Let me begin by forewarning you of the following:

I am a writer at heart and my entries can be long - and kind of manic in the flow of thought - I over-use the hyphen and ellipses in an attempt to help you read through my randomness. The hyphens show you where to pause and prepare to shift a bit - most of the time - (case in point) - but not always (ditto).

But then again a reader like you gets it - without explanation. Or not?

(Noticing I also like to use hyphenated words - and parentheses)

I often doubt my spelling and the spell check before posting agrees - but it can't spell the words I want either - so I don't feel so bad.

Be honest - before we start - am I going to drive you crazy?

Reading, to me, is essential. Yes, in today's world you can find all the information you need online in almost every situation. Books are dying... a lost art trying to compete in a world of technology and convenience. I love my online world, but for me reality is in my spare room - the library of sorts, though in this small space I have more boxes than shelves - not for lack of trying - but the collection grows more quickly than the husband can build shelves... and in this part I tried to write more formally but it just makes me pause - in thought - so I will stay true to my hyphens –

My focus in discussion is FTM/SO – though I am open to discussion in any transgender related areas – I know best what I know from the personal perspective. My use of SO is purposeful and direct. SOFFA is an acronym that stands for Significant Others, Friends, Family & Allies - and the "O" sound is not the 'couch' sounding "O" - more like 'loft' - so just make sure when you say it you don't make us sound like furniture... but my primary concern is the SO part - the intrinsic complexity in being involved in the trans community at such a deep, personal level.

I warned you - long entries. This is just the intro.

Let me continue by telling you a bit more about myself and how I got here - posting my words somewhat anonymously yet sharing more than I ever have in such a public manner...

I can get obsessive with the internet. I recognize this and have recently kept myself in check - Telling myself I'm an adult and can't be up all night and make it to work in the morning like I could when I was younger. Then I get absolutely smacked in the face with the concept that I... Me... The Princess said "when I was younger".

Then reality sets in. There is no place to go in the morning. My job of 9 years ceased at the end of February when the store I managed was closed...

I am not a non-worker. I have a BA and really did try to fund my Masters years ago. It just never happened. But I am fixing that now - applications soon to be processed. I got stuck in working for a living not living for my work. I don't miss the job I had and did well... What I miss is the huge part of my identity I tied into the job.

Maybe I'm rambling too much - but what I want to say to you is - I'm not some loser-glued-to-the-computer-24/7... I have focused my energies into producing written words... and freelance writing sounds so much more productive than unemployed.

My head is spinning with ideas I want to share with you... This is crazy.

I am a girly girl. I always have been and always will - I love to shop - shoes and purses especially - expensive preferred but not always possible. I love cosmetics and do not go out of the house without. My toes are always pedicured - at least during months when sandals and peep-toes are possible. I do confess my hands have a bit of a gardener's look currently as I've had to find something to do with my time - but you get the idea...

And yes... Cliché as it may be... My favorite color truly is pink.