Picked-up my D from school on Wed and S went to a sleep-over b-day party for a friend. No school on Thursday or Friday last week for them. Last time the kids were off it was W's day to have them and she was asking me what my plans were and when I was going to pick them up, etc. I told her that I would pick them up at the normal time. I expected the same from her this time, so I took off on Thursday to spend it with my D until W was done with work.
On Wednesday, I was shopping at a 2nd hand store and bought a Karaoke video game for their new XBOX360, which S purchased with his own money!! D said we needed a microphone for it (Doh!) so we went and got a used one, along with another used gane, after school. Well, we proceeded to belt out songs that night and had a really fun time together. On Thursday we watched some TV together and played a game until W cameto get her. I had made a big pot of chili, so when W and S showed-up, I asked if they ate. S said yes and W said she had a sloppy joe. I offerred her some chili if whe wanted any, but since she hardly eats anymore, she said no thanks. Talked very little while she was there and said bye when they left.
On Friday, kids were off of school again and W asked when I was going to get them. Again I told her that my plan was to get them at the normal time, around 3:30. She said her friends were coming from her hometown and she would be leaving around 12pm, so the kids would be alone after that. These are the friends she makes semi-annual shopping trips with.
I picked-up the kids around 3pm, went home, packed and left for Grandma's! She had made lasagne for sinner and had invited the rest of the family over, so it was my older and younger brothers and my older sister and her husband. After dinner, we all chatted for a little while and then played a game of dominoes. The kids really like that and my sister's husband gave them a set or their own that night. When it got close to their bed-time, I went out for the evening with my brother and a couple of his friends that I also knew.
We went to a few different bars and ran into the same group of 4 girls at all of them. I noticed them at the first bar, introduced myself at the 2nd bar and danced the rest of the night with them at the 3rd bar. They were some pretty cute women too, and I never really dance, so it was very different for me. They were all fast songs, but we still danced very close and I let my hands wander around a bit!! That was pretty exciting for me. It got late and we left and said goodbye to the girls. Maybe I should have tried to get a phone number or something, but I didn't even think of it. I may have to try to look them up again sometime.
On Saturday, we took the kids out to the marsh and climbed a new tower they built there. Only 144 steps, but it was still pretty neat to look around from up there. Took some pictures of the family and then one of the kids with the tower in the background. Texted this to W and she said "cool, thanks".
We then walked around a bit and talked to some fishermen. The kids LOVE fishing, so they were interested in looking at the fish in the bucket. A few pretty nice ones. Had lunch at the restauraunt there and went back home. Then had to do chores for mom. Clean leaves out of gutters, rake leaves, test car battery, etc. Just when we were ready to quit, the kids came out and wanted to help, so we started back up again and let them do some raking and leaf dragging. Kids went trick or treating at grandma's and I took a picture of them in their costumes and texted it to W. She texted back that they looked amazing. Had dinner afterward at moms and played another game of dominoes. We were all tired from the night before, so we went to bed early.
Got up on Sunday, packed our stuff and got out of there pretty early so we could be home in time to watch the Packers game. By the way, the kids packed all of their own stuff, each way, and even put their things AND the suitcase in the car by themselves. That would never happen if W was around. I am teaching them to be self-sufficient and independent, just like I said I would. Kids went out to trick or treat again in my neighborhood and had a great time. They made a pretty big hall. I had to leave for NJ on Monday am, which is where I am now, so W agreed to take the kids on Sun night. She had been texting them pretty much all weekend. I took them over to W's house and they went trick or treating over there too, but cut it off early because they had enough candy already. When I got there, W had her Aaron Rodgers jersey on and was all dolled up like she always is. She looked pretty good, but is just WAY too thin. She had me take a couple of pictures with her and the kids in their costumes. I left and went across the street to visit my old neighbors.
Stayed there for about 3 hours, smoked a cigar and drank a few beers. (What the heck happened to AGoodman anyway?) Left their house and went to the bar to see my blonde bartender, but she wasn't working, so I stayed for 1 beer and some chicken wings. Went home, packed for my trip, read some DB and went to bed early.
I think I am doing pretty well now with this detaching thing. I never call or text W, but she rarely does either and when we do, it is only about the kids or where to find manuals for the power equipment that she has, but doesn't know how to use. My mom is hoping for a lot of snow this winter so that W has to clear it all by herself. Kind of mean, but I think well deserved. That reminds me, I need to look for a used snow thrower soon!!
Anyway, I can't tell if any of this is having any affect on W, but it is affecting me. I am starting to feel like Rob did. I am pretty much happy and having a pretty good life again. Without W!!! I WILL be able to move on and thrive again. I am taking care of everything that I need to by myself and being a good dad for my kids too!
I have court on Thursday to finalize the agreement regarding the placement of the kids, which should also mean an adjustment to the support I am paying. I am better prepared this time and WILL NOT agree to any ridiculous settlements. We will also be scheduling a date for the final divorce case. I see that LSG's just got set for early February. I was hoping that it would be sooner, but I have also been having 2nd thoughts about dragging this out longer since I have read how long this DB has taken so many people. Or maybe I am just crazy and should just forget about working this out. That is what my Sister thinks. Just move on and see what happens.
Well, thanks to everyone for their continuing support. It is greatly appreciated. Let me know if you think I am screwing anything up here or if I should be doing something differently.
