Recently, some one on this board posted a thread on "Challenging ones self ". I took her to task as I really did in ernest  too. I got to talking with a kind of Newbie last night on the phone . She was going clear to the other side of the state to be herself as in dressing and trying to do simple things like go out to dinner dressed . I got to sharing with her the fact that I was now going places like County Government offices , grocery stores , all kinds of resturants that even a year ago, I might have hesitated in going all ot instead of my usual Androgenous look.

I was given a second chance at life this year as I near died from MRSA. Nurses , doctors and therapists all told me point blank to go for my dreams . I did so . With a lot of the people here , I took a que from ya'all
and moved onward and upward .

Anyone visiting Richmond Virginia at least until the first of the year , look me up. I'd love to share you're transgender adventures over lunch ! ellen

Thanks for posting this.  It is a great reminder....Challenging ourselves.  And I am glad that you have gotten your 'second chance.'  Hanging on to all those hopes and dreams, is a huge strength.

Glad to hear you got a second chance after a brush with MRSA, it's nasty stuff.  Everyone I have spoken to about transition has said the same as your Dr's.  Go for it.

If I eventually get to visit the States, I'll add you to the list of people to visit.

Karen.

I made a New Year's Resolution to go out at least once a week en femme every week this year. Soon after I started this, it became as many times a week as I could manage. I've only been on HRT for 2 months and I haven't started my RLE yet, so I guess I'm part-time.

It was a challenge at first, I won't deny that. But, I've been so fortunate in my support. The clergy at my local Unitarian Universalist and Congregational churches, clergy who knew me as "David," have welcomed me as "Connie." The Buddhist sangha, too, has welcomed me as "Connie." My friends have actually gotten closer, it seems, so far.

I regularly go out with my kids and soon-to-be-ex-wife while en femme, and it's just great. Sure, I'm still a little nervous at times. But the challenges I face now I figure will only help me when I start the RLE and go full-time.

The challenges can be stressful when they happen, but they can be rewarding at the same time.

Justmienoz/ karen, first, I would be honored to have a visit from ya !

Grey, uh ALL Unitarian Universalist Churches accept ALL people regardless of sexual orentation, gender , color , or sexual oregion . It's in the national By - Laws. I know cause I are one . My church here in Richmond would welcome a visit from ya !!!!!!!!!!! Hey, I'm on the coffee comittee to, have some ! ellen

That's good to hear Ellen,
As you know life can change in a second so we have to live for every second.  You and I and all of us deserve our seconds. As another Aussie chick (like  my friend Karen) I hope to get to the USA again one day, I have a lot of friends there and would love to catch up with them all. Should be some party . I think it may end a up a world tour of friends I have made at Susan's, wouldn't that be great

Cindy

I was talking to my therapist this morning and this subject came up.   Lots of people put things off for when the kids are grown, they get married, get divorced, retired etc.

On 11/9/2001 I was on holiday in Rome when the World Trade Centre in New York was destroyed.
I said to my therapist that there were probably a lot of people who didn't get a chance to do what they had put off, so there is no sense setting the future in concrete, because you may not get the chance again.

That is how I live my life now.

Karen.