So, what's next?

Short answer:  don't I wish I knew! =P

But, in the sense of putting one foot in front of the other, here's what I do know.  I'll stay here at my sister's for two more weeks, then return home.  In a slight change of plans, Robert is moving out and I will stay in the house for about a month.  In one sense I am jealous of him.  A house that is just an empty shell is not a cheerful place to be.  However, it does make sense for a couple of reasons.  First, he is moving to Las Vegas and I am staying local.

But the biggest reason is that I'm playing a waiting game when it comes to employment.  My original plan was to piece together some various contract jobs and supplement with substitute teaching as needed.  But if this new gig works out, I will definitely take that route instead.  The only problem is that due to fiscal years and bickering bosses, I probably won't know until mid- to late October.  A bit frustrating, but definitely worth the wait.

In the meantime, I'll start attending church at a local mid-singles ward.  I can't go to the dances or speed-dating activities, or join any of the LDS dating websites, until the divorce is final.  But I have no problem with that.  I am a staunch supporter of marriage, and I feel that it would be inappropriate for me to present myself as a potential partner while I'm still, legally speaking, a married woman.  On the other hand ... I need friends.  NOW. Preferably women of my approximate age in my approximate situation.  Not because I'm suddenly bitter and against married people. =P  But people with spouses and full-time children just have different responsibilities.  I need single girlfriends, like I had in Virginia.  Here, I have ONE single friend in driving distance, and he is without the question the busiest person I know.  Not the ideal situation.

To be blunt, I'm not looking forward to another period of limbo. I reeeally wish I could just hop right in to a new job and a new apartment and an instant divorce. I feel like I've been living in limbo for two and half years now, and I am ready to move on.  I have mourned my loss, again and again, and it's time to start celebrating my life.

Ah well ... it will take me some time to pack up the house, and hopefully I can get some work done on Clarissa too.  And patience is good for me. =)