I’m onboard with everyone saying people should be called what they WANT to be called. Traditional lady prefers “Mrs.”? Mrs. it is. Neighbor friend prefers “Auntie”? Go for it.

Ah, I KNEW I would eventually find another Trent Reznor fan on here.

I have a similar experience. I get the “random” secondary screenings a lot when I don’t have a pre-check option, and I’m pretty generically WASP-y looking.

My takeaway from this is that, with a couple of updated accessories, I could get away with wearing my 1996 prom dress to a formal event. I still love that dress, and I love this one, too!

I feel the same way about how they try to keep their lives private.

“You would think that being trans and facing discrimination would make you more likely to embrace progressive thinking in general...”

“There is NOTHING I love more than a dance movie.”

Center Stage always makes me hyper-aware of my posture (since I usually watch it semi-comatose on the couch, often eating peanut butter out of the jar)...

After a mechanical issue delayed my flight by 14 hours, I had to spend the night in the in-airport hotel in Dubai. It was such a pleasant surprise. I walked into the little hallway and I was instantly transported somewhere not-an-airport. So well put together and insulated, I didn’t hear a thing!

I was a little afraid to google this, but I’m glad to know it’s work-safe. Corporate IT will not be confiscating my computer...today...

Are group weightlifting classes available where you are? I lift weights in my garage now but my “gateway” was starting Les Mills BodyPump classes, and I’ve seen several similar classes offered in other gyms. You’re not going to lift HEAVY-heavy in those classes, but you could probably get enough weight on those bars…

Would.

Went on vacation with friends. Friends of these friends were having a party and invited all of us to come. We were told “if anyone gives you any trouble, just tell them you’re here with us.”

Thanks for sharing your story! What I enjoyed was the note your dad sent on the postcard, reminding you that your iPod is NOT to be used while running outside—it seemed like such a “dad” thing to say, even as he was living in a more dangerous location than you were. I guess parents keep worrying no matter their kids’…

We knew childcare would be expensive, but what really surprised us (admittedly, because we didn’t do any actual math when thinking about it) were nanny taxes. We were in a position to hire a nanny, and we did it right—registered as an employer with the state, issued pay stubs, all that. The quarterly payments for…

Thanks! I also hadn’t realized that BHLDN was Anthropologie’s bridal store.

These dresses are lovely. How did you manage to take pictures while you were just trying them on? I seem to recall a pretty strict no-cameras policy when I was dress shopping back in the day.

Oh my god, EVERY SINGLE TIME.

I know it’s a sight-seeing recommendation, but if you don’t think you’ll be back to Florence again and your schedule can manage, get tickets to the Galleria dell’Accademia and go see Michaelangelo’s David. It really is breathtaking.

I know how Michael Ian Black feels, for sure! I work with a guy who shortens people’s names ALL THE TIME, whether or not the person in question actually uses that nickname. And sometimes it doesn’t even make sense! “Stephen” = “Steve”, “Cassidy” = “Cass”, “Lauren” = “Laur” (what?!) He is much worse about it with…