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a hobby of mine I really need to ditch

Then ditch it. Talking about it will not help.

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she just thinks it's only until Monday night

Why does she only think it is until Monday.

Dude - be honest with her about the kids schedule and your plans i.e. when they will be with you. Otherwise it looks like you are playing games.

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Actually I was just at that mall this past weekend. It's about an hour away.

When is the next time you will be around there?

"The difficulties of Life are intended to make us BETTER,not bitter".
"Fear is a prison, where you are the jailer. FREE YOURSELF!"
"Life is usually all about how you handle Plan B." - Jack3Beans