Thanks everyone!
Yes Terri it would be a management position - but I already have 1 person reporting to me, and am the lead in several major projects that I manage. Donald, I do tend to be a "happy happy" person, but I feel I can/have made the tough decision when I have to. However, my boss is in another state, and may not see that since I am not with him, and just talk on the phone daily.
With that it is hard to have a good serious talk on the phoen! I've talked to him in past years about my career, and he has told me that I am doing nothing "wrong" and the only thing that he could see that is I would need to take some management courses (par for the course at my company). I've tried to schedule some in the past year, but he keeps putting off approving them.
Your also right Terri, that I've not worn much/any makeup in the past - but since I've gotten my hair cut and out of the pony tail
I've been wearing makeup (fondation, eye liner, masacara - a little blush) My company does put a a bit of not-so strong empasis on looks - after all I work for a "beauty" company - pictures of models everywhere.
I didn't have a chance to talk more in depth, he told me this while on the phone - I was at my desk/cubicle - not exactly prime area for a heart-to-heart on my end. I talked with my local HR person, and he suggested I talk with my boss and tell him exactly my concerns (again) - which I had planned to do any - soon as I can get him on the phone.
Donald you bring up a good point, I need to be more confident in myself - I am very good at what I do, and others think so too - I just need to have more confidence in myself and stand up and crow about it more.
Atriana you are right, I am going to polish up my resume this weekend, and start hunting in earnest after the first of the year.