Dude - the fact that you are examining things like this means you are doing OK, I think. You didn't ask for this situation, but guess what - you got stuck with it. You are a GREAT dad, but that doesn't have to be mutually exclusive from dating, having relationships, or even doing "adult" things in general - as long as you ultimately keep the priorities straight, and don't forget that the kids have to come first when push comes to shove. I have seen nothing to indicate that this (misplacing your priorities) has happened. You've had a rough couple of years here my friend - go and enjoy yourself. Like I told you the other day - it's not like you're wishing that your kids weren't around at all, just that you're just looking forward to an occasional break to spend time on some grownup activities. This doesn't seem unusual or wrong at all, and in fact is something that pretty much all of my friends who are parents do on occasion.
Finally, the age difference thing is, to me, very much a non-issue. the dynamics may certainly be different than someone who is closer to your age, but guess what - you're both ADULTS. In addition, you've been VERY up front and candid with her about where you are, which would be something you should do regardless of any age difference - and it speaks volumes for how you are handling yourself as you proceed down this new path in your life. So, like I said - go enjoy yourself - you've earned it, and you deserve it.
Kev
"Our greatest glory is not in never falling but in rising every time we fall." -Confucius
"God alone decides the contest; but we must put our shoulders to the wheel." -Adm. D.G. Farragut
Kevin-38; XW-36 M-2.5, together 4 Bomb-1/6/07; D-6/27/07
