Last night Mrs. Hold found a comparatively affordable cruise. Still, with airfare and shore excursions it will cost $5000+. If S15's AAU team makes nationals, it is about $2000 for him and a parent to go to Little Rock for a week. If D13's swim team makes nationals, it is about $1500 for her and a parent to go to Buffalo for a week. We do not have $8000+ for our summer travel budget. We live paycheck to paycheck as it is. She got very snippy at me when I expressed hesitation to sign up for the cruise.

If I were more productive at work, I could afford to do all of this. I can't believe I get more "payoff" from denying her ENs than from creating some great memories with my kids. They will be out of the house soon and I will regret being so self-absorbed.

Originally Posted by retread
Half-hearted efforts come from lack of commitment, and they are just jerking your wife around.

Isn't that the point?

When you can see it coming, duck!