Hi HSS - my heart goes out to you becuase I am there too. My H left in 9/07 for OW and I am left with all resp of house and child - D7. I too am having to deal by myself with D7 acting up at time and feel she does not respect me since her father does not respect me. When he left I was a STAH mom - no job - knew nothing about finances - I was terrified. I got a job and I am learning about finances and surprised myself by fixing a few things around the house. I am in no position to give advice becuase I am still struggling with my own sit but I just wanted to say I know it is so hard and so unfair. The xmas stuff - mine hung around for quite awhile and I just told myself I will do a little each night - dont think you have to do everything at once or you will feel too overwhelmed to do anything. I know the pain - I feel it too - my H has said things to me like your no fun and now Im enjoying myself - wouldnt we all if we could just leave all our respnsibilities and do whatever we want like they are doing and put ourselves first. But I know we are the lucky ones to have our kids. DOnt pick up the phone and let him know when you are hurting. I think it only adds to their ego and makes them feel better - not you. Hang in there - thinking of you.
