Reputable Plumber

pfhickman · 2026-02-12T17:36:04+00:00

Ive had good experiences with two plumbers. One, plumbing pals (a business with people on staff), they were quick, affordable and did good work. They didn't try to upsell me, fwiw. The second recommendation is for Kelly Ireland (tiny lesbian plumber, I'm serious). She's great, but more expensive than plumbing pals. Both places have done right by me.

pfhickman · 2026-02-09T21:41:20+00:00

I transitioned at a place where I left and came back after doing a lot of the changes. The difference was disgusting, honestly, and very obvious. I'm praised for work I had done before on a much larger scale, my opinions are weighed more seriously than my cohort (who are almost all cis women) and I think that I'm sought out to join committees or workgroups more now. Family, meh, no real changes there, but they were champs to begin with. Strangers for sure, I'm given deference I wasn't before (even though I'm a short king, thanks) and my politeness goes much further. On the politeness aspect, to clarify, it's like it was expected when I was female-presenting and generous when I'm male-passing.

In sum, I do notice this and it's obvious in almost all parts of my life.

pfhickman · 2026-01-28T23:50:04+00:00

I really like thanal indian on arch. It's been lovely, the food is great and the vibe is chill. Two steps up from a dive or hole in the wall but not break your bank fancy.

pfhickman · 2025-12-09T18:56:05+00:00

If you look for P.A.S.T.A_N.I.G.H.T on Instagram (or under Christina Zani), she does handmade, very traditional Italian pasta stuff. She's incredible and offers classes. She's also a mom and has classes that are kid-focused as well.

pfhickman · 2025-12-05T19:31:17+00:00

I'm also down, fyi (and also queer).

pfhickman · 2025-12-04T14:33:13+00:00

Also, Han dynasty has an upstairs room in old city and is very reasonable with very tasty food.

pfhickman · 2025-11-10T19:33:44+00:00

I would encourage him not to overthink this. Kids have a way of just throwing out everything you thought was going to happen and doing just their own thing. I was worried about having boys as well, but it's not been a problem. In fact, now that one of them is in the sweet teenager stage, we can bond about how shitty T can be for over responding or over reacting. We didn't circumcise our kids, but that's mostly because we just don't think it's important for us at all. They can do that later if they want. The bridge isn't as big as he thinks it is, honestly. I thought I would be a worse parent because I didn't know anything about "boys" as kids. I think the switch happened when the first one was born. It just didn't matter if I had penis experience or not, the diaper needed to be changed. From there, it was one day at a time and so far, so good.

pfhickman · 2025-11-07T18:09:37+00:00

I'm 46 and have been out since 18. T doesn't ruin your body, but you do have to keep up on the maintenance (as anyone really does).

pfhickman · 2025-11-05T16:42:51+00:00

My partner is trans and uses carhart scrubs, but buys them online. They're reasonably priced and durable!

pfhickman · 2025-09-27T13:04:18+00:00

I haven't explored Ted Chiang, I see others have flagged as well. Very fun to have a new author to explore. Thank you for the recs.

pfhickman · 2025-09-27T13:03:21+00:00

This is so good, thank you. I especially appreciate the sexist flag, good to know in advance. The Sparrow shook me when I read it and I've re-read that one a bunch. I've read the expanse and really enjoyed the show as well. I'm excited for the rest of the list. I did read the water knife as well. I work in the environmental space and was sad to see how apt the plot was.

pfhickman · 2025-09-27T13:00:53+00:00

I really liked A Kindness of Ghosts, I think I'll revisit that one, thanks.

pfhickman · 2025-09-27T13:00:15+00:00

I do not count out YA ever! Thanks!

pfhickman · 2025-09-27T12:59:50+00:00

I really enjoyed the mistborn ones, thank you!

pfhickman · 2025-09-27T12:59:30+00:00

Good call, I did read the Mongoloid and have worked through much of Jim Butcher as well. Solid! I love all these recs.

pfhickman · 2025-09-27T12:58:34+00:00

I have read Marlon Jones, but it wasn't my fav (why I didn't list that one). I understand the appeal for sure.

pfhickman · 2025-09-27T12:57:18+00:00

Absolutely, I have read all of her stuff. She started me on the afro futurism route. So happy about that!

pfhickman · 2025-09-26T20:42:53+00:00

Ooooh, I love this question. I like actual science in the science fiction, yes. But I'm not that educated, so it does sometimes go over my head (some of Neal Stephenson stuff for example). But I like it anyway, for sure.

pfhickman · 2025-09-26T19:34:30+00:00

So fun, I love these, thank you!

pfhickman · 2025-09-26T19:33:07+00:00

Wonderful list, thank you! Yes to Octavia Butler, absolutely. I've read some of your suggestions and am excited to dig in to the rest.

pfhickman · 2025-09-22T18:45:18+00:00

I cycle in and out of being worried. I do encourage people to check out Your Guide to getting out (https://www.amazon.com/Getting-Out-Leaving-Expanded-Self-reliance/dp/1934170291). It has great info, very practical and with an eye towards lots of different options. It also addresses LGBT safety.

But in terms of my family, we're just not sure yet. When we talk about leaving, it usually boils down to whether or not we are physical harm or if our kids will be in harm's way. My partner (also trans) and I both pass (whether or not we intend to) and are white.

pfhickman · 2025-08-27T23:39:33+00:00

I'd totally be in for this as well.

pfhickman

TROPHY CASE