Random Days on the Road
Friday, August 27, 2004
End Game
We're at the endgame of this process. I'm very excited and cannot wait for this to be done. I think I have said it many times during the last few months, but I can see close to a light at the end of the tunnel.
Thanks to KarmaGirl - She has kept me sane through this last few weeks. And probably to MediaGirl - even though she disappeared from the face of the earth for a while.
Last issues: Non-compete. The ex-CEO is trying to get a job with a competitor, flat-out. Something that will be in competition for what we do. End of story. Now she has something she is looking for, I get to be the person in the cat seat. I keep asking myself - is it bad to have all the cards and power. Normally, I have to look for ways to make sure everyone has a win-win. Divorce is not that arena. I have done things, while not illegal, at least they were not consistent with who I was previously. But it is definitely a trial by fire. Since we (as a society) have no reason to spend all of our time with one person, because we are not tied to the land or jobs as we once were, we now get this challenge to our souls.
Other that that, the kids are wonderful and very well-behaved this week. They usually are, but there have been very few arguments when I have been around. They listen, they do what they need to and we get done what we have to get done in reasonable time. Big guy - He still cries when he doesn't get what he wants, but he is learning that I won't listen to it. Girly-girl - Gosh, she is so close to reading it's not even funny......
This actually is the CEO's last day at work. She's dragging it out, but it is what it is. Hopefully we will get these last issues done and worked out. More as it comes!
Saturday, August 07, 2004
Mediation
What does mediation mean? From the wikipedia, it means "a process of alternative dispute resolution in which a neutral third party, the mediator, assists two or more parties in order to help them achieve an agreement, with concrete effects, on a matter of common interest". Well, that is what happened. We got an agreement for all of the issues. I keep the company, the rental house (because it's worth less than the mortgage), and a few miscellaneous stocks and bonds. She gets everything else - my current house, all of my 401K, and hundreds of thousands of dollars (paid out over 3.5 years). It's sick, but it's what has to be done. I lost on schools, I lost on alcohol. But, we're done. I will be free. It will be tough.
So, I can move on with my life. The next day was tough because I had to deal with her obnoxiousness. It is what it is. She leaves on Aug. 31 and it's done. I can move on. She's still pushing boundaries, but I won't cave in.
KarmaGirl signed her papers. MediaGirl is dealing with her ex. Everyone is going through the endgame.
Now on: "Here Comes the Breeze" - wonderful song by Gomez.
