I'm my Husband.

Family photo projects I have been working on.

I must say, I am speechless and completely humbled by all of the love and support you all have given since reading my last post about “The Split” also, for those that sent kind words and encouragement to me on Twitter, I thank you as well! After a breakup, loneliness seems to be the strongest emotion, and you all have helped with that. I also got encouragement to continue the blog on my own and I am finally ready to start writing again. 

Still, I can not give details on our split since the other party is still quite upset, so if the time comes, I will be glad to do so. This relationship has taught me a lot about myself and about life as a whole. I jumped into this love full force and honestly believed it would always work out, no matter the circumstances. After the split I now realize that nothing is promised for tomorrow, and if you are quickly in, you will probably be quickly out. Until recently, I haven’t had to spend time alone to focus on myself and what makes me happy. I’ve always had a significant other to think about as well. Although painful, this time alone may be what shapes the rest of my life….for the better.

Since I moved out of our apartment, I decided to move closer to my family for emotional support. I haven’t lived in this area in over 2 years, and after meeting Ivey, I decided to stay in the south to build our life together. I must say, being around my family has shown me what unconditional love is. No matter what I do or say, they are there for me. They love me, forgive me for my foolish ways, and look deeper to see the best in me. I’ve reconnected with cousins, old friends and even have gone out to gain a social life of my own. I start my new job in a couple of weeks so this time has genuinely been used to reflect and question. I’m not completely healed, but writing and exploring has always soothed my soul.

Here are some things I have been doing in my journey to happiness and comfort all by myself.

Vetoing my car and riding the metro to get re-acquainted with my city.

Making breakfast a must-have in the morning, along with a brief workout, wheat bagels with salmon and cream cheese is my new addiction!

Visiting places that were not available in the south i.e. Dave and Busters

Using healthy candies to keep my mouth occupied since I’m not smoking anymore..yay me!

yes, yes, yes.

Although I can’t give too much detail about what’s been happening between us, I an say only a few facts.

- Our relationship was tested by both of us showing traits we’ve never shown before.

- Things reached a boiling point.

- One of us shut down.

- Trust was thrown out the window.

- A friendship was lost.

- Feelings were hurt.

- One of us wants to work it out, the other does not.

- One of us moved out of the apartment.

- One of us is praying for reconciliation, that may never come.

Wall art that I fell in love with but now have to design the rest of the room around..never got around to doing the rest..

Other than the obvious, I’ve been doing a great job at being more productive this year. I, (along with Ivey) cleaned our house from top to bottom, and have been working to keep it tidy. I’m trying a new method of constant tidy-ing instead of one big mess to clean up. Let’s see how long it lasts! Here are a few other things I vow to do this year.

Replace this phone..OMG so in my defense my company phone is way nicer, and I am this one still functions! Holding out for a cheaper upgrade..

Consider joining our friends when the do impromtu dancing..

making ivey “pose” for photos..

Being on the market that is! I hope each and every one of you enjoyed your Christmas! (if you celebrate it of course) This Christmas was very special and this time around, I can say I really felt the spirit of love and giving. We spent last year’s Christmas with my family posted here so this year we spent time with Ivey’s family in Burlington NC, Graham NC and Farmville VA. Needless to say the holiday was full of great food, family and **drumroll** a diamond ring! After Ivey and I exchanged gifts on christmas morning (She received a pocket watch, I a pair of slippers and a wallet) She began telling me how much she loved me and our relationship. This kind of talk is not out of the ordinary for a lovebug like IVG, so I listened to her and considered myself very lucky to have someone that loves me so much! We had both agreed on one gift this year so I wasn’t expecting anything else.

Well there was something else. She pulled out a small velvet box and asked me to spend the rest of my life with her! We has already deemed ourselves *married* since this was the closet thing to marriage either of us have been, but the ring made it all the more real. I love the fact that I can think of her whenever I look down. I love the fact that I can flash my ring whenever I’m being accosted by onlookers, and most of all I love the fact that Ivey thought enough of us to buy me token of her love!

Beautiful birthday flowers that I decided to keep on my desk.

The weather here has been crazy. I mean really crazy. One day the wind cuts like a knife, the next the entire day is gray and gloomy, then the next day there will be an abundance of sunshine. No matter how beautiful the day however,the leaves and flowers are long gone until spring. Because of this, I’ve been having to focus on bursts of colors around me to keep my spirits up.

Fantastic color combinations at Panera Bread on a lonely lunch day.

Ivey’s jazzy purple striped tie.

Kook-A-Mango nail polish that I’ve been obsessed with!