Hi everyone!
I know I have been gone for quite some time now, and I just thought that it would be nice to give a quick update. I'm sure you know how it is... life gets busy, then you come back and see that many of your close friends no longer post. It's hard to get motivated to build a bunch of new relationships! Anyway, a few of you may remember me, and a "HELLLLOOO!!" to all those who don't!
Here goes—
I'm coming up on 2.5 years since I made the full transition. I'm doing well, but there is definitely a dark cloud that exists for all of us right now, especially for those of us living in red states. The Texas legislature is doing everything possible to make sure I know I'm not wanted, and that hurts. It's not anything HUGE that I can't deal with — it is the constant little micro-aggressions that are meant to make me feel embarrassed and uncomfortable. It is something akin to being a black man and watching white women clutch their purses just a little more as I walk by. I'm sure you get it.
Like I tell my family and friends, there is ZERO problem with anyone who actually knows me. I am loved and treated well by all in my "circle". It is the stuff going on outside the circle that is a problem. Ever since Trump took office, the bigots have been emboldened. I have been hurt to see posts on Facebook by people I "thought" were supportive. Sad.
Anyway, I have started planning for my escape. I put my house on the market and have moved into an apartment. I want to stick around until Emy graduates (another 2 years), but I'm getting myself ready to skip town at a moment's notice if things get really bad before then. At that point, it may be CA, MA, or maybe even out of the country. I'd love to move to Norway or Denmark, but my easiest path into the EU is Portugal.
I hope everyone is doing well!
~Sara
