Y2 D1

Here it is, Year Two! Aaaaand.... huh. No difference so far. What a shock... I told you all I was going to keep writing. I mean come on, anyone who knows me well knows I wasn't about to stop. Too damn narcissistic. Plus this really is cathartic for me. I enjoy capturing my thoughts like this as it forces me to face the good and the bad. Anyway, some quick notes, this time around I am going to try and keep this public as long as possible. If for some reason, things get out of hand like that did with the first year, then we go back to private. But for now it's public.

Having said that, indulge me for a minute before I get into yesterday's trials and tribulations. Some notes for new readers

- This is a daily blog where I recount the prior day's events. Most of the time it's pretty fucking boring, but occasionally there are strange things going on. It is a continuation of my adventure last year where my wife decided to leave after 12 years of being together

- The first year is currently being edited and formatted into book form and I will be publishing soon. I have yet to decide on how to distribute, but it will probably be a combination of paperback and digital file

- I don't use any real names in this blog. That is to protect my own privacy as well as the privacy of those I write about. If someone is mentioned they are usually referred to by first initial and a number such as A5. Exceptions to this include "The Kid", and my two ex-wives (X1 (mother of "The Kid") and X2)

- I don't tell where I live but it won't take a rocket scientist to figure out generally what part of the world I am in

With that, on to yesterday.

Work went pretty well. I finally got the client to see things from my perspective and understand the true scope of the work being requested. I am not sure what is going to happen because of it, but I feel better knowing we are all on the same page finally.

The only other really important thing from yesterday is the collection agency representing Amex called X1's house. I am not sure how or why, but they left a message asking for me or X2. I don't like that. I didn't want them dragged into this issue. The kid gave me the number and I called them back. The woman had already left for the day, but I am expecting a call this morning. Not sure what good it's going to do; if I had the money I would pay them. At best we can work out some kind of payment plan so everyone feels warm and fuzzy. I am waiting for her to try and do the ol' "credit score" scare tactic. Let's see, with EVERYTHING I have gone through in the last from job loss, spouse loss, moving twice, losing the house, being dumped multiple times, the money I owe the IRS and Starwood, you really think that my credit score is what keeps me awake at night? Um yeah, sure... I hope this woman is not a goober and actually works with me and isn't defensive. I do want to resolve this, I just don't have it to resolve. Plain and simple.

After leaving a message for the woman I decided to make dinner. Picked up a nice piece of tuna, some white asparagus, and then made mac and cheese with onions, chives, double glou, pecorino, and 2 year white cheddar. Had that with some sliced tomatoes. I also made the mac and cheese with the intent of having extra for the weekend in case A5 does come over for dinner. I was going to call her last night but thought against it. I am still too new to this whole dating thing once it gets past the first or second date to know what is a proper amount of time between seeing each other before I call. I know she is busy with her kid during the week and work, so I don't want to be intrusive. I will call tonight to confirm our plans for Saturday. I don't want it to end up like T where we were texting and talking 50 times a day. Too much. I had a good balance with J2, maybe something like that will work with A5.

Worked on the book some more after dinner. Am through December for layout and formatting. Haven't done any special check or grammatical checking yet. This is just doing the layout to get it ready for print format. I figure I can have it done by Friday. Then I will start in on the rest of the editing while I am on the road next week. The kid sent me a link to some agent services as her teacher is encouraging her to get the book she wrote published. I swear if my kid gets a book published at 17 before me... I will be prouder than hell and you know it. :)

Tonight I have a date with N1. We are going to one of my favorite restaurants as she too is a serious foodie. The other night when we met, because there were so many people around, we only talked briefly. I think we have said more in our emails than we did face to face. Let's see what comes of this date. Then tomorrow night is my date with T1. I am actually looking forward to that as she is paying and we are going to a place I have never been before.

Oh, here's something new for me -- I thought about what I should bring T1 and A5 when I pick them up (assuming I pick them up) and decided, um how about simple flowers? Don't need fancy gifts. Look at me being all smart in year two. ;)