Ode To Dallas

You’re probably wondering where I’ve been—or maybe not. Either way, let’s do a quick life update before we jump back into our regular programming and character development.

First things first: I made the decision to leave the great state of Texas. As you all know, Texas was my fresh start, my new beginning. I moved there to push myself and see if I would sink or swim. I wanted to live independently—just to say I did it and to earn that experience.

There are so many amazing, unique memories I’ll carry with me. One of my favorites was going to Red River. I loved putting on my cowboy boots and flare jeans for nights filled with sparkling lights, dancers of all types, and confetti to cap it all off. I met incredible people—co-workers, friends, strangers. I got to experience a culture different from my own. I ate so many tacos I started to think I might actually turn into one.

I also had the chance to reconnect with old friends, which brought me so much joy. Shout out to Juan and Rodolfo—thank you for everything. They may not know it, but the time I spent with them really shifted something in me. It reminded me that I had a home away from home. They loved me, poured into me, watched me cry, and fed me Chick-fil-A—probably hoping it would make me stop. Fun fact: it did.

I continued to grow in love with my partner, and when I think back on all the fun experiences we had in Dallas, I can’t help but smile. We went to a billion restaurants, including Smoke’N Ash—a spot that’s guaranteed to melt anyone’s heart. They fuse Texas-style BBQ with traditional Ethiopian dishes. I’m sure he’s somewhere crying himself, because he's going to miss the city just as much as I will.

I’ll always cherish my time there. Dallas is where I gained my independence, where I learned to be self-sufficient, where I discovered that with great risk comes great reward. Dallas taught me that I can be great anywhere I choose.

As I start this next journey, I want to express my deepest gratitude to everyone who’s cheered me on. Thank you for supporting and loving me—whether we have a parasocial relationship, talk once a year, or chat every day. It means the world.

If you’re wondering what’s next for me, stay tuned to Emotionally Dressed.