As I lay here trying to sleep, I started thinking about my life - as I am often prone to do. In light of the fact that technically it is Thanksgiving, being nearly 1:30 AM, I started looking at the things that I have to be thankful for.

First, my family is healthy and safe - which in this time and place is something not to be taken lightly. Given that my spouse, two of my sons, and myself all suffered through Covid-19 in late March and early April, and that we are all doing fine now, I am very thankful for the fact that everyone is healthy.

This evening I saw several posts looking for authors or members who have not been seen on here of late, and it reminded me of the post I saw some little time ago asking about Elsbeth, who happens to be one of my favorite authors. She, like many others seems to have dropped out of sight.

Now that many of us are six or more weeks into our new, and hopefully temporary, normal of social distancing and lockdowns, I wanted to make an observation.

I’m trying to find a story based in the Whateley Universe in which a teenage boy is exposed to nannites while on a school field trip to a top secret lab, and then while playing an RPG on his computer he runs into Fay’s alter ego and is killed while trying to save her in the game. The nannites are somehow activated, mutating him into his role playing character, a female elf, who also happens to have an affinity for electronic devices, as well as retaining her stealth abilities from the RPG, and some pretty well enhanced combat abilities from the nannites as well.

Well, luckily, I don’t really have a fever - just a case of cabin fever, so to speak.

So both of my sons have been through a two or three day cycle of low grade fever - around 100.3F for both of them. But both are back to normal now, and feeling better. The youngest, who started first is doing really well. His brother, my oldest, is about two days behind him and says he is still feeling a little run down.

Last Friday, a woman who works in the same building as my spouse decided to go into work with a fever of 103F. She stopped into my spouse’s office for a few minutes to use the postage meter, before returning to her desk in another part of the building. She was later sent home, and then tested by Public Health for Covid-19.

We found out about her being tested a few days ago.

I just wanted to wish all of my friends here a very Happy New Year, and best wishes for 2020.

This was my fourth holiday season since going full time as my true self, and the best yet. Whether because I have become more natural and comfortable in myself, and hence more passable, or because the public around me is simply becoming more accepting, I can’t say. Perhaps a little of both?

Last week, while at work, I ducked out of my office and over to the employee cafeteria - you know, sometimes you just need a few minutes away from your desk and the computer in order to save your sanity. So I decided to get a fresh cup of coffee from the cafeteria.

As is true every year, Memorial Day weekend was not easy for me. Those of us who have served, those of us who have lost friends and comrades, those of us who have known loss - we will never forget.

But there are certain times certain things that spur our memories. This weekend was one of those for me. It is not just a time for remembrance, but a time for caring. A time for me to think of those who I have lost, and to think of those they left behind.

It’s been a while since I posted here, probably because my life has been fairly stable and reasonably happy for some time. But like all good things, it didn’t last. I know I should have expected it, but I guess I became too comfortable. I became complacent in my comfortable existence and allowed myself to be taken by surprise.

Well, shortly after going to bed tonight, my lovely wife dropped the boom on me.

Those whom we will never forget.

Save me a seat guys, for I will be along soon enough. I miss you all, and I still owe you a dance Bobby.

Absent comrades.

Yeah, it may be warm and sunny outside, but here in my world it’s just another dreary, rainy day.

I had a really good weekend last weekend, spending five days at home in Upstate NY with my wife and family. My wife Emilia and I spent several really good days together - nothing special, just some shopping, riding in the car, a few quiet meals with just the two of us, just talking and enjoying being together. I surprised her with a Valentine’s Day gift early as I knew I wouldn’t be home on the 14th, and she actually bought me a little something in return on Saturday.

Today was the first day of my new job. I recently accepted a position as Director of Transportation for Belk Stores, which those of you who live in the Southeast US may recognize. I spent about half of my day in orientation, completing paperwork, and meeting people. The other half I spent discussing the position and the direction they are looking to go. I sincerely love my boss! He has basically given me Carte Blanche to do what I want as long as I get them their numbers.

My son sent this to me this evening. I was hesitant to post this, but as it made me smile and even laugh a little on a really bad day I thought I would share it with others.

To those who might not agree with the political sentiment, I hope that you can at least see the humor in it.

D

I have been fighting depression for weeks now - just the usual things, still not settled on a new job (the problem with being senior management is that finding an appropriate position takes time - especially as this is the first time I have interviewed since transitioning), and of course there is the never ending issues with family. I'm not saying that my spouse and children are not supportive - they have in fact been very supportive this past year, but life for them has been impacted by my transition. And of course, what hurts them hurts me - deeply.