Salon hunting

[Shy]

Sadie,

OMG More rules?!  lol  I'm not sure I understand all of them in reference to that "M" word. I think you need to concentrate on that "E" word myself.... FYI Eyebrow shaping is also on the list. *sigh* Threading is what I have in mind.

Hugs,
   Laurie

Threading is O.K. I wish I'd had them plucked and shaped more professionally though. I think its worth the extra over generic shopping mall threading where everyone comes out with the same eyebrows.
Just a question has HRT softened your brows down a little? Mine are really course so I have to wear them quite thin.

Peace and love and all that good stuff,

Sadie

[Laurie]

 Sadie,

Answer: No I do not think HRT has affected my brows at all.

Hugs,
   Laurie

[Shy]

Thanks Laurie 

Spent the whole day out and about with new wig. So I guess I'm full time now. Nobody looked twice, in fact I forgot I was wearing it and just got on with my day.

Saw my therapist earlier today, I've almost got a clean slate to go and get on with my life. The depression and anxiety I've suffered with for years is slowly lifting. Still have bad days but on the whole way more happy and feeling a little more positive about the future. She thought I looked really confident and natural with my new hair, and was full of complements. So yeh, I'll take that as a good sign

Had a good chat with my sister last night about my future plans. She's fully on board with my transitioning. We don't see each other that often, but it's nice just to chat and be open. My niece also emailed me asking how she should address me from now on. Kids of today are really clued in about trans issues, as in like it's not an issue. It really gave me a boost.

So that's my day, lots of positive and little negative other than a slight headache from wearing a wig all day. I'm sure it will wear in just fine, any looser and I'd worry about it slipping. I'll get used to it

Peace and love and all that good stuff,

Sadie

[Laurie]

Thanks Laurie 

Spent the whole day out and about with new wig. So I guess I'm full time now. Nobody looked twice, in fact I forgot I was wearing it and just got on with my day.

Saw my therapist earlier today, I've almost got a clean slate to go and get on with my life. The depression and anxiety I've suffered with for years is slowly lifting. Still have bad days but on the whole way more happy and feeling a little more positive about the future. She thought I looked really confident and natural with my new hair, and was full of complements. So yeh, I'll take that as a good sign

Had a good chat with my sister last night about my future plans. She's fully on board with my transitioning. We don't see each other that often, but it's nice just to chat and be open. My niece also emailed me asking how she should address me from now on. Kids of today are really clued in about trans issues, as in like it's not an issue. It really gave me a boost.

So that's my day, lots of positive and little negative other than a slight headache from wearing a wig all day. I'm sure it will wear in just fine, any looser and I'd worry about it slipping. I'll get used to it

Peace and love and all that good stuff,

Sadie

Hey Sadie,

I am happy that you are adapting with your new hair and the day was positive. Full time huh? Coooool I'm getting closer to it myself I think but then again it may be awhile.
  Regarding the wig headache and slippage.. bobbie pins. If you have enough of your own hair some strategic use of bobbie pins will secure things nicely. That is what I am working on doing by growing what little hair I have out. It can really help keep the store bought hair in place.
   I agree it is really nice to be able to talk openly with people that you've come out to. I've mentioned "girl talk" with my sister and apartment manager before. I can add my nephew's wife to that list now. She was told about me before but this morning she came over to spend the day with us. I did not let her stop me from being myself so she saw the real me today for the first time. We talked about my transition a bit before I cooked her and I some breakfast. Conversation was as normal as can be without any awkwardness at all.

  Glad you had a good day and hope today is just as good.

Hugs,
   Laurie

[Shy]

Hey Sadie,

I am happy that you are adapting with your new hair and the day was positive. Full time huh? Coooool I'm getting closer to it myself I think but then again it may be awhile.
  Regarding the wig headache and slippage.. bobbie pins. If you have enough of your own hair some strategic use of bobbie pins will secure things nicely. That is what I am working on doing by growing what little hair I have out. It can really help keep the store bought hair in place.
   I agree it is really nice to be able to talk openly with people that you've come out to. I've mentioned "girl talk" with my sister and apartment manager before. I can add my nephew's wife to that list now. She was told about me before but this morning she came over to spend the day with us. I did not let her stop me from being myself so she saw the real me today for the first time. We talked about my transition a bit before I cooked her and I some breakfast. Conversation was as normal as can be without any awkwardness at all.

  Glad you had a good day and hope today is just as good.

Hugs,
   Laurie

Yeh, full time. Not really sure how I got here, just creeped up on me all of a sudden and the wig just sealed the deal.
I never felt truly myself with just a head wrap, it's made a big difference. Thanks for the tips.

Great news about about your nephews wife and even better news that you are more comfortable letting people see the real you It's been a crazy time hasn't it

Peace and love and all that good stuff,

Sadie

[Laurie]

Yeh, full time. Not really sure how I got here, just creeped up on me all of a sudden and the wig just sealed the deal.
I never felt truly myself with just a head wrap, it's made a big difference. Thanks for the tips.

Great news about about your nephews wife and even better news that you are more comfortable letting people see the real you It's been a crazy time hasn't it

Peace and love and all that good stuff,

Sadie

Sadie

You'll get no argument from me about it being a wild and crazy time. When I came out to my daughter I envisioned the process taking a lot more time than it has to come out to those I have and to begin feeling more comfortable in my own skin with being seen. I only feel a need to tell a few more personally and two more of those should get done this weekend. As for starting full time I don't think it will happen anytime soon but with each coming out and each public foray I feel more at ease with it.
   Like you with your wig being the catalyst for you going full time. I may be in for a surprise with my own. Who knows? Everything is moving so fast that I sometimes feel like hitting the brakes so my mind can catch up. Squirrels again, pesky squirrels. Just a couple at the moment lurking in the shadows, but I can hear them chittering. lol
You go girl, keep on truckin!

Hugs,
   Laurie

[Michelle_P]

So that's my day, lots of positive and little negative other than a slight headache from wearing a wig all day. I'm sure it will wear in just fine, any looser and I'd worry about it slipping. I'll get used to it

Sadie, I had that when I first started wearing.  It turns out that I had the front of the wig just a little too low on the forehead.  The band was compressing a blood vessel (from the supraorbital artery) and reducing blood flow into the scalp.  Instant 'tension headache'!

Try moving the front of the wig a half inch higher.

Wearing a lace-front wig, with no elastic band across the forehead, may also be more comfortable.  They certainly are for me!

With the lace-front in particular, but really with any wig worn for a while, a little 'wig tape', medical double sided tape, can do wonders.  I use Vapon LaceFX "A Curve" strips cut in half lengthwise along the front of my wigs, and they definitely stay put.  I have had pretty good luck splitting the strips both lenghtwise and in half, that is, into long thin quarters.  That gives me 100 little strips from a single 25 strip box.  I clean the attachment point on my forehead with a little rubbing alcohol, let it dry, place the tape, then position the wig so the lace front or band is on the strip.  When I am happy with the position I press the wig front into the tape, and I am set for the day.

I also buy wig caps in bags/boxes of a hundred, much cheaper than the package of three wig shops sell.  A cap under the wig can be changed or washed every day, reducing the transfer of oils to the wig and letting you go longer between washes.  (Washing the wig strips coating films from the hairs, potentially reducing the wigs life.)

Anywho, just some tips from a full-time wig wearer...

[Shy]

Sadie

You'll get no argument from me about it being a wild and crazy time. When I came out to my daughter I envisioned the process taking a lot more time than it has to come out to those I have and to begin feeling more comfortable in my own skin with being seen. I only feel a need to tell a few more personally and two more of those should get done this weekend. As for starting full time I don't think it will happen anytime soon but with each coming out and each public foray I feel more at ease with it.
   Like you with your wig being the catalyst for you going full time. I may be in for a surprise with my own. Who knows? Everything is moving so fast that I sometimes feel like hitting the brakes so my mind can catch up. Squirrels again, pesky squirrels. Just a couple at the moment lurking in the shadows, but I can hear then chettering. lol
You go girl, keep on truckin!

Hugs,
   Laurie

Good luck crossing off the list of people to tell, hope it all goes well for you. I know it's always a worry, but there you go again getting done what needs to be done and taking care of business.
I've only ever known you as Laurie, a wonderful, open, helpful, caring woman. Seems pretty full time to me:)

Off to the local TG group tonight for a chinwag and tea. I'm still not fully socialised yet, being a virtual recluse for the past gawd knows how long, so I shall brush up my social skills on them, poor things.

Peace and love and all that good stuff,

Sadie

[Shy]

Sadie, I had that when I first started wearing.  It turns out that I had the front of the wig just a little too low on the forehead.  The band was compressing a blood vessel (from the supraorbital artery) and reducing blood flow into the scalp.  Instant 'tension headache'!

Try moving the front of the wig a half inch higher.

Wearing a lace-front wig, with no elastic band across the forehead, may also be more comfortable.  They certainly are for me!

With the lace-front in particular, but really with any wig worn for a while, a little 'wig tape', medical double sided tape, can do wonders.  I use Vapon LaceFX "A Curve" strips cut in half lengthwise along the front of my wigs, and they definitely stay put.  I have had pretty good luck splitting the strips both lenghtwise and in half, that is, into long thin quarters.  That gives me 100 little strips from a single 25 strip box.  I clean the attachment point on my forehead with a little rubbing alcohol, let it dry, place the tape, then position the wig so the lace front or band is on the strip.  When I am happy with the position I press the wig front into the tape, and I am set for the day.

I also buy wig caps in bags/boxes of a hundred, much cheaper than the package of three wig shops sell.  A cap under the wig can be changed or washed every day, reducing the transfer of oils to the wig and letting you go longer between washes.  (Washing the wig strips coating films from the hairs, potentially reducing the wigs life.)

Anywho, just some tips from a full-time wig wearer...

Thanks Michelle, that really was very helpful I thought of you yesterday as I was walking about town wondering how does Michelle stay all day in a wig without getting headaches? Now I know
See girl all the little posts you make about your progress and experiences filter through. Thanks for the tips and for sharing your journey with us all. It's helped me a lot

Peace and love and all that good stuff,

Sadie

[Shy]

Well it's been a strange first full time week most of it looking for a new washing machine and having it fitted.

The wig has stayed on the whole time form the moment I get up to the moment I crash, so me and Furby are getting along just fine. Seems odd to see myself without it on now.
I'm sure some of the neighbours must have seen my new addition, so I expect the jungle drums to start beating any time soon. I was kind of hoping I'd have been stopped by now but nobody seems to give a hoot or are just too polite to say anything.
Got gendered correctly a few times which was nice Even though I no way pass people seem to see to accept me for who I am. All off a sudden ladies have started chatting with me whilst standing in queues, which is awkward for me without any voice training, so I just nod and smile in the right places whilst they chatter away.

Mission makeover was successfully completed today. Learned a few things and it was nice just to be pampered. We discussed electrolysis and I'm now booked in for next week. See what you girls have done, getting me all signed up for follicle forays and shenanigans.

Next week is full of doctors appointments and blood tests, still cramping on a daily basis so hopefully I'll find out what the problem is. But other than that, happy happy happy By the time my slot comes up for the gender clinic I'll be fully socially transitioned, just got a few more stubborn squirrels to deal with and I'l be sorted.

Peace and love and all that good stuff,

Sadie.

[Laurie]

Sadie

  WOW!!!! What a difference in the way you look! Really! I would not have known that it was you if the post didn't have your user name above the picture. And I can see why someone would gender you correctly. You didn't substitute some cis- woman's picture in place of your did you?  You are looking good Sadie.

  New washing machine huh? That doesn't sound fun and reminds me I need to do a load or two again.
  So you are hanging out in the salon's now are you? omg what is going on? Have you become infected with something that keeps you coming back? My gosh you even used that "M" word. *sigh*

  Electrolysis next week for you? Well my dear, today is my day. In fact I better go slather my face with goo as the appointment is an hour from now. *sigh* Oh bother!

  Hugs,
    Laurie

[Shy]

Sadie

  WOW!!!! What a difference in the way you look! Really! I would not have known that it was you if the post didn't have your user name above the picture. And I can see why someone would gender you correctly. You didn't substitute some cis- woman's picture in place of your did you?  You are looking good Sadie.

  New washing machine huh? That doesn't sound fun and reminds me I need to do a load or two again.
  So you are hanging out in the salon's now are you? omg what is going on? Have you become infected with something that keeps you coming back? My gosh you even used that "M" word. *sigh*

  Electrolysis next week for you? Well my dear, today is my day. In fact I better go slather my face with goo as the appointment is an hour from now. *sigh* Oh bother!

  Hugs,
    Laurie

Thank you for the kind words Laurie, no stunt double here, it's all little ol' me

What kind of sorcery is this goo ye speak of? Seriously girl I want details, lots of gory details when you get back from your follicle Zzzzapping. Maybe some Frank Zappa on the Mp3 player will be the appropriate choice for some headphone sedation during your initiation 

Good luck girl,

Peace and love and all that good stuff,

Sadie

[Laurie]

Thank you for the kind words Laurie, no stunt double here, it's all little ol' me

What kind of sorcery is this goo ye speak of? Seriously girl I want details, lots of gory details when you get back from your follicle Zzzzapping. Maybe some Frank Zappa on the Mp3 player will be the appropriate choice for some headphone sedation during your initiation 

Good luck girl,

Peace and love and all that good stuff,

Sadie

Hi again Sadie,

  Okay since you asked here is what advice I gathered from the good folks here and the electrologist.

1. Make a fuzzy face - 2 - 3 days growth before facial torture (gotta give em something to yank out)
2. Drown yourself - Drink lots of water the day before and day of your session.
3. Prepare for torture - Take a non aspirin pain reliever about 1 hour before.
4. Apply goo - Slather face liberally (not enough apply more) with either EMLA cream or 4% Lidocaine cream     
      Aspercreme, store brand or some other brand 1 hour before and leave on.
5. Make yourself look silly - Cover area with saran wrap to prevent drying out.
6. Show your silly fuzzy saran wrapped face to the world -  Go to your face torture appointment.
&. Commence torture and enjoy -  just get it over with, already.

  There I hope that helps.

Hugs,
    Laurie

[Shy]

Hi again Sadie,

  Okay since you asked here is what advice I gathered from the good folks here and the electrologist.

1. Make a fuzzy face - 2 - 3 days growth before facial torture (gotta give em something to yank out)
2. Drown yourself - Drink lots of water the day before and day of your session.
3. Prepare for torture - Take a non aspirin pain reliever about 1 hour before.
4. Apply goo - Slather face liberally (not enough apply more) with either EMLA cream or 4% Lidocaine cream     
      Aspercreme, store brand or some other brand 1 hour before and leave on.
5. Make yourself look silly - Cover area with saran wrap to prevent drying out.
6. Show your silly fuzzy saran wrapped face to the world -  Go to your face torture appointment.
&. Commence torture and enjoy -  just get it over with, already.

  There I hope that helps.

Hugs,
    Laurie

Thanks for the tips Laurie

Geez, I only shaved off the beard six months ago and now I have to grow out stubble again, yuck.
Get it over I will, it's going to take a while though on my budget though, so i'm going to pack sandwiches and make a few years of it

Peace and love and all that good stuff,

Sadie

[Shy]

Felt really comfortable today, and 100% pass rate in town I know now that things are going to be o.k. I can live out the rest of my life the way it should be.

Makeup is coming along well after my little lesson and I've even calmed enough to get my eyeliner on straight without making an eyeball kebab.

Managed to find two good quality tiger eye necklaces in a charity shop that i'm really pleased with. Still hunting for my clothes style, finding things to fit is a real challenge being 6ft and skinny. Managed to get some boots today though, so all in all a good day.

Peace and love and all that good stuff,

Sadie

[Laurie]

Felt really comfortable today, and 100% pass rate in town I know now that things are going to be o.k. I can live out the rest of my life the way it should be.

Makeup is coming along well after my little lesson and I've even calmed enough to get my eyeliner on straight without making an eyeball kebab.

Managed to find two good quality tiger eye necklaces in a charity shop that i'm really pleased with. Still hunting for my clothes style, finding things to fit is a real challenge being 6ft and skinny. Managed to get some boots today though, so all in all a good day.

Peace and love and all that good stuff,

Sadie

  Morning Sadie,

  Of course you passed 100%. Didn't I say you looks all woman since you got your hair? Didn't I accuse you of posting a picture of a cis woman as your avatar?  Shheeeesh would I lie?  Glad you are getting comfortable in your own skin while in the public eye. That is at least half the battle.
  I'm also glad you are putting on eyeliner without impaling your eyeball on the applicator, it works so much better that way and can look nicer too. Besides eyeliner stings when you apply it in the wrong place. (I guess you could be into that sort of thing though...)

   Oh by the way I forgot one more do/don't do for facial torture.... NO COFFEE! before the session as it stimulates the nerves and you'll feel the sting more.  O know it can be hard on those of use who start our days with a couple of cups o'java but it's your choice. For me it was greatly missed. I can even have my black coffee before my various lab tests I have done regularly as I drink it unadulterated, ie black.

Hugs,
   Laurie

[Shy]

Aw thanks Laurie

Still got to work on my voice though, at the moment it's a case of smiling, nodding and hoping someone doesn't ask me a question. It's like you get over one hill and there's a bigger one on the horizon.

I can't go anywhere near coffee, it makes me run around like a mad puppy for 30mins and then go pee in a corner when I get over excited I like liquorice tea in the morning, but thanks for the advice. I've decided to go to my first appointment goo free and see how I feel. It's only 30mins, I'm sure I could manage that.

Peace and love and all that good stuff,

Sadie

[Shy]

Well this isn't nice at all, not one bit Two days without shaving in prep for electrolysis and I don't like it, no I don't, not even a smidgeon, not even if someone payed me to do it! Talk about conflicted. It's like being tarred and feathered and forced to parade about in man clothes whilst everyone stares at me. It's all very confusing and did I say I really don't like having this fuzz on my face! Just incase I didn't, I don't! and with three sad emoticons to back it up    
There, now that's off my chest I'm going to put some dark glasses on and hope nobody recognises me before I sneak back home.
It's for the best though, but squirrels are running rampant today. Time to call Wiley Coyote me thinks, and see if he's got any advice on A.C.M.E. squirrel traps. You know the ones that involve a large bolder precariously perched on the edge of a crumbling cliff and possibly a trampoline and rocket skates 
Roll on Wednesday where some lady is going to poke electrodes in my face. Yay transgender, and they say we choose to be like this? Bah, piffle and hogwash I say.

Peace and love and a bit grumpy today,

Sadie

[Laurie]

Well this isn't nice at all, not one bit Two days without shaving in prep for electrolysis and I don't like it, no I don't, not even a smidgeon, not even if someone payed me to do it! Talk about conflicted. It's like being tarred and feathered and forced to parade about in man clothes whilst everyone stares at me. It's all very confusing and did I say I really don't like having this fuzz on my face! Just incase I didn't, I don't! and with three sad emoticons to back it up    
There, now that's off my chest I'm going to put some dark glasses on and hope nobody recognises me before I sneak back home.
It's for the best though, but squirrels are running rampant today. Time to call Wiley Coyote me thinks, and see if he's got any advice on A.C.M.E. squirrel traps. You know the ones that involve a large bolder precariously perched on the edge of a crumbling cliff and possibly a trampoline and rocket skates 
Roll on Wednesday where some lady is going to poke electrodes in my face. Yay transgender, and they say we choose to be like this? Bah, piffle and hogwash I say.

Peace and love and a bit grumpy today,

Sadie

  Hi  Sadie,

  Come on now girl. Such a fit, I swear. it's only a couple of days. Come on put your big girl panties on and suck it up.  If it's really that bad pick one spot (like your right cheek from your moth toward your ear about 2" square). and shave everywhere else. If you call the lady that will be working on you and ask she should be able to tell you that will be okay. Gheeeze Sadie make a little call and you'll be okay in no time and the crisis will be over and you can banish the sad faces.  Them squirrels will get you going EVERYTIME if you listen to them. You know that.

  Now get ta busy and solve your little problem and stop throwing a hissy fit.

Hugs,
   Laurie

[Shy]

Thanks Laurie,

Hissy fit over 

It's just that I've only been full time for a few weeks and here I am having to hide away again. I mean foundation and face fuzz is not a good look. It felt horrible, but I know needs must and I'm doing the right thing with the electrolysis.

Now since we're on the subject of 'hissy fits' wasn't there some unresolved issues surround the 'M' word that need addressing. I notice the absence of a check mark next to someone's name filed under 'L'

Peace and love and all that good stuff,

Sadie