never heard '[quote="Arab Nights (imported)" time

=1272360720]
chin up and tits into the wind!

' Of course, that was Houston and it probably doesn't count.

I am amused by this comment. My life has been spent in small, rural, resource-based communities and I can remember a few conversations where the people of Portland got insulted as whacko liberals, etc. Guess it ju
[/quote]
st proves there is someplace for all of us. You get Portland and I get Arco, Yuma, Pahrump and Battle Mountain (sigh).

My life has been spent in proximity to large urban centers. It's what I am used to and part of the reason I am so comfortable in the Chicago area.

I have been to Arizona, but the Phoenix region only. The closest I've come to Yuma was the Imperial Valley in California. I was tempted to drive on to Yuma just to say I had been there.

Thanks for writing.

Hugs,

Danya

[Danya (imported)]

Dear,

This posts really turned out to be a daily series which Im sure everyone likes and gets curious about the next post from you.

BTW, english is not my mother tongue so sorry form the begining of any misspellings or misunderstandings...

Hi Kizahakan,

What a sweetheart you are for writing and I thank you for your very kind words. I wish I could write in another language half as well as you use English. Then again, there's one job I am applying for where I would need to relearn my German.

I'm not at all sure I can keep up writing this frequently. Right now, it helps me sort through my situation and decide on how to proceed with my life. It is also a creative outlet, for whatever small amount of creativity I can claim in this regard.

It is really nice to watch/read some part of your daily routine from thousands of miles away and I had give you a big applause for being such an open hearted lady and how stubborn you are in the fight with obstacles...

I was delighted to see your response. Once of the very nice things about the Archive is that people from all over the world can connect.

Others have called my stubborn, but not usually in the very positive sense that you mean.

It means a lot to me that you

notice that I am "stubborn in my fight with obstacles." Mo

stly, I feel I am simply writing about my experiences.

I hope, you can have the job you want

in a short period of time and inform us as usual

Thank you. I will definitely

let folks on the Archive know when I have a new job.

Though never been to US, I was thinking of you moving to Seattle rather than Chicago..Dont ask me why, only because

Seattle (here) regarded as the cleaniest US city...

Although I have been to many cities on the west coast of the United States, Seattle is the one big one I have never seen. I have heard many good things about it.

Generally, I am impressed with how clean downtown Chicago is.

Certainly Seattle has a more pleasant, milder climate.

Looking forward to read the next

episodes on "How to be Danya"

Cheers from Istanbul

In a sense, I'm still figuring out 'How to be Danya.' I feel very secure in who I am, but life is about growing and changing

. It's important that I continue to

grow.

By the way, The Picture of Dorian Gray is one of my favorite novels.

Hugs,

Danya

[Danya (imported)]

I applied for several jobs this morning. One requires 100% travel. I'd need to live near O'Hare for this one! I still love flying after seemingly countless trips. But I know a heavy work travel schedule can be wearing. If I should be offered such a position, I would need to be very careful to allow enough time for fun.

Another job sounded very promising and I am a good fit for it. They would consider it a plus to know German. I know some German and used to know a lot more. I picked some up from my German grandparents and my father, who was born in Germany. I also took German in college. I can fairly easily muddle my way through scientific German papers.

There are some decades old letters sent to my grandparents from relatives still in Germany. Now that my grandparents are gone, I have these. I was surprised when I was able to read most of them.

Then there's another job that would require travel to the UK, Chile and Mexico. This job description sounds very interesting.

I needed time to think today. As part of my contingency plan - a possible move for a job offer - I want to decide where I would be willing to move. I also needed some alone time to think about my next steps. Both with job hunting and my life. I also needed to sort through my feelings. After all, I moved here less than two months ago.

So, this afternoon I went to the Chicago Botanical Garden. It was fabulous. Not far from Lake Michigan, it was quite a bit cooler than my suburban location. It was beautifully landscaped and filled with all kinds of spring flowers, some of which have faded where I live.

Then, I went to a gender therapist I have seen once before in this area. I want to get a 'safe passage' letter from her. This would be unnecessary if I completed GRS. She agreed this was a very good idea, not only for help in getting an 'F' designation on my license. But also for traveling overseas. Of course, I would love to travel overseas. It may never happen, though.

After seeing the therapist, I was still pondering how to proceed with - well, everything. So I drove downtown. Driving while I listen to music helps me sort through ideas. Being downtown makes me feel even more alive.

I spent quite a bit of time in Millennium Park. My electrologist told me the Chicago mayor would like downtown to be more like Manhattan. Meaning, more crowded in the evenings with people enjoying the city. The area around Millennium Park, on Michigan Avenue, wasn't exactly hopping but there were quite a few people.

This gave me a chance to get some night photos of the city. Between the botanical gardens and Millennium Park, I took 180 photos. I just finished downloading them.

It is important for me to get out for another reason. Although my roommate is a very kind woman, she drinks heavily starting in the late afternoon. She always treats me well but I find it distressing to be around when she is drunk. Once or twice, when she has gotten out of bed to use the bath room, I have been concerned she would fall down the steps. She was stumbling around so much.

At any rate, most days I stay at home and work on my job search from about 7:30 AM until at least 9:30 PM. My trip expenses are all within my budget.

I'll take a few minutes to look at the photos I took today, then get to bed. Tomorrow will be a long day. I have got to get up extra early to apply for jobs. I need to leave late in the morning to be sure I get downtown in time for my electrolysis appointment. I am taking my camera!

[Slammr (imported)]

Hello again, Slammr,

I just looked at your photos and they reminded me of my trip to Portland. Particularly the shots of downtown, Mt. Hood, and the waterfalls. Are some or all of those waterfall pictures from the road along the south side of the Columbia River, east of Portland? They remind me of falls I saw there.

The one taken from behind Horsetail Falls among my favorites.

I also like the magnolia blossoms with the water droplets. Then there are the rhododendron photos. Those remind me of the east. It is too cold here for most rhododendrons.

Thanks for sharing some of your photos. I am considering putting up a link to some of mine.

Hugs,

Danya

Danya:

The falls are on

the south side of the Columbia

east of Portland.

[Slammr (imported)]

I am amused by this comment. My life has been spent in small, rural, resource-based communities and I can remember a few conversations where the people of Portland got insulted as whacko liberals, etc. Guess it just proves there is someplace for all of us. You get Portland and I get

Arco, Yuma, Pahrump and Battle Mountain (sigh).

I lived a couple of years in Winnemucca. I've lived in Las Vegas and spent time in Carson City. I've pretty well been all over Nevada. For several years, I spent my winters in Laughlin. Actually, I really like Nevada.

[Slammr (imported)]

Dear,

This posts really turned out to be a daily series which Im sure everyone likes and gets curious about the next post from you.

BTW, english is not my mother tongue so sorry form the begining of any misspellings or misunderstandings...

It is really nice to watch/read some part of your daily routine from thousands of miles away and I had give you a big applause for being such an open hearted lady and how stubborn you are in the fight with obstacles...

I hope, you can have the job you want in a

short period of time and inform us as usual

Though never been to US, I was thinking of you moving to Seattle rat

her than Chicago..Dont ask me why, only because Seatt

le (here) regarded as the cleanie

st US city...

Looking forward to read the next episo

des on "How to be Danya"

Cheers from Istanbul

----------------------------------------------------

Dorian Gray of Istanbul the addict of eternal youthness and beauty

I've seen few cities as pretty as Seattle, and I really like it - in the summer. The winters, though, get pretty dreary. The first year I was there, the sun disappeared in November and didn't peek through the clouds again until January. I lived in Seattle from 1966 until 1969 and attended the University of Washington. I moved from there to San Diego. Here's some Seattle

pictures (http://thedarkspot.com/images/pictures/

seattle/)

I would love to go to Istanbul - so much history. I'm an ancient history buff.