intro/cry for help

[pink-miniskirt.livejournal.com]

hello, i just joined this community, i've been crossdressing for a while now and i've finally decided to transition, i was born with a male body and a female mind, but i would imagine that's pretty common here, i'm 18, i live in Portland Oregon and unfortunately i still live with my parents, i wouldn't say unfortunately but they hate crossdressers and so i have to hide myself every day from them, i am working on getting a place of my own but it isn't as easy as it sounds, I hate to start our inevitable friendship with a lot of questions and such but here i am, i would like some advice/feedback/stories/whatever from people who have transitioned or who are in the process, how long it took, how much it cost, the end result and such, while i am commited to this i am also a little nervous, and also a bit intimidated, also if anyone who has transitioned or is in the process has stories about telling parents/family/coworkers that would also be fantastic, i plan to tell my parents everything when i move out but like i said it is taking a while and i am worried that delaying any longer would first off be bad for my sanity, and i have also read that the earlier you get it done the better the result, i am 18 so i want to get it done soon and as inexpensively as possible but i do understand the costs and will settle for no less than fully becoming a woman and so i will not cut any corners
if you have anything at all you want to ask me feel free, i can't think of a single question i wouldn't answer, also feel free to read my journal and add me as a friend, it's alwaysnice to have people i can talk to
thanks
~Summer