Like the sign says, TODAY is our 14th Anniversary.

For better or worse, we've reached this point.
(How did we get here exactly??) <img border="0" title="" alt="[Confused]" src="images/icons/confused.gif" />

Any way, Took wife to work today (so that I could pick her up to go out to dinner this afternoon).

No kids this WHOLE week (thanks Grandma & Grandpa). <img border="0" title="" alt="[Cool]" src="images/icons/cool.gif" />

Day started off fine.
Strangely, I am neither happy nor depressed.
Just kind of neutral. Weird.

Please keep me in mind today ..... that I DON'T let my thoughts get away from me, which triggers my emotions, which leads me too being angry....which ends up ruining the occasion.

I've done that enough....I'd like to enjoy the day (& night) if possible. <img border="0" title="" alt="[Wink]" src="images/icons/wink.gif" />

In any case, thanks for reading & have a good one Ya'll!

TopRope,

Hope you have a great day....will be thinking about ya!

Onlywords

Have a good anniversary! My 15th will be this January and the way things look now...I may be spending it alone.
At least you have your spouse there with you. Try to enjoy and think of how lucky you are that yu can spend it together.

T`

Congrats Top, bittersweet though it may be to you right now. I was posting to someone late last night and came across the thought that when we all got married so many years ago, we were such different people, so full of joy and hope for the future. Life has a way of humbling us in ways that we never imagined.

The up side is that all the pain, all the work may someday be something we are thankful for. TRULY.

Enjoy your day Top, don't dwell on the negatives, there is much to be thankful for right here and now. Maybe all did not go according to plan but in the long run it was all part of the process of "becoming". I'm sure you are a better man today than you were 14 years ago and it's not over yet!

Happy anniversary to you both, <img border="0" title="" alt="[Smile]" src="images/icons/smile.gif" /> KB

Onlywords:
Thanks for the response and the thoughts. All are appreciated.
You and Rec H seem to have come sooo far sooo fast. Very impressive, IMO.
However, You both need to share MORE.
Your story can be an inspiration and your PLAN could really help those who have no good one of their own. Think about it.

TreeReich:
Also my thanks. Especially since you are in such a tough place right now yourself.
I sincerely hope you Both not only make it to 15 but then even beyond.
Wishing you success in that.

Knew Better:
Thanks for chimming in!
Did you get my message that I really like your "style"?
I just seem to "get" your messages.
& I believe others do as well.
Please Continue with your insightful advise.

Of course your right to point out the positives and to advise not dwelling on the negatives.

However, many times I don't feel older and wiser.......just basically "used up".

Or perhaps old and still foolish.

It's horrible to admit, but there have been times (when its just Really, really bad) that I almost feel envious of any and all who don't have to "Try" any more.

You know: no more frustration, No more disappointment, no more indecision, just a clear path of knowing its over and I can deal with the "aftermath" and move on. (Hard as that would be).

I don't feel that way today, but your reference to being a different person made me reflect on how I have changed. (and much of it IS NOT for the better).
I'm more cynical, more angry and have less joy then I used too.

But I'll take your advise: For today is not a sad day.......NO, its a great one.
So I am going out and enjoying myself and "not quite there yet" is going to as well.
I'm making it my goal for the day.
We Will be happy and have Fun.......Whether we Like it or NOT!
So there!

later guys & gals

</font><blockquote><font size="1" face="Verdana, Arial">quote:</font><hr /><font size="2" face="Verdana, Arial">Originally posted by top rope:
<strong> It's horrible to admit, but there have been times (when its just Really, really bad) that I almost feel envious of any and all who don't have to "Try" any more.</strong></font><hr /></blockquote><font size="2" face="Verdana, Arial">Hey, who are THOSE people???? It's precisely the ones who don't "try" that have the most potential for problems. H and I were talking the other day over some old nagging marital issues and we both came to the conclusion that the A stuff was actually easier to deal with than the marital stuff.

At least the A stuff was black and white, right or wrong you know? The road map seemed a little clearer, so to speak. Never in a million years did I think we'd both think that! Just goes to show the "trying" can never stop whatever our marital situation.

Yes, you are a different man, more seasoned perhaps but that can be a very good thing! If some of what you see in yourself isn't to your liking then ponder on it. Recognising what needs to be changed in ourselves is the first step, change comes after. You'll be ok Top, you ARE a thoughtful man. Seize the day! <img border="0" title="" alt="[Smile]" src="images/icons/smile.gif" /> KB

TopRope: Congratulations on your 14th. We wish you many more.

As for the request to post our story, I'll leave that to the writer in the family (why do you think she took the name onlywords? She's full of them <img border="0" title="" alt="[Smile]" src="images/icons/smile.gif" /> ) No, really she is the better writer.

I don't think I can take credit for any recovery. Today has been pretty sucky for me. Not really even sure why. I think maybe I laid out the plan and luckily onlywords was able/willing to follow it. Wish I had more to say about it, but right now I really don't know what else to say.

Anyway, best wishes, congratulations and all that other happy hoopla. Post us an update with all the fun you had (and no, I don't need details).

RH <img border="0" title="" alt="[Wink]" src="images/icons/wink.gif" />

Hey there everyone!

Thanks for the well wishes. <img border="0" title="" alt="[Big Grin]" src="images/icons/grin.gif" />

Top Rope picked me up at the end of my work day (I had the foresight to bring extra clothes so I could change). We went out to dinner and had an OK time.

Had a little bump in the road when we got into a bit of a 'disagreement.' But other than that it was good.

And when we got home............

Let's just say that discussing it would be inappropriate. <img border="0" title="" alt="[Razz]" src="images/icons/tongue.gif" /> So we won't go there.

Then watched some TV and I got to see Top's posts for today.

All in all, a really good day.

Right now, I'm beginning to feel like we might just beat the odds, and make 15!! <img border="0" title="" alt="[Wink]" src="images/icons/wink.gif" />