Glammed Gams

Really, really nice meeting on Saturday. Much like the January meeting, we had a short bit of business, then a round table discussion. This one centered on issues of identity and becoming comfortable with one's self, and how that is Job One, before you go looking for a relationship.

We had one newbie, and two that were there for the second time, more than a year removed from their first visit. Having fresh voices and hungry ears at the table seem to be the key to a frank, respectful conversation. There were great, sincere questions asked by the new and old guard, and thoughtful answers in response.

The thing about me is that I am not advancing in my transition, as so many others are. I am constantly greeting new faces and saying goodbye to the older ones. I'm pedaling a stationary bike, while others come and go. Okay, that's not entirely accurate. My presentation is becoming easier and more natural. That's hardly advancement on the transition front, but it is progress. I am more at home as Leslie, slipping out of my male mannerisms quickly. I like that. I pack more quality time into my meetings that way. Little time is wasted unmaling myself.

I was very pleased with my presentation this time, and thank heaven Sylvia brought her camera. I meant to bring mine and forgot it in my headlong rush for the door. The makeup is getting easier for me, and more polished at the same time. It helps that my hands no longer shake when applying my makeup. I'm no longer dealing with a huge adrenaline surge while I'm dressing, so the hand is much steadier.

I want to share a closeup of my shoes. I adore these. From Payless, of course, made by Dexter (the shoe company, not the crusading serial killer with a heart of gold). They are a little narrow for me, so they squish my toes, but I am working hard to stretch them out with my feet. Note that there is a bit of a platform on these shoes. I missed that detail when I ordered them. Gawd knows I don't need an extra half inch of height added, but there ya go. I can live with it.

I wanted to post the leg shot, additionally, because they won't look like this again for a long while. I did my final epilation of the season last Thursday, and the hair is already making a comeback. I typically epilate twice a week, so the hair I see on my legs right now wouldn't bug me normally. It would be gone in another day or two. Today, I look and recognize that it will only get longer. I'm hoping to be able to wear a skirt with black opaque tights next month, but it will be slacks or jeans after that. My epilator is going into hibernation for the summer.

The mental impact of this is just beginning to hit me now, as the joy from the meeting wanes. Nothing serious yet, but I'm expecting the worst. For now, I'll just try to savor the memory of Saturday.