After telling my partner about my past failed transition and how I now identfy as non-binary, I'd spent the last few months preparing to come out to my immediate family in the new year. However, the exact date was then set when my mother decided to arrange a meeting over the festive period, so despite my nerves (and not feeling all that well due to a cold I've since woken up with in full force), I explained the various struggles I've faced with my gender identity since a young age...

My instincts told me that my mum would be at least accepting of my genderfluidity to a degree, but I was absolutely stunned when she didn't even wait for my explanation, rationally concluding what this new word in her vocabulary meant. She wasn't too far off the actual mark, either, though my sister had at least heard of this before. Then, in a most unexpcted turn of events, my sister found the confidence to come out as bisexual off the back of my revelaton. I'm so proud of them both!

So, rather than worrying about how much damage limitation I'd be working on within my family as the year comes to an end, I'm looking forward to various opportunities such as finally getting to present in girl mode around relatives, plus I've already stated my intention to attend an upcoming local pride march. I still can't believe how open-minded and understanding everyone has been. To paraphrase what my mum said last night, it's the 21st Century, and my happiness should be all that matters.

Feeling as if the conversation was going well, I made the bold move of showing my mum and sister some pictures I'd taken with my partner back in September, being the first time she got to see me fully made up in female clothes. Their response was definitely not what I'd been expecting, as they said I didn't look that different - still someone they recognised, yet clearly more comfortable in their own body. They're even willing to start using the name and pronouns I've given as my preferences.

The only real obstacle I now have to overcome is doing all this again with my professional associates, which I suspect may be a little harder because of the nature of what I do. You see, I met my partner through voluntary work, and in the nine years since then, we've continued offering our services for various charitable organisations in some capacity. At the present, we're heavily involved with a community group that has seen where we live changed from a notorious crime blackspot to the subject of a three-year urban renewal scheme.

As someone who is regularly involved with authority figures, other residents and even the media, I'm terrified of how I'll be perceived, especially as the constitution I helped to write doesn't include any mention of LGBT members being protected. Then again, we've never had such issues brought up, so it may be that my concerns are unnecessary and we'll prove just as groundbreaking in dealing with my "new" personal status as we have collectively improving an area once considered beyond help.

I've just recently been voted to stand for another term in my position as someone with a major role in the ruling committee, so it may jeopardise this role if there are serious objections to my private life. On the other hand, maybe my good fortune will continue and I'll end up becoming a pioneer. Just as I ultimately inspired my sister, it's possible the support I receive in coming out will lead to others from a similar background feeling safe enough to join our cause, especially if our legislation is amended to provide equality.

There were times I genuinely thought I'd never be able to express myself in a way that felt authentic to me, and while I expect a few instances will always remain where I'm expected to conform to my birth-assigned gender, for the majority of the time it looks as if my dreams have come true. I didn't feel all that great overnight, but I managed to get such a great sleep. Now I'm truly ready to take on the world and any obstacles that will inevitably come my way, though at least what I considered the hardest part is over with.

Well congratulations 


*hugs*

It's wonderful to hear things went well. Congrats. Hugs
Mariah

Congratulations on coming out. Often things don't go the way we expect and often they go far better that we dreamed. I will be interested in hearing more about work, but you may be in for a few surprises there because people are more accepting than one would think.

As for your pictures, I would't worry about them much at this stage. You family has known you for a long time and know your facial features so they may only see those and ignore the rest of the changes. The other problem is cameras don't respond to color differences as well as the human eye so fashion shoots go far heaver on the makeup to produce the color differences for the camera. Unless you are on the stage, you wouldn't wear that type of makeup in real life. Wait till they see you in real life with properly applied makeup.

Thanks, everyone!

I'm amazed by the responses from those I've so far told, which now includes my other sister, who was similarly more accepting than I could ever have imagined. In fact, she's even promised to defend whatever makes me happy from the rest of my family, even though they've all been very supportive so far. Apart from writing a diary and planning to appear at a local pride event later this year, I recently started a blog:

http://agirlwithbenefits.tumblr.com/

Hopefully over the next few weeks I'll be able to come out to a few more relatives, friends and my work colleagues, the most challenging likely to be my father due to our troubled past, not to mention the fact he's currenty in a fragile state after a series of episodes linked to his mental health. Similarly, I'm a little worried about speaking to my grandmother, but I've learned that being confident in myself reassures others.

I'd initially been concerned over how the members of the community group I donate my services to would react, only now I'm not as terrified by even the most conservative individuals because we have a constitution that includes full equality protection. Yes, they've never had to bring up LGBT rights, but I'd like to think we're collectively open-minded and groundbreaking enough that I'll continue to be made welcome.

If anything, the only major stumbling block I've encountered so far has been from my welfare provider. As a result of a previous illness, I was unable to work, though during my recovery I got heavily into volunteering. Sadly, not everyone can see why I'd want to continue with this, even though I have a chance of being offered a permanent paid position in the future, so I'm happy to continue committing to my present duties.

Unfortunately, I'm not able to acquire funding to buy a wide range of female clothes, yet I've been given a few items that are good enough to wear around the house, which has proved invaluable in helping reduce my dysphoria. However, it's still not enough, though I'm fine to wait and raise money myself as I'm in the middle of growing my hair to a length that's more in line with how I want to appear.

In a nutshell, life's been great so far over the last couple of months, and even though this year is still very much new, I'm just so grateful to everyone for understanding how difficult it's been to come out - I genuinely couldn't have done it without the inspirational stories I've read here, so expect a well-earned hug with my name on it going out to each and every one of you around the world tonight...

Depending on your size, second hand stores may be a good place to find clothing at a price you can afford. It doesn't work for me because at 6'2" I need to go to the even taller sizes.

hard to do, well done

I thought I'd give you all a progress report...

To start with, I can honestly say life is better than I could ever have imagined right now. Since my last post, I'm now out to a large amount of my immediate family, and the general response has been absolutely fantastic. Furthermore, I've been subtly introducing changes to my appearance that don't yet appear to have raised the attention of anyone at work, including wearing pink socks and painting my nails with clear polish (in addition to having them shaped, partly to stop the splintering that used to be the bane of my existence).

On top of all this, I'm booked in to have my teeth fixed, which is something that's been holding me back for years. In fact, you could say it's even more significant than just the cosmetic benefit, as I only let my dental situation get so bad during a period I was really depressed years ago, having abandoned my transgender journey, convinced it would be easier to keep living as a slightly rough-looking male than a trans girl with relatively poor hygiene, such is the unfairly high standard women are typically measured up against.

Well, now it seems as if all of my previous fears were for nothing. As I said earlier, everyone has proved to be so supportive, if not always understanding, though I've done a lot of educating, and I truly feel already like this year has been a turning point. If things go to plan, I'll even be responsible for helping push through a piece of protective legislation so any theoretical trans people at my place of work are covered - considering how much I've made this a personal mission, I suspect my coordinator won't be that surprised when I come out to everyone, and from what they've already said on the subject, I don't need to worry here, either.

Finally for now, I'm waiting for a few last items to arrive. I know it's not something I can openly discuss, but I set up a fundraiser online, and despite not appearing to have generated anything, two private donors gave me a considerable amount each, meaning I was able to drastically reduce my target figure. Rather than just being something I can present in around the house using makeshift clothes thrown together from whatever my partner didn't want, I'm on the way to having a wardrobe that's far more me.

I honestly can't wait to show you all the results of these great changes, and if everything goes to plan, the real "Allie" will be making their public debut at the upcoming pride march that I mentioned before. As someone who dreamed of this for over two decades, my advice is to never give up on whatever makes you happy inside!

congrats

So awesome. That made me smile so hard.

Each conversation will be a little easier than the last.  When folk seeing you expressing your truth, they recognise and are attracted by your honesty and by your authenticity.

Keep smiling.  It will only get better.

Safe travels

Aisla

Here's another update for you all...

The last few weeks have been incredible, but there was so much progress made just yesterday. First of all, my mum and youngest sister finally got to see Allie, though I did warn them I'm still very much a work in progress:



I'm normally reluctant to appear in front of a camera because of how much the sight of my body hair triggers my dysphoria, but I made an exception after getting to borrow my sister's hair straighteners - the lesson learned is that climbing out of the bath and into bed with my hair tied up in pigtails is not a good idea! Apart from surprise at how well I looked considering I'd not shaved in 24 hours, here's another shot where you can see my genderfluid bracelets, which I've been wearing ever since they arrived a month ago:



(If you look really carefully, you might just notice how long my nails are... and yes, they're 100% my own. Also, I'm surprised by how much like my sisters I've already started to become just by growing my hair out and losing a little weight.)

Anyway, as if it wasn't great enough to have the support of my close family and partner, I have even more good news to share with everyone. My dental work might be ongoing, but that's not to say I can't see a difference after three sessions. Although it's taking longer than anyone could have originally anticipated, my confidence is already growing, and I genuinely can't wait to begin smiling a lot more in pictures. In fact, I'm contemplating whether or not to begin recording a video diary for...

Now comes the really life-changing part: I've booked an appointment with my doctor to see if I can be referred to my local Gender Identity Service to chat about possibly going onto low dose hormones. After some especially bad points recently caused by my dysphoria, it seems as if everyone around me is convinced this would be the best option, with my partner beginning to accept that we may have to seek help with starting our own family. I don't want to go into too many details, but there are preexisting issues on my side.

One concern I do have is that I'll be forced into transitioning completely, which is something I've already discussed with my partner. While it's not something I feel strongly about right now, she's aware that it's always in the back of my mind, and suppressing the fact I'm even on the transgender spectrum has done me no favours in the past, so it's definitely an option for the future. We're all hoping that a professional will know what's best for me, though it should be noted that I feel a lot more feminine than anything else.

Unfortunately, things haven't been as good at work, where I'm still not officially out. Saying that, we had two meetings last month where it was clear a few people were talking about me, the worst part being that they had no intentions of hiding this. I'm grateful nobody has yet to directly approach me about the subject of my rapidly-changing appearance, yet at the same time I'd like to think it's going to make my eventual coming out less of a surprise, though I'd be foolish to think everyone will be alright with this.

In my daily life, it's amazing to see how little people care or appear to notice the subtle clues I've started introducing, which now include my nails. Thanks to being on hormones for three months before, I still have a little breast growth that I've been able to hide under loose, open shirts for years. On the other hand, it seems as if lately they're becoming a lot harder to conceal. Am I now carrying myself differently, or perhaps I'm just more conscious of their presence? Either way, I get plenty of looks yet few comments.

As I said before, the worst experience so far has been hearing colleagues making remarks in such a way that my attention was raised, but so far they've not taken their hostility any further. To be honest, from what I can remember, they were more asking each other if I had fake nails on and whether the greater amount of purple in my wardrobe meant anything. Since my partner was sat right next to me on both occasions, it's possible this factored in their decision to remain discreet.

Whatever the case, I've had so much support from those I genuinely care about, plus there's a lot on the horizon to keep me positive. The next few months won't be easy, though I'm sure it's all going to be worth it. My biggest fear is alienating my significant other, so the plan is for every step to be taken as slowly as I can manage, and if full transition does end up being on the cards, we can hopefully cross that bridge very carefully but still together. Actually, my partner said we'd smash that bridge if it came to it.

Friends, believe me when I tell you that it gets better!

P.S. I'm thinking of getting my ears pierced next month for my birthday - do you reckon I should?

This is good, keep us in the loop.  I have transitioned to genderqueer at work, and its quite the experience.  Keep it subtle, my current job I am stealth male but have long clear polished nails, boobs, and hair that easly morphs between male and female, its a special cut i got.  I can change gender presentations in seconds.  I also wear a trans ring on occasion and a pink diamond next to my wedding ring, a solid clue that I am not a guy.

I am full transition hormonal, but low dose is a great option, and sounds perfect.  The therapist needs to understand nonbinary, in order to serve you best, a binary therapist can cause harm from that paradadygm.  However I have a binary ftm therapist I use and its been remarkably good. 

Understand your rights as a nonbinary to  be selective about your treatment, and understand your advantage as a nonbinary in what you choose to reveal at work.  Sooner or later you may need to warn the boss.  If they push back, bring it here...perhaps there will be advice on how to handle this.

Incidentally that current avatar, which changes on a whim, is how I looked at work in Florida mid transition to androgyne.  Or actually to me, no label fits me.   My eyes are heavily mascara'd and that sweater goes to my knees.  And they most definitely pushed back, but nobody disrespected the courage shown to be real.

But this all sounds wonderful and its nice to see your smiling face here.

Satin Joy

I didn't really notice how high my hairline looks in those pictures - I've actually got quite a good hairline, but it's rare that I'm seen with my head held up like that. My confidence is shooting through the roof, and I honestly can't wait to speak to a professional about possibly going on hormones, even if it's just for a trial period. As for my work situation, my boss actually has someone who is transgender in their family, and they've told me this isn't a problem unless it's being "shoved down anyone's throat," to paraphrase. Due to the large number of people I'm regularly in contact with, I do anticipate some issues. On the other hand, I've spoken to perhaps the most executive person I know, and they've been absolutely fantastic. In fact, apart from the legislation I mentioned before, they're actually the patron for a national transgender youth charity, so I suspect I'll be in safe hands if I have to go over the heads of colleagues to make a complaint. While I'm not usually one for blowing my own trumpet, so to speak, I was unanimously voted into my position for another term late last year, long after I'd started openly introducing subtle clues as to my gender identity, although before I began to hear comments. Speaking of youth, I'm also shocked by how much younger I look and feel since coming out... There really does seem to have been a great weight lifted off my shoulders!

Quote from: Alison-Rose on January 02, 2016, 03:00:50 PM

Unfortunately, I'm not able to acquire funding to buy a wide range of female clothes, yet I've been given a few items that are good enough to wear around the house, which has proved invaluable in helping reduce my dysphoria.

I actually have a blog dedicated to helping to provide cheap clothes to transgender people.

http://trans-clothes-central.tumblr.com/

Almost everything is $5 each except for heavier items. There isn't much up on it yet, but if you message me with your size and anything in specific you want, I can try to find them for you.

Congrats :p that's a loooooot of reading tho xD

You know how they say it gets better? Well, it really does...

I'm now hoping to give you all new updates at the start of every month, though before I continue there's a few things I'd like to cover. First of all, I really must apologise for writing so much. As a lifelong amateur writer who has studied English literature at college level, I was approached by a publisher last year about putting together a reference book about another of my passions that I'm hoping to have released soon. In addition to this, I'm deep into the planning of a science fiction series, plus I've been considering whether to document my transgender journey, which brings me to very recent events from last night.

I turned 32 yesterday, and for a while my wish had been to spend a few hours pampering myself in full girl mode. However, it seems I'd totally forgotten that my mum was coming to visit for a modest party, though unfortunately my little sister couldn't make it. For someone who once used to enjoy quite spectacular celebrations, I actually preferred this low-key evening. Joined as ever by my partner, the three of us sat until late chatting with some music in the background. Everything was going brilliantly until the time came for me to show off the clothes I've bought myself, so with a lump in my throat, I nervously showed mum the contents of my small wardrobe.

I'd clearly been worrying for nothing, as her eyes lit up with delight at how coordinated I seem to be already (as if this should come as any surprise, considering I've also been to art college). What really surprised me is how jealous she was at my favourite pair of boots, although she did have reservations at whether I could really walk in three inch block heels. At this point, I confessed this wasn't anything new to me, but naturally she thought I only meant that I'd been practicing around the house - not that I frequently used to go out with friends in girl mode while at university, my style back then being very similar to how it is now!

With a little Dutch courage and having let my partner put my hair up in preparation, I disappeared upstairs to change, returning minutes after. Sitting down in my place on the sofa again, now dressed in the outfit I've chosen for the pride march I'm hoping to attend in August, I didn't feel nervous at all. Mum was on the verge of crying, sorry for ever holding me back. I told her this was never the case and that I don't regret how things have turned out, then I answered various questions, including whether I see myself as different from when I'm presenting "normally." Responding with an honesty that brought out a smile in everyone, I said that I'll always be me.

As for what that exactly means, I must reveal that a significant breakthrough has taken place since my last progress report. At the end of April, I finally got in to see my doctor, who it turns out is quite experienced with referring transgender cases over to the local Gender Identity Service. In fact, when I explained my situation, I was so nervous that I didn't even state the actual problem. Fortunately, he knew what I meant and didn't hesitate to put me at ease before asking questions to determine the extent of my feelings. Before long, he saw a pattern in that I kept referring to something being an inevitability in asking for help. He wanted me to clarify this...

I've never cried as much in my life, but I finally let go of all the pressure I've felt under to please others. If anyone was holding me back, it was myself. If I had a fear, it wasn't for my future, but how changing might cost me the relationships I treasure so much. Aware that he wouldn't judge and that whatever I ended up saying didn't necessarily have to be the end of anything at this early stage, I admitted that transitioning has always been a very real option. He joked that you could almost see the weight lifting from my shoulders, but that's exactly what did happen, and it was then I learned my letter would be sent once our session ended.

I left the room wiping my eyes and thanking him for everything, telling my partner once I got home that just because I'm now waiting to speak with a gender therapist, it doesn't necessarily mean I'll fully transition. Of course, she understands that I've always wanted this to an extent, but I think it's more reassuring for us both that due to the way the NHS works, I'm going to spend years on a waiting list. After that, it will be another few years before surgery is even close to being on the cards, though what stunned me the most is how well my partner took all this. Indeed, she admitted that her original reaction to my being transgender was mainly a result of shock.

Back to last night, I'd hoped to see my mum off into her taxi in girl mode, though I changed again when my partner made it clear she isn't ready to be spotted by our neighbours with the real me, even if behind closed doors I'm now more confident than ever to present as my true self. One thing I do quickly want to mention is that my mum took a picture of me last night that she promised was just for herself, being something she can look at as a reminder of how happy I am now. For someone who has always been known as a sociable person, I don't think she could believe how much more I smile, the dysphoria I experience cancelled out by my new-found confidence.

Yes, it's still very early days for me, and to be fair, I've accepted that I'll probably always have days where my guy mode is on display to some level. Despite this, I'm also finally being accepted as simply a partner and child rather than anything gender-specific. Mum seems to be truly proud of me, while I'm painfully aware of how difficult it's been for my significant other as I continue to come more and more out of my shell with every passing day. Instead of feeling stuck on a waiting list* for years, I see this as an opportunity to adjust, helping others with what promises to be a long yet ultimately worthwhile transition.

For the record, I've decided that because I still don't yet know how far I want to go, until my initial visit to a gender therapist I'll keep identifying as non-binary. Transition is a possible end goal that has gone from being impossible to something suddenly very much an achievable dream, yet I don't want to commit at this stage just in case I change my mind. However, that's not to say presenting as genderfluid is a compromise, as I'm still learning about myself and I know there will be someone who eventually helps me to sample the less positive side of things. If anything, the path I'm choosing might be harder since I could eventually be confronted by more closed-minded individuals.

To conclude for now, I'm finally able to see a future where me being myself isn't a problem - not to others, and definitely not when I close my eyes at night. The amount of sleep I get has increased massively due to me no longer worrying about how the world views me, and I'm even at peace with the idea I'll have to face negativity from someone in my life. I just wish that I'd been more honest with my partner from the start, but what I've learned is that each new step has to be taken very slowly, plus I wasn't able to admit the truth internally until recently. As I said to my mum, if past decisions got me to this place, how can I possibly regret them?

*According to official figures, the projected time between referral and first appointments locally six months ago was four years, and since resources are being pushed more than ever right now, I've been told to realistically expect a longer wait myself.

P.S. I've learned that a major political figure higher up in the system than the community group I'm involved with is the face of a nationwide campaign supporting trans youth causes, and I've been reliably informed that as someone who is friends with my superior, he can't imagine there being any issues with a volunteer coming out as transgender. If there ever was, he's assured me there would be serious repercussions for those responsible, especially as he'd rather not lose someone as valued as myself. I should probably point out that along with my partner, I handle all the paperwork and finances, so we're considered rather important.

I'm so happy to hear all of this.

First of all, I'm amazed by how much the world has changed since my last update. Pulse and Brexit were equally devastating for very different reasons. My heart goes out to those either affected or soon to be.

Anyway, I'll start with some good news, as I finally got a letter from the Leeds Gender Identity Service to confirm they've received my initial referral letter. The bad news is that I'll be stuck on their waiting list for "approximately" four years (!!), though I'm not letting this bother me because it means there's more chance of my partner adapting. As difficult as certain things have been, she's proved so supportive, and I'd hate to rush the overall process in case this alienates her.

I previously said that I wasn't sure how far I wanted to go regarding the possibility of transitioning, but I'm now looking into a bridging prescription for hormones. After spending a month considering my future in much greater length, I've decided to pursue full surgical reassignment, but this won't change my decision to continue identifying as genderfluid. If anything, it's helped solidify how I think of myself, which is as a person whose foundation is more feminine.

To leave you all with another positive development for now, the community group I volunteer for has offered me a second position. I've been asked to help set up several computers donated to their main shop, which is open to the public for a variety of purposes. Recommended due to having a background in the IT sector, I've accepted and will start this new job with a panel meeting on Monday, where I'll be proposing a solution that hopefully meets the store's needs.

I've decided to put my feet up for the weekend, and following a well-deserved pampering, my partner did my hair, while I'm spending the night with some light makeup on. Things are looking good, so please look forward to my next progress report, which should include a few pictures from the upcoming Leeds Pride.

Speaking of images, here's one from earlier this evening for an indicator of how I'm doing:



Care to give me some constructive criticism? Please don't hesitate!

I'd hoped to give you all another progress update by now, but I've been quite busy over the last few weeks, plus I was looking to wait until reaching a certain major checkpoint in my life. However, it's already been too long and there's still too much on the horizon for me to hold off giving you a report, so here's what's happened to me over the last two months:

To start with, I recently spent four weeks on a work experience placement where colleagues knew about me being transgender, which went surprisingly well, and they didn't even have a problem with me showing up in girl mode. Then, I participated in a week-long training course for a retail position, and I'm now waiting to hear back from this potential employer.

My doctor also got back in touch to arrange a chat, and I'd convinced myself this would be an appointment to discuss a possible bridging prescription. Instead, he used the opportunity to finally read a copy of the letter I'd previously received that had also been forwarded his way from the gender clinic. Upon scanning the four year predicted waiting list, he laughed out loud.



I was also referred to a local provider that may be able to help shorten my wait, only they've since rejected my case as not being serious enough (can you believe this?) and bounced me over to a nearby LGBT group that meets up twice a month. I've not yet been able to attend a session, though I'm hoping it will at least provide some well-needed help to my partner.

Now for the really good news, I was shocked to discover that my mum's engaged. Her party was scheduled to take place at the end of last month, and she told me not to attend if I didn't feel comfortable. After making sure it wouldn't be an issue, I spent thirty minutes in the bathroom of her new partner before introducing myself as his eldest future stepdaughter.

That whole night was like a dream come true for so many reasons - my family have been incredibly supportive, and it was amazing how much I resemble my two younger sisters. For the first time I can remember, my smile in pictures didn't feel forced, plus I've never received as many positive comments about my style. Mum really wants my favourite boots!



At this point, there's just one person left to tell, only it turns out that my estranged father might already know what I've yet to share with him, or at least he's managed to figure this out through briefly speaking with my mum. From the information passed back to me, it seems he approves on the condition that I'm happy, which is more than I expected.

The next step is to book another appointment with my GP about appealing my rejection from the alternative gender treatment service and discuss a bridging prescription again, as I'm genuinely considering the DIY route as a stop-gap, though I'd much prefer to have all the benefits provided by the NHS if I can. Furthermore, there's another thing I'd like to announce...

If all goes to plan, I'll be officially changing my name for National Coming Out Day on October 11th. I'd wanted to do this on September 5th for more personal reasons, but it just wasn't possible due to how busy I was around that period. On the other hand, maybe I could ask the witness also signing my deed poll form if they'd object to me backdating this slightly?

I'm looking to ask the head of my community group to be my witness, and I'm sure they'd understand why there's been a delay in me not being able to sort out this detail sooner. Indeed, I've not had much time for my usual voluntary duties lately, with the IT-related task I mentioned before something that's frustratingly still yet to be completed.

Finally, our annual elections are coming up in November. I'll be revealing that I'm transgender to everyone at the last meeting before this important event takes place, which should give people a chance to decide if they'd still welcome me. In the event anyone doesn't feel alright with this, I'd be happy to walk away, especially as I now have other options.

My partner has recently started a new job and already spoken to her manager, who has been very open to the idea of me joining their charitable organisation in a customer-facing role. Better yet, I'm waiting to hear about a provision that may entitle me to receive pay for this, and naturally the idea of bringing in some extra money will sway my decision.

Anyway, here's to a positive future where transitioning may become a reality sooner rather than later. There is evidence of the gender identity clinic I'm waiting to see hiring new staff, plus they've supposedly pledged to ensure anyone on their caseload will be seen by 2018, which isn't as long as I'd originally been warned. To be honest, that seems achievable for me.

In the meantime, I'll end with the news that I'm now also shaving on a regular basis, and I don't just mean facially. Hair removal cream and talcum powder are now this girl's best friend, though I suppose that could be too much information for some of you. To clear the picture of rashes from your minds, how about another picture from my recent night out?





Hugs,

"Allie."

P.S. Purple has quickly become my new favourite colour, replacing olive drab green and beige in my daily wardrobe palette. Actually, that's not entirely true, as I still have a place for beige if I'm colour matching with my boots and bag. One of the perks of being a trained graphic designer is that I already have quite a well-coordinated fashion sense.