Thanks for all the kind words, everyone. This group was a crutch for me, although I hadn't expressed it before. When things were tense in the house, I always found refuge in this forum. I hadn't planned on staying away from the forums.
There are kids (12 & 20), but they are hers. I have too much respect for her, and them, to speak badly of her in their presence.
I got every last scrap of sand paper - didn't loose even one jeweler's file. I gave her the house, whole kit and caboodle, no questions asked. She didn't even have to ask, because I offered it up immediately. I figured that if she doesn't remarry, she'll need the house as a security blanket for her and the kids. It's just money anyway. It simply felt immoral to ask for part of it. As a result, the divorce went uncontested and was taken care of in a matter of days, literally.
Interestingly, after we decided it wasn't right to stay together we never once argued. She was more pleasant during the process than she'd been during the last few years. I really do love her, but it just wasn't the right match. I really thought she was the one. I wish her the best of luck and hope she finds happiness, wherever it may be. I will miss looking at her everyday, though. She's quite beautiful.
I'm staying with a close friend until I get back on my feet. I went back to the University of Washington a few years ago and have been milking the GI Bill, so he's hooking me up until I finish. Sometimes I wish I was a young kid in school, but being in my thirties at the UW has made the experience much more rewarding. His place is on several acres in the country. The nights are dead silent and I can see the milky way. Good fishing and hunting is only a few minutes in all directions, seriously. In fact, we don't even have to leave the yard during deer season, but that's no fun.
He has a very large shop and will clear out one end for me to set up my knife making equipment. He's interested in learning how to forge, so he can shape steel for odd projects. I made him a knife to commemorate his father's death, so he understands how much it means to me to have a place to smith. Plus, he's one of my best fish'n and hunt'n buddies.
Oh, and to celebrate my liberation, I bought myself a .54 cal Hawken rifle yesterday. Now I just need to finish a period bowie that I've been slowly working on, so my new toy won't feel lonely. Before you know it I'll have a big beard and will be running around in leather at rendezvous, drinking cheap whiskey!
-BJ
Sorry to hear the bad news!
