SO WHAT'S NEW? *********************** Well, now that I have got my page builder back, I can tell you! Whether you want to know or not! The reason I have not updated here is that Yahoo took over Geocities, and in the transition my info seemed to have got lost in the murk... I tried to email Yahoo to find out what had happened, but ended up in a Kafka-esque nowhere land of formula generated help files. Those are a pet hate of mine, along with phone help services that lead you in a bewildering maze of information you really don't want or need. Anyway, a couple of weeks ago, I tried again, and lo & behold, I am back! So here I am slowly updating stuff. Laura has been busy since last year: I have been out a great deal, and made a lot more friends. One pal in particular is local to me in England, and has shown me a whole new outlook on life as Laura. She is almost full-time, and much happier en femme, (you'll be seeing her in my friends file), and has introduced me to lots of other people and places. We went to the Harmony weekend together in Scarborough last year, and had a ball. It was Laura's first time out & about in "Straightsville" and we had just the best time. A few odd looks in one pub, but altogether a lot of fun. We took over a club with a lot of the girls from the hotel we were staying in, and everyone in the place was just fabulous. Everyone was up and dancing by the end of the evening, and I don't think the place had had such a good night ever! We also have been out to Leeds for a girlie night, and it is amazing how people accept you, even in the straightest places. Obviously, the ubiquitous "lager louts" are to be avoided where possible, but with a little care, you can have so much fun. I particularily love to walk to the front of any queue at a bar or club, and get ushered in like a VIP! Very nice! I highly recommend a place called Speed Queen in Leeds for a late night, or Velvet, for a quiet lunch, or busy evening drinking & socialising. We also go out often in Hull where we live, to the Clarendon, followed by Silhouette on a Friday evening, and that is also a good laugh. Lots of trannies go on a friday, and we have had some good times there. Again, everyone is very accepting, and thoroughy used to us T Girls. I have been travelling for work a  lot too, still gallivanting around the world as ever, and have made lots of good friends on my travels. (Especially one!) I have been out to a few places here & there, although it is difficult sometimes when surrounded by all my colleagues. When I check into a hotel, the first thing I do is look for a back way out that doesn't lead thru the Lobby! I did have a bit of a moment in Amsterdam last year: I had heard of a bar there that I wanted to visit, but there was no way to get out of the hotel without going thru the lobby. I got dolled up, and decided to brazen it out... wouldn't you know it, the lift doors opened in the lobby, and several of my colleagues were standing waiting to get in... I almost died, but just put my head down and walked right thru them to the door! I found the bar ok, but it wasnt too great, and at about 2am went back to the hotel. I thought I would be safe, but, horror of horrors, as I walked thru the main door, the same group of people were standing chatting by the front desk! They all gave me the once over as I walked to the lift, but not a single one of them figured out who it was... It only goes to show. It did feel good to get away with it, although my little heart was all a-flutter, and it is not a risk I want to make a habit of running. Anyway, life goes on, and I am off around the world again soon... Maybe I will be somewhere near you this time, wherever you are! I will be in NZ, Korea, Aussie, and all over the US again before fall, so if you are out there, mail me and let me know where is good to go! Nothing ventured, nothing gained! My wardrobe is growing steadily, but for some reason, everything seems to be black! (except some frilly, lacy bits) Maybe I should try and branch out into something different, but whatever I try on, if it's in black I'll take it! Most of my close friends & family now know about Laura, and that is a great relief. Everyone has been amazingly supportive, and I have not had any bad reactions at all. I think if you are open about everything, people appreciate it. Some people prefer not to have the issue rubbed in their faces all the time, while others have no problem at all. With a little sensitivity, you can easily find a workable solution to most relationships, and I must express my total gratitude to all of you who have supported me over the last couple of years, and put up with my "quirks". You know who you all are, and you have made my life beautiful... Thank you!