Finding Myself

Just an update on my medical condition. https://www.instagram.com/p/CMPo0a4niEY/?igshid=3dp0res1ndek

Today was amazing and exhausting... I met with a mother of two transgender children for coffee and six hours later we hugged goodbye and both grateful for the other. It was nice that I could help her and answer her questions. Be both connected and I am happy to have a new sister and friend. From there I met another friend for dinner and it was nice to get caught up for the first time in over a year. Since my accident last October I have only spoke with friends by phone or through video. My TBI has really affected me in so many ways and today I pushed more than I should have but it was worth it. I will be resting the next couple of days to recuperate. I hope you all had a good day. For my friends in the south getting hit by this cold weather, you are in my thoughts and prayers. https://www.instagram.com/p/CLYbx6HnAlJ/?igshid=yl124tixdzrl

I just want to wish my family and friends Happy Valentine’s Day! You all have encouraged, loved, supported me and I am blessed to have you in my life. Even though I am still waiting for my soulmate to find me I will keep living life to the fullest. I imagine she will find me along the way. Have a great day!!❤️❤️❤️ https://www.instagram.com/p/CLSGI4dHPv6/?igshid=l2mg0pcqeui3

This Saturday, February 13th, there will be a broadcast hosted by the ACLU South Dakota. It is a panel of six amazing women who continue to fight for the rights of the LGBTQ+ community. I urge you all to listen to this broadcast and get involved wherever you are. Working together we can secure equality for all. Our combined voices can and will make a difference. Visit the ACLU South Dakota to find the link to watch!!! https://www.instagram.com/p/CLKfWVqHqNm/?igshid=74hht8h6h1rs

It has been a while since I have shared anything. Life has been pretty chaotic for me the last four months. In October of last year I had a pretty bad accident and had a concussion and a brain bleed. Since then I have been in the hospital three times. I am still healing from the traumatic brain injury. I am not allowed to work due to memory issues and blackouts. The doctors I am seeing are telling me it could be six months to a year before I can return to work. I am trying to stay positive and am working on getting through one day at a time. I hope you all are doing okay. I will try to be more consistent on here again. https://www.instagram.com/p/CK-rJaynwWx/?igshid=1r92noe1x77hi

I haven’t posted anything in a while and thought I would share a few pictures from my hike from yesterday. The fall colors are starting to show. It is so beautiful but I am not looking forward to the cold that follows. https://www.instagram.com/p/CFa0MRMHrji/?igshid=1mhlmjs3knvwc

What does Wonder Woman do while holding up the world with one hand? She donates her precious blood to help others!! If you haven’t donated blood all I have to say is why the heck not!! #donatebloodsavelives #helpingothers #wlw #lesbian #gay #savingtheworld #wonderwoman https://www.instagram.com/p/CDmj86knlD-/?igshid=g31fri3eqsdn

Hiked 10.5 miles today with my friend Angel. We got an early start because we knew it was going to be hot today. It was a beautiful hike with so much to see. Getting into the Hills has been so good for my mental health. I may head out to explore another trail tomorrow. https://www.instagram.com/p/CChKHXsHqtZ/?igshid=1o1gdeez3ux0q

Today has been a day of good news for me. See my previous post for the other good news. When I checked my mailbox today I received this Certificate of Nomination from the State of South Dakota. This week we are sending out 500 letters announcing who I am, what I stand for and asking for support. I am excited and honored at this opportunity, as the first Transgender Woman of Color, to run for the State House of Representatives. https://www.instagram.com/p/CCFQHTuHxmX/?igshid=rtwz1kqq2ln6

Today I got a text from a girlfriend saying she saw me on a billboard on one of the main streets downtown. I had to go see for myself!! I did a photo shoot as part of a project for LGBT and I was just one of many amazing people who participated. I never dreamed I would be on a billboard for the whole town to see. I am honored to be a part of bringing awareness to others by sharing my story. We are also thankful to the city for declaring we exist. It is another step closer to unity and equality!! Please Remember I Do Exist #Pride # Transgender #LGBTQ #Unity #Equality https://www.instagram.com/p/CCEsF49HN1A/?igshid=vo2lknc81i5o

Today I will be speaking at Open Heart United Methodists Church on Unity and Equality. They are still practicing social distancing so you can only see it online. You can watch at 9:30 AM mountain standard time by going to their Facebook page to watch the live stream. https://www.facebook.com/1863996993845067/ https://www.instagram.com/p/CB-26PnHDwp/?igshid=1u7asku0hdtkj

Another beautiful hike in the Black Hills. This time we went to Hippie Hope and it was a bit rough getting there, hence the scraped up shoulder, but it was worth it. There are so many amazing things to see and places to go. Anyone want to come join me on a hike? https://www.instagram.com/p/CB9FgCqHYRF/?igshid=3osv0bk5zuq8

Sunset yesterday found me on my deck thinking of my Father. He has been gone a while now and we were never very close but I still am thankful for how he shaped my life. https://www.instagram.com/p/CBvIp07nBnl/?igshid=1gohib93xw3pn

Here I sit on a Friday night wanting to go out but not one of my friends is free to go out. Guess I will have to open a bottle of wine and find something on Netflix to watch. Maybe I should get a pet so I won’t have to sit alone. #lgbtq #transgender #single https://www.instagram.com/p/CBo71cgH3bI/?igshid=7gugvljsunq8

So I am the girl at work who is always happy and encouraging others!! Yesterday day I was not smiling and was a bit grumpy. So what does my coworker do? She decorated my mask. When I saw what she did it made me laugh and got me out of my funk. I do love the people I work with!!! https://www.instagram.com/p/CBVk6-UHHAA/?igshid=x3wl2t5lp2u0