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Hey G'Man..

Merry Leftover Christmas! And congratulations on doing what fits. Next year will be so different. This one was the hardest.

The cookies? Sheesh.. she probably got rattled when you took everything off the table with the mediator. Oops.. jolted something in her.

And, my friend, I LOVED the email.. simply perfect. A few things to remember when you're casually meeting a woman.

Go in with no expectations, no intentions.

Do not discuss the divorce. If you do, it's about the woman whose leaving you rather than the woman in front of you. Why bring baggage? This is causal, fun. Remember.. fun?

Remember to give a sincere compliment. Women notice these things.

A get together does not a relationship make. Enjoy the moment.

And give that winning smile, warm laugh and gentle wit.

You're wonderful.

*hugs*

Hey G'Man..

Good job on going out last night. It was great being with you and Donna. I appreciate you making the effort.

*hugs*

How about a DB New Year's Eve get together?

G-Woman,
Thank you.
Especially for not taking "no" for an answer and getting me off my (recently) non GALing arse!
Had a great time.
Really enjoyed meeting Donna, too.
((hugs))
I have NYE plans, though I'm not particularly thrilled with 'em, but what the hell.

Just now reading this, Gardner! I'm kinda slow But hey ~ thank you for the fond bow! Friends help - that's what we do!
Cheers~
Greek

Marry me, Greek! (uh-oh. Where's Coach?).

Dinner w/son and Grandson tonight. Grandson, who I haven't seen in a few weeks had shown some not-completely-diagnosed symptoms of Asberger's syndrome since about 18 months (no eye contact, very slow speech development, incessantly repetitive actions and behaviors, etc.). Now, at 4 yrs old, after some special needs/special ed he's doing much better. Tonight, he was a completely different, jabbering, complete sentences, eye-contact, connecting, laughing,healthy, full of p!ss and vinegar 4 year-old. Praise God.

Still kind of bummed that StepD, StepD's partner and the lovely 2 month old Granddaughter spent the last 4 days at wife's apartment witout a call or a "want to meet somewhere and see the baby?"

Oh well. Won't take it personally. They are in pain too, finding their own new norm (and God knows - or cares - what thy're being told about me.)

StepSon (who told me last December that as far as he's concerned I'm his real father), seems to be thawing. StepD will too, in her own good time. But I admit it hurts. deeply.

Good news: today while at this computer, I see a young couple drive by the house slowly - twice. Then they came up the steps and ring the bell. They both LOVE the house. He's an architect. Loves the old stone/hardwood floors, plaster walls, radiators old fashioned craftsmanship. Gave them a limited tour, except the rooms that I let go to hell with my crazy hours this week (figuring Christmas week wouldn't be a big house-showing week). They took brokers' info, walked around yard and said they are definitely interested. Didn't flinch at price (real good sign). Got my fingers crossed!

Once I get Mediation and January 27th D AND the sale of this beloved old house over with, Limbo wil be completely GONE.

I will probably start a new thread for the new year. I've done it all by the book and correctly for 35 years with two wives and four children. But while reading "No More Mr. Nice Guy" I realize my sense of responsibility and giving my all for them went beyond unselfish to selfless. And in the end I became just that: Self-Less and lost much of me. 2010 will be the year of Gardener. I need to heal, recuperate, grow and regain my self. All who I cared for and guided these many years are functional (well, maybe not Mrs. G.), independent and pursuing their passions.

My turn.

Love to all.

First, it was the "summer of George." Now, the "year of Gardener."

G-Woman,I hear ya, G-Woman...and am on the same page as you.
You're wonderful, too, friend. And, ah, yes..."fun". I do seem to recall such a thing. Time to get reacquainted with it. You and Donna certainly helped "re-introduce" me to it last night (as you've done yourself a few times recently). Thanks.
(((hugs)))

That in reference to seinfeld

"You're killing independent George."

Thanks, cutter. I'm a Seinfeld fan but didn't make the connection (although it did occur to me q couple of times this year to do the old "opposite" tack that George took:"Nothing I do has worked for me, so I might as well start doing the exact opposite."!)