I'm just now getting caught up on your thread and I have to apologize for missing your first post here. You didn't have one up for a while, so I missed when this one started. Oh, well.
Anyway, good job w/the GF. Not going on vacation w/her is the best thing. She has some definite family issues that have come to light as well as her personal demons that came out to attack you and your D once you had "called it off." Makes you wonder what else she may have lurking for you had you stayed.
Oh, yeah. The "chaperone" thing is just too creepy. That alone is a "Run Forrest, Run!" signal to me.
On the subject of the vacation, is ANYONE going to use the tickets? I mean I completely understand your not going, but did you think of buying out her share and taking the kids yourself (or have her do the same) just so the money isn't completely lost? Just a thought and I'm sure you've done this. I'm just curious as to what you ended up doing.
Ok, now on to the golf and the Asian fascination. I too think it is personal taste so if you like Asian women, go get a good one. The Asian population in the PNW is surprisingly very high. As a historian, I'm guessing it was because of all the Asians who went to Vancouver, Canada when the US wouldn't let a single one through the gates in the late 1800s and early 1900s. Only makes sense they'd migrate down to Seattle and Portland. I think people are surprised to know how heavily populated these regions are w/Asians. So, in short, that means nothing but good things for you, my friend.
As for golfing, the hardest thing to do is to get out and play w/people you don't know. Have you thought about finding yourself on a course during the slow time and just playing alone? I love doing this b/c it allows me to practice from the course when it is really slow. In those times, I can "re-hit" a shot (not counting the 2nd one, of course, but just practicing), or even play two balls from the tee to see which one can beat the other. It is easy to do here in Arizona b/c the courses are ghost towns after 3 pm and it is light until 8, but I'm not sure what the landscape is like in Oregon.
The day you can walk up as a single and not be bothered by playing w/someone you've never met is the day you'll know you've taken your biggest step as a golfer.
Man, all this golf talk has me wanting to get out myself. I may try to sneak on to the course next door this afternoon w/D and pitch and putt a bit w/her on the 2nd and 3rd holes.
All in all, you sound good, as usual, my friend. Keep it up and I'll be following along again now that I know you are up and running.
