Well… it’s been many things lately, loves. But I’ve got some big news:

I’m moving to Austin in October!

As many of you know, the last several years haven’t been overly kind to me. I left my job when Covid began to ensure my partner Ryan’s safety after he had been rediagnosed with Carcinoid lung cancer, which would ultimately prove terminal. In that time, I lived off of what little savings I still had left. We ended up living in a very tenuous family situation as his illness progressed. This ultimately prompted me to move out and return to the workforce. He passed in June of 2023, and life will never be the same.

The last year and a bit has been a whirlwind. I had a severe case of Covid in the weeks preceding Ryan’s death, meaning that I was unable to see him. Our last goodbye was a video call from two miles away. I wasn’t permitted to be there in his final moments, although I had recovered; only learning of his death after the fact, and via text message.

In this time, I was also trying to start a new career in animal care and grooming, but broke my ankle, lost my home, and found myself having to relocate out of state.

It took six months of struggling with my ankle and trying to find a job.

Just when things were starting to look up, I became very ill with GI symptoms that I couldn’t explain. However, because of my work circumstances and lack of insurance, I was unable to be evaluated and treated until months later. I was diagnosed with H. Pylori and am also now looking at a POTS diagnosis, all of which has left me so sick I could barely train for my new job. But by some miracle and through the kindness of others, I’m still standing.

This move is going to be good for me, and I am coming to believe that it’s what I need to truly start over again. I will be living with and near family, and one of my closest friends. And that is a huge comfort, despite my fears and anxieties about starting over again. Again.

Although my body frequently foils my plans, I am working as much as I can at a job that I love and am devastated to have to leave it so soon.

I’ve had a few interviews for jobs in Austin and am excited to see where things go.

But relocating is expensive. Even with cost-effective options, it looks like it’s going to cost me about $3500 to get a truck, tow my car, and get me and the animals and a few belongings out there.

I should be able to get some of the money together, but I need help.

The greatest way to help right now would be contributing anything you can to my move, but also spreading the word.

I have about 5 weeks before I need to be on the way to Texas, so please, anything.

To new beginnings