Ultimately, he IS the reason why I am here so let's take a moment to circle back and let me introduce you to my partner, Francis! I already know he'll hate this entry, but that's ok. He's a very important part of my last 6 years and the only reason why I left everything I know to move with him.
For anyone who knows me from way back, you may recall me saying that, "I'll never move to a place where English is NOT the primary language." I truly believed that this would absolutely be the case. I know how fundamental language is and I like being able to rely on myself to understand and be able to communicate. Obviously, the future is always yet to come and, here I am, writing this from France - where English is NOT the primary language but, I have to admit that many people know it quite well! Francis and I met in May of 2016. I was struggling from situational depression, relationship issues, and felt that I needed to find someone who wanted to spend some time with me and do fun activities. I wasn't looking for a "relationship". I was looking for a friend but, with things the way they were, I needed to change something and see what happened. Yes, Francis and I met on OKCupid. His handle made it clear that he was looking for a relationship but we chatted and ultimately agreed to meet over mutually enjoyable wine and cheese! Why do I have his account profile image after all these years?? In addition to issues with depression, I also fight anxiety and, even though we agreed that this was just a friendly meet and greet, I absolutely took the screenshot of his account and sent it to my BFF with instructions to call for help if I disappeared. You laugh - but I am serious! (That and Google Photos conveniently backs up ALL my stuff - LOL) So, I didn't disappear, she didn't need to call the cavalry, and Francis and I actually hit it off remarkably well. While I was trying to work on other aspects of my life, he and I just hung out and had fun. We went to Clockwork Alchemy and Fanime; we went to the Pirate and Renaissance fairs; and we did other things here and there while having an amazing time doing it. He was patient, supportive, and never pushed or pressured anything. The summer came and went and, at the end of August, he asked if he could kiss me... I really don't remember what I actually said (probably, "Um...I guess?") but, he did and, I swear, I nearly passed out. I recall that single moment in time being absolutely incredible and that was all I needed to know. I would be an idiot to ignore the person present right in front of me. And...I guess it all just evolved organically from there. He was living in an apartment in Sunnyvale and I was renting a tiny cottage in Union City. After about 18 months, we agreed to rent a home together in East Palo Alto and try our luck at cohabitation. He gave up his apartment but I kept the cottage for several months. I wouldn't be able to find something I could afford, if the relationship broke, after moving in together. At some point, I gave up the cottage. Within our first year together, we had to move again. We found a home, just a bit further north, on the east side of Menlo Park and we agreed to sign a 3 year lease for more stability. We lived together in that home right up until making the move to France. We renewed our lease in February...and then decided to move in March... We haven't been the best at planning these things but, life is an adventure and we're trying to take it one day at a time.
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AuthorI was born at Stanford Hospital and have always lived within about 30 miles of there. This is where I'm documenting my move from CA, USA to the South West of France. Archives
September 2023
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