Friday June 30, 2017 - Dr. appointment on Thursday.

Yesterday, I had my quarterly doctor's appointment.

I make my appointment late in the day, because of the traffic into Downtown Atlanta.

I arrived early and signed in.  His office has updated the technology because now you sign in via an I-pad and my bill is already available. So I logged in and pre-paid.

I sat in the lobby for about 15 minutes before I was called back. The first thing they did was weight me. I weighted in at 174, which is a good weight being fully clothed. Then I was sent to the examining room and had my blood pressure tested and temperature taken. Everything was fine.

After a few minutes the doctor came in and we talked for about 20 minutes. Everything was fine and I asked that he include an A1C test to my quarterly blood test. This test will monitor my diabetes and make sure I am headed in the right direction. He wanted me to have an A1C number of less than 7. I was at 11.5, which is bad, in August 2016. I had a test in early May 2017 and it was an 8. I think I can get under 7 by my next appointment in September.

My hormone levels were all in the female range which is good and we are going to continue with the same regimen. After the doctor left, I had blood drawn and then checked out. I was finished within 1 hour.

After my appointment, I went to Hardees, used a coupon and had a low carb 1/3 burger. Their low carb burger used lettuce instead of a bun. I really like them.

After dinner, I went home to finish some work.

Below are a few more pictures:

Thursday June 29, 2017 - The Switch a new comedy series about a transgender woman. Available Now.

Right now it’s available on Vimeo and Revry. It’s coming to Amazon, Google Play and Itunes this summer. 

And if they can sell 100,000 copies of season 1, then their will be a season 2. It’s up to viewers whether there will be more of this.

Wednesday June 28, 2017 - More than T. A Showtime Documentary

Showtime will be airing tonight a documentary call "More than T". You can also stream it now. LINK

The film shines a light on the barriers, the beauty and true happiness that comes from living your truth as a person of trans experience.

Trailer:

 

Tuesday June 27, 2017 - Bra Shopping

I do my bra shopping at thrift stores. I do this because I still growing and my bras are only wearable for a few months. Therefore, I go to thrift stores, where the price is much cheaper than full price stores.

Yesterday, I was looking for my first 36D bra. I also decided to buy a 34D bra. My bra band line is measured at 34. So why not try a 34D bra?

I could not find any nice or cute 36D or 34D bras. There were many nice C cup bras. But only 2 nice looking D cup bras. But each of them were in poor condition. The 34D  bra was missing a strap while the 36D bra had its underwire metal band sticking thru the bra.

So I purchased two tan bras, one of each size. I did not like that tan color but I wanted try them on.

The 34D bra had a snug fit and I had a hard time putting it on and turning the band around. The problem with the 34 inch bra, is that it's too snug. This is a strapless bra, but the issue was with the fit.

So for now, I will stick with a 36 inch bra.

This 36D bra fit, but did not look good on me. The material stretches and it did not feel good.

I really hope to find some pretty 36D bras in the next couple of weeks.

I have a Dr's appointment this Thursday. I think I am going to get a professional fitting, after my appointment.

Monday June 26, 2017 - Queer Kids Stuff video about Drag

Here a recent video from a site called Queer Kids Stuff. This seems to be a site geared to helping young LGBTQ kids learn about the community and realize they are not alone.

Saturday June 24, 2017 - RuPaul - Walk of Fame

I knew RuPaul, when he was a high school student in Atlanta. LINK

RuPaul Is Getting A Star On The Walk Of Fame

There really seems be no stopping Mother Ru. RuPaul Charles, the most famous drag queen in the world and host of "RuPaul's Drag Race" already has an Emmy under his belt and just landed on the cover of Entertainment Weekly. Now, the star is getting a literal star of his own ― on the Hollywood Walk of Fame.

Friday June 23, 2017 - MTF Workout for a better feminine body

I spend 18 months (2/10 to 8/11) getting into shape before HRT. Since Aug 2011, I have basically stayed in shape thru healthy eating and cardio. Since Nov 2016, I have not been in the gym but have kept the weight off.

I am going to start back, but I am not going to do just cardio. Now  that the T has been replaced with E, I am going to add stretching and weight training. Being in  Atlanta, I am going to try and see if I can find a training group of  Transwoman.

I have been watching youtube videos about Transwoman and getting a more feminine body. Below is the best one I have found so far.

Thursday June 22, 2017 - Physical Changes - 1 Yr of HRT

Over the past year, there have been many  physical changes due to the HRT. I am very satisfied this these changes and I expect the changes to continue.

SKIN:
My skin became very smooth. I had my own lotion that  I use to put on every day before I started HRT. Now I only use liquid Vitamin E in the morning. I do put Coconut Oil on my breasts to stop any stretch marks.

BODY HAIR:
I had been shaving my legs since 1985, at least once a week. In 1995, I started shaving my whole body from the neck down. Before HRT, I use to enjoy my weekly bubble bath and shave. I would then lotion my whole body with coconut based lotion I made.  I felt so clean, smooth and feminine afterwards.

Now, my body hair stopped growing. I still shave under my arms and between my legs, but my torso, legs and arms no longer need shaving.

I had four years of electrology, so my beard is gone. I still get a few stray hairs which I shave once every few days with a razor. No water, soap or shaving cream is needed.

FACE:
My face has changed. My skin is now very smooth and soft. I do not need much foundation anymore and the look after foundation is added, is very silky. Fat has been added to my face and its not as angular and has a  fullness to it. My cheeks are rounder and more prominent.

Before HRT

Now

BREASTS
I remember as a pre-teen praying at night that I would grow breasts. Then when I developed Gynocomastia, I got scared (LOL). Finally, I have them and I am so happy. I had hoped to develop a B or C cup based on my sister and mother. My maternal Grandmother was large but my paternal Grandmother was small. I found out in August 2016, from a second cousin, that the women on my paternal Grandfather's side were very big and many had breast reduction surgery. The current female off-spring are still having that issue today.

For me, I could not ask for better results. I had worn a racing bra everyday since 1990. I started HRT wearing a 36 bra without a labeled cup size. I moved up to a 36A, then 36B and I am now a 36C. I think over this next year, I could grow to a 36D or bigger. My 36C bras now leave an impression on my chest, when I remove them. So another growth spurt will take me into the 36D cup.

Start of HRT

Now

TORSO
My overall shape below my breast line has slimmed down from a 36/38 to a 34/35.5.  I would like to get back in the gym to take off that 1.5 inches around my belly button. My hips are at 39", so they are wider than my torso. With my breast growth, I have a more hourglass shape.

I need to help this shaping by walking and exercising.

LEGS
I have always had pretty legs. I got them from my mother. Now that they do not grow hair, I no longer need to shave them. They are now naturally soft and smooth.

OVERALL
I am very pleased with my results and will continue. I am getting my blood sugar under control thru diet, so I plan on getting back in the gym very soon. Now with my new shape, I am not sure how I will present in the gym. I think I will stay as a very feminine male with boobs.

Wednesday June 21, 2017 - One Year of HRT

About 10 days ago, I wanted to write this post, but I have not had the time until today.

June 10, 2017, was my one year HRT anniversary. I knew there would be changes, but I did not know the extent of these changes. A person's genetics and age play an important part in those changes. I knew I was old, 60, but I knew if I did not start soon, I probably would not start at all.

The biggest change is my overall feeling of completeness. I no longer have dressing dsyphoria issues. I dress, how I like, when I like. I feel more female and complete. I no longer need to present female to feel female.

I now understand that there is a big difference between how females and males see and interact with the world. I have discussed in earlier posts how my mental changes have been subtle but over time have been large. The music I listen to, the movies I like, my driving and my tears are just some of the changes that I notice and enjoy.

Physically, you can really see the changes. The mental and emotional changes are harder to notice, but the physical changes are not.

I have posted the physical changes monthly and I am going to discuss them based on the one year change.

	Shoulder	Above the Breast	Bust Line	Bra band line	Belly Button	Hips	Thighs
6/10/16	45	37	38	36	38	40	37
6/10/17	42	37	40	34	35.5	39	37
Change	-3	0	+2	-2	-2.5	-1	0

The above table shows that the actual measurement changes have been small, but it has had a major impact on my overall shape. This year has taught me that subtle changes can make a big difference.

My shoulders reduced because of my muscle lose.  My shape has a more hourglass look as my breast increased while below my breasts decreased. Its made my breast more prominent while slimming down my shoulders and from under my breasts to my hips. This happened without exercising (stopped in Nov 2016) and no longer calorie counting as my #1 priority is blood sugar control.

My breasts are more prominent than the numbers would indicate because they are filling out and dropping to a more mature look instead of that teenage look.

Now, the first thing I do in the morning is put on a bra for support and my 36C bras are full.

Even though my hips are slightly smaller, they are rounder and softer. I expect in the next year to see more fat deposits around my hips and thighs. I am hoping that this is what my hip pain is about. I will know on June 29,  after my doctor's appointment.

Tomorrow, I will continue this discussion with before and after photos, to highlight these physical changes.

Tuesday June 20, 2017 - My hips hurt

This past weekend, I had pain in my thigh and hip areas. The pain is not muscle aches. It felt like restless leg pain. If you ever had that pain that seems like the area is active and will not stop being active.

I do not know if its the HRT that is causing this activity of pain, but its annoying. Both Friday and Saturday, my legs felt active and weak.

It could be that this area is changing due to my HRT. But I see no physical results.

This is the second time this has happened.

I see my Doctor on June 29th. I am going to discuss this with him.

Monday June 19, 2017 - She documented her transition in a series of photos

Sunday June 18, 2017 - Happy Father's day

Friday June 16, 2017 - More Transwomen are running for office. This is a good thing.

Having more Transwomen and Transmen running for public office, is good for our community. Polling has shown that people who know a Transperson, support trans rights.

She is transgender. He proposed a 'bathroom bill.' They're running against each other in Northern Virginia.

The irony of Democrat Danica Roem's long-shot campaign to oust a veteran conservative from Virginia's House of Delegates is unmistakable. Roem, 32, is a transgender ex-journalist with a passion for public policy details that rivals that of Del. Robert G. Marshall (R-Prince William), the scholarly conservative incumbent who has spent 25 years as a foil to the LGBT community.

Wednesday June 14, 2017 - Pride crosswalk in Atlanta

The city of Atlanta, Georgia has decided to show their pride — permanently.

During Atlanta Pride Week in 2015, a rainbow crosswalk was temporarily installed on the intersection of Piedmont Avenue and 10th Street, an area that is known as a hub for the city’s LGBTQ community.

On Tuesday, which marked one year since the Pulse shooting in Orlando, Atlanta’s mayor, Kasim Reed, announced that the city would make the rainbow crosswalks a permanent fixture.

“For the past year, Atlanta has grieved alongside Orlando,” Reed said in a release. “Our city has rallied around our LGBT community, and we have not shied from demonstrating our unity and solidarity. And with this spirit, I cannot think of a more important time to reaffirm our unwavering and unqualified support for our LGBTQ residents.”

In May, more than 20,000 people signed a petition in support of the crosswalks being a year-round addition to the neighborhood.

Sarah Rose, an LGBTQ advocate who helped gather signatures for the crosswalk, told WSB-TV, a local news channel in Atlanta, that the crosswalk makes a powerful statement.

“It signifies that the LGBTQ community is part of Atlanta’s story,” Rose said. “And I think it’s important to recognize that like any other part of our history.”

Tuesday June 13, 2016 - New Trans Documentary by Janet Jackson

Janet Jackson to produce transgender documentary

Janet Jackson has signed on as an executive producer of a documentary on the lives of transgender people around the world. New York-based Brainchild Films announced that Jackson was working on "Truth" and would do some of the on-camera interviews. The documentary begins production this summer and will focus on the lives and struggles of transgender persons.

Monday June 12, 2017 - 1 Year Measurements

Below are my current measurements and the change since last month. The picture is followed by an explanation and then a table showing the monthly changes since I began HRT, one year ago on June 10, 2016.

The above chart shows my current measurements and the changes over last month. Above the hips the only change was a smaller chest. That seems odd because it seems that 36C bras are getting smaller on me. That is because my breast shape is changing and they are beginning to drop. So they are not projecting outward but filling out and dropping. My breasts are becoming more "mature".

Up until a few months ago, my breasts were perky and projecting outward. Now I feel the weight of them every morning, and need a bra. I feel them move all day.

I miss the perky breasts but love the fullness and movement. I have read that it takes years for your breast size to stabilize. I suspect that over the next 12 months, the breasts will continue to grow and fill out but will not project outward as much as downward.

Below the waist, I did get larger. I hope this is not an anomaly and that finally more fat is being deposited.

Overall I am happy with my results. As long as I keep my overall size  or  get a little smaller, I am happy. I still need to figure out how to get back into the gym.



\

AREA	00M	01M	02M	03M	04M	05M	06M	07M	08M	09M	10M	11M	12M
SHOULDER	?	45.0	45.0	43.0	43.0	41.0	41.0	42.0	41.5	42.5	42.0	42.0	42.0
ABOVE BREAST	37	37.0	37.5	36.0	36.5	36.5	38.0	36.0	36.5	38.0	37.5	37.0	37.0
BUST LINE	38	39.0	39.5	38.50	39.75	39.00	40.0	39.5	40.0	41.0	40.5	41.0	40.0
BRA BAND	36	35.0	35.5	34.75	35.0	34.25	34.5	34.0	34.0	34.5	34.0	34.0	34.0
WAIST@BELLY BUTTON	38	36.0	37.0	36.5	37.0	36.5	35.5	35.0	35.0	36.0	36.0	35.5	35.5
HIPS	40	40.0	40.0	40.0	39.5	39.5	39.5	39.0	39.0	39.0	39.0	38.0	39.0
THIGHS	37	37.0	37.0	36.5	36.0	36.0	36.5	36.0	36.0	42.0	37.0	36.0	37.0
HIPS VS SHOULDERS	--	5.0	5.0	3.0	2.0	1.5	1.5	3.0	2.5	3.5	3.0	4.0	4.0
BUST LINE VS ABOVE BREAST	1.0	2.0	2.0	2.5	3.25	2.5	2.0	3.5	3.5	3.0	3.0	4.0	3.0
BUST LINE VS BRA BAND	2.0	4.0	4.0	3.25	4.75	4.75	5.5	5.5	6.0	6.5	6.5	7.0	6.0

My physical goals for Month 12 were:

1. Keep losing weight (did not work due to trying to cure blood sugar levels)
2. Get my waist down to 34" (did not work due to  trying to cure blood sugar levels)
3. Get increase in Bust line. (my breasts are filling out but moving downward and not outward)

My physical goals for Month 13 are:

1. Get calorie count back under control
2. back in gym 
3. Walking more everyday
4. Try to keep losing weight 
5. Get my waist measurement going down toward 34"

Saturday June 10, 2016 - One Year Anniversay

Wow, I can not believe it was 365 days ago, I went to my Doctor and signed the papers, given a HRT script and started this journey. What a ride!

I am going to enjoy today and discuss this past year and look into the future in tomorrow's post.

Friday June 9, 2017 - Transgender boy on new Daytime Diva drama on VH1.

From the commercials, I thought Daytime Diva was an actual daily talk show, like the View. I did not know it was a "soap opera" (senior moment).

One of the hosts has a young son who is transgendered. The show premiered this week, so we will have to see how this is portrayed.

I believe, the more we are portrayed as part of the general community in a fair and hopefully positive light, the better for all of us.

Below are two short clips.

Thursday June 8, 2017 - These types of stories are so inspiring.

As our community comes out of the closet, I hope more inspiring stories, like the one below, are highlighted.

I find it inspiring when a Transwoman finds her inner strength, gets healthy and then helps others. Its these stories that will help change our community and the community at large.

Transgender woman makes shelter more welcoming to all women

As a transgender woman, Jayce Carver has battled drug addiction and suffered from sexual abuse while living on the city's streets. After years of recovery, she's now a housing support worker at the Welcome Centre women's shelter, where she helps women find permanent homes.

Wednesday June 7, 2017 - New Transgender telemedicine clinic

This is interesting. This could become a great option for transpeople in areas with limited medical options. This virtual clinic is for our community in the SE USA only. These are "red" states in which transgender services maybe limited to larger cities.

The site appears new, but check it out. This may work in the long run.

I am currently happy with my Dr, but I may try it, just to see how it works.

Dr. Lizzy Powell is operating this site.

Tuesday June 6, 2017 - I use to wonder why.

I use to wonder why many transwoman stop blogging not long after they reach their goal.

I always wanted to know what was happening after they reached their goals. I read where many said they went stealth and just moved on.

Now I understand.

As I reach my goal, I now realize why many stop.

I have talked about how one year of HRT has changed me both physically, mentally and emotionally. I am in a place where this is a new normal. So what do I talk about?

I stayed away from certain areas of of my social life. That part of my life is in turmoil and I do not feel that I can discuss it at this point. Its tough going and I know I have to go through it to get to a better place.

Other than general community issues, I do not know what to write about. How many times can I post about bra purchasing?

I am not fully dressing right now. I have covered most dressing issues, makeup and going out dressed. Now, when I feel like presenting as a woman, its non-eventful.

The rest of this week is my 1 year anniversary and then at the end of the month, is my Doctor's appointment. Now most of my time is dealing with all of this work I have.

With my dsyphoia gone, I do not feel that need to spend time dressing, trying out stuff and/or thinking about wishing I could be more female.

I am now more female.

Monday June 5, 2017 - Call me him or her

My Son Told Me, "If People Think I'm A Lady, Just Let Them"

We're at a restaurant for dinner. The server approaches our table with piping hot entrees and starts placing them in front of us. "And, here are her chicken strips," she says as she places a basket of food in front of C.J. That's our reply when our son is misgendered, when someone assumes he's a she.

Sunday June 4, 2017 - Yesterday was very emotional day

Yesterday a very good friend of mine cut all communications with me. It was a tough but agreed upon arrangement because of my HRT and moving forward. We could not agree on how our friendship would move forward given my changes.

This is the toughest situation of my life. This is the first person in which my changes have adversely impacted my social life.

Given my emotional state, I cried about it last night. I must be strong and move forward, but this is tough.

I have so much work to do today that I do not have time to grieve.

Wow this hurts.

Saturday June 3, 2017 - 51 weeks on HRT - My day 51 weeks ago

June 10, 2016, now seems like yesterday. But I was so excited as I went to the Doctor and got my scripts.

Today is my appointment with my Doctor to start HRT. 50 years  late, but better late than never. I am so excited as I have a full day.

1. Pedicure (10am - noon) 
2. Lunch (noon- 12:45)
3. Doctor's paperwork (12:45 pm - 1pm)
4. Doctor's appointment (1pm - 2pm)
5. Shopping (2pm - 4pm) - Fill script!
6. Movie with Karen (4pm - 6:30pm)
7. Dinner with Karen (6:30pm - 9:00pm)

Karen wanted to know what I was wearing, so I sent her the picture on the left. She said I looked great and will step up her game and match some of my color pallet. She stated that I can not out shine her! Lol!

Over the weekend, I will discuss my day and a new monthly post documenting my changes over the next 24 months.

Friday June 2, 2017 - Transgender Police Officer for change.

It's these small changes that will change the world.

Thursday June 1, 2017 - Missed a day and a half of meds.

I was so busy, I forget to take my evening meds on Tuesday and missed all day Wednesday. Thursday morning, I felt the difference, both mentally and physically.

Mentally, I just did not feel the same. I felt discounted to the world. The music and sites did not feel the same. I felt I was losing my connection to my inner feelings. Its amazing how woman experience this world differently than men. The hormones have more to do with that than I thought.

Physically, I did not feel I needed the bra support in the morning and they just seemed less active. I could rollover and they did not hurt.

I am so busy, but I must take my meds on time everyday. For without them, I feel the difference and I do not like those feelings.