Giving Thanks

The kids and I said our prayers and headed north of the Mason Dixon line for Thanksgiving. Aside from the yankees who need to learn how to drive, we had a great time. Between my grandmother, my aunt and my mother the food was outstanding and plentiful. I saw cousins I don't get to see that often and there were plenty of laps for Caroline.

But it was when I was out in the yard playing football with my family that I looked around and realized just how blessed I am. I no longer have to babysit Mr. Wrong. I am surrounded by people who love me. And I actually put on sneakers and went out to play!! I like the new Karen.

Seriously, Thanksgiving was good to me.

Til the Lawyers Do Us Part

I have learned more than I ever wanted to know about the injustice of our legal system. Don't even get me started on what it takes to prove adultery in the state of Virginia. But after several dicey talks Mr. Wrong and I hammered out the property settlement, he signed the waivers and today I give my deposition. Yes, my name is Karen. Yes, I want a divorce. Yes, my husband committed adultery.

After all of this I'm getting past the hurt and am looking forward to it finally being over. Of course this might have something to do with filing my income taxes as "Single, Head of Household" and not having to claim my child support but who knows. So, after 10 years of marriage and 4 children, it only takes a couple of signatures to wipe the marriage away. I waiver between being grateful it's so easy and angry that he gets away so easily. Until I remember he doesn't feel a sense of responsibility to me or the kids. Mr. Wrong figures he can write a check, show up every other weekend and buy them lots of things. That may work now but it won't work for long. Sooner or later the kids will take a real look at their dad and all he's done and he won't be able to talk his way out of this one.

Seriously, two more weeks and I'm officially a Ms.

The Day the Devils Dance

Traditionally, Halloween began as All Hallow's Eve, or the day the devils dance. So how appropriate is it that today my children will meet the woman living with my husband. Two nights ago I found my son crying in his bed, he "isn't excited" about meeting Peach. As a mom it is so hard to strike a balance between the needs of your children and the healing of your broken heart. Mr. Wrong is their dad, they love him and they need him. But what he did is wrong and hurt me and the kids. It's hard for me? How hard is it for a 10 year old?

I harbor no illusions that Mr. Wrong left me for Miss Peach. Honestly our marriage didn't hinge on whether or not she gave a married man her phone number. Our marriage hinged on whether or not he could say no when it was offered. What I do know is that she is the kind of woman who gives a married man her phone number, the kind of woman who sleeps with a married man.

Seriously, Mr Wrong. The symbolism is not lost on me.

In the beginning...

Seriously, Karen. I can just hear my friends saying it now. This year I looked around at my life and wondered, how did I get here exactly? But more importantly, where do I go from here?

What do you do when you are handed the piece of paper that dissolves the marriage that has defined you for the last 10 years? If you are me, you lay down on your bed and cry. Or you stand in the shower and cry. Or you drive down the road and cry. And finally one of your friends says, Seriously, Karen.

So I'm picking myself, dusting myself off and re-writing my future. Literally. I'd love for you to join me.

Seriously, it's time to write the new chapter.