I'm one week out from sock day. We have a binding separation contract on finances, stbxw has already moved out and conceded primary custody to me to go live with her doofus boyfriend, so even if she changes her mind it's too late, courts don't look kindly on Sahms who let the dad working full time become the primary parent.

She's had too big fights over really stupid stuff with her new person, one his fault one hers, so it's not charitable, but my god do I love seeing it. So glad she is gone. None of the sadness and grief I felt earlier on this process they started in February.

The kids are absolutely thriving with just one consistent energy at home.

Oh, and this week I've met a smoking hot Brazilian woman who is my age, wiith a kid same age as my youngest. We've talked 2-4 hours every day this last week being radically honest and vulnerable to each other about both our hopes and dreams but our traumas and failings. We are both catholic and will need annulments and marriage prep time if we move forward, but if it works out, this awesome lady (in the short time I've known her) is 10x the woman my ex is.

Put in the work! Put down the bottle, but down the game controller and the TV remote. Even if you work full time in a high stress job (I'm a big metro public defender) up your dad game to where you are the better parent by far. Don't give up on 50/50 or even primary, and do not give her anything to use against you.

I love all of my brothers here, and I will be praying for you.