Hey there everyone!!!
Sorry I haven't posted in quite a while, but I've been really busy. Then I spent the last few days catching up on all of your posts! (Boy! Missing just a couple of days translates to PAGES & PAGES!!!)
As many of you already know, last December was my 40th birthday. Because my "loving husband" is not good at planning, we ended up not having the birthday party I was expecting for such a milestone birthday. After he left this summer, I was talking to a few friends about how disappointed I had been. They said I should be sure to have a party this year.
So that's what I did. Yesterday, we celebrated my 40th birthday (11 months late!).

(Please don't start wishing me a Happy Birthday. It's actually in December.)
My mother came into town from NJ (Mary Jo, she says Hi! She hopes things are going okay for you & Sam.)
I was surrounded by a bunch of my dearest friends--those who stood by me all through this tribulation. I only wish everyone could have made it!
I had balloons, cake, presents, they sang Happy Birthday (twice!).
I swear, I felt like it was my sweet sixteen. I even got drunk on the Banana Rum I bought in St. Thomas! Don't tell the kids--they think Mom doesn't drink
The kids & I also spent a weekend in Springfield, IL. It looks like I may be relocating. We spent the weekend talking about the pros & cons, and I have to tell you, there seems to be more pros than cons. The housing is SOOOO much cheaper there! I could sell my 3 bedroom, 1,800 sq ft home here for about $200k-$225k. I can buy one in Springfield for about $80k. Morgan Stanley has an office there, with the potential of my position available soon. The kids are really excited about moving.
The only real con they could come up with was how far they'd be from Dad (about 4 hours as opposed to the 1 - 1 1/2 hours now). And you know? That con didn't seem to be as bad as I would have thought.
What else? I put a ton of Tom's stuff in the garage, kept the door unlocked & told him to come get it while I was away. I find it amazing how my feelings have done a complete 180 in the last few months. In September, I couldn't even think about moving his things--I was afraid of the void that would be left. By Halloween, I just couldn't WAIT for him to get out of MY house! I love having the closet & dresser space!
I really want to thank all of you, yet again, for being here for me. I've mentioned before (and tell everyone I know), the cruise was an emotional turning point for me. I realized that we are going to be okay. A HUGE part of that is directly due to the love & support I have received from so many of you.
So now I have two years to save up. Next cruise, I'm buying a round (perhaps on "Pub Night"?)

Again, don't tell--Mom doesn't drink!
Love, Marianne