Hey, all! I just wanted to poke my head in to let anyone know who is interested, that I've gone full time!
I have only one month under my belt so far, but things are great so I am not at all worried!
My transition so far has been very speedy. For me, it began with coming out to my Mom, then the rest of my family and friends from February 09, to the summer. Once fully "out" I began presenting as a woman at home most of the time.
Before I go on, let me explain quickly my living arrangement. I had my own place, where I lived with my three year old after splitting with my son's (other) mother. Yes ,me being trans certainly was a big reason why we split, but like most failed relationships it was FAR from the only reason. I got laid off from my job of five years at a floor tile warehouse and had to move with my son into my parents house, where my younger by one year brother lives as well, and that's where we are to this day. After my first year living "back home", the need to express myself became more than I could bear, and after a personal epiphany I realized that as things were, I was a miserable, depressed and frankly a very hateful person, and in order to be the best person I could be, the one I knew was inside me, and to be the best parent I could be to my son, I needed at the very least to let my family know how I felt. Whew! Not a very quick recap after all...
So I came out and long story short (maybe!), everyone I know and care about accepted me, not understood mind you, but accepted none the less. Or so I thought...(DUN, Dun, dunnnnn...) but that's a story for another day....
In June '09 I first met my doctor and told her that I was trans. She was (and still is!) amazing and supportive and ordered me a blood test and set me up with where to get a psych eval, her only criteria for getting on hormones so we could get started.
In July '09 I had my psych eval, a 45 minute long video interview at the behavioral services clinic.
In September '09 I started estradiol, then had another blood test.
In November '09 I began spironolactone and had another blood test.
Around January this year I began to have breast pain, and started to notice a (VERY) slight increase in size. The pain persists to this day, though some days are far worse than others.
In March I started to have laser on my face, and after only two sessions so far I have had amazing results compared to what I've read.
I've had such great results in fact that a day after my second treatment, I decided to see how many days I could manage presenting as female. Usually because of the daily shaving causing too much damage like ingrown hairs and razor burn, I could only manage about 3, 4 days tops before I HAD to give my face a break for at least 1 day.
Soooooo, after about twelve days I realized I was able to go full time. The only thing stopping me then was me. I went down to the DMV and got a new drivers license picture to avoid any ID related problems. I've taken my son to the optometrist and school. We even went to the Pima County Fair, the biggest fair to come to Tucson! I have just done everything I need to do, and so far, so good.
I've interacted with many people now, and everyone is very respectful. I have only had female pronouns used on me and not a single laugh that I know of....
Words cannot express how wonderful I feel...It's just amazing feeling like a whole person, something that so many people get to totally take for granted. It's like finally getting a joke that's punchline has eluded you.
I don't know when my transition will be "done" if ever, but I feel like if I'm doing this good now, things can only get better, and I am excited to see what every new day brings!
Thanks to every single person who has ever helped me here, especially the full time ladies. Seriously, this site has been a great source of strength, friendship and knowledge for me and I'm not sure where I'd be without it. I love you all!
X♥X♥X♥ ~Amanda
That is why they call you Super Amanda! 
Originally Posted by My sister Lilli
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