Alpha Step At A Time #5

[alpha99]

Having a quiet day today.

Had missed call about an hour ago from W, she left voicemail:

'Hiya Alpha, it's only me, I'm just ringing up to say would you be able to pick the kids up at my mum's tomorrow because my mum is having them tonight as I'm working the late. Err any time tomorrow, you did say 9am - 9.30am didn't you? Just let me know so I can tell me mum. OK, see ya, see ya.'

VM left in a very pleasant sounding matter. When I saw the VM I walked around the block to call her back. She was very pleasant sounding on the phone. There was some slight awkwardness as beyond reiterating what had already been said there wasn't a lot more to say.

I had thought beforehand about how I wanted the call to go - keep it short, to the point, try and find something to agree on. She was ending the conversation listing when she will see me again: 'So I'll see you tomorrow, oh no I won't, I'll see you Wednesday as kids will be with my mum tomorrow.'

At this point I briefly outlined plans for the kids tomorrow as a means to ask that they wear appropriate clothes for the weather as we'll be outside for a while. W took it slightly the wrong way saying that it won't be her getting them ready. I said I knew that but was just asking they be ready in appropriate clothes for our trip out. She said her mum always has them ready. I didn't argue, just acknowledged that to be the case.

It was only a very minor thing but it was a good reminder how fragile relations are right now and how if I'm trying to reconnect from a distance then constant care and attention must be paid when communicating.

EDIT: Oh I just wanted to add that although Monday as potential house valuation day, W made no mention of it.