The journey begins

[ClingingToHope]

Lots to report with the kids -- but not a lot of energy to do so. It's been a very, very good week of vacation. One expensive trip into Chicago to go to Lincoln Park Zoo and the Chicago Children's Museum.

The rest of the time around here.

Nothing from STBXW. She tried to call once yesterday but I had the phone off.

A couple of times tonight I wondered what she might be doing -- but it didn't have the pain and helplessness of last summer. It's getting to the point where I don't care.

Still nothing in the mail -- at least from her. My L sent me a bill. We've burned through my $2,500 retainer and I owe an additional $146 -- and there's a long way to go.

I programmed in a check for $50. I'll pay installments until this is over.

Took girls to see Toy Story 3. A couple of stabs of pain. There was a scene where Woody is remembering Andy growing up, including watching him get measured by his mom. There is a wall at the house with all the little check marks as D7 and D11 got taller.

Some day that'll get painted over when the new owners move in -- when the house sells, either through the normal process or some other process.

Then there was the whole growing up and going off to college aspect. That's tough on all parents. It has to be weirder on LBSs though, especially the ones without custody. You have that drama of no longer having a child and what happened to the time -- but you also are free of child support.

Focus on the now, focus on the now. Toy Story 3 is a great movie, but it struck a chord.