Maintenance

First, I’ve turned off comments on all the whore pages (and entries older than a week). This page has seen enough. It’s time to let go, kids. Plus, spammers. Some guy named “2435 Bob” keeps talking about how great gambling is. The only Bob related to gambling I’m going to recommend on this site can be found in F. Barthleme’s excellent and painful <a href=http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/039592474X/qid=1093451794/sr=ka-2/ref=pd_ka_2/002–8096854-5354415″ target=“new”>Bob the Gambler.

Second, I’ve had a lot of requests about my first wife. What happened, where is she now, etc. I’ve avoided talking about her for quite a few reasons, the biggest being that I want to be considerate of her and her new life. Also, I’m uncomfortable sharing “the dirt” because it should be obvious; we divorced. It didn’t work out. I will list *my* failures in that relationship as follows:

  • Immaturity
  • Emotionally distant and inconsiderate
  • Unable to communicate
  • Paralysis around doing the hard work

I’m certain there are others. But they only matter in that I recognize my failings and I am trying to be better about them (and others) with Heather.

Third, I’ll share more about the summer of 2001 when I’m feeling less stressed about Heather’s well-being and my employment.

Fourth, welcome to all the new readers! My lady sent me a ton of traffic.

Fifth, thanks to all of you for your kind wishes and good vibes and positive thoughts. I can’t tell you how much it means to have such support from complete strangers.

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  • shameful

    hm..i viewed my comments and I did in fact ask about the ex. sorry.

  • Joan

    Like Brenda, I too am shameful for asking about your ex-marriage. Still like Brenda, I wasn’t interested in gossiping about the dirt, but was curious how that led to the wonderful union between you and Heather. I love both your sites very much and am very happy for the two of you. :)

  • Lisa

    All the best wishes and good vibes I can muster are headed your way.

  • susannah

    if i did that sort of thing, i’d pray for your family unit — instead i’ll just think enough happy thoughts so that they may eventually make their way to you and heather.

    may you all, very soon, form a new normal that keeps you safe and happy.

  • http://n/a Worried

    Since Dooce doesn’t have comments turned on, I will say here that there are many people sending Heather (and Jon! And Leta!) all of the good, safe, warm, healthy, happy thoughts in the whole world.

    {{{BlurboDooceLeta-ery}}} We love you! Hang in there.

  • Sara

    Your family is in my thoughts. I am so proud of Heather for doing what she needs to do, and having the courage to talk about it.

  • http://na.html Mary Beth

    I, too, wanted to chime in since Heather doesn’t have comments turned on. I’m a long-time reader, never-commenter, and a huge fan of you both. Reading her post today broke my heart, and yet I know that she’s making the right decision. All the good vibes and kind thoughts ever are headed your way! Give Leta lots of kisses.

  • WindyLou

    May the force be with you. I feel pretty crappy that there is nothing I can do to help, but be assured that I would if I could.

  • Torrie

    I truly believe in the power of positive thinking. Please know that many of us are sending our thoughts and prayers to you and Heather.

  • beachgal

    I’m so sorry to hear that all of Heather’s efforts in returning to normalcy aren’t paying off. I am a long time reader of both sites, but I rarely ever post. I wish only the best of the best for you and your family and hope that Heather gets well soon. Reading about your struggles seem to make mine pale in comparison. Please know that there are a LOT of people thinking wonderful thoughts for you and Heather and Leta and of course, Chuck. Hang in there.

  • http://www.geocities.com sunnyd76

    Sorry to hear about Heather’s battle! I know about that stuggle…I have suffered from it myself a few years ago. Tell her to hang in there and though it is hard, to have faith that she will make it through this and get better. She at least recognizes the problem and is willingly getting help for it! That already shows how incredibly strong and brave she is! God for it, Heather!

    Sending good vibes to all of you!

  • http://parallelfirst.blogspot.com Jamie

    I am in awe of the struggles that you are going through right now. Amen to you for sharing it with us all– just another reminder that we’re not in it alone! Chicago loves you, hang in there.

  • Kelli

    I’ve been reading dooce for a while now, and am new to blurbomat, but just wanted to give my best to you and Heather (and Leta and Chuck!). I’ve been where Heather is, last year as a matter of fact (same state of mind, different psych ward), and it did save my life, though sometimes I wonder if it only bought me time. Today is better, though, than last year this time. Thanks, Jon, for sticking with her. I can only imagine how hard this is on you too, but your love for each other and for baby Leta and Chuck will keep you going, I feel sure. I’ll keep sending good thoughts the way of the Armstrong clan.

  • http://www.fairyfuzz.com Pixie

    And I’m another new reader because of your wife! :-) I also share your beautiful daughter’s birthday. Great site too of course.

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