As I jet off to CSUN...
It’s 4:49am and I can’t sleep. So here’s a short post about my life right now. Consider it almost a snapshot.
This post is indulgently for me, but hey a problem shared is apparently a problem halved so if a few hundred people read it i should be okay… Right?
H3. The next two weeks.
In a few hours time I take my first jet flight. I’m flying to the United States with my shiny new passport in hand. Leaving the UK for the first time.
I’m not traveling alone. My best friend is coming along as support. A slightly surreal combination of factors means that he can support me with this trip.
The reason for all the travel is that I am attending the CSUN conference. A massive disabilities conference held in Sand Diego in 7 days time. I’m on stage for 3 talks covering the gamete from autism to accessibility in the work place.
CSUN is so exciting. It’s a huge challenge but also a huge opportunity. My manager Gareth has done a wonderful job to enable us to get this far. This is really pushing my boundaries in an extraordinary and wonderful way.
I really can’t wait. I’m so excited, but also so curious. I can’t wait to experience how it feels to be in another culture and I can’t think of a better group of people to go have that experience with.
H3. Beyond the next two weeks.
If you follow me on Twitter you will be aware that this is all happening against a backdrop of huge disruption in my life.
A month ago, I lost most of my day to day support when my partner relocated back to Somerset. While hard, I have no doubt that was the right decision. For him and for me.
My response (to attempt going it alone) was not the right response and has failed catastrophically.
The situation, right now, is that when I get back from the states I have no ‘home’ to return too.
I own a building but I don’t have the skills or security to live there. I’m sure I will detail why in the future but effectively I’m homeless once I return.
What we have is a plan. In a nutshell, the plan is to organise a return to supported living in the short term, then working from there, manage a smoother transition back into independence.
I hope, no, I NEED for this to happen by the time I get back. But it’s not in my hands. I’m waiting for the local social services team to figure what’s possible.
H3. Day to day.
I am anxious about the future. I am still physically unwell (suspected celiacs) but I am positive.
2015 has been a challenge. But the next two weeks will dictate the rest of the year.
I need to seize the day. Set the tone. Make the most of these few weeks of awesome and use that to spur me on. Make shit happen. Make it good.
I am supported by the most amazing people. I have trust that ultimately, things will work out.
So here we go!