Hey everyone,
Just wanted to mention that I joined Susan's a year ago this past Monday. That day was a very traumatic one in my life. I cried as I wrote my introduction and posted it for all of you to see. I had never told a living soul about these things and thought I would die with them as a secret. I simply couldn't live with it anymore and had to admit to myself that I had to transition. The next day, I came out to my then wife and my life was never the same. The last year has been one of amazing change and growth. Some sad times, some happy times, some tough things and some easy things. I look back and marvel at how far I've come. It was not so long ago I was in boy-mode posting on here about being impatient to start hormones, chronicling the dissolution of my marriage and eventual life as Maia full time. Here is a rough outline of some significant moments from the past year:

7/2010 - came out to wife
8/2010 - started therapy
10/6/2010 - started hormones
1/2011 - divorced and moved out
1/20/2011 - went full time
4/7/11 - legal name change
5/30/11 - started part time job at Disney
6/15/2011 - scheduled SRS surgery with Dr. Bowers
7/12/2011 - Met a special someone
7/24/2011 - started full time job at Disney

Pretty crazy, but incredible too. I now have the health insurance that will pay for my SRS. I met another transwoman who I am starting to really fall for and who really seems to care for me as well. I am so grateful to all of you that listened to my complaints, my hopes and fears, praised my successes and helped guide me to where I am today. For my part, I've tried as hard as I can to give back and help those who needed it too. I sense I may be nearing the end of my journey here, but Susan's will ALWAYS have a special place in my heart. Thank you.
2

looking back at the progress i've made also amazes me. this is something few people do, and it took alot of growing for me to accomplish.

Melody, wow!
you did not waste any time once you got going.
Congratulations to your resolve and sticking power.
Lovely noobies too! :-)
Thank you for sharing,
Axelle
PS: Am on similar time scale less your divorce (split before coming out), and minus Someone Special. Lucky girl :-)

WOW that was fast 

Oh Mel,
That year has gone quickly. I know we have shared tears and laughs. But the best part? We have shared them

Happy Susie Birthday

Cindy

Gonna miss you when you do leave.

A year?!? I swear it was only a few months. Where has the time gone?

Happy Anniversary! Hugs, Tracey

Melody,
I have watched your progress and been amazed at how far you have come in such a short period of time.
Your a beautiful and caring women who I'm so glad to have met. I will miss you when you leave.
Have cried with you and cheered for you over this last year sis.
Hugs,
Jillieann

Yay Melody! Thank you so much for sharing your journey with us here on Susans. I hope you'll stay around for many more years! I've benefited so much from your experiences and videos.

Hay Melody, congrats. you have made incredeble progress, I wish it would be like that for me.
Aloha.

Jennie

Criminy this isn't a race to see who can transition the fastest. 

I'll probably stick around here after all my stuff is done so don't be a stranger.  I'm sure we'll keep in touch otherwise.

Thanks everyone. It has been a ride. I will stop in here from time to time I think Maddie, Cindy, Cynthia et al, you all know how to get a hold of me. I won't be far.

You go girl! How is Disney to work for?
Good luck with everything.
Alison

Quote from: purplevelvet on July 31, 2011, 07:27:46 PM
You go girl! How is Disney to work for?
Good luck with everything.
Alison

Disney has plusses and minuses. On the minus, they don't pay much, but they offer benefits and things like vacations and sick time that are hard to find at this level. Plus, there crazy amounts of opportunities to move around and advance. There is also a pretty strong union that has been able to get significant concessions. For instance, if you work more than 8 hours in a day, any additional time is overtime.

I might stay even post-SRS if I see a future professional career there.

You work fast Melody!   Sheesh.

As for leaving, I flit in and out of susans like a butterfly and I seem to have been flitted out for most of your time here, but I can tell you've had a positive impact on things.  Thanks for being a source of optimism and happiness.  I really believe that is the best thing any of us can ever be.

Quote from: Melody Maia on August 01, 2011, 07:27:43 PM
Disney has plusses and minuses. On the minus, they don't pay much, but they offer benefits and things like vacations and sick time that are hard to find at this level. Plus, there crazy amounts of opportunities to move around and advance. There is also a pretty strong union that has been able to get significant concessions. For instance, if you work more than 8 hours in a day, any additional time is overtime.

I might stay even post-SRS if I see a future professional career there.

Overall this sounds good. The benefits are a huge plus. I wish you the best of luck. Have a magical day
Alison

Is it really only a year? Wow! 
It looks like you have landed on your feet sis, and you are finally able to be your real self after so long.  Finding someone to share the road who can understand what you have been through is wonderful too.
Karen.
By the way I can see right down your front, spunky chick!