I'm starting to let down my self-erected barriers and embrace my feminine side. I don't want to live in the dark any more, though I had formerly resigned myself to "just being happy with who I was."

That's not good enough, I want to be me!

Oh but where to start on the questions I would have for other cross dressers.

Ugh body hair. I hate it. And the more I seem to fight it, the more it fights back. Bumps, ingrown hairs, irritated skin, oh my! I seem to have horribly sensitive skin. Dipilation creams (like veet) don't work worth a damn! And more importantly.. -facial hair-... So sick of it.. Any recommendations on inhibiting body hair growth, and on shaving without causing my skin to go deepsix on me?

Hormones. Okay so normally one sees a gender therapist or counselor of some kind before getting these, right? Problem being, I live in a tiny coastal fishing/tourist town, I doubt a gender specialist is among the local Docs, what do I do in that case? I know often for various reasons some girls circumvent this and get their hormones online, or whatever. Is this illegal? Dangerous? Are the reputable vendors for these things?

Which brings me to another point. Between therapists.. counselors.. hormones.. vitamins.. a whole new lifestyle of clothing and makeup and accessories.. how does anyone afford a transition? :X It's more than daunting, even my present bills often have my money tied up, how am I to afford all of this on top of it?

Oh any my voice. Might as well mention that. I know they say practice makes perfect, but are there any particular techniques you'd suggest?

I've heard there are particular exercise regimens to help with having a more feminine shape, to accentuate it.. know of any? Point me at a website or two?

Absolutely anything else you could think of to tell me to help me on my journey is most welcome. Thank you in advance. Even simple words of encouragement would be welcome and appreciated. I have only just begun down this road. It will be a long one, and I would be lying if I told you I wasn't more than a little bit scared... But I don't think I can bring myself to try and hide from who I am any more. One step at a time, I need to walk down this path.