Her flight out Tuesday was cancelled, and she rebooked for today. Her flight leaves at 7 - we left the house at 4:30 am today. Argh! Classes start today, so she's only going to miss today's classes. Fortunately, the school knows how tough it's been - especially since I-81 was closed from Syracuse to the Canadian border through 2 pm yesterday. That's the only route she could have taken to get back anyway. I'm glad she was "stranded" at home rather than the Syracuse airport!
So I got 2 extra days at home with her, which was nice. Her bestie came over last night to say goodbye. It was nice to have them both around for a few hours. I would love to have them around again on a frequent basis, so if that spurs you to accept a house full of 21 year olds... But then again, I probably feel this way because it doesn't happen often!
And Kat, letting go is definitely a tough thing to do. However, on my ride from the airport to work after dropping her off, I used the time to reflect on things. I year ago, I would have cried. Today I didn't. For some reason, I guess I just know that May 1 will be here quickly? She's going to England with my parents for spring break, and that will be here even sooner. I dunno. Maybe I'm growing up too!
Now I can focus on D16 again. She turns 17 in early March, and when that date hits, I'm going to be moving full steam ahead with the guardianship process. That will be emotional and involved, and I don't look forward to it. But it's got to be done, so...
Hope all is well with you! We have to catch up again soon.
Betsey
"There are only 2 ways to live your life. One is as though nothing is a miracle. The other is as though everything is a miracle."
Hey everyone - Aloha! Pretty little umbrella drinks for all! Glad to hear the flights are starting to move. I am flying Ashley here in 2 days & hope she has no delays. It is about 11 hours in the air to begin with!
Guess what? We are meeting Wenikitiki tonight! I'm very excited! Sunset dinner overlooking Pearl Harbor.
After 5 days in Kauai where I crossed a few things off my bucket list - helicopter ride to see the Na'Pali coast, Jurassic waterfall etc & staying at the Kauai Marriott - we are now back At Disney's Aulani in Oahu. We were here 2 years ago when it first opened. It Is free for me to stay here on DVC points & it is just fantastic. More than ever to do as they have expanded the resort. We are in a larger unit this time as Ashley will be joining us. She could roll out of bed & end up in the last river - it is so close. We've been hanging out on the beach & at the adult pool. So awesome!
Ashley should be fine. I heard earlier that the airlines are going to have the backlog cleared up almost completely by tomorrow. Enjoy! And I'll happily take an umbrella drink. Have a fabulous week!
I was able to leave work at 2 today... Had definitely put in a day's worth of work, so I surprised D16 by picking her up at school. She was beyond happy. We celebrated by going to McDonalds and then coming home to take a nap. I really love this kid! It was definitely her mindset to agree that it was a great plan.
Now off to bath and pajamas. I'll live vicariously through you and imagine a warm sea breeze and palm trees instead of... Snow!
Cheers,
Betsey
"There are only 2 ways to live your life. One is as though nothing is a miracle. The other is as though everything is a miracle."
Betsy: glad your D got back ok & so nice for you & D16 to have a special day. Ashley is beyond excited. Her flight leaves in 24 hours! She is madly shoveling off my deck - probably 5 feet of snow on it & Tommorrow's rain could cause collapse.
Met Wenikitiki last night. We had a nice sunset dinner with Josh. She wore the most amazing indigo dyed shirt she had made. She is very talented. So much to talk about - how do you do it in a couple of hours?
Heading north to see the surfers at Pipeline today. Went their years ago with ex but Josh has never been. Forecast had been for 4 days of rain starting yesterday but it has actually been fabulous!
Back home after spending the last 10 days working on my rental house in Florida. Needless to say I am exhausted. It will be good to have a couple of days to relax. Next weekend, Sarah arrives from Michigan to spend a couple of days with me. I am really looking forward to that!
Time to catch up on everything else that is going on on these boards. Hope everyone is well!
BA-welcome home! Good to see you back and hope you're ready to dive in the dysfunctional dating pool with us again.
Betsey
Hey Bets - well the dysfunctional dating pool for me just got a little bit more complicated. While in Florida, over the last ten days, I received several phone calls and texts from Marianne just "checking on me." None of them were flirtatious at all and while I thought they were a bit out of the norm for her, I chalked it up to her just being a good friend. So yesterday I get the following email:
BA,
I'm so sorry that it's taking me so long to come around. I am head over heels in love with you. I know my timing is horrible and again I'm so sorry. I hope I have a chance with you. I am terrified of losing you, but I understand that I hurt you terribly and you are seeing someone else now. You deserve happiness and a beautiful life. I hope it's with me, but if not I will wish you only the best of everything. I have no one to blame but myself. I would have told you all this over the phone this morning, but I didn't think I could get through the conversation without falling apart. Please forgive me for everything.
All my love, Marianne
Now had this email been communicated to me just two months ago, I literally would be doing cartwheels. However, unbeknownst to Marianne, this comes just a few days before Sarah from Michigan is to arrive. I have really connected with Sarah, albeit via written communication. So for all I know Sarah and I may not be able to stand each other after two days together in person, but still.
I also don't get how the whole time Marianne and I were going out as a couple she never had feelings at all like this for me. Now after 9 months of not being a couple she is head over heels in love with me. My head is spinning...
I need to get some stuff done now, but I want to lean across this virtual table we're sharing (with a glass of scotch, of course). I need to say this to you as a friend... someone who's got your back.
Pay close attention to the timing of this e-mail. Actually, since my spidey sense kicked in with Marianne a long time ago, pay attention straight up.
She broke up with you the first time because you're too nice a guy. BA, what has changed since then? Hell, you're still a nice guy ("too" is something that's awfully subjective). Why the sudden need to dump this on you?
Okay, I may be suspicious. But as another 50ish woman who'd love to snag a great guy like you, I think her communications with you are just plain manipulative. In fact, I question her motives period. You've not rekindled your romance with her. The couple times you went to hockey games, they've been platonic, light and breezy. You've seen her.. what? Twice since she broke up with you. And then this?
I think my head would be spinning too. Because I think you've just been played. If I'm wrong, I'm buying the next 2 rounds.
Call me tonight if you want to talk.
I say this without prejudice and without Sarah from Michigan entering into the equation.
You were just as much a catch when she dumped you as you are now. Just remember that. And if you can't, think of what you'd tell your daughters if a guy did to them what she's done to you. What would you see?
Bets
"There are only 2 ways to live your life. One is as though nothing is a miracle. The other is as though everything is a miracle."
Hi BA: read what Bets has written. Then read it again. And again. It's the timing. We are usually our most attractive when we start dating someone new. My daughter suddenly wanted her old boyfriend back the second she sensed he was finally moving on. Marianne's key words "now that you are dating someone else" - yep - that's it. That is what has caused her to change her mind. The competition. The fear of losing you. She didn't want you but doesn't want anyone else to have you either. I could never get past the reason for the breakup - you were too nice? Does that mean she wants a bad boy? Or that her self esteem won't allow her to be with a good guy. At any rate - I'd say that ship has sailed! But Sarah is a worry too. Don't pin all your hopes & dreams on her. It is Always fantastic in the beginning, especially when you have both built up the anticipation of the potential of a relationship together. There would be many obstacles to overcome. Right now it's a pipe dream. I've seen people move far, leave jobs, homes & children for "the one" who somehow isn't quite so perfect 6 months later as those endorphins start fading. Enjoy getting to know her better but keep your feet on the ground! We are all rooting for you but there are lots of options on the table. How about the others.
But then again, I probably feel this way because it doesn't happen often! 