Sadly work kept me busy right up until the last minute so Christmas just sort of came out of nowhere. The children were with me from the Saturday before Christmas and stayed until New Years Day apart from spending Boxing day with their Mum. Whilst they were there I popped off to the cinema to catch a movie - "Deja Vu".
New Years Eve I let them invite a few of their friends over for a bit of a party. Made myself scarce for a few hours so I didn't cramp their style.
I enjoyed the break but as always just as you're really getting into it it's time to go back to work.
Quote: I enjoyed the break but as always just as you're really getting into it it's time to go back to work.
How true, Andy! I believe I would really enjoy retirement right now! Too bad I am not able to do that financially! As a matter of fact I need to get ready for work now! Hope your day has been good! Always enjoy an update from you!
Hi Matilda, yes I do come back and read (mostly). It's very good of you to stay in touch.
I'm going on OK. Work is still tough and it looks set to continue that way for a while too. Nothing new there then.
Both my children are teenagers now and they can be a challenge. You have a teenage daughter too so you'll know what I'm talking about. Had to get out Faber and Mazlish ("How to talk so kids will listen and listen so kids will talk") again to give myself a refresher. Got back to too much yelling which didn't get us anywhere. Main bone of contention usually is school and homework.
Then been pondering the next milestone. Two years separated. In the UK that means, if both parties agree, they can move to the first stage of divorce. It's not a topic we've discussed - so just waiting to see what happens when we hit the two years in a few months time.
W also finds the children a "challenge" too (I guess many parents do) and feels if we did more things together as a family that this would help. One suggestion was we go on holiday together.
Found out that my sister and H are going to separate. It's a mutual thing - they live separate lives and feel being physically apart is the solution. They've made up their minds. I am and will give them whatever support they need. I still find it sad though.
Andy, I was thinking about you and your situation the other day--glad to see a new post from you!
I took a class here at work called "Love and Logic." It is about parenting kids in a way that made a lot of sense to me--putting responsibilty on children in a way that makes them feel successful and loved. Anyway, you might want to check out the website: http://www.loveandlogic.com
Sorry to hear about your sister. She must feel like she can get a lot of support and understanding from you.
So, how do you feel about hitting that 2-year marker and the possiblities that it brings?
W also finds the children a "challenge" too (I guess many parents do) and feels if we did more things together as a family that this would help. One suggestion was we go on holiday together.
This suggestion from your W is so interesting and confusing to me. How do YOU feel about this, Andy?
Being a parent of a teenager certainly is challenging. I'll have to check out that web site, too.
Look forward to hearing more from you.....soon! Matilda
Ah, the magical two years - just another milestone I think AMD. I don't think my W intends asking for a D just yet anyhow and I'm in no rush to move down that route either. I think the possibilities will start to become clearer in a year or two when the children look to leave school, ponder on further education and become more independent. What I'd really like to do is stop doing the job I'm doing and try something completely different.
Matilda the holiday thing confuses me I must admit. I don't mind if my W wants to come on holiday with me and the children. But the thought that we should spend more time together as a family seems an odd one given our separated status and the fact she lives with Mr B. Still I'm looking at holiday brochures and hope to go somewhere July/August time. Not sure where yet - any suggestions?
Easter fast approaching and it only seems 2 minutes since Christmas. Goodness where does that time go...........
Thought I'd pop over and see what is new with you, Andy. Look forward to hearing about your holiday plans as they develop. Take care of yourself! Matilda
and hope to go somewhere July/August time. Not sure where yet - any suggestions?