We’re having a trip down memory tonight. Red Wine and ‘Withnail and I’. Don’t get me wrong, we have tough moments every day but so far we’re managing to stay friendly, and conversation is getting easier as time passes. I suppose the pressure is off and the love we have for our children is allowing us to still care for each other even as we distance ourselves in other ways.
Two people came to value the house today. One told me that if we chose his company to market it his ‘girls would look after me and hold my hand through it.’ He was an enormously tall man used to dwarfing young women and I didn’t know whether to be flattered or annoyed by the term ‘my girls’ and the fact I looked like I might need my hand holding. I know he meant well but it was just kind of odd. I did tell him that my husband and I were separating. It was partly to ward off the offers of finding new properties for us, as well as the fact that I’m always very open and can’t keep my gob shut. To be honest I’m hoping Mr B can keep this one anyway. It’s a lovely house and would be a familiar place for the girls to come to. Also, I’d rather he had it. He’s a good bloke and it’s a good investment and it sort of pi**es me off that someone else might benefit from our ‘misfortune.’ Such is life though I suppose.
While giggling at the fabulous ‘Withnail and I,’ I am also attempting to put together an easy listening but cool selection of tunes for my sister and her lovely new hubby as there’s a party for them in our home town on Thursday night. It should be fun and thankfully my mate Rosie will be there as her family are friends of my family, so I will be able to sit with her and she’ll keep me smiling. Then it’s off to Center Parcs for myself and the girls which will be kind of weird. My whole family, as in my parents my brothers and sister and their other halves, and my nieces, will all be their to witness my first outing as a ’single parent’. (Which they will do with love and support I am sure.)
Single parent. I think that’s the right term, as I am a parent and am now single, but I’m not sure I really count as that in that I am very much not alone. Mr B is an amazing Daddy and will always be part of my life and I’m ok with that, in fact, I wouldn’t have it any other way. But still there will only be me there to parent my two monkeys and although everyone will help I know it will feel a bit strange.
We’re all taking it one day at a time. So far we’re doing alright.
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March 16th, 2009 at 5:32 pm
You seem really aware of your future and all going on around you. Your girls are really lucky to have such loving parents. Enjoy your party and Centre Parcs. And what a fabulous way to be spending your first experiences within your new status quo.
March 16th, 2009 at 6:50 pm
Its all a learning experience, and keeping a good energy level with Mr. B will only benefit you both in the long run. I hope Mr. B gets to keep the house, too…
March 16th, 2009 at 7:26 pm
You are amazing. You may not feel that you are, but you are.
March 16th, 2009 at 7:32 pm
You being a wonderful Mum and him a terrific Dad, what could possibly go wrong? You’ll do fine Jo…you’ve got your head on straight and the path is clear before you…I’ll keep you in my prayers, you, the monkeys and Mr B…
hugs
Sandi
March 16th, 2009 at 9:06 pm
Fingers crossed it all goes well. I’m sure it’ll be a breeze, Jo.
March 17th, 2009 at 12:28 am
The tall guy sounds like a chauvenist asshat. And your girls seem to sound well behaved, I’m sure your outing will be fine.
March 17th, 2009 at 2:31 am
I couldn’t not read this post with Withnail being in the headline!
Enjoy CentreParcs: we’ve been going to them for the past 12 years or so. I’m sure the girls will love it.
March 17th, 2009 at 6:36 am
You guys are being awesome – your girls will appreciate you two and your handling of the situation in time. I am so impressed!
Have a fantastic time, and hang in there.
xoxo
March 17th, 2009 at 7:28 am
Sounds to me as if things are moving along nicely .. keep breathing … xox
March 17th, 2009 at 10:36 am
You’re doing a great job, Jo. Keep going straight ahead, your doing fine.
March 17th, 2009 at 12:29 pm
You’re both being amazing – your girls are very lucky. x
March 18th, 2009 at 2:33 am
You’re amazing Jo – both of you. You are putting your girls first which is what counts.
Sorry I haven’t been over for a while. Being a single parent is never truly single, but then it is because you are the one who is there when the door closes at the end of the day. The only one. It is the little things that will make you see the difference –
like not being able to nip out for the mild after 7pm
Like saying to people “can you not come to me”
Like packing up a bus load of stuff just to go shopping…
But it has it’s benefits too. Like laying down the rules and knowing there is no one for them to go to for a second opinion (although phones are useful for that!) Like leaving the house tidy and coming back to it… tidy!
And the best thing of all is your friendship. I take my hat off to you with that one. I didn’t manage that – both our faults. It’s okay now, but it took years and in that respect, you are years ahead of the rest of us. Well done. And hugs galore!
March 18th, 2009 at 2:36 am
…nip out for the milk – milK not mild…
And saying to people “… can you COME to me ” not “can you not come…” Duh! Of course you want people to come! People – go see Jo! She is trapped in after children’s bedtime! Go rescue with wine and chocolate!
*sigh* I should proof read before hitting submit….
Congrats on POTD btw!
March 18th, 2009 at 11:53 am
Many congratulations on POTD. I visit from David’s blog.
Gosh! I had the shock of my life when I saw the ostrich. Thought it was going to eat me at first.
March 18th, 2009 at 5:07 pm
Best wishes for this new journey! I left the “our” home to the ex-husband. It has been a familiar surrounding for them to go to.
Smiles!
March 18th, 2009 at 9:03 pm
Congrats on POTD – keep your chin up.