I did it my way....

 So 30000 page reads.

Thank you all for each one. In the grand scheme of things it's small fry but every click or tap here meant someone wanted to read about my journey.

Appears some have been playing catch up because it ticked over quicker than I expected. 

7 years since I made the decision to be me. No manual, no break glass in case of emergency, just loads of browsing, chatting and trying to understand.

Oh my word I got things wrong. In my defence I had only 2% of the knowledge I have now so it was a learning experience.

Regrets? Overall not really. I'd have approached things in other ways but the end result is what I wanted and more so overall yep I'm content with my journey.

I couldn't have done it without help though.

Dad, you struggled initially and even now trip up on my name....much less often though...but without your support I couldn't have done it. From doing your own research, drinking in the Lisbon with me to picking me up from London after surgery, I am so so grateful for your open mind and love. Thank you so much. ❤️

To my friends new and old. You were a shoulder to cry on, a boot up the rear and a laugh to be had.

Special thanks to Dave. Blackpool weekends are legendary but you (and Karen) getting me out that first time laid the pathway to where I am now. You will forever have a friend.

To Net, Claire, Jamie, Tom, Spencer. Lockdown wasn't half the battle it might have been. Randomness took on a new meaning and I've made lasting friendships that go beyond our love of football. Eurovision nights are in the diary as soon as announced and random chats / drinks are life affirming.

Rita, I value our trips out, time together and thank you for introducing me to Leeds. How I missed that I don't know.

To new friends and colleagues. You let me in without question or doubt. My involvement with Prides, Networks and generally getting to know my community has added new and exciting times. It's opened my eyes to things I'd never thought I could do.

There are so many others I could thank but I hope you know who you are. There are others I've left behind. So sorry you weren't willing to join me. It's been a riot....oops poor choice of word....but you know what I mean....and so much more adventures to be had.

So I said at 30k I'd wrap this up.

In someway I will be. 

However I'm not stopping.

This was my journey.

The future are my adventures.

I may not post as often but I'm carrying on. The blog to date I'm mulling over putting into a book. Perhaps a Haynes type manual to help with transition or just a generic guide for others. 

Going forward it will get a reboot. Might start a new one....hmmm unsure yet but it's focus will change....be more about stories, adventures and yes politics. 

I'm tired of my community getting kicked, being a culture war topic and I will be pushing back. 

The journey has reached it's first stop. Like all journeys though the fun is the next one 

Thanks for letting me be me. Join me as I show you what can be done.

Love Amanda