What's making you happy today?

[infinite monkey]

I've seen the t-birds too. Angels, probably because of the Marine thing, have a special spot in my heart.

You should take the kids. Mom took us, and in particular my younger brother, when we were kids...now my younger brother is taking his daughters and they are thrilled. Wouldn't be surpised if one of them took up piloting.

[BigV]

The City of Seattle has joined the federal case against DOMA.

wtg Seattle.

[orthodoc]

I am divorced. Got my decree in the mail today. I've actually been divorced for four days, I just didn't know it.

Not quite sure how I feel ... no gloating. Relief. Sadness. Grief for all the wasted years. But on some level, happy ... happy to be able to move forward. I hope I will be wiser in this new part of my life.

[DucksNuts]

I got divorced on my birthday...its the only reason I celebrate that day now

[BigV]

Originally Posted by orthodoc

I am divorced. Got my decree in the mail today. I've actually been divorced for four days, I just didn't know it.

Not quite sure how I feel ... no gloating. Relief. Sadness. Grief for all the wasted years. But on some level, happy ... happy to be able to move forward. I hope I will be wiser in this new part of my life.

An observation, if I may.

You may well be wiser, this would not surprise me. But, if you are wiser, then "all those years" were not wasted.

I'm not just being pedantic. I have walked this road, and I'm a few miles ahead of you. I know something about what's behind me and ahead of you. I know I felt my time was wasted; later I realized I didn't waste my time. Some of it was genuinely good, and the parts that weren't good were instructive. But not a waste.

I'm happy you're in a much better place now, regardless. Congratulations.

[limey]

Originally Posted by orthodoc

I am divorced. Got my decree in the mail today. I've actually been divorced for four days, I just didn't know it.

Not quite sure how I feel ... no gloating. Relief. Sadness. Grief for all the wasted years. But on some level, happy ... happy to be able to move forward. I hope I will be wiser in this new part of my life.

Wow, that was quick! Take your time to get to know your new status ...

[DanaC]

Already? Blimey.

Congratulations chika! Onwards and upwards from here

[DanaC]

What's making me happy is that Carrot no longer has to be shut in his crate at night!

Took the plunge night before last and let him have the whole of downstairs (it' such a small space anyway not like he had oceans to rattle about it!).

It was time. The last week or so every now and again at night he'd attempt to settle on a cushion outside the crate (pen) and I'd have to scurry him in instead.

I'd already decided in the day that's what I'd do, and had been about the place to make sure nothing to dangerous was left about for him to chew. Turned off all electrical outlets at the plug etc. Come nighttime, I said to him 'ok, Carrot, time for bed' as normal and he slunk off to his crate. I called him back out and told him to get on the couch. As he lay down on the couch I said 'there you go. bed time, night night' so he knew this was his new bedtime routine. Oh he was soooo pleased. Kicked his little legs back behind him and snuggled right into the cushions.

letf him there and closed the door to the stairs so he couldnt follow me up. Woke up late the next morning and he was fine. He'd done nothing untoward, no mad chewing that I could see. He'd obviously been awake for some time before me as the recylcing van had been and crashing bottles would have woken him up no doubt.

Last night again he was fine. Came down this morning to find him sat in the middle of the living room waiting for me (he'd have heard me moving ariound upstairs).

Really pleased. Been wanting to do this for a while. nearly did about a month ago, but held off as he was mad teething. But I am convinced thathe hasnt been sleeping well in the crate. Hot stuff nights despite the daytime rain. Room in the crate to move about and lie down, but not to change sleepng spot if it gets too hot. He'd been really tired a few mornings in a row. Now he's all full of bounce and happiness :0

[BigV]

Hooray for Bounce!!!

[orthodoc]

Originally Posted by BigV

But, if you are wiser, then "all those years" were not wasted.

I know I felt my time was wasted; later I realized I didn't waste my time. Some of it was genuinely good, and the parts that weren't good were instructive. But not a waste.

I'm happy you're in a much better place now, regardless. Congratulations.

I don't exactly regret the years spent ... I couldn't have done this years ago, in fact I tried and didn't succeed. But I regret having missed out on a good relationship, one based on mutual consideration and respect, one in which both of us, not just one of us, showed love. There were good times, of course - there always are - but I wish I'd had the chance to experience a bond that grows stronger, a deep mutual connection.

However. I've had some good experiences in other areas of my life. And it all adds up to where I am today, and from now on I can choose who I wll be with, and under what circumstances. I'll happily be alone for the rest of my life rather than be in a bad relationship. For now I'll take a little time for myself. As you say, Limey, I need time to adjust. And thanks, Dana, hopefully things will look up from here!

[Sundae]

Our lovely Deputy Head is back.
And she brought me in some clothes and bits for the twins (she's been off on materniry leave). No idea how this will go down with my sister, but I hope Abs will appreciate them, as they are mostly larger sizes and all good names (like Gap) and most don't even look as though they have been worn.

I raised this in conversation with her about four months ago, but she is just the sort of good person who remembers and then delivers. She's included some toiletries and bottles as well as a couple of gift items which I could tell weren't to her taste

So kind.

Am going to pass them on to Abs when she goes home, which may be as soon as tomorrow! Question - I would really like her to send Ms Mc a Thank You card. How do I broach that? Take a card round and ask her to sign it? She won't do it off her own back. And I think it would seem like an arse-lick if I did it... Tempted to get one and get Mum to sign it so she doesn't recognise my writing!

[BigV]

Well, she did the favor for you. Not for Abs, not for the boys, though they are the direct beneficiaries of the gifts. It's not inappropriate to thank her yourself. It would be additionally nice to be thanked by Abs, and she's capable of understanding and doing. How much help/support/motivation is needed to get that done... I don't know. I'd be fine with getting the card and asking Abs directly to sign it after you've shown her the haul. Of course she'd sign it.

my two cent's worth.

[Sundae]

I have thanked her verbally, of course. I think a card is appropriate in situations where you are unable to do that. Abigail doesn't really do cards though. Or thank you letters since she was about 12. She sends texts and emails, which aren't really appropriate in this case.

You know what? I'm talking myself out of it. Abs is likely to ask me to thank Ms Mc for her and I will pass that on. She's 17 after all, it might seem a little olde-worldy of her to put something in writing!

ETA - Dana, major congrats on the latest stage in Carrot's life.
It must be lovely to leave him sleepy and comfortable with room to roam.

[orthodoc]

Yes, Dana, congrats on Carrot reaching the point where he doesn't need to be crated at night! It's so much better for one's peace of mind to know that your dog can move around and get comfortable as needed. He's such a cutie - keep posting pics!

[chrisinhouston]

I'm happy because I sent my 12 year old Marmot tent back to the manufacturer for a possible warranty issue on the rain fly delaminating and they sent me a reply that they would give me a $399 credit towards a new tent! I don't backpack very much any more and mostly car camp with my grandkids so I am going to get a big 6 person tent. Here is what I am getting, the Limestone 6P. It goes for $449 so I won't have to pay much.