What steps have you taken this year? What are your hopes for next year?

[LJP]

I don't have much to tell it's all mostly plans and ideas at this point.

dec. 2013 realized I was transgendered. Made appointment with therapist. Also looking for Mtf hair removal.

2014- hopes and plans
keep on my workout plan and lose weight. Learn how to appy make up and dress properly. Hopefully by summer start HRT. By dec. hopefully make decisions about FFS and SRS.

[LordKAT]

2013 - survived it.

2014 - regather funds and assets lost in 2013

[Ltl89]

2013-
- Started therapy sometime in the spring which has been a major development in my life.
- Stopped doing certain harmful things to my body towards the end of February.
- Came out to my immediate family in the month of June.
- I had my hormones adjusted in October which was a game changer.
- Started hrt in the summer.  Estradiol in June.  Sprio in July.
- Found a new job in a supportive environment and have my immediate boss' acceptance. 
- Started laser hair removal on my face (I think it was at the end of November). 
- Lost an impressive amount of weight over the course of the year (I'm not fat, but I've been wanting to she some pounds).

2014 Goals-
- Go full time in the summer (the current goal)
- Finally take the GRE and continue to save up for grad school so I can go sometime within the next few years.
- Save up and get Rhinoplasty.
- Continue facial and body hair removal.
- Start developing an impressive wardrobe!
- Find a supportive, intelligent, funny, handsome boyfriend!
- Make new exciting friends that know me only as a girl!
- Continue to develop more experience and do some volunteer/charity work on the side.
-  Maybe one day finish reading "War and Peace" and "Great Expectations",lol.  I've picked up both books at various different points in my life only to get bored and give up.  One day, I will finish them without going into a coma.  Let's make it this year!

P.S.  I know the order of my lists doesn't make sense.  I wrote as things came to mind, lol. 

[izzy]

2013-
- Started therapy sometime in the spring which has been a major development in my life.
- Stopped doing certain harmful things to my body towards the end of February.
- Came out to my immediate family in the month of June.
- I had my hormones adjusted in October which was a game changer.
- Started hrt in the summer.  Estradiol in June.  Sprio in July.
- Found a new job in a supportive environment and have my immediate boss' acceptance. 
- Started laser hair removal on my face (I think it was at the end of November). 
- Lost an impressive amount of weight over the course of the year (I'm not fat, but I've been wanting to she some pounds).

2014 Goals-
- Go full time in the summer (the current goal)
- Finally take the GRE and continue to save up for grad school so I can go sometime within the next few years.
- Save up and get Rhinoplasty.
- Continue facial and body hair removal.
- Start developing an impressive wardrobe!
- Find a supportive, intelligent, funny, handsome boyfriend!
- Make new exciting friends that know me only as a girl!
- Continue to develop more experience and do some volunteer/charity work on the side.
-  Maybe one day finish reading "War and Peace" and "Great Expectations",lol.  I've picked up both books at various different points in my life only to get bored and give up.  One day, I will finish them without going into a coma.  Let's make it this year!

P.S.  I know the order of my lists doesn't make sense.  I wrote as things came to mind, lol.

The part that you said making new friends who only know you as a girl would make me so excited, I would cry.

[Azahara]

well, the vast majority of this year has been spent in depression and denial, BUT I can say that within the past couple of weeks I have finally come to accept myself, truly, as transsexual, and to accept that there is absolutely nothing wrong with me for being so.

I started walking for 45-60 minutes everyday and going to the gym for intense cardio 2 to 3 times a week 2 weeks ago.  So far I'm feeling really good and I've been able to keep it up!  My first weigh in will be January 20th...I hope I'll at least stopped the weight gain (and goodness losing a few pounds would be awesome...)  I'm determined to lose the weight this time because it truly MEANS something now.

In 2014 I plan to find close-ish gender therapist, as well as continue my weekly regular therapy.

I also hope to finish 2 university courses in the Spring, 2 in the Summer, and 1 in the Fall, setting me up to finish my last course in Spring 2015 and graduate with a B.A. in Spanish Linguistics in May '15.

I'd like to get a part time or even full time job using my bilingual language skills that would allow me to save money for HRT, VFS, potentially FFS, and definitely SRS/GCS, oh and let's not forget starting electrolysis! oh joy...

I'd like to become more fluent in my oral, auditory, written, and reading Catalan language skills in 2014.  And also revisit Portuguese and French from time to time, and Latin if I have the time!

I'd like to try to see the sunrise and sunset more often this year.  lately they've been taking my breath away.

[Alaia]

2013:
- Lost 25 lbs
- Landed a new job with an employer that has trans benefits (didn't know it at the time, but it's been a godsend).
- First time out en femme.
- For the first time, realized that I can be happy with transitioning and living as my authentic self.
- Had several heart wrenching conversations with my wife about it and that I will be transitioning--divorce is on the horizon
- Started psychotherapy, also returned to the adult trans support group I'd been going to 5 years ago.
- Started electrolysis
- Began training my voice some. Still not confident to use it in front of people though.
- Came out to a close friend and she was cool with it. ^^
- Came out to my brother and he and his wife are very supportive
- Represented my employer at an LGBT job fair hosted by TEA of Utah.
- Got my letter for HRT, but still waiting for my appointment with MD ( <- me after being told it was a two month wait.)

2014 Objectives:
- Start HRT!! God the wait is killing me!
- Explain everything to my kids at their level. Let them know that they are still loved by both of us.
- Come out to the rest of my family and friends
- Come out at work and begin FT.
- Document my journey, maybe even video journal/blog it.
- Consider attending my 25 year high school reunion en femme
- Hope to god I don't have to continue electrolysis into 2015.
- Keep working on voice.
- Win the lottery... ok, maybe not, but I'm gonna have to find some way to supplement my income and fund transition expenses. Especially after divorce.
- Work on improving my artistic ability every day.
- Train for a marathon.
- Just live and love every day to the fullest. No more going through the motions.
- Face my fears and conquer them all!

[AshleeB]

Although I am not able to start HRT in the immediate future since I am in the military, I have already begun my transition in so many other ways! I started laser for my face and neck in July. I have been dressing more and more androgynously while actually moving more towards a completely feminine wardrobe (oh my gosh i love shopping and building my real me wardrobe so much!!! ). This wardrobe shift has been slow and subtle in an attempt to condition everybody around me into being comfortable with the way I dress with the hope that when I do finally come out to them, it will not be such a shock (this was absolutely golden advice from one of the members of my transgender support group, and it really has worked like a charm! Being home for the holidays, I have had polish on my toes and all of my fingers, and have been dressing in nothing but feminine clothing items from boots and shoes to jeans to tops to all of my outerwear all the while wearing perfume receiving some comments and question looks, but overall acceptance ).  Sorry for that long tangent in the parentheses :/ Sometimes I can't stop myself once I begin! Anyway, I have also been working on more feminine mannerisms, changing my handwriting, and now that my apartment roommate is out of the country for the next few months, I will finally start on my voice!!! My plan is to try and knock as many things that might possibly give me anxiety during HRT out of the way now, so that I won't have to completely worry about all the different aspects of transition when I am finally on hormones!!! (now I know that I will still be super anxious about pretty much everything, but I am sure it will help allay at least a little bit of that anxiety). And I suppose, now my first post on here! ^_^

[EmmaD]

2013
- Year 2 of electrolysis
- Completed 8 psych sessions and have GD diagnosis (and he said I am not nuts )
- Started HRT in October. Yay blue pills!
- Formally told kids what is happening

2014
- More electrolysis but not nearly as often. Phew!
- Lift HRT levels.
- Start voice training at communications dept at local university.
- EXERCISE more.  Looking at Pilates (5 mins walk from home) although GP doesn't want me to lose any weight.  I am in the healthy BMI range so it isn't an issue. Might lose a bit
- look seriously at Rhinoplasty. Hooter certainly needs work.
- See therapist a bit too!
- Wigs!  Hair is a lost cause I think.
- work on full time at boobs seem to think it is a race!

Looking at that, 2014 is going to be HUGE and all about me! I intend to enjoy every single day.

Have a super year everyone.

Em.

[Windy]

It's now already next year where I am.

But Last year was quite life changing...

Came out to my extended family including partner and children over a period of some months.
I didn't realise how much emotion I would expend and had no idea there was so much inside me.
I have some absolutely utterly wonderful friends in this world.
There has also been some collateral damage along the way. 
I have been on Spiro alone for just on a year now, I am one of those few happy people that is developing on it alone.   My natural levels of E are now >160 and T <4 on spiro alone

This year...

My Endo will be putting me on estrodol to help me get levels up a bit (he's very cautious and wanted to see how spiro went first and also wanted to do a stress test on my heart before continuing)
I will be getting my ears pierced, so my children have no excuse for birthday and Christmas gifts!
I will continue with electrolysis... when does it end! 
My boobies will not stop growing I hope, and the right one will catch up with the left...
I will run a sweep stake on which one reaches a B cup first 
My hair will continue to grow back like it is and a bit thicker and longer so I can cut it in a bob.
I need to loose some weight... from somewhere... anywhere...

Have an utterly wonderful New Year everyone   

[Missy~rmdlm]

This year has been big. As far as transition, I have: legal name change, gender marker change, finalized ht dosages and gotten post op orders, nearing hair removal completion with the transition from laser to electrolysis, scheduled my visit to doctor Bowers. RLE is wrapping up in days.
Normal stuff: My failed marriage was wrapped up, I am out of debt, I own my farm, I have started a new relationship against all odds.

[FrancisAnn]

I got a full time job as a female. That's one of the biggest steps you can take in transition. That indicates you can do ANYTHING for yourself, as yourself. Not only that, but it is a job that deals with the public and is typically filled with females. My wardrobe is getting larger too.

In 2014 I'm hoping to get enough money together to get SRS.

Great for you GF. Is that a real snake?  It's so funny even it it is not. Happy New Year!

[Jenny07]

1974 came out to my mum aged 4

Procrastinated many years

2012 Joined up to Susan's and started laser with good results and got referral to therapist

2013
After more procrastination saw therapist
Started Electo on white hairs on face
Saw Endo and started HRT
Started being me at home most of the time
Struggled as he fought a loosing battle as she slowly took control.

2014
This will be a big year
Have seen wonderful changes occurring due to E and will let it continue to do its magic
Get an E implant so I won't have to take oral.
Loose some weight and get fitter
Build a new wardrobe and clean out the old
Enjoy life as this year is the first new year I have actually looked forward to
Make plans for the big events like full time and SRS.

Lots to do so lets get on with it!

[Lana P]

Hmmm I just joined Susans. But nonetheless. Came out in my early 20's as trans, hormones 2001 name change in 2002, Ba in 2011, Orchi in Sept 2013 stopped all tblockers, got gender markers changed on birth certificate and health card, photo ID, Finally quit smoking cigarettes its now going on 6 months or so yay me. 2014 get new passport, hope to get my own place, finish laser and electrolysis. and work towards srs in late 2014 to 2015 whichever comes first.

[Seras]

Are NHS doctors still insisting on patients presenting as female BEFORE they have hormones? I thought the rules had changed - I've certainly seen NHS policy statements online that seem to suggest hormones can be given sooner. As it is, I think they're just being cruel, frankly. I know that I don't want to go public - even remotely public - until I feel confident that I am far enough along in the process to stand some chance of blending in. Of course it's unrealistic to expect to slip right into being seen as female from Day One. I just want the odds to be a little more in my favour ... I guess that means I'll have to go private all the way, then!

Not to derail in this direction more, but yes. One year full time and legal name change is the requirement I am told. I went to my last appointment there fully dressed and everything and they told me no way do I get hormones. Until I do those two things.

[Jamie D]

Hmmm I just joined Susans. But nonetheless. Came out in my early 20's as trans, hormones 2001 name change in 2002, Ba in 2011, Orchi in Sept 2013 stopped all tblockers, got gender markers changed on birth certificate and health card, photo ID, Finally quit smoking cigarettes its now going on 6 months or so yay me. 2014 get new passport, hope to get my own place, finish laser and electrolysis. and work towards srs in late 2014 to 2015 whichever comes first.

Congratulations, Lana.  Keep making progress.   

[PrincessPatience]

Nov 13th is when i came out to my parents (which is something i never thought i could do. Thankfully they were supportive of me when coming out. even though they are against me taking HRT)

However shortly after started HRT without their consent and I also started a new part time job.

Next year i plan on starting electrolysis sometime in early Jan and also plan on going full time as myself for my birthday and during later next year around may/june get voice feminization surgery with Dr. yesen. 

[Tori]

2013:

November:
Psychologist
Doctor
Blood test
HRT (Nov 15)

December:
Out to family
Happy

2014:
I am not Nostradomus.
I intend to keep going and see where it takes me.
Things are going really fast.

[Carrie Liz]

Steps that I took / things that happened in 2013:
Jan 1 - Came out as trans to my mom
Jan 8 - Started t-blockers
Jan 11 - Started estrogen
February 22 - Came out as trans to my best friend from high school
March 1 - Came out as trans to two of my closest work friends
March 18 - Went out publicly as a girl for the first time in my life
May 7 - Started transgender vlog on Youtube
August 10 - Went to my first ever trans support group
August 29 - Came out as trans to all of my ex-coworkers. (Unfortunately, after I was already fired.)
October 8 - Mom got to see me in "girl mode" for the very first time.
November 13 - Officially came out as trans publicly on Facebook, changed gender on profile. Everyone I know knows now!
November 21 - Got my ears pierced!
December 26 - GENDERED FEMALE FOR THE FIRST TIME! 

Hopes for 2014:
-Go full-time before the end of the year
-Get out of debt, start saving money for SRS.
-Legally change name and gender marker
-Possibly get orchiectomy (still haven't decided whether I want to do that, or just wait for full SRS. Depends on how soon I can go full-time, I guess.)
-Hopefully start reaching "male fail" mode.

[JenSquid]

I can't say 2013 was a good year for me, but I survived. For the most part, I could sum it up by saying the first third or so was like going through a nervous breakdown in slow motion, while the rest of the year was then spent picking up the pieces. Not so much dealing with trans-issues as the mess my inability to deal with said issues caused.
I did, however, manage to:
Come out to my family (March)
Come out to one of my closest friends (April)
Find a therapist (September)

For 2014, I intend to:
Get my ears pierced
Start laser
Continue therapy (and hopefully nail down a plan. I've been in limbo as of late).
Maybe even try low-dose HRT
But above all, I need to relax, be myself, and not worry so much.

[noleen111]

Ok my year was not as busy as some of the girls here.. but here goes

2013

I got my first boyfriend and broke up with him. An experience which was nice, okay not the breaking up part. I liked being the woman in the relationship and was intimate with a man for the first time.
I had a small growth spurt ... went up to a 36D bra from 36C bra
My roommate and I stabilized our business.

2014

End of January will see me getting SRS... so healing will be a big part of this year
Get my 3rd set of hole pierced in my ears.. The 3rd set of holes will represent SRS, (1st set of holes acceptance of being a cross dresser, 2nd set was starting HRT)
Get my nose pierced.. I want a small stud in my nose.
Once healing is done, I would like to loose my virginity as a woman.
Get a tattoo, I am thinking of getting a tramp stamp on my lower back. (but I really do like butterfly's)
Wear a string bikini.. I have worm plenty of bikini tops, but I want to wear the bottom too, without covering it up.. SRS should solve this problem.
Continue to grow the business with my roommate.