Hope and heartache

[ClingingToHope]

Another thought before we pack up and head to the Dells. Snodderly also reminded me that the first six months for a WAS are very euphoric. They've been dreaming, perhaps for years, of what life would be like on their own and now they have it.

Meanwhile, the LBS is devastated. They usually fought as hard as possible to keep things together and they have to rebuild their lives, a process they wanted nothing to do with.

Sounds like me and a lot of us out there.

The euphoria for the WAS lasts about six months and that's when reality -- sometimes -- sets in. Bills, nights alone, housework, phone calls that they used to get help from or receive from the LBS are no longer there.

Meanwhile, the LBS is slowly realizing that life isn't so bad after all. Sure, the downs are hard and at times long lasting, but they realize they'll survive.

So that's where I'm at. These first six months have been my W's time. These next six months are mine. Winter is always tough on W, while I usually have no down times and I've got a lot of options this winter -- from friends in Chicago to basketball to throwing myself into my projects.

One thing I'll commit to everyone on this site. I will finish my book. I'm a Negro Leagues stats nut and in 2003 and 2004 I did about a year's worth of research on stats, collecting numbers from the Negro Leagues, Mexican Leagues, Cuban, Puerto Rican and California winter leagues.

All that's left is to write the book. So at the bottom of my threads beginning Tuesday I'll also post how many pages I've finished. Basically, I'd like to write two pages each time I sit down, which will likely be Mondays, Tuesdays and Thursdays.

Have a nice Sunday everyone. For those of you who want to see, I'll post pics of the trip Tuesday on Facebook (Mishka). If anyone else would like to see, send me hints of how to friend you.