From Michigan to Michoacán

Hi guys,

I’m taking a FB break. It came from being told I share too many of my personal things on FB. Was it mature? No. I’m so much happier without it but I miss my people. That’s why I share. My friend’s list is small and I tend to know everyone so I don’t mind sharing.

I shared a crying video where I said I felt like my job was a scam. That came from a frustrating day with my classes and no support. I don’t have supplies and I certainly don’t have extra to spend money on it. I don’t have a mentor teacher, just fellow teachers who are worried about their own jobs and classes. I shared how I felt. I would have also shared that the next day was much better but I’m not on that platform anymore.

I share for my other mental health warriors who have to fight with themselves daily to have a semi-normal life. I am openly sharing my journey. My mom, brother and other friends don’t like me being this way. I know they just want what’s best for me and using social media isn’t a great outlet. I hate to break it to you, but this is me. It may have cost me jobs or friends but you will NEVER say I’m inauthentic. You’ll never catch me being someone I’m not just to fit in. That’s all I have to say about that.

Some of my students have asked me, “Why Los Reyes, Michoacán?”

Honestly, because I hate what’s going on in America right now and I really dislike our president and his leadership. I was feeling very overwhelmed by all the shit he kept coming up with. More rights taken away, DEI ending, my trans friends worried for their rights. These things might not matter to you because they don’t affect you but they are very much a part of my reality.

It’s not lost on me that the 2 people who voted for him, also sent me here by helping me with my ticket. I’ll be forever grateful to them for this experience.

Michigan has a crazy storm in its path and here I am in a skirt and tank. I certainly don’t miss the snow!!!! I’m much happier where there is sun and warmth.

Now the next question usually is, “how long are you planning on being here?” If you asked me earlier this week I would have said, “not long”. I am in much better spirits today and blessed with a warm, cozy day that’s absolutely beautiful.

Right now, I would say, “Just the 6 months”. Drew has been working hard on lowering our bills to be able to live a more comfortable life but I’ll be honest: I am overdrawn on my account, my cell phone is past due, bills owed that aren’t getting paid. So why would I move here where I’m making LESS money?

Escapism. I’m not saying it’s right or responsible but we were literally talking about moving to Mexico and then I got the job offer of my dreams. I have a sweet apartment, things are close, cheap but still need to budget to stretch my pesos out and I get to be in a WARM country with warm people, how could I say no? I left big plans for the year to come here. I left my husband and my girls. That’s why I’m only saying 6 months right now.

I know my husband can fend for himself and my girls have the support of their dad and grandparents but neither of those things are me. My girls need me. Maybe not like they did but I need to be around for them, physically. Mexico can wait until Ari and Inara are 18. My husband needs me. I need him. Love, comfort, companionship, that’s what he’s missing while I’m gone.

I will end this endless blog on a happy note. I know this is where I’m supposed to be right now so here I will stay…until June.

Thanks for reading!