h2g2 The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy: Earth Edition

But do you have any kind of social services background?? That can be a job that really gets to you after awhile!!

I sold insurance for 10 years, then loans, getting people into debt! I also worked in catering and hotels, no other relevant experience whatsoever. I think I'll be able to cope though. I'm 46 years old, I can take a direct hit!

I hope so, I had a friend who did that for several years and it was a very hard thing for her!




for her it was the emotional factor of getting too involved and trying to help, but not really being able to make a change!

I know, sometimes there just aren't the resources available to complete the job, no matter how much you may want to.

See that's why I could never do that job!! I once thought about working at an animal shelter, but I went to check it out and just knew I wouldn't be able to handle it!!! or I might just have a house full of dogs!!

You have to be strong enough to leave it behind you when you go home after your shift is over. This takes practice! I bet you take in stray cats, and leave bread out for the birds, don't you? Go on, admit it!

Yes that is me!!! I will take in any stray animal!! and I have taken in several!!

In fact this is how nuts I am, I take my dog Harley to doggy day care every day!!!

Is there no-one else at home to play with Harley? Does your partner work too, so Harley is on his own. Incidentally, is Harley named after the American Motorcycle, Harley Davidson?

No Harley has no one else to play with at home and he suffers from separation anxiety!!!

Yes he was, I didn't name him though, my ex did he was originally his dog but when we got divorced we fought over him, I won!!!

I'm glad you got Harley, I think he's got a good life with you. Did you ever consider marrying again? I'm kind of seperated, and if we ever actually do get divorced I don't think I would want to do it again.

Oh yes he does!! He has a better life than most kids!!

I am on my second marriage, or should I seperation!! Which is a very recent thing!!! The first one lasted a year, this one almost 4, I ma pretty sure I won't do it again!!!

What do you mean by kind of separated?? Do you want to stay with her?? Sorry if that's too personal!!

No, your question's not too personal, I feel as though we know each other a little bit now. What I mean by kind of seperated is that we still share the same house, but that's all. We stayed together for the kids. Rebecca is 12, and Daniel is 11. I come and go as I please, and so does she. We don't actually fight, and so I guess it's just convenience now to share the house. However, if I met someone I really wanted to be with I would put an end to the situation.

Sorry for still going on, but do you speak with each other?? I am just trying to get a picture of the sitution in my head, because and sorry again this is all my psych classes coming out, but do you not think that in some way it could be harder on your children for you to still be in the same house?? It foster false hopes for your children, but it great that you still want to be that involved in their lives!!

Okay sorry again!! I will shut up now!!!!

Yes we still talk to each other, but the "couple" thing died ages ago. As for the children fostering false hopes, Rebecca, the mercenary little minx, said that it would be great if we got divorced, because then she could stay in two houses instead of just one!

Yes but do you think she really knows what that would mean?? or do you think she could just be saying that because she thinks it will please you??

Sorry, Psych 101 again

No, it pains me to say it, but I think most people (including children) are either "takers" or "givers" by nature; and Rebecca is a taker!

Have you thought about some therapy to find out how she really feels?? Sometimes kids will open up more to a stranger than their parents, well actually they will open up more to a stranger!!

Just a thought, I know divorce can be a very hard on kids, that's why I am glad I don't have any, well except Harley!!

I suppose it's something worth thinking about. Everyone tells me not to be overly concerned, and that it's just a phase she's going through, and will grow out of it in time.

Hey it better to safe than sorry!! If it something that concerns you, then check into it!!

OK I will. We actually managed to interract a little bit today, and had a conversation! Short-lived, but quite remarkable for us. We're both smoothing the troubled waters I think, (we had a big fight on Saturday). My daughter I mean, not my ex-wife.