Passing the Torch

[Opal]

No worries. I've always had great respect for you, Frost. All the contest drama just seems so silly and inconsequential to me now with everything that has happened to me in the past year. I'm just not that person anymore. I can't believe a lot of that drama ever became drama in the first place, but I guess sometimes you have to make mistakes first in order to learn anything.

I guess I might as well address the elephant in the room, if my profile pic didn't give it away. The Baron--and it's somehow really weird to refer to him as that now--left me for the woman he'd been having an affair with for a year or possibly longer. First I knew about any of it was coming home from a 12-hour work day and seeing he'd moved most of his stuff out. Then a few days later he broke up with me via text message on our 7th wedding anniversary. So I'm one of the many people that 2016 was not that great of a year for. But it is what it is, I was obviously devastated, my world collapsed with frightening suddenness, but I'm starting to rebuild. The ROC is where we met, so...it's hard to really get involved with it anymore. Obviously he is not welcome here anymore, not that I ever think he would try to get involved. Anyway, I'm healing, realizing I'm better off, since from what I hear secondhand he's basically having an early mid-life crisis now anyway (yes, even including the ultra clich?d purchase of a highly impractical sports car). But that's it. I'm happy to answer any questions anyone might have. I find it's healthier to be able to talk openly about this. I have vague plans to start a blog so I can have a healthy outlet for all of the just...every emotion that goes along with this. It would be good to start writing again. My hobbies basically took a backseat for most of my marriage anyway.

[foxpen]

I'm so sorry to hear of your hardships, dear. I hope your blog idea and writing helps you sort through all the wretchedness you've had to endure.

[Magical Fish]

Briefly resurfacing just to say that I'm really sorry you've had to go through that, Tara. The rebuilding process can be tough, but I'm glad you're forging ahead.

And thanks for all your work keeping this shindig going all these years!

*disappears back into the shallows*