Lori -- I've seen you respond to several posts recently with support and help(even mine). That made me think that I haven't kept up with your situation lately. I guess I've been too involved in my own problems. What's going on with you these days? How are you doing? <P>In other words, <B>girl</B>, what's the scoop?

OH, Heartpain, thanks for thinking of me. I'm doing ok. No real changes. Thanksgiving was tough. H stopped by to hunt, but was cold as ice - never seen him like this. I figure protective measure.<P>Brief update: According to those who actually SEE him regularly. The bloom is off the rose, or the PT. Doesn't love her, can't stand being around her, still LIVES there, however. They fight, gets physical (amazes me - h hates violence, he didn't even like minor disagreements!). Thought about coming home briefly a couple of weeks ago, talked to his brother, even mentioned it to me. Changed his mind. Must've gotten to him, 'cause he's not called and rarely stops by since. But he took her to family's for t-day.<P>I'm supposedly the greatest wife that ever was, d's the greatest child, but he can't be with us for some reason. Says he'll never be happy again and none of his dreams will ever come true. H plans to proceed w/ divorce after the 1st of the year. Never look back. Says it's a pride thing. I don't understand. I try, I just don't.<P>Me? I'm hanging in. Proceeding the best I can. Worried about the news that my job IS ending and very soon, probably before the Christmas holidays. Having a little trouble w/ serious depression. Frustrated. Don't understand. Doesn't make sense to me. <P>But, I figure I'll be ok. Just gotta work through these issues. Trying to give myself a nice swift kick in the butt to get going again. But I want to DO something about all this stuff. I've never been good at just "wait and see". Papa's girl - do SOMETHING even it it's wrong!!!<P>You didn't ask for all that, now, did you??? Sorry, once I get started, I'm pretty long-winded!!!! I do try not to be though. Just consider yourself lucky I gave you the SHORT version!!! <P>Thanks for asking. How're you doing today?<P>Lori

Lori -- I <B>like</B> long-windedness. You surely have noticed that I am quite adept in that regard.<P>You know, I think that I can understand how pride keeps your H from returning. He has made himself look like a fool and is testing the reaction waters by just sticking his toe in:"greatest wife", "greatest child", "never be happy", etc. It looks to me like he wants some kind of consensus from everyone that he <B>isn't</B> a fool if he comes back to you. If those "who actually see him regularly" could give him the reassurance that he wouldn't be seen forever as a total idiot, it might make it easier for him to return.<P>I think this might be borne out by the fact that he is waiting until after the 1st of the year to initiate divorce. Gives him a chance to back out before it's too late. I just hope he wakes up before he starts something I know he's going to regret.<P>I guess I'm as good as I can be. W is still in bed sick(11:40am). I'm still trying to take care of her, but she's probably looking forward to this week so that OM can care for her while I'm in VA.<P>Anyway(see I ramble on and on), hang in there and I'm sending lots of hugs and love(platonic/brotherly, of course) your way.

Tee hee!! I had to laugh. With all the love and hugs everyone here sends to each other, it'd darn well be platonic!!! <P>You know, she may just miss your care while you're gone!! You never know. Even if the , oh, excuse me, does try to do his best!!<P>Pride - yuck. Everyone in his family has encouraged him to the point of nausea. Stubborn pride. Oh, well. Whatcha gonna do???<P>You hang in there Heartpain. Never know what the future holds!<P>Lori

Checking in on my two friends....<P>Heartpain - I have to catch up with you and I will shortly.....<P>What a good guy to be taking such good care of your Wife while she's sick!!!<P>And you Lostva, you are right - you will get through this and I just might come down there with my 2x4 and whack him a good one!!!! Pride my A@$!!!!!!<P>HUGS to you both,<P>Sheba

Sheba -- Since when did Warrior Princesses start carrying run-of-the-mill 2x4s? We are going to have to come up with a better weapon for you than that!!! I'm going to give it some thought. It might take a while, they say the first time is the worst(thinking, that is).

Of course, the frozen salmon!<P>Although a marlin might be a better choice - much bigger!!

Or, maybe a frozen swordfish. It's a club. No, it's a sword. Hey, frozen swordfish, it's two weapons in one.....

NO! An electic eel..... <P>bbbbzzzzzzzz.............. <P>Sorry, Lori, we're just playing for the halibut!!

Well I don't want to be "urchin" you on, but I'll be darned if "abalone" one to play this, so I'm glad the slack is being "piked" up. I'm gonna go to "school" on this so we can have a "whale" of a good time......<P>Lori, I apologize, too.....

<P>Man, you guys are making me hungry!!!<P>Sheba - I've been collecting various unusual weapons, just waiting for you to come down!!<P>Frozen fish would make a good one. But, NB,just in case, I threw some bacon in the freezer!<P>Lori

Hey, NB ...<P>What's an ecletic eel ...?<BR> <P>------------------<BR>terri<BR>I believe in miracles...<P>

Holy "mackrel", you all!!!<P>Well, this is all a load of "carp"!<P>The "scales" are tipped in my favor, of course, and you've all got me laugh-"fin" so hard that I can't get off the "line"... <P>And for my final number, I shall sing that heartfelt tune: I love hu-"manity"... lalalala<P>We must stop sea-horsing around!<P>Now, I'll quit fishing for compliments...<P>Where's that bacon? I feel like pigging out!!!<P>Electric eels are sweet snake-like animals of<BR>the sea, terri... but you knew that, didn't you