Well it’s been two years since I joined MB and a while since I posted. So here where I stand:

<img src="/ubbt/images/graemlins/grin.gif" alt="" /> I got a job! (FINALLY) in January, after 8 months searching. My finances were devastated, so I’ve been catching up.

<img src="/ubbt/images/graemlins/eek.gif" alt="" /> I started dating. Well actually, I’ve become open to relationships. It’s been weird as well as tricky, as so many folks out here have been hurt or are afraid of being hurt.

<img src="/ubbt/images/graemlins/grin.gif" alt="" /> My kids are coping. I think that’s the one thing that has gone relatively smoothly since all of this drama started. They are beginning to understand why their parents aren’t together and form opinions about it.

<img src="/ubbt/images/graemlins/rolleyes.gif" alt="" /> The xW married her OM. Yep. He did move down and they did get hitched. Her doings, beyond her behavior around my kids is officially NOT MY PROBLEM. My older son has begun to say he doesn’t like his step-dad while my younger is in his four-year-old bubble of bliss. They go to my church and dude strives to ‘respect’ my presence and space. A lot too little and a little too late. Good luck with THAT.

<img src="/ubbt/images/graemlins/blush.gif" alt="" /> I’ve been talking to a really wonderful lady that I actually met while I was still married. We didn’t begin talking until a couple of months ago. Seems she had her own breakup six months ago. I understand she’s got some healing to do—I’m still at it myself—so we definitely driving in the gear marked ‘friend’. It is, however, the first time in over 22 years that I honesty considered being with someone other than the xW. We’ll call that progress.

The lessons I’ve learned are hard, but tend 2 serve me well. Still hurt, plenty lonely, but better, not bitter every day. I just wanted to share with those whose road is just as rocky and those who have helped smooth mine along the way...