I know I promised to keep you all updated on my progress in my RLT, but so much has happened in just the preceding two months that I just haven't been able to keep up with it all!

First, I have to say that, if I'd known that things would go as well as they have gone, I'd have done this a long time ago. I have gone places I never thought I'd go and done things I never dreamed I ever would, all as my real self, and without a single glitch!

Stores, fast food places, you name it, I've been there. I've bought makeup, clothing, shoes, jewelry, all as Cathy and all without any kind of incident at all! I've used ladies rooms exclusively since I began my RLT, again without incident, even when there were other women present, even entering at the same time as another woman.

I have been completely accepted and even embraced by my friends and co-workers, including my boss and the County Attorney. (I work for the county as a Senior Aide) Today, I was even addressed by one of my co-workers as "babe!" Now I know that might seem like sexual harassment to some, but to me, it was an acknowledgment of my female status and I felt quite comfortable with the appellation. Besides, I knew it was somewhat in jest. Still, for me to even be considered as a "babe" was really good for my feminine ego! LOL!

I have made some new friends, who only know me as Cathy, including the very first T-girl I have ever met, face to face.

Perhaps more importantly, I have made some major decisions concerning the rest of my life. Starting very soon, I will be taking some online courses in therapy, with the eventual aim being to become a counselor myself. Recently I was asked what my dream job would be and my immediate reply was, "To be able to work with people like me, other Trans men and women. To help them try to understand this state of being and try to help resolve their confusion and fears about it."

I've also been seriously considering starting a support group for Trans folks, here in town. There ARE no actual support groups within a 50-70 mile radius of Jamestown, for adults. I've been informed that there are "gobs" of grants available for just such groups, crying for somewhere to be used, and places for meetings that are understanding and even sympathetic to us.

All in all, I couldn't have asked for a Real Life Test to go better than mine has gone, and a lot of it is directly due to the good advice, help, love and understanding I have gotten from all of you, my online family of choice.

May whatever deity you follow bless you and yours, and I hope your lives are filled with the joy and wonderment I feel every day, now that I am finally who I was always supposed to be. I can finally say that I like me...I really LIKE me!

Love and huggles from an out and proud,
Catherine Linda Michel