I had honestly forgotten about this place.
When I left off, I was still
stinging from the broken relationship. I had sworn off women, and promised I'd
never cohabitate again.Then came Heather. Just about a month after the decision
to leave Jude's place, she introduced herself and we started seeing each other,
only after she assured me that she was getting a divorce.
Much has happened since.
On 11/3/17, we moved to
Massillon, so she could be closer to her twin girls.It's a really nice house
and yard, quiet street, backs up to a ravine, and the rent isn't terrible.
January 19th, after much
deliberation and having turned 62, I retired. The income is actually more than
my net pay, and the cost of fuel to drive to Cleveland
We now have a dog, Dot.
About a month ago, I received a
series of messages from Vicki Meany, regarding Jude. First she said Jude dumped
Jaime in January for another guy. Then, she messaged back about a week later,
stating she was now engaged. In each message response, I took the high road,
stating I hoped she was happy and doing well. I then changed the message
conversation.
On the 24th of April, I go
before the Bankruptcy judge once again, this time, in Stark county. Hopefully,
this will be my last trip there. Everything is going this time. EVERYTHING! I
got a beater, 2005 Chevy Blazer to replace my Santa Fe
Prior to moving here, Heather
moved in to my one bedroom. She was happy at first but her glee receded as time
went on and her anxiety set in. She still deals with it but is managing to
learn how to control it herself.
My retirement is sheer joy. It
permits me to go out and take photos as often as weather permits. To me, this
is heaven!
While i now have time to
reflect, I see that both my 2nd marriage and reconciliation, along with my
relationship with Jude were out of loneliness, period. I never sought Heather
out, she found me. We do many of the same things and clique together, except
when she's anxious. She's learning how to deal with it without so many
meds. Diana was a lengthy process of seeking out not only a
girlfriend, but someone to do fun stuff with. Alcohol and growing apart killed
that relationship. I now realize the single incident that triggered my marriage
to Nancy
I now realize with E.D., age,
retirement and all that life has now thrown me, should I ever wind up alone
again, I'd be OK with it. I'd find an apartment - probably back at Pine Forest
Another realization: My
bankruptcies were event related.
1999 - Chapter 7 due to
divorce. Was responsible for $2250 in monthly support payments - needed to make
room for me to exist.
2001 - Chapter 13 due to 2nd
divorce. Clearly, Marriage and me don't mix.
2009 - Chapter 7 due to house
inheritance incorporating Mom's reverse mortgage - inheriting house after hear
2007 death.
2012 - Chapter 13 due to loss
of self employed income and Cheryl's illness. Due to new BK Laws, this one was
not dischargable
2013 - restated 2012 Chapter 13
to attain discharge
2018 - Chapter 7 - due to
retirement, extension of the 2013 Chapter 13 for another year and a half beyond
5 year discharge; Medical Copays due to that fucking Obamacare
After all is said and done, if
I rid myself of relationships and credit cards, I should be fine and out of the
BK
Court
So, while there are those who
scoff at my early retirement, I relish in the time I now have for ME!
The rest of my time here is for
my own enjoyment
