Hi Everyone,

(First off I don't know how to add a picture, can someone tell me how to do it please?)
I'd like to introduce myself. My name is Cassie and I live in Seattle. I've been away from the online T community for a while.

I began to understand my transsexuality in 1997 after years of struggling. I never was one of those children that knew they were "trapped in the wrong bodies" or openly showed femmine traits, my mom tells me I just did my own thing, like I was just a blank slate. I do know, I was very attracted to femmine things, like coats, gloves, jewelry. I also dressed up in my moms things. As the years went on I tried to put those things out of my thoughts, but as I entered my teenage years, 20, and 30's I had so many emotional problems that even now I am now still dealing with them and I used food as a way to comfort me and I got to be very overwieght, which, at the moment I am trying to do something about. I am in Weight watchers and have so far, lost 17 pounds!!!. Also, at the moment, my transistion is going very slowly. I currently have depressional and emotional issues. I don't know if that's because of my transsexuality, or if it's causing it.

It sounds like I have a very depressed life. I didn't mean to suggest that. I continue to have a positive outlook, I have a very good friend who lives with me, and I have a pretty good circle of friends.

I wanted to add, So, I've been living full time for over 8 years. Despite being overwieght, most of the time I am fairly comfortable with myself. (There I time I get very self concious) I do live in a fairly liberal state, transgender protections and all.



Anyway, it''s good to be here...

Cassie

Hi Cassie,

Welcome to Susan's, and I usually end my welcoming message to new people with the note that I'm not the Susan of Susan's Place; this time I'll open with it. I don't know about the adding your picture question, but I did read a post about that very recently, so checking around should get your answer easily, if someone doesn't put it right here real soon. I say that my computer skills pretty much are limited to spelling it.

I share some of your thoughts about dealing with gender feelings in childhood. I don't recall ever having the "wrong body" thoughts. I did feel out of place, though, and enjoyed dressing femmine and wished I was in that gender, it just felt right. I also have fought the battle of the bulge....hmm, perhaps I should say the weight battle. I have gone from 252 pounds to under 210 so far. That's still a long way from a girlish figure, but it's progress.

Again, welcome to Susan's and I hope to visit with you often.

Susan K

Hi Cassie,

Welcome to Susan's, it is good to have you here. There are lots of things to check out, including these forums, the wiki and the chat rooms.

You can add an avatar to your profile after 15 posts, just keep posting and see.

I have lost a fair bit of weight now and on target to get to my requirement by October.. takes lots of willpower.

Our Gender issues can make us depressed, but there are lots of like minded people here to talk to and learn from their experiences.

Buffy

Hi Cassie and welcome to Susans!

Thank you so much for your introduction.  As you have probably noticed, you will find many members in different stages of transition here.  Please feel free to explore the entire site, get familiar with the site rules, and also visit our chatroom and our wiki.  We look forward to your future posts.

In order to upload a picture in your profile, you have to have at least 15 posts.  Once you have this number of posts,  please follow this link which will show you step by step how to upload your own picture from your PC.  Enjoy your stay!

tinkerbell

Cassie,
Welcome here to a wonderful place. Also I envy you living in the Beautiful state I grew up in. I miss the mountains and trees and especially the wild rododenrums and azalias. It has been raining quite a lot here this past month, so the fresh smells after a rain I have been having the privelegde of enjoying.

I'm S.O. to Leah. She is turning 60 this February and is transitioning M2F. Communication has been our key to helping keep the depression at bay for both of us. Even the S.O.'s have so much to work through, the depression issues can be something we have to deal with too. I also find walking now that I have lost enough weight to be able to, and swimming at the college pool to be a very helpful in partnership with watching the diet for loosing the weight I needed to for health sake. The success of loosing weight is also helpful in combating depression.

Your having such a good support circle is another way to help with your depression. Staying in the circle and being actively socializing to exchange lots of laughter helps too.

Even here at Susan's the witt and humor help keep the spirits up.
So enjoy your stay here, and do share this site with your special friend that lives with you.

Again a warm welcome Cassie.

Smiles,
Peggiann

Hello Cassie,
It good to meet you.
I'm also one of the people who didn't always know that I was a girl, just new I didn't seem to fit in with the boys and most boy things. I would rather play with my sisters and the girl next door.
Anyway welcome to Susan's.
I'm glad you found the site.
If your look for friends and or information about gender issues this is the place.
Please read the site rules at:
https://www.susans.org/forums/index.php/topic,2.0.html if you haven't already.
Then check out the Wiki, with ton of info on the gender topics. Oh and check out our chat and links section too. Have a great read.
Looking forward to more of your postings.

Jillieann

Hi, Cassie!  Welcome!

17 pounds!  WOW!  Good for you, girl!

And fulltime for 8 years sounds like you've already transitioned in most ways.  The depression can be linked to many things, even physical reasons, rather than your transsexuality.  Are you seeing a doctor or therapist about it?

It's wonderful that you've found us and decided to join.  I can't wait to read more from you!

again, WELCOME ! ! 
helen