Everwhere is walking distance if you have the time

[ClingingToHope]

Actually, Mishka, I've already done that for the most part. This weekend, my uncle came out to the pool and watched the girls swim. At one point, he asked "what's XW doing?"

I told him that it doesn't really matter anymore, and I try not to think about it. It doesn't do me any good.

In fact, that's part of the reason I try to keep all interaction with XW through text. That keeps things stuck on short questions and responses. I want nothing to do with any conversation where she can slip in "we're doing this" or "I'm going there."

It doesn't stop the thoughts from intruding. The girls this weekend said XW is thinking of getting a Chevy Traverse with her next car. That sent my head spinning in a few directions. She hasn't had a car payment since 2008 when I paid off her car -- a decision I now regret. Considering D9 tells me she's having trouble making the house payment how exactly is she going to buy a new or newer SUV? Most likely, XW focusing on something new and shiny to make her happy. That was always the pattern.

But that doesn't help me.

When people ask me how things are going -- the past few months -- mostly I talk about the efforts to begin the master's program. That is a big, big key to my future.