What a brave step you've taken!! My thoughts are with you as you take the next part on your journey!!!

Thanks so much missyjo :)   xx

Immigration is a big issue here. I can well imagine there are many who will look upon this with horror.   I do notice the "skilled" though. No help for the poor.   Boat people from across the Atlantic?   Tracy  

I know how difficult this decision has been for you, Samantha.  I've been there, too, as have many of us here.  It isn't any easy path to walk, but we also know how hard it is to ignore the feelings that gnaw at your heart and brain.  You have my well wishes for success and happiness.  We will do whatever we can to support you and encourage you.   HUGS   Carolyn Marie

Had appointment with nurse practitioner today. She was really really good. Went through everything and explained it all to myself and partner (well not sure what she will be soon). Just need to get a blood test and can start HRT. Hoping to get it done tomorrow and hopefully tests are done quickly and can get HRT soon.

Privacy is a pretty good argument.  Probably better than discrimination.  After all, how do you enforce a law related to reproductive anatomy without checking what sort of reproductive anatomy (if any) a person has?  Privacy violation is basically assumed in the law. 

Well this girl is in a happy mood today. Me and our youngest went down to check out the Buick 455 engine that I am getting for my wagon.  It sounds sweet. put down a down payment. He's getting it pulled out of the car mid week. I will go down a get it next weekend.   My wife said to go ahead and get it.   Kymmie

I thought this has already been studied?    I'm not in favor of funding a bunch of health research with our tax dollars.  It wasn't great before, and changing the focus doesn't change the principle of the thing.  It isn't the government's job to do this.  The inconsistency of defunding one thing just to fund a different thing is truly galling.  Unfortunately we don't seem to have a "No I don't want to pay for any of that!" party that I can vote for. 

I'm fine with it.  People ought to be able to move to where they are happiest.  In fact, I'd be in favor of the US government subsidizing people's move to expedite their exit. Those who want to leave, let 'em go.   I can't imagine being more happy or free anywhere else, especially not the UK.  I'll stay right here. 

I know she's not ending the relationship...she's got 5 kids here, and I can't imagine her leaving them.  And it isn't a monogamous relationship - she's got our husband, our female partners, AND my sister.  I guess its a good thing it isn't just about me.  But she's not really the kind to talk about relationship issues with me, or discuss her emotions much.  If I bring it up, she changes the subject or dismisses it totally.    I am still upset today, and I bared my fangs at my husband quite a bit.  Probably more than I should have.  But he understands her better than I do and it feels like he's willing to let her do whatever.    Right now I'm just doing my best to keep it together and do extra parenting stuff while she's gone. 

I am glad to see this, I am a member of two Scottish Clans.  I will have to get my kilts cleaned up a bit, but a canny Scot canna no be beat!!   My Irish roots are deep enough that I think they would also accept me as a dual citizen and they have become accepting in the past few years.

https://www.thenational.scot/news/25067206.scottish-mp-calls-visa-americans-fleeing-trump-administration/?code=Y2EWMWE2NJCTOTNIMS0ZZWZHLTLKZJETOWZHMMQZYTUXYZG4&state=7bad3a1ff3c949fc93105e9951126bca&utm_medium=Social&utm_source=Threads#Echobox=1743872497-2&callback=in   "A SCOTTISH MP is calling for a special visa route to allow Americans fleeing the Trump presidency to come to the UK."   "Christine Jardine said she wanted to see a potential “fast lane” for skilled US citizens. She presented a motion on “Trump and the UK’s place in the world” to the Scottish LibDem conference in Inverness, which was backed by party members."   Things have certainly changed.  I grew up thinking America was a place refugees came to - not fled.  At least the protests yesterday were encouraging.

@Heather Shay Good question. I’d say I’m progressing in my emotional growth, and quite meaningfully so.   I’ve been navigating complex internal and external challenges, from my living situation and past trauma to gender affirmation, emotional vulnerability, and spiritual development.   What stands out most is that I consistently reflect, ask thoughtful questions, and strive to align my emotions, values, and sense of self.   Some signs of this growth include greater self-awareness, I express my feelings honestly, whether it's joy, grief, discomfort, or confusion. I’ve become more attentive to moments of shyness or insecurity, and I explore their roots instead of pushing them away.   I’m more empathetic too. The compassion I show toward others in my support groups reflects a deeper emotional sensitivity and maturity. I don’t shy away from difficult topics with my therapist or psychiatrist, whether it’s about social anxiety, transitioning, substance use, or spirituality.   I meet each of these with openness and grace.   I no longer feel the need to pretend I have everything figured out. I keep showing up, expressing myself, and seeking truth, and that takes real courage.   Even when I feel overwhelmed or unsure, I know I’m still growing, because I’m choosing awareness over avoidance and self-love over shame.   That, for me, is what emotional progress looks like.

Skin changes are normal on HRT.  My skin felt softer, and my facial fat rearranged itself.  I remember looking in the mirror one day and realizing that my eyes were different.  Then, another day, my lips were different.  I am more sensitive to temperature changes.  My skin dries out more easily, so I now regularly use a moisturizing cream on my hands.   For me, the changes were welcome.  That was what I signed up for, among other things.  If you weren't expecting them, I can see that they would be disconcerting.   Relax and enjoy the ride!

Greetings.  I am back on HRT about a month and perhaps dealing with adjustment pains.   I woke up in the middle of the night noticing my lips suddenly much softer and felt fat redistribution in my cheeks (lifting my cheeks).  Then I finally noticed my feet feeling cooler and my skin sticky.  This happened before and it scared me into stopping but now, 6 months later I realize this is just part of the process of adjustment.    So I went out and bought a moisturizing soap, Dove soap, hopeful that will get rid of that sticky feeling after I shower.  I know other changes will come and remind myself that this is a long process that will take time and not to panic or freak out with sudden changes. 

Me too!  

The Pride Alliance will truly benefit!

@neo3000  Congratulations on starting T.  And congratulations for having the staying power to hang in and move forward.  You are an inspiration to others!  Jani

Neo, thank you so much for your words of encouragement and happiness.  Congratulations on finding your way to the Manhood Express, the train that is taking you on this wonderful journey.  You're an inspiration to everyone.       HUGS   Carolyn Marie

Sunday good morning    ok there is nothing wrong with my AC. I think they turned it on and set the temperature down too low and it froze the coil with ice.  When I got home from work it wouldn’t blow air as reported.  I turned on the heater and checked the drain water sensor.  I then turned on heat.  It didn’t take long and I was feeling heat at the registers. Let it sit a while then turned on the blower only, air was coming out.  So I turned on the A C at !° below the current temperature on the thermostat, it was blowing cold.  When it shut off, I dropped the setting two more and it followed   Ind now it’s set normal and is doing just fine! Phew. I was concerned because AC repairs are not cheap here and my Granddaughter the HVAC TECH is busy in Virginia.  It’s supposed to hit 81 here today! well, off to church.