So far everything has been going great, with work. I still don't think my boss has realized completely but he doesn't question how I'm presenting both in casual clothing and my work uniform. (When it comes down to actually changing my name in the key register I'm sending someone from the gender center to speak to him, I'm keeping my first name). Much to the suprise of friends compared to where I work my transition has gone surprisingly well with the locals.  New people at work who see me see me as female and I'm getting the appropriate pet names and the occasional derogatory terms when they are losing. My regulars I'm slowly correcting when it's quiet at night and they use the wrong pronouns.

Last night I was told an old co worker may be coming back. Last time she saw me was a year and a half before I started hormones, and let's just I'm not the same person I was back then. Any new co worker I'm completely comfortable with because they didn't know me before.  This is the first time I (very strong) may be working with someone who knows my past (not including bosses). Having a slight freak out, we got on great when we worked together now I'm worried about what our relationship now if she starts working again.

I am betting your good nature and that positive past working relationship will keep you in the pink.  Could you do the assertive attitude thing and give her the charm offensive?  It seems most often that you are the best one to tell your story and you may get that opportunity to have a new ally.

Positive attitude and good nature - check.
For the charm offensive I would have to go when she opened while it's still quiet
A new ally - well we use to joke we ran the place not him. So hopefully nothing will change

Still nervous thou

Happened to me several times when I have been contacted by colleagues with whom I ran research projects and they contact me for a new collaboration, not had an issue with any of them.

One was really cute, he is a rather teutonic guy and he wanted to catch up to discuss a project over a coffee. I told him I was now female and called Cindy. There was a pause on the phone and then he said ' But you do still drink coffee?'

Just be your lovely self and your colleague will love and respect you.

Thanks.  Well it's now official she is starting in two weeks. When she takes over for me in the afternoon will be the first time I see her. Must remember to smile and be my lovely open self on the day,  and try not to panic too much till then, and I should be fine.

That last part feels much easier said then done right now

Well that was a whole less painless then I thought it would be. We spent the change over catching up over the last two years on what has been going on lately.  Plus the fun I'm going to face when I change my name, with all our security procedures. Have to learn to try and stop making Everest size mountains out of grains of sand.

Glad it went well. Did you make a bet on it

I'm glad it went well.