Holiday Dressing Down

This is a collection of photos showing how I wish I could present myself today and tomorrow, followed by how I will be looking as I arrive at my parents house to stay for the next two nights. I will be in what is left of my โ€œboy mode.โ€ I refuse to bind my chest for this, but I will be wearing a bra that does not โ€œpromoteโ€ the girls ๐Ÿ™‚ As long as I donโ€™t stretch or arch my back too much, the girls will stay somewhat hidden (if not, then oh well – they are there!). I will be wearing a nice, but fairly gender neutral sweater tomorrow to dress up a little more for the actual holiday.

Even the allied and axis soldiers in the trenches crossed over to share gifts and have some peace during this time right? I guess I can do what I need to in order to make that happen too. At least for this year… as my transition progresses though everyone is just going to have to get to know the real me.

Anyway, here is a nod to all of you trans men and women who are dealing with family members that do not accept you yet. Stay strong.. donโ€™t let their negativity encroach on your healthy view of yourself. You are valid, you are awesome, you are important!

I had promised to post a few more photos from last week when I went to the Holiday Party.

The first two are from just after leaving the salon. I had my hair blown straight, then curled with a curling iron back into temporary ringlets that I could gently brush out a little more with my fingers before I would leave for the party. I think it turned out pretty well and a little fancier than my normal somewhat unruly curly hair ๐Ÿ™‚

The third photo was from a quick bathroom break at Fruitful Yield where I stopped to just get a smoothie.

The fourth pic is me in my coat just before leaving for the night.

Finally pic #5 is a photo at the event I wanted to share once I had permission. This is me and my new friend Mirya. This was the second time we had a chance to hang out at an event like this and have been chatting ever since ๐Ÿ™‚ We both have a lot in common and have become fast friends.

Holiday Shopping at the Mall

I have been working crazy hours this week and even though I needed to, I did not think I would be able to get out tonight to do some Holiday shopping at the mall. Thanks to Holiday hours however, I was able to arrive by 9pm and shop for a couple of hours. Walking around a mall as my true self is one thing I had yet to do since I began my transition. It was great! I got a lot of exercise walking the entire mall (both levels). I stopped at Macyโ€™s to get some makeup brush cleaner, then I was off to BAM (Books a Million) to buy some Dr. Who related stocking stuffers ๐Ÿ˜‰ My two goals for the trip completed, I was able to browse for myself. I did not end up buying anything for myself, but then I spotted Tardis earrings at Hot Topic and bought those for my daughter (she just got her ears pierced ๐Ÿ˜‰

I was only asked to show my ID at Hot Topic, the young guy there took the time to do his job right and looked at the name. As I pulled my ID from my purse, I said in my sweetest voice, โ€œI look a little different now.โ€ He blushed and said โ€œThatโ€™s no problem!โ€ lmao

I hope you all have a great weekend ๐Ÿ™‚ I needed a fun night like this after all of the stress I have been under.

-Ariana