My last post was in August of 2012. Since then:
I broke up with Blake, even though he was possible the best influence in my life over the last several years, and unfailingly kind. I've been stick sober since July 19th, from anything and everything. He even convinced me to stop taking my anti-depressants and flush my anti-anxiety medicine down the toilet (literally, I even took a picture). I haven't spoken to Becka since that day, either, and I can honestly say I don't even think about her most days.
I got that job at the gym chain. More than that, I was hired on immediately as a "baby" manager and I've since received a promotion, plus a big kid's salary, as a full GM. I'm very proud of my work and I do sincerely love my company. We do good things for people and they treat me well.
I haven't seen my family since I was home over the summer. My aunt tells me that Dad has four new white spots on his scan, but he's still totally functional and I don't think MS bothers him most of the time, as of now anyway. My brother's about to graduate from college and I'm so happy for him, and his girlfriend. My mother is still living with her parents on the farm, probably still dating her piece of shit boyfriend, and still doesn't know what she wants to do with her life. I'd resent her more if I didn't pity her first.
I've been dating Charlie for about three months. It's a pretty quiet affair. I'm busy at work about 50 hours a week, and he's got his own complicated life, but we make time for each other. We met very briefly at a bar while I was still with Blake, and though nothing came of it for several months, but eventually stumbled into a relationship, for which I'm happy. He's a good person and I'm grateful to have him in my life.
Charlie was part of a hotshot crew for three years, until he was in severe dirt bike accident which almost left him paralysed and severed a major nerve in his right shoulder. He wants nothing more than to get back to fighting fires, but it could take months or years before his arm's healed enough to carry a chainsaw. He does everything he can to take care of his body and I've never in my life met someone in better physical condition; but he doesn't do it for vanity - he wants so desperately to get back to doing what he loves. I know he's typically more frustrated than optimistic. Sometimes I think I have a hard day, but then I see what he puts up with and it doesn't seem so bad. I think we provide each other with some respite.
