So...am I still a newcomer?

[Telemark]

Thanks for the support and encouragement, friends...we need validation from each other as much as our W's need validation from us.

So...an hour after I wrote the post above I get a "Good morning " e-mail from W. That may not seem like a big deal, but it is the first non-businesslike communication I have received from her in 4 months, and it all went something like this:

W: Good morning.

M: Good morning. This is a pleasant surprise.

W: You left early this morning.

M: Yes, I can't sleep past 5:30 anymore so I thought I would go into the office.

W: Why aren't you sleeping well?

Now, you know I was tempted to reply, "Because you've made my life a freaking hell and I can't sleep because I'm constantly thinking of you!"

But of course, I didn't.

M: Not sure. Just not sleeping a lot.

W: You never did.

W: Hope your day is OK. I'll see you at 11 this morning. (We had an appointment together to meet with the contractors on a church remodeling project)

M: Thanks. See you then.

Knowing I was going to see W other than at home I had put on the best fitting and looking clothes I owned, new cologne and made sure I was well-groomed. It must have had an effect because several times during the meeting and walk-through I caught her looking at me pretty intently.

After the meeting I asked her to join me for lunch. Wonder of wonders, she agreed. So we had a nice, light lunch together, talked about very non-confrontational things and parted smiling.

I'm not reading anything into this, and I'm still on guard against a mood swing that will come my way (and we all know it will), but it was a pleasure to spend time together and enjoy each other's company.

Baby steps, baby steps, baby steps.