This was a date to see Juliet at the Eccles Theater. I absolutely love watching musicals, and I’m lucky enough to live in Salt Lake City. It feels like a big city, full of great restaurants and things to do.
Jared took us to see Weird Al in concert—it was such a fun experience. This kiddo is my inspiration in life. He’s competitive, flirty, and always trying to outdo himself. He’s also kind and very affectionate with me. I’m so grateful to have him in my life.
Jared sent the boys to New Mexico to spend two weeks with their grandparents. I had planned a trip to Cali, Colombia with them, but they weren’t interested in going.
I love Colombia so much—every city is unique, and so are the people. Cali is the salsa capital of the world, and I loved every second of my time there. I didn’t want to come back to the States.
It seems that Mario and Milo had a great time bonding with their grandparents and their cousins. They went to so many hikes, restaurants, and saw the New Mexico lifestyle.
Meanwhile... We were in Cali! This place was beautiful. The food was exquisite and the people were wonderful.
Of course, I took advantage of my stay and had some plastic surgery to reduce the size of my forehead. In my spare time I research plastic surgeons and procedures that I will like to get done. I have folders with information. It is a hobby of mine because you never know. Don't be a hater!
The surgery I had was major—frontoplasty with facial feminization. I also had an eyebrow lift, and I love my results. I didn’t even know forehead reduction was a possibility, and now I’m obsessed with how my eyes look.After years of suffering from thyroid eye disease, my poor eyes had become so wonky. When I saw them looking almond-shaped again, I cried.
I went to see Dr. Carlos Gutierrez—he’s the go-to surgeon for facial reconstruction and facial feminization, especially for transgender patients. His work is phenomenal. He wasn’t cheap, but honestly, you get what you pay for. The surgery took four hours. This photo was taken in the Uber on the way back to my hotel after the procedure. I had nine sessions in a hyperbaric chamber to speed up healing, and I was connected to a pain pump for the first five days.
Before leaving for Colombia, I had all my bloodwork done in the States—except for the EKG, which was way too expensive here. Even with full insurance coverage, I still owed $200 to the hospital in Utah. In Colombia, I did all my pre-op testing, including the EKG, for just $38.
Jared still had to work and I couldn't go out by myself for long periods of time. The heat could be a little intense and I didn't want to faint. We went to the zoo, the cat boulevard was in our neighborhood. We did that, and the zoo.
These photos were taken just five days after my procedure. I was still swollen, but I heal quickly—it’s all about your attitude! That night, we went out walking and ended up at La Calle de la Salsa, where people were dancing right in the streets. A little man, probably no taller than 4'9", asked me to dance. I can dance, but he was a total salsa pro! It was hilarious—and humbling—because I couldn’t keep up with his Salsa Caleña moves.
Now I’m enrolling in a salsa class this fall!
Can you believe how amazing I looked just six days after surgery?
The next night, we went to Delirio—an all-day fair dedicated to salsa. Since I was still recovering and avoiding the sun to prevent scarring, we only went in the evening and caught the final show. During the day, they offer dance lessons, workshops on the history of salsa, and so much more. My face looked super tight because of the swelling, but that wasn’t going to stop me from going out to restaurants and dancing the night away!
The mornings after were always a little rough—I’d wake up super swollen. My doctor kept telling me, “You’re doing too much. Chill!”
But we couldn’t resist going out. One day, we went to Platillos Voladores, a Michelin-starred restaurant. The food was incredible—so fresh, so beautifully presented. Honestly, I wasn’t even that hungry, but there was no way I was going to miss the chance to enjoy such a special meal.
I usually don’t wear sleeveless tops unless I’m near the ocean, but I ran out of clothes and only had this workout top with me. It ended up being a great choice—it was hot, and my head was burning! Jared was so happy. He had no idea what to expect from Cali, Colombia, and he loved it. He’s always excited when I take him to interesting places.
Sadly, I can’t work out for six weeks or have any heat near my head while I recover—but it’s worth it.
Milo and Mario were having a great time playing pickleball. They met their great grandma again. Milo and his grandma went to so many thrift stores looking for outfits for Milo. They also went to Arizona and spent time with the Dunlaps.
The first few days, I was a little annoyed because Mario and Milo wouldn't call me to tell me how they were doing. By the third day, it felt like freedom. haha. I also took Jared to get a microsmile design. The doctor whitened his teeth and gave him a better shape.
Fun times for all of us!
