Thanks, CC & TT!
Yes, it's my 'burfday', as DD5 described it in her card to me. How cute is that? <img src="/ubbt/images/graemlins/smirk.gif" alt="" />
Yesterday, to prepare for the big day, I dyed my hair and banished those grays. I also baked a big chocolate sponge cake. I'm filling it today, and DDs and I will gorge on it later. Should I use chocolate or vanilla cream for the middle? I can't decide. <img src="/ubbt/images/graemlins/cool.gif" alt="" />
I am doing OK. Much better than I ever thought ten months ago! Today is another of those 'first anniversaries since STBX left' to go through, but I know I will be OK.
I keep thinking, though, about how different things are from this time last year. WH was deep in his A, though I didn't know it, and according to him had already decided to leave me by then. I can't even remember what he bought me - some books I think. But I do remember what my Pappa sent me - a lovely new coat from Marks and Spencers. When WH left, I lost so much weight that the coat hung off me, so I gave it to my Mom. She has just bought me a brand new pale green suit in fine herringbone from the same store - in my new size! It looks great. If I hadn't thought I'd look foolish I would have worn it taking DD5 to school this morning! Perhaps I'll wear it around the house instead.
<img src="/ubbt/images/graemlins/grin.gif" alt="" />
This morning I received another birthday present - from my atty. Her letter informed me that they have FINALLY received the Acknowledgement of Service from STBX and OW. Only took them three months. <img src="/ubbt/images/graemlins/rolleyes.gif" alt="" /> Next step is to go back to atty, as she has prepared an Affidavit that needs to be sworn by me. Then she can apply for the Decree Nisi (Divorce, Part One in the UK). Not sure how I feel about this 'gift'. Strange the letter arrived on my birthday - still I guess it would have been worse if it had arrived on Valentines Day!
STBX continues to baffle me. He has just bought a new car - a rather nice one - big and silver. I guess that the Omelette wasn't too pleased about being chauffeured about in the other beat-up one (STBX pranged it several times after he left). I can't believe he's bought this car - a man who's just about to get divorced and pay out big time (I hope) spends money like this. Still, the Omelette must be kept in style. <img src="/ubbt/images/graemlins/rolleyes.gif" alt="" />
Another amusing thing is how STBX's guilt regarding the kids continues to escalate. He and OW live in a very small flat in a dodgey part of town (right next to a betting shop - lovely). The flat has two bedrooms. Apparantly, he and Omelette have given up the master bedroom and moved into the tiny box room the kids were originally going to share after the D. The master bedroom is now filled with brand new toys and games, including an Xbox and TV. How much longer can this go on?
I wonder where it is all coming from. I suspect that Omelette's parents may have helped with the car and toys. Perhaps throwing money at their daughter's stinky affair is one way for them to attempt to ignore her horrible choices.
So, here I am, four stone lighter, three sizes smaller, down one husband. I have aged a year, but look like I've lost at least five. I have a fab new M&S suit. DD5 wished me 'Happy Burfday', and DD12 bought me some fab musky bath stuff, and there's a big chocolate cake waiting to be filled.
Life is good.
Alph.
