Matilda,
I did take her out for dinner for her birthday. She was on good behavior. The conversation was pleasant. She has a hard time slowing down to relax, and twice went outside to smoke. I think she enjoys the activity of a group better than one-to-one. I feel like I have to be attending to her most of the time. My parents send money for anniversaries and birthdays, so we went to a favorite restaurant, and didn't worry about the money (I didn't and she did). We ran into her father-in-law, who wished her happy birthday. When the check arrived, the bill was paid for, courtesy of him. I sacrificed a night of dancing for her, and was happy to do so.

I visited a neighborhood church this past weekend, only about a mile from where I live. I haven't been to a church in several years. The last church I went to is about a 25 minute drive from where I live. This church and denomination emphasizes simplicity. The service includes a message from the minister,and quiet time in which people can speak if they feel inspired to. It's different from the more programmed services I've been accustomed to. I stayed afterward to introduce myself. My religious background is similar to some of the people there, so I think I will fit. One of the course offerings is spiritual writing, so I think I'll start attending.

My W has been fretting about money again. She woke up yeaterday anxious, telling me that she's been preoccupied. One of her credit cards doubled her interest rate. She's feeling pinched in term of cash flow. I seldom talk about the finances, because I know it stresses her out. I think she's worried, because she may be laid off from her job due to the state budget.

She sent me an email weeks ago with an idea to pay down her credit card balance, and then pay her back at zero interest. I was reluctant, because I think it's more important to change one's spending habits. However, I could see that it's affecting her quality of life, so I emailed her with a counterproposal, using her idea. I decided it was more important to compromise with her, being rigid about my beliefs.

CL

CL 53 W 54
M 20 yrs.
03'-09' Separation + Old Patterns + GAL
10-14' Piecing

"The Master allows things to happen. She shapes events as they come."

----Tao Te Ching