Dealing with a complex MLC and/or Wayward Wife #2

[P_Jam]

Had a really good couple of days. I finally feel like I'm making some progress in regards to detachment. Clearly I still have a long ways to go, but right now progress feels good.

Some golf on Wednesday then came home and had an epiphany... "I can do anything I want!". cleaned the house from top to bottom (probably cause WW coming the next day, but I'm also a very tidy person) Turned the music up loud and stayed up late continuing to organize and clean the house and make it 'mine'. Felt really good!

Went to MRI with WW a couple of uncomfortable silences but not much. There were zero relationship talks - she did ask me what I did with the pictures - (since there isn't a single one on the lower level of the house with her in it -kids didn't even notice - but she did). I just said: "I put them away". My WW is very clean too, so she had to notice the house. It was spotless and re-organized, pantry, kids rooms/toys, etc. It felt good to be able to show that "I got this" with or without her. After MRI S9 was still in school which is very close to MY house. S5 from MRI fell back asleep on ride home. So I suggested we pick up lunch to go, get him into his bed (at my house) and she can then wait around for S9 to get out of school before taking them back to apartment. Had a quick bite with her in the dining room, talked kids, then I excused myself to go do some work in the office. I Worked for 2hrs without any contact with her. She napped on the couch until S5 woke up. He wanted to play ball so I played catch in the back yard (while she watched through the window). S9 came home from school and as they prepared to leave both kids wanted to stay at my house (this makes me feel good) but I know the kids transition is important/critical so I did my part in telling them how exciting the apartment is and how much fun they will have spending time with their mom. As much as it can set me back to have her around, it does feel good to be able to continue to show my 180's in person and be the best father possible right in front of her.

Funny thing though... I did agree to take the kids tonight since they have football early Saturday and she has to work Saturday. She says... "Oh, I forgot it's my turn to bring snacks for the football team. I guess I'll put that together tomorrow and bring them over to you after work tomorrw and then I can spend some time with the kids since I won't be able to have them Friday night". I said, um.. ok, sure. Not sure how much time she is planning but very interesting how she just invited herself over to have a little more time with the kids. I think I'm going to take the kids to a bingo night at their school. Just something to do and if she joins us - fine. But better to have an event for the kids as well as not let her just hang at the house and cake eat.

Overall, just really happy that I'm finding some excitement in this time and space for myself. I have really used the time well to work through some of the emotions as well as figure out what I want (at least as far as the house is concerned). Have an event with a group of friends for Saturday night. GAL is going well. I'm almost too busy.. since she has moved out she has only had the kids 4 nights and so far 2 of those I saw my kids during the day (MRI, and then tonight they are at my house). So I have yet to go anywhere near 5 days without the kids. As this time/space grows I'm feeling confident I will learn to enjoy it and use it wisely. With all the things I have placed on my to-do list now, I'm looking forward to actually getting 5 days in a row to myself.