I know its amazing I got a good job! Mish, it's a state job. I was one year short of being vested in state retirement, so if I can make it one year, I'll have my 8 years in or whatever it was. Not a lot of $$, but I guess every little bit helps.
My L emailed she talked to X's L about the recent developments. His lawyer said I did a "fine" job in the hearing too. Prob. a rave review coming from his L.
My L wants me to make concessions so we can try to reach an agreement with X's L so we don't have to have the judge decide. I had asked for X to receive 1.5 days a week with the kids, and he was asking for 3.5, so I did say I would agree to him having 2.5, but that's it. If he insists on 3.5 days, I'm sure the judge won't give me less than that and maybe less since it was apparent in the hearing I was always their primary parent until 3 months ago, so I would have nothing to lose by going to the judge. My dummies divorce book also says if something happens in future (like I lose my job) it's easier to modify a judge's order than an agreement.
I also told the L that I expect the full alimony I've gotten until Jan. 15, my first paycheck. Told her with our combined income of $123,000 next year (if I keep my job) makes no sense for me not to be able to pay my bills the next month. I also told her that I would hope to get some temp. alimony at least, not the $1 she mentioned. I think with all the extra expenses: daycare, gas, work clothes, health & dental insurance will be $150-$200 a month, etc. that I may have less money than I do now (without temp. alimony), but I know it will be good to have the insurance! The way it worked out, I'm going to not have any gap, go straight from his insurance to mine, so that's a good thing.
X is calling every day now, to tell me stuff about the kids. His communication skills have mysteriously improved now that I've got a job. He's so happy! Plus, I told him one of the reasons I asked for him to have the 1.5 days, is his poor communications skills, so he's prob. trying to impress me so I'll do an agreement with him.
It's just ridiculous he goes from nasty to nice when he gets his way in everything. So good not to have to deal with that. I need to try to go nc more, but the judge at the hearing, didn't like my dealing with email (yeah, he's abusive and nasty so I don't think I have the average situation), and said we should be talking to each other.
Oh, I forgot X's "defense" to his nastiness, was his L said it was a difficult time with divorce, I said I've always been polite and nice to him though, (should have brought up it started before the D too).
Hope everybody in the midwest is ok! I've read it's pretty bad up there!
Oh, Kat I talked to the personnel woman yesterday who was telling me all kinds of insider info. Really nice. She said they have 2 to 3 months of training.
Plus, I told him one of the reasons I asked for him to have the 1.5 days, is his poor communications skills, so he's prob. trying to impress me so I'll do an agreement with him. 
