I had dug myself in a financial whole and tried some debt relief programs that turned out to be unrealistic given my circumstances. So, I found a bankruptcy lawyer just down the street from me who had received favorable reviews. She agreed that bankruptcy was my best option. Her fees were not unreasonable, and I started the long and convoluted process. It took a couple of months to raise the money to pay for it and to complete the required financial management courses. I had hearing scheduled for March 17, but the COVID-19 lockdown intervened. I finally did complete it telephonically May 1.

In the meanwhile, I continued to establish myself as a citizen of Indiana. I stopped doing Door Dash after I had a late-night single car crash—no injuries. I am able to make ends meet and put a little aside now with my social security and work at Meijer. Although I lost most of my worldly belongings and miss some things, I am in good shape overall. I am replacing a few things as I can. I seem to be getting along fine. My dogs could use a visit to the groomer, but I have been doing my on grooming until then. We are all healthy and have established a routine that works for us.

The pandemic has really not affected me that much as I live a hermit’s existence for the most part, although this is changing. I have made some friends with my co-workers at Meijer and have spent some time with one young guy outside of work. I have also made friends with a neighbor in my building, a 78-year-old musician who gave me some weed. It has been at least 30 years since I smoked any. Quite a trip. I like it late at night after all my chores are done for the day. I find that I am more honest with myself, both the bad and the good, and I have had more than a few good laughs at my own foibles. I am writing more, reading more, and started drawing again. I feel that I am in a good place. Little by little my place is coming together.

I have started growing my hair out a little and plan on finding a stylist to give me an androgynous look that will be more feminine but still be acceptable at work. This is a conservative area for sure, but I still want to come out more. I am not getting any younger, and I want to be me. As the Kinks sing, “I’m not like everybody else.” I have spent my life trying to blend in. Now I want to stand out a little. I am thinking getting some highlights when I can afford it, and the salons are open again.

So, that is my story up to now. I deal with things as they come and keep looking forward. I make sure every day is a good day. I will do my best to keep you up to date and be part of the TG community again.