Last year was pretty tough for me. We originally separated in May 2014. At the time my STBX was working on a residential contract in Africa He was being paid tax free and accommodation was being provided. I was (and still am) living in the FMH with the youngest kids, the eldest being at university. His idea of separation was that I would look after the kids, spend my (much lower income) taking care of the kids, and I would request money for anything required, submitting quotes and invoices for his approval. Needless to say I declined this solution. He also wanted me to carry on

Just to wish everyone everywhere- on both sides of the arguments- a merry Christmas and a happy and productive new year. I am finally divorced!!!! Decree absoluted a couple of days ago. Now the long slog to get the financial settlement enacted despite the ex's endless stalling and time (and money) wasting…and then, perhaps, with fingers crossed and lucky penny to hand, I shall see my daughters again. Meanwhile I carry on

In the last month or two I have started to feel like I've woken up from a coma. I don't mean the effects of stress on memory and concentration, which hasn't totally recovered yet, even though I am much more at peace with what happened. No, the comatose state started when I decided that it would be enough to go along for the ride as a companion to a confident, smart and ambitious man, because I had no particular burning drive or direction. Me, who had always wanted an interesting career, to travel all around the world. Even when I had red flags before our wedding I thought it would be