You are a marvelous inspiration as you give your hopes power, reach out, and find the resources to express what is in you. Congratulations on finding lawyers who are sharing your cause! Thanks for letting us know how difficult your challenges are, and how successfully you're finding your way through them.

I hope that next year at this time, my sweetie BlueStar (newbie here) will be using her new name and correct gender. It was painful to have to report her male name, and her gender as male, when I helped her to re-enroll in health insurance for next year.

Keep on rollin'!

Quote from: Roll on November 20, 2018, 10:12:25 AM
I have officially started the name change procedure!!!!! I have the help of two lawyers who do trans name changes pro bono, and it feels so much better knowing I have someone on my side in the process. The court system terrifies me.

@Roll
I can imagine how excited you are, and when you see your new name printed on any of the changed documents and papers you will be jumping up and down with joy.   
For me, it just seemed that the list of documents, licenses, diplomas and other things I had to change my name on kept growing.   Just when I had thought that I was all done, a new one would all of a sudden pop up.   Of course the emails and snail mail junk mail seems to always come to the wrong name and gender even after starting the name-change process and being completely full time for 2 years.

I will be eagerly looking for your update regarding this.
Hugs,
Danielle

Congratulations Ellie! It good to have help with name change. There's so many things to remember to change and when you think you've covered all the basis, something else comes up.

Hugs,
Donica.

Thanks all!

This has been a hectic week, and next is going to be as well. I have so much to do it is absurd.

The worst part? Two weeks until I'll see my Lexi again. She's been gone back up to Atlanta (I have to stay down at my dad's house through the 4th or so at least) only a few hours but I am just sitting here alone crying. I've never had emotions like this before, and the intensity is somewhat terrifying. I definitely don't know how to handle them.

Distracting myself is failing miserably, it's like the 2 week wait between our date and my moving to Atlanta all over but way way more intense as feelings have continued to develop.

Anyway, I'll leave that be for now I suppose, just had to get it off my chest.

Thanksgiving went well, most of my immediate family was here. Everyone was there but my step sister and younger brother. My younger brother had to turn around mid trip because his dog had diarrhea in his car that went everywhere. So... that.... has to suck. Step sister was at her dads. Everyone loved Alexis, my sister most of all. They loved each other which meant the world to me since they are the two most important people in my life. We had a lot of fun just joking around (THEY GANGED UP ON ME!  ). Didnt have the chance to do everything I wanted while here with her, but we'll be back.

The highlight. So Alexis loves guns and fishing. My dad has a property with a lake and room to shoot. I've never fired a gun before, and after a lifetime of resistance I decided I was going to with Alexis since it's something she is so passionate about (I can't remember if I mentioned she is an officer in the Atlanta Pink Pistols, lgbt gun group founded after Pulse). So I fired her handgun and shotgun. I wound up crying. It's just not my thing, and guns terrify me for some reason. :/ So made an ass out of myself there. She felt so bad about it. It wasn't even the guns themselves that made me cry, it was because I wasn't living up to the hope I felt and I really wanted to like it for her. It is the first time I've tried something post transition that pushed my boundaries that didn't work out (ie: like how I loved piercings). Afterward we went fishing, something that in theory I know how to do. We only had one pole (my dad had taken the other poles back to his house without realizing it instead of leaving at his property), so I let her do most of the fishing. And every time I cast I would hit trees... It was bad. And to top it off, I decided to braid her hair while she was fishing.  So. I was on a roll.

Quote from: Roll on November 25, 2018, 04:57:30 PM
Thanks all!

This has been a hectic week, and next is going to be as well. I have so much to do it is absurd.

The worst part? Two weeks until I'll see my Lexi again. She's been gone back up to Atlanta (I have to stay down at my dad's house through the 4th or so at least) only a few hours but I am just sitting here alone crying. I've never had emotions like this before, and the intensity is somewhat terrifying. I definitely don't know how to handle them.

Distracting myself is failing miserably, it's like the 2 week wait between our date and my moving to Atlanta all over but way way more intense as feelings have continued to develop.

Anyway, I'll leave that be for now I suppose, just had to get it off my chest.

Thanksgiving went well, most of my immediate family was here. Everyone was there but my step sister and younger brother. My younger brother had to turn around mid trip because his dog had diarrhea in his car that went everywhere. So... that.... has to suck. Step sister was at her dads. Everyone loved Alexis, my sister most of all. They loved each other which meant the world to me since they are the two most important people in my life. We had a lot of fun just joking around (THEY GANGED UP ON ME!  ). Didnt have the chance to do everything I wanted while here with her, but we'll be back.

The highlight. So Alexis loves guns and fishing. My dad has a property with a lake and room to shoot. I've never fired a gun before, and after a lifetime of resistance I decided I was going to with Alexis since it's something she is so passionate about (I can't remember if I mentioned she is an officer in the Atlanta Pink Pistols, lgbt gun group founded after Pulse). So I fired her handgun and shotgun. I wound up crying. It's just not my thing, and guns terrify me for some reason. :/ So made an ass out of myself there. She felt so bad about it. It wasn't even the guns themselves that made me cry, it was because I wasn't living up to the hope I felt and I really wanted to like it for her. It is the first time I've tried something post transition that pushed my boundaries that didn't work out (ie: like how I loved piercings). Afterward we went fishing, something that in theory I know how to do. We only had one pole (my dad had taken the other poles back to his house without realizing it instead of leaving at his property), so I let her do most of the fishing. And every time I cast I would hit trees... It was bad. And to top it off, I decided to braid her hair while she was fishing.  So. I was on a roll.

Ah yes, the good times are on a roll!

I am happy for you Ellie.  And for Alexis and your family.  Not for the mess in your younger brother's car and him missing the family gathering though.

Practice on the casting.  I hope that your school stuff is wrapping up well and that your car issues are minor now.  You take care now.  Have some more fun.

Chrissy

Great update Ellie! I'm glad to hear you had a nice Thanksgiving with your family. You and Alexis sound like a cute couple. Learning to cast just takes a little time. Before you know it, You and Alexis will be dipping your toes in the lake and bringing home the fish dinner.

Hugs,
Donica.

So the other night I went to my dad's business Christmas party, which consisted entirely of psychiatric nurse practitioners. (I have helped a lot with IT.) I presented in front of people there for the first time, and was pretty nervous since it was a large group of people who haven't seen me in months. All went well, particularly at the end. I can't remember if I mentioned it here, but I've developed a plan to create a CME Workshop (Continuing Medical Education, have to have credits to keep license each year) based around trans care from a social perspective, as well as offer people who are unfamiliar with the nuances of trans patients a rundown of common topics like HRT, surgeries, etc. My father has connections who he believes would love such a workshop and accredit it. The southeast desperately needs something... Near the end I brought this up with them saying that I was going to look for input, and the response I got was beyond my wildest dreams. Instantly people started asking questions and I held a bit of an impromptu workshop then and there. They also requested some resources, which I am going to send out soon. I'm excited I might do some good! I spoke to a couple of lovely ladies earlier on Facebook, a cute little couple you all know and love, and one them (Michelle!) helped out with a ton of links.

Ellie, I'm glad that went well, and very glad that yiou had such a positive evening with curious and supportive nurse practitioners. 

Hugs!
Michelle P

That's great news Ellie! It's wonderful of you to do this.

Hugs,
Donica.

Quote from: Roll on December 04, 2018, 09:27:45 PM
So the other night I went to my dad's business Christmas party, which consisted entirely of psychiatric nurse practitioners. (I have helped a lot with IT.) I presented in front of people there for the first time, and was pretty nervous since it was a large group of people who haven't seen me in months. All went well, particularly at the end. I can't remember if I mentioned it here, but I've developed a plan to create a CME Workshop (Continuing Medical Education, have to have credits to keep license each year) based around trans care from a social perspective, as well as offer people who are unfamiliar with the nuances of trans patients a rundown of common topics like HRT, surgeries, etc. My father has connections who he believes would love such a workshop and accredit it. The southeast desperately needs something... Near the end I brought this up with them saying that I was going to look for input, and the response I got was beyond my wildest dreams. Instantly people started asking questions and I held a bit of an impromptu workshop then and there. They also requested some resources, which I am going to send out soon. I'm excited I might do some good! I spoke to a couple of lovely ladies earlier on Facebook, a cute little couple you all know and love, and one them (Michelle!) helped out with a ton of links.

That's great! I firmly believe that educating the next generation of healthcare professionals will aid us all [emoji3526].

For the last three years I've helped educate 5th year med students from the University of Cambridge medical school (uk). If I can I'll happily share their resources with you. X

Sent from my MI 5s using Tapatalk

That would be awesome Megan!

I have unfortunately not had a chance to make any headway on the workshop the past two weeks because of waiting for my dad to get back from Australia in January, but I've continued to assemble what I can.

Anywho, I am here today with a bit late but still exciting update...

THE ONE YEAR HRT-VERSARY

As of two days ago, it's been one year. It's an incredible thought. It both felt absurdly long and also as though no time has passed at all. I remember last year getting started like it was yesterday. The changes have been incredible.

Body hair continued to just disappear, and I don't have to shave anything (aside from face) but my chest at this point. Occasionally maybe a few stray hairs, but they are quickly dealt with. I'm somewhere in the larger B range on breast size, but it isn't yet proportional with weight unfortunately. Weight does continue to be my big issue, though my girlfriend and I are planning to get really serious soon about hiking and yoga among other things, pushing each other as much as we can.

Beard is super thin, but sadly still dark hairs on pale skin so is visible, though very very lightly. I've had 10 lasers at this point, with the next just after Christmas. Probably a good 5 or 6 more there at least.

My fondest wish in the world is to get my weight down and be 99% done with laser by summer and maybe break out a sexy swimsuit.

Yesterday I did a bit of dress-up I haven't done in a while in some of the clothes I bought when first starting transition. I think I posted a picture with it very early on, but I have a cold shoulder dress that has a low v cut. When I first wore it, I looked like crap in it. Yesterday when I tried it on, I wanted to cry. I looked good. Very good honestly. My girlfriend really liked it.

Hair is growing thicker and longer everyday, though is still a mess I can't do much about with the transplants still growing in. In a few months I hope to be able to do something definitive I can shed the wig forever.

NAME CHANGE NEWS! .... As of today, the motion for legal name change from John Scott to Elizabeth Margaret will be filed. I may have it official by my birthday in late feb!!!!!!!!

On the social gendering front, I get more maams than ever even when presenting very neutral and not wearing wig. Winter has been wonderful because I have a cute little beanie that my longer side hair curls out from under and looks so nice and feminine. People will try to flag me down yelling "Maam!" or "Miss!".

Above all... my relationship is still going strong and I couldn't be happier. I love my Alexis. She's moving in with me in March, and we have so many plans for the future building, things we want to do together.

That's all really I guess, as if it wasn't a ton. It has been a rollercoaster taking me on the time of my life.

I am very happy for you Ellie!

Chrissy

I had forgotten we started HRT within a few days of each other, Happy E day!!!!  Good news on the name change underway  XXXXXXXXX

Congratulations on your one HRT anniversary and filing your name change Ellie. All very affirming changes indeed.

HAPPY HAPPY  ANNIVERSARY.

AJ

@Roll
Dear Ellie:
This past year since I have met you on the Forums has been most enjoyable. 
I have so much enjoyed your updates as you continue on in your journey.
Thank you for feeling free to share your life events with all of us. 

I have very much enjoyed swapping comments and thoughts with you on your thread, my thread, and on various threads around the Forums.
Obviously there are some bumps in the road that all of us experience so we continue to hang on for an exciting ride.

I am so very happy that I found you and your thread on the Forums this last year and I will be eagerly following your upcoming reports and updates in the New Year in 2019.

Wishing you a very HAPPY NEW YEAR   in 2019...

Hugs and as always, well wishes.

Danielle

Happy New Year Ellie! Have a joyous 2019!

Hugs,
Donica.

Ellie,

In this change of the year and time of retrospection I want to thank you, again, I think, for a post you put out back in May.

https://www.susans.org/forums/index.php/topic,237491.msg2135270.html#msg2135270

Also, I want to thank you for putting a link to it in your signature block in bold red.

The post struck a chord with my own experience and the frequent reminder given by your signature block has helped me on more than a few occasions to move a little further and a little more often out of my comfort zone.

My love to you,
Stevi

It means a lot to hear that! The response I received is so generous, beyond what I ever imagined.

@Roll
Dear Ellie:
Thanks for coming back to your thread again after a month long absence!!!!... 
I worry when I don't see any recent activity from you on your thread.

Here on the forums we are your biggest fans and always rooting for you.... please always remember that.
When you have good news to report we will rejoice with you and when the news is not-so-good we will always have an ear to listen and a shoulder to lean on....  so please continue to keep us updated frequently BUT only as you feel comfortable doing.

Thank you for all of your posts that you have ever written...  I make a point to read everything you post on your thread.
Hugs and well wishes as always,
Danielle