My life since I've been gone from Tumblr:
Long time no see! I can't even remember exactly when I stopped coming by, so I will just share what's happened as I remember them, so I apologize if things are slightly out of order.
In 2019, I got engaged. This led me to Sapporo, Japan, in March of 2020 to start my new life there! This all happened just before everything got shut down due to COVID. This period had its ups and downs. With my then partner, we stumbled on having 3 cats! But 2 years later, long story short, the relationship had ended. No worries. The breakup was amicable. :)
While in Sapporo, I met even more amazing people. I admit, I was still struggling with my APD and AvPD while in Japan. But I decided to reach out and ask for someone to play catch with. That's when a captain of a local amateur team reached out to me and asked to play catch with them. This, to me, was a huge turning point.
They made me feel welcome and even invited me to their team! I admit, I could still barely speak any Japanese, but I still clicked with everyone. This helped me understand my own abilities more. I still struggle getting outside, but I know how to establish my own boundaries and expectations much more healthily now.
I also met an extremely generous doctor who was seeking English lessons. He's honestly spoiled me. Not just in acts of generosity, but in thoughtfulness. He's like a 2nd father to me now.
But my time in Japan always had a ticking clock running. As November 2022 arrived, Japan had lifted its travel restrictions, and they said it was time to leave. I tried my absolute best to advocate for myself to somehow stay longer. I even went with 2 friends who talked with the immigration bureau on my behalf, proving/pleading that they want me in Sapporo. But the best they could offer was an additional 3 months.
So 3 months later, I found myself back in Boston. When I arrived back in Boston, I discovered that my SSI status had been stopped. Communication was slow as I had asked the SSI office to reopen my case. They led me to believe that they would reopen my case. I should have pressed harder for a clearer answer, but it took them TEN months to clearly say I had to reapply from the beginning.
This honestly devastated me. I just wanted to find a way back into Japan. I asked family and friends for help so that the next time I went to Japan, I could try to apply or discuss with language schools there if I could study. So in November 2023, I did find my way back to Sapporo.
I won't dwell on the results too much. I asked 5 different language schools, and due to my history (the lack of it), I was denied by every language school. At least I was able to enjoy another 3 months with my amazing friends in Sapporo. In February 2024, just as I was leaving Sapporo again, unbeknownst to me, a new journey was about to begin.
This is where I met someone online. They were from Bali, Indonesia. Just a month later, after spending hours every day talking, in March 2024, we became a couple. I made a promise that I'd find a way to be with her for her birthday that July. Somehow, someway, just 1 day before her birthday, there I was - in Bali. What a magical time it was. But visa restrictions meant I couldn't stay longer than a month. But that's when I also, thanks with the help of my friends, found myself back in Sapporo for another 3 months.
Ever since October 2024, I've been in Boston. Still waiting for my SSI case to be approved. [And to make it clear, just because I can travel doesn't mean my disability is gone. It's an entirely different thing to work and maintain a healthy work schedule. The truth is, most days, I didn't go out.]
That's all! Thank you for reading. I just wanted to share the journey I've had since I last visited Tumblr. I hope this is not only insightful, but hopefully helpful for your own journey. I completely understand that in many ways, my story is only possible with many privileges. That's why I'm so grateful and appreciative. I just hope I can repay the kindness I've received back to everyone. <3
