Your goals are beautiful. They are for you. I spent way too much time reading the board at work. It made me an easy layoff target after 9/11.
As for the interactions with your wife, I understand how you feel. You just have to go with the flow. It is a test of your inner strength. I have to admit to many failures in the inner strength department. But what can you do.
As for the gift, I see nothing wrong with getting a birthday gift for her. But no red roses or the like.
