One and a half years ago I went into work one day and checked out for good. I just couldn't face being there anymore, something inside of me had snapped and it became, and to this day still, a nightmare considering going to a workplace. I decided to retire and when I got there I called my supervisor and asked him to meet me outside. At that time I told him of my decision to retire and that it was immediate. It took him by surprise to say the least. But my mind was made up and I asked him what I needed to do. It turns out its pretty simple to retire at Boeing, just tell them and then you are done. There is a waiting period to start collecting your retirement but it's only a month. I tried to go back to school but couldn't handle the stress of going every day the same as I couldn't handle going to work anymore so I started seeing a mental health therapist and a Psychologist. I've been going regularly for the past year. Why am I telling this tale? Well, because I need to share my feelings about things.I heard that there were rumors that I had been fired due to an incident that had happened the week before. But that's not the case. As it turns out I was in the mists of having a nervous breakdown related to medical and mental health issues and my life was spiraling out of control. I have been diagnosed with uncontrolled type 2 diabetes and with severe depression. I knew I had depression issues but these were worst than what had been diagnosed in the past. The diabetes's is coming under control thru medication and diet. The mental issues are still being dealt with thru therapy and medication. Like I said I had heard rumors that I'd been fired, I guess people like to believe the worst of others. I will say one thing though, I can understand that attitude given the way things happened but no I did not get fired. Another thing was that I wasn't feeling very accepted as to who I am now. Sure under the company policy I am "accepted" but I was not equal in the company's eyes nor the unions and there were quite a few that didn't accept me as Stephanie, although that was to be expected.Today's life consists of spending time blogging on various news sites about current topics, doing housework since I am still a home owner. I've also put together four aquariums of various sizes and have to take care of them and the fish, crabs and snails that live in them. I have a 20 gallon tank which has 6 fish and one snail, a 10 gallon tank which has 7 fish, 2 crabs and 1 snail, a 5 gallon tank that has 5 fish and 1 crab and a 1/2 gallon tank which has just 1 fish in it. I also have another 20gl tank that I haven't set up yet. The plans for that one are still up in the air but right now it looks as to be a saltwater reef type of tank with at least 4 or 5 fish and cleaner shrimp. I love clown fish so at least 2 of the fish will be clowns. One of my other accomplishments over the past year was to finally customize my car. I've always had nice wheels on it but I've added a custom aftermarket grill and a spoiler off a 2005 mustang. The grill is chrome and I had the spoiler painted to match the cars color. The whole package is really sharp looking and the comments across board have been "it looks awesome". I've attended a couple events for GASS since my retirement but even those have been difficult for me. I did rejoin a LGBT car club that I had belonged to years ago and have attended meetings and events with them and have been made to feel comfortable as Stephanie. Its funny where you may find acceptance. One place angers many transgenders I know because of their equal opportunity policies. That is Wal-Mart, I will admit to shopping there due to prices. But also many of the people working there have been very friendly and helpful when asked for help. I have never felt uncomfortable or made to feel uncomfortable. I look at this as being the individuals and not the corporate policy at work. Sure they have a customer service policy but I am pretty sure it doesn't say treat transgenders this way vs everyone else. The people that I have dealt with have all been very accepting and friendly which to me says more about the people than the corporation. Given that my bank branch happens to be inside a Wal-Mart it just makes sense to shop where I can get prices that I can afford given my budget, but more so because I am treated fairly and with curtsey. I stated in my year end article that some changes are coming on the dot org site for this year. The biggest change will be an addition to the workplace transition area. I am developing a transition process for business. This process includes a step by step method to assist a company introducing a transitioning employee into the workplace. I am not quite sure on the final time line but I already have some of it done. So stay tuned for that.