1) A bookstore photoshoot
I had this idea in my head that I wanted to introduce the world to my girlfriend via a cute, Pride-themed photoshoot in June. I’ve also never officially come out on Instagram so there were some coworkers and even some family members who didn’t know about my queer identity. On Friday, we met up with Bri and her husband to take photos at our favorite bookstore (owned by a queer couple!) in downtown St. Pete. Even better: there was a Pride kickoff party happening nearby that same day! Bri was an amazing photographer and took well over 100 photos of us both inside and outside the bookstore. (We took a few photos outside the bookstore and then when we came inside, the booksellers clapped for us and were more than happy to let us take photos inside.)
2) Meeting all the people
My girlfriend and I are definitely in the “meet all the people” stage of our relationship. I’ve met her brother and her best friend, and she has met Bri, Bri’s husband, and my mom. (!!!) I think I was way more nervous to meet her brother than I was on our first date! I like to think I’m a likable, personable person, but I’m also incredibly shy and have social anxiety, and that can sometimes come off as standoffish. But meeting all the people has gone really, really well so far. Bri and her husband adored her, which made me really happy. My mom also loved her, and we had a really great dinner with the three of us. I also got the stamp of approval from her brother and best friend, which is such a relief!
Next up is meeting more of my girlfriend’s friends (we’re doing a game night next Friday) as well as her parents (which will be lunch the following day). Whew! We have had to put on our extrovert pants this month, but it’s all totally worth it.
3) Cancer-free
This whole post has been filled with wonderful news, but this is the BEST news: My family member was declared cancer-free this week! He’s been doing chemo and radiation for a few months now and had scans done last week. When he went in for treatment this week, he was told the scans came back clear and he was done with treatment. He got to ring the bell and everything! I am so, so happy that he is cancer-free and can get back to his normal life again.
4) A milestone birthday
On Monday, my dad turned 60 years old. Estrangement is such a hard thing, and it feels especially difficult when I don’t get to celebrate with him on his birthday. Father’s Day is also right around the corner, another day that can be fraught for me. I’ve been pretty sad this week, thinking about my dad and wondering if he has anyone to celebrate him on his birthday. I hope he did.
5) Weekend plans
It will be a fun-filled weekend for me! Today, Bri and I have a lady date planned. We are going to hit up a BBQ place for dinner and then head to this super-cool museum in downtown St. Pete that’s doing a Pride Immersive Experience. We’ll check out the exhibit and do a scavenger hunt, which should be really fun. On Saturday, I have a writing date with Mikaela in the morning, podcast recording with Bri in the afternoon, and game night in the evening. (WHEW!) And Sunday will be more of a low-key day!
What are your weekend plans?
Ooooohhhhhh STEPHANY!!! I AM SO HAPPY FOR YOU! Hello Elizabeth, I’m happy to see these photos and know that you and she are so happy together. Eeeee. I love this so much. And meeting the family! Such big things and yayyyyy for love and being who you are. Stephany, I cannot say how much I love this.
Enjoy your busy weekend! It sounds very fun and hectic.
Thank you so much, Nicole! It feels really good to be fully out and fully myself, and to be in a very happy relationship, too! Gold stars, all around. 🙂
Hi from Ireland! I just had to delurk to say what a sweet moment this is to witness. Your photos together are truly lovely, I’m delighted for you 💗
Thank you so much, Debbie! That means a lot. <3
LOVE this so much. The CUTEST photo shoot– what a brilliant idea. Have a wonderful weekend
I had to do a cute photoshoot at a bookstore – of course I did! Haha.
I love this!!! What a big step to come out on social media. I hope you got a slew of positive, encouraging comments! And hello, Elizabeth! She sounds like a delightful person and an excellent match for you. I’m so happy for both of you! I know how nerve wracking meeting the important people in your significant other’s life can be! I really hit the jackpot with Phil’s friends. I started a book club with some of sig others of his friends and one person in particular is one of my closest friends – and their son is besties with Paul! So good things can come of meeting new people but it’s nerve wracking!
Yay for your family member being cancer free!
Thank you, Lisa! The response was overwhelmingly positive, so it has been really lovely to receive so many kind, encouraging words.
That’s amazing that you are so close with Phil’s friends and their significant others! GOALS.
HOO-FRICKEN-RAY!!!! Happy Pride! Those pictures are absolutely delightful!
Thank you so much!
OMG Elizabeth is the best! It makes me feel so so happy she makes YOU feel that way! I bet she is saying the same thing about you to her loved ones. And what a big deal to announce your relationship on Insta and here. Woot woot!
And yes, totally worth the extrovert pants to meet all the loved ones. Yay!
Congrats on your family member being cancer-free! That is wonderful news!
I love that even in your sadness about your dad you are still sending love his way and hoping he had someone to celebrate with. That’s so kind, Stephany. Sending you lots of love this week!
What a busy weekend! Mine was more chill! I taught Friday and that took it out of me so I’ve been trying to relax the ret of the weekend!
Thank you, friend! <3 It was so great to receive so many kind and supportive messages on the photos I posted of Elizabeth and me.
I'm so glad you had a chill weekend! LOOK AT YOU!!!
Thank you for introducing us to Elizabeth! You look so happy together!
Estrangement is strange (for me it’s my mom) but I also send her thoughts of love pretty much every day. But her birthday rolls around (October 21) I get very quiet and sad.
Congratulations to your family member being cancer-free!
Thank you! We definitely are. <3
Estrangement is a very hard thing and birthdays and other milestones make it even more sad. <3 Sending love to you!
Yay! I’m so happy for you and Elizabeth, Stephany. I wish you supreme happiness in your relationship!
And yay! for your family member being cancer free! Have you suggested that they get a pet to celebrate? 🙂
Tehehe – I have not suggested a pet, although I think that might be the best way to celebrate the end of cancer treatment!
Awww! The girlfriend reveal!!! I love the photos, and she sounds perfect. Great job on meeting all the people (I’m realizing that as I’m writing this, you’ve probably already met her friends and parents. Phew!)
A huge YAY for the cancer-free family member! I agree with Engie that he needs a pet (I suggest a kitten.) And, I hope Father’s Day goes okay for you. I know- it’s not a fun day for a lot of people, for various reasons.
I meet friends and parents this weekend! Eeks. I am sure it will go great!
Thank you, friend. <3 I am trying to pretend that Sunday is just any old day in my life.
Aww, Stephany, I am so happy for you and Elisabeth! Thanks for sharing and revealing the photos and your girlfriend to us 🙂 It’s wonderful to hear how much positive feedback you both have received since announcing your relationship! <3
Wonderful to hear that your family member is cancer-free and I hope Father's Day is not getting you down too much. I know you made the decision to not have contact with your dad, but that doesn't make these special days easier.
Thank you so much, San! <3 It feels really wonderful to finally be able to talk about the woman I'm dating in public!
I am just beaming with happiness over here. Stephany, this makes me so happy. Knowing that you and Elizabeth (Hi, Elizabeth! Welcome from Stephany’s bonkers blog reader who has been bugging her to introduce her new person to us. I am so glad to meet you!!!!) are so well-matched (I mean, come on, the SBC thing is TOTALLY a sign) and are so happy together makes me so happy. Stephany, I just… wow. You are so comfortable with yourself, and being who you are, and it just shines out of your face. So, so happy to see you in this place. <3
I am so sorry about your estrangement from your dad. Losing family members – in whatever way – is so hard, and to know that he is out there, having a birthday, must be difficult for you. Sending love, as always.
Engie has it right. Cancer free? Time for a dog! 😉
You are so sweet, Anne! Thank you for being the biggest cheerleader and champion for me. <3 It means so much!
Late to the party with this comment Stephany, but just had to say what a wonderful blog post! How lovely to have such happiness to share, both with your girlfriend and family member. Great we can finally ‘meet’ her, she looks and sounds fab and just right fit you. Look forward to seeing more of you both
Thank you so much! It feels so good to be able to be so public about my relationship. <3