Yup, that's right. In the span of the last five weeks, I've had TWO birthdays, my actual "OMG I'm a year older" one, and my BCTS birthday as well.

On December 12th I officially reached the quarter century mark. There's a lot of things I had wanted to do before this time that still haven't come to fruition -- transitioning, graduating college, finishing "Echoes" -- but it's not an occasion that is marked only by negatives. I've got a decent job now, and though I'm living back home now, both of my parents know about my situation and are supportive of me doing what I need to to become who I want to be. I'm paying off credit card bills and student loans, I've got a car... a lot of things are looking up for the future.

And then there's my birthday HERE. One week ago I turned five years old as far as being a BCTS member goes. In that time I've posted more than 100 individual stories or story parts, including starting four -- count 'em -- four stories I haven't yet finished. I've made a ton of friends, and really feel like this is the best community online.

So, thank you all for giving me such a wonderful place to spend my time. Five years running of this being my favorite community and the only place on the web I really feel like I belong.

Melanie E.