Burgbud: I haven't a clue as to how to change the dynamic. I'm thinking a first step might be to figure out how to do better with the kids to get them to stop the sniping at each other and maybe do their chores without being ridden. I'm too deep in the mire to see a path out though.
MrsNOP: That's a great idea. I already voiced a little bit of it at lunch time today. I want to be careful not to come across as a complaint, but more as a state of the marriage and lets come up with a plan to make it better. Historically, she's not one for letting her feelings or needs out, and prying just gets her to clam up more. I've been hoping that by letting mine out more she'd open up, but so far that hasn't happened. Makes it hard to keep opening myself up, KWIM?
Karen: Thanks. I do take my vows seriously. I do think we have enough of a good foundation that together we can make it a great marriage. I'm just not sure of the steps to take at this point.
Lou: I wish I knew about these resources 15+ years ago when there was a lot less momentum to deal with. I do think the NFP is part of my lost interest, not because I don't trust it, but more because MrsGGB isn't really on board with it so the measurements and record keeping has lots of holes which makes it quite difficult to pin-point her fertile time. If seeing Dr Tyanoti would make a difference to our R, I'd go in a heartbeat. The fact is, if the R were running smooth, I don't think the NFP would be a fraction of the issue it is now, and without an improvement in the R, it frankly doesn't really matter whether I get snipped or not, as I haven't been all that interested anyway. We do get out for a dinner date once every week or so, leaving one or both of the oldest boys (17 and 14) to babysit. We do spend some evenings together after the younger ones are in bed, but that is usually just TV time, which doesn't do much for me. My contracts tend to be longer term, usually 3-6 months with two or more contracts running concurrently (I'm in the electronics design business). This past year, it has been very busy (90 hours/week) due to a combination unforseen circumstances. I prefer to keep to 60 or so hours/week, although with the current coolness in the R the 90 hours have given me something to do with my time. Most of it is fixed price work, so it is in my best interest to get it done quickly.
Hairy: Good thing I've been hitting the Y twice a week then, huh? (I'm at my college weight now, and probably in the best shape I've been all my life).
MrsNOP: more good ideas from you. You gave me an idea. MrsGGB used to enjoy horseback riding (before she met me). There are a couple of stables around, Maybe a surprise date for some riding would be in order when it gets warmer. In the mean time, perhaps taking her out antiquing would also help, as it has been a while since she's done that too. Thanks.
