I'm not really sure what to type here. I'm not very good at talking about my issues. But my prolonged absence deserves some explanation to those of you who still watch me (which I greatly appreciate).

I have depression. It's been up and down, but most recently it's been very down - mostly due to added stresses in my life. I'm working on it, seeing a doc and all that jazz. But it's meant for rather hermit-like behaviour on my part. I was kinda getting over it a bit, then things got crazier in my life.

As things stand, I'm about to lose my son for a while. He is moving away with his father who is going to move in with his girlfriend to support her while she fights for custody of her kids with her abusive ex. The girlfriend and her kids are lovely, and my son will be enrolled in their school (which sounds good, much better than the one he's currently in). He enjoys being part of a bigger family, and some of his behavioural issues have eased a bit having spent time with others.

But he will be a long way from me.

I plan on saving up to visit with him one weekend a month at least. That's gonna be hard enough, since we'll be getting a cut in family payments because of the change in care arrangements. But I will manage. My family is gonna plan a holiday over to that area in the school holidays so we can all go over for a week or so, which will be nice.

But, yeah ... lots of changes, LOTS of additional stress. As a parent, you don't expect your kids to be moving away until they're about 18 ... I was hoping not to have to think about it for another 8 years. But at least this is only temporary, until her legal issues are sorted out. Gods only know how long that will take, however.

So, my dearest, most wonderful watchers ... you have my apologies for my inactivity and my deepest gratitude for sticking with me.

Thank you.


PS: I have thousands of unread journals and submissions ... I will be nuking the journals and very slowly going through the submissions. I hope I don't miss anything that was important to me >_<