Hello internet, and welcome to Jenn Theory! Isn’t that how it goes? Anyway. I’ve been thinking about creating a blog for the past 20 years since I first learned what the heck that word meant. But for some reason, I never quite got it together. Well today is my 47th birthday, my first one as Jennifer Wallace (Yeah, that’s a whole story in itself) and I decided that this massive self-aggrandizement would be my gift to me, and depending on how it goes maybe to you all as well!
I guess let me start with the title. “Patch Notations”? A year ago when I started a daily journal that’s what I named the file. At the time I was using estrogen patches (spoilers) and I’m a big dork, so I thought that was hilarious! And hey, maybe it’s not a bad name.
Let’s start with the basics. I’m 47, a mother, a wife, a world business traveler, a foodie, a musician, an enjoyer of geek culture, and as of December of 2022 a realized trans woman. Now I’ve known that last bit since I was 16 years old, but lived my life suppressing that little tidbit as it was something I certainly didn’t get to do! Yada yada yada, some horrible things happened, some great things happened, and here I am. But hey, let’s save that full origin story for another post, shall we?
I know now you’re probably thinking, “What, another self-indulgent Trans blog trying to be helpful and teach me lessons on life as a trans woman?” WRONG. This is a self-indulgent blog that intends to be entirely UN-helpful about learning lessons about life as a trans woman! Or rather, that ain’t the point. It’s more about a perspective. Here’s what a trans woman thinks about Indie Rock, the latest Star Wars, or the newest issues of X-Men. Here’s what a trans woman thinks about traveling to Texas for work. Here’s what a trans woman thinks about trying Mexican BBQ in Texas for work!
That last bit. I’ve been a road warrior for the past decade or so, and have been to every state in this vast conglomerate called America, and 11 other countries besides. I very much have seen myself as a second rate Anthony Bourdain (R.I.P. Tony, you are still missed) on the company dime as I explored new places, and I long considered writing a blog about those experiences. And now I will, except now I’m a trans second rate Anthony (Antonia?) Bourdain, and I can write about those places with a massive gimmick!
Will I occasionally fall into the “Let me discuss my feelings about various aspects of transition” pit? Damn right I will. What, you think trans people talk about being trans too damn much, like it’s our entire identity or something? Hey, YOU try suppressing who you really are for decades, and see if it doesn’t take up some serious real estate in YOUR mind!
But don’t fret my pet, I have many an interest, and I’ll do my best to make sure you don’t learn anything that might expand your narrow worldview. No promises though.
I started writing this on June 15th, and now it is midnight on June 16th, and I am officially 47 years old. Yet, I also just turned 1. It’s weird like that, and it’s only going to get weirder. We mark a LOT of milestones. Either way, happy birthday to me, bishes! LFG!
I read this out loud to Meg and we were both entertained! Thank you, sister. We look forward to more.
LFG -> my gaming ass still overrides this as “Looking for Group” before any other acronym. 💜🩷💜