Hey there. It's coming up on midnight, and I figured I should just wish you happy birthday. I am almost astounded that I avoided writing on this site for an entire year. That's what you wanted, right? So consider that wish granted!
A lot of things have continued to change. I identify as demifemale now, and I'm going to weekly group therapies for transgender people. I went today, actually. I don't know when I'm going to start on hormones, but attending this group is helping me get there, which I'm very excited for. I'm going to put off surgery for at least a few years. I just find it so funny that you outed me as a woman to your best friend way before I even realized that I was on that side of the spectrum. If only I'd recognized my gender dysphoria for what it was and dealt with it properly, I feel that our relationship wouldn't have suffered so badly.
I got a boyfriend in January. He lives a few hours away, so we don't see each other daily. I see him every few months. We're in an open relationship, in which we make our own decisions on how to act with others on the sole condition that we tell each other completely and honestly about intimate and sexual going-ons. Kinda like what you and I had going, except he and I are on the same page. Despite being obligated only to tell me about his relationships, he insists on asking for my approval of his crushes and interests. He's very considerate and supportive of me, and I love that. I hope good people are supporting you right now.
Yesterday I went to a dance recital, and I caught your bestie's choreography for F+TM's cover of Stand By Me. It was so beautiful of a performance to see in person. The friend I went with also loved it. I certainly hope that's not the last I see of it; I'm looking forward to seeing it performed in January too, perhaps. Also, she would pick that particular cover to make a routine for... I'm quite proud of her nerdery.
One more thing, I started this thing the other week called the Plant Paradox Program. It includes a special diet that I'm supposed to follow, like, forever. I think it's going well, and I feel good being on it. I also stopped being vegetarian today, by steaming some shrimp and gobbling it up. I had to be careful not to eat too much meat too suddenly, though, so that I wouldn't get a stomach ache. I'm not just going to start eating any meat I can get my hands on, though, both because of program restrictions and because of my new philosophy toward animal consumption. I don't think it's right to raise an animal for the inevitable slaughter. But it is fair to hunt an animal in the wild because it has a chance to get away, and one should use the body as efficiently as possible. Hopefully my boy can get with me on this diet.
Again, I've got no cake for you this year. But you know what? Next time we hang out I can bake you a real cake, or we could bake a cake together. Or we could do french toast! Whatever you're craving at the time, we could try to whip it up. Take care of yourself until then, and keep going for love~
