QuoteHeck, I'd love to look even close to as good as you do.

Okay, you know what?  I get this too much.  I'm going to have to change that picture.  First of all, it's the best picture that has EVER been taken of me (which is of course why I used it, being vain >) but really it's not all that accurate.  I've mostly chopped my hair off (and this has nothing to do with my V for Vendetta fandom!)  and, seriously, who wears dresses like that on a daily basis? Not me! It was only because I was going to a wine tasting at this classy little restaurant in town (Obviously, this was taken before I drank all the wine, maybe I should find an "after" photo!) I don't wear that much makeup usually either.  I'll have to find some awful candid shot, so you can stop the "I wish I had your looks" nonsense!

YOU'RE BEAUTIFUL, SO KNOCK IT OFF!   

As for picking up the book, well, hey as long as you don't throw it at me, I'm happy for you!

Luv
~Kelly

Well, I admit I've only been using my very best pictures too.  I had somebody candidly take that shot when I had a really big smile on my face (I look good when I smile) and they only sent it to me because it was a particularly good one.  I want to update my photo to what I currently look like, but nobody is around to take my picture and I hate doing those ones where you take a picture of the mirror showing you taking a picture.  Now aside from all that, thank you very much.  It's just that it's hard to tell a lot of times if people tell me I look good just to make me feel better or if they really mean it. 

Even if you don't normally look that good, your personality shines through in your posts.  Also, I saw your photo on your "Major announcement" and you still look beautiful.

Melissa

Well, you could always try taking a picture of yourself by holding the camera at arms length and say cheez!  Sometimes those come out the best.

You're sweet to say that about my personality and all, but try listening to yourself there, chica! You have a shiny personality, too! 

I actually thought that the engagement pic was nice.  I just was still kinda mad at my hairdresser for getting scissor-happy on me, that's all I meant about the cropped hair.

Take care of yourself, I'll be back here on Monday.

I took my picture myself...but it is a little too close up for what I would like.

Thanks Kelly, I'll try that and see how it turns out.  As for my personality coming out in my posts, I just type like I talk.  In fact, it's kind of like the words get rerouted to my hands instead of my mouth.   If that makes my personality come out, then that's what I'll continue doing.  I always found it easier to write that way.

Gin, I think your picture looks good.

Melissa

Melissa,
On this highway we are all traveling to Blissville we all encounter potholes. We get bogged down and feel blue. One would think the road to Bliss would be paved solid gold, but thats not reality. The good news is we do get through these moments. If you were to reverse and head back the other way you would regret not finishing your journey and probably would not be very happy. As for your beauty please listen to those around you such as those of us in here when we tell you you are a beautiful lady. If we all judged ourselves by others' beauty we'd all be in trouble   . You have had a lot on your plate of late and that would not help you much either. We all get our doubts, but can you really deny your womanhood. Trust me there's no short cut to our final destination. My situation is different in that I am intersexual but even still I get down once in a while too. It's natural. We are all taking on a major task in trying to be accepted in the world as the ladies (or men in some cases) we really are. You'll be fine girl, I trust in that. 
Ps. My pic was done with a webcam on my own. When I transition a bit more I will get a better one too. I'm having a bit of trouble with my upper lip. Its got a bit of a dark shadow to it, no stubble though, very smooth. Weird but it is starting to fade out now.

Thanks Kim.  I know that it's never a smooth road and that's life.  I think I really need to update my picture with a more "typical" one of myself.  Besides, I like my hair a lot better how it is now.  Now about denying womanhood, I never have.  I said that going back was not an option and I listed many reasons why.  I know it would make me unhappy.  Just the thought of doing it makes me cringe inside.  I love being a woman.  For just about all intents and purposes, I am already transitioned and society accepted me as a woman with few problems in that respect.  At work, everyone treats me as a woman, even though I transitioned on the job and everyone I meet in my day to day life treats me as a woman and even my family (ex+kids) treats me as a woman.  I think the only people who don't is the family I grew up with.

Kim, on your picture, I really like it, except I wish you showed your face more.  It's kind of covered up by those pillow things.

Melissa

Thank you Melissa. The reason I did that was to hide the problem with my upper lip, which is now taking care of itself so hopefully my next picture will be able to be taken soon. I realize in your post you said about going back is not an option, I just kind of got on a spiel for a bit. Ooops, sorry, it happens once in a while.