Time Will Tell

Dear Dad:
As I daily remind myself to use the phone and then never do, I have decided that while I am sitting at a computer working on an assignment, I would update you electronically.
It seems that my recent relationships have taken a greater toll than I had realized. Regardless of my sins of the past, infidelity against me and dependence on me have been identified as hugely abusive by my counselors while I was in a cycle of relationship addiction. I only now am beginning to see things objectively. Currently, I am not in a state of depression but more of a walking catatonia. The passionate behaviour that was the hallmark of my personality has all but disappeared. I feel neither romantic nor motivated towards dreams and goals as I once was, but merely numb and dull. My doctors assure me that my personality will return in time, but that I first need to learn to recover.
My foray into the world of theatre education has been marred by disillusionment with the program. However, I did manage to achieve a grade of 100% in second year theatre history - heretofore unachieved by anyone. All of my examination answers were published on the U-Vic Study Guide website. As such, I have been successful in my direct application to the Theatre History MA program, as well as the PDP (post-degree public school teaching certificate) program. I am once again faced with a choice - so long as my funding/loans hold up. However, neither program begins until next school year (Sept. 2009) and I find myself this year doing prerequisite contemporary English courses to satisfy my qualifications. I am actually quite enjoying them so far and my performance as a student has never been better. I am seriously concerned with the long-term loan costs but in two or three years, I stand to emerge with an MA in theatre history, A public school teaching certificate for English and Drama on top of my BA in English, my BA in Economics, as well as my broadcasting and TESL certificates. Time will tell.
A friend has invested in starting up an internet radio station. Although the industry is fledgling, it is not the pipe-dream it was a decade ago. I have been slated to do a weekly music and talk show for him. Although it is currently merely a hobby, it stands to become a viable industry and source of income. Time will tell.
My run with the Victoria Shakespeare Society this summer was once again met with rave reviews by the local newspapers ("David Christopher is the master of villains") and I am finished with that now. I once again worked for Pan Pacific this summer. Although it affords me a steady income during the summer months, I ended up teaching ESL to children more often than not. Administrative problems made that even less pleasant and I found myself disliking much of my summer work. My time with that organization may be quickly coming to an end. I did get the opportunity to re-write and design their ESL curriculum and level testing over a four week period which I quite enjoyed. When I demonstrated it to my girlfriend, Marianne, she pointed out how utterly brilliant she thought it was but I realized my own lack of foresight in contract negotiations when she also pointed out that it was too bad that I didn't own it because I could have sold it for much more than I was paid to design it.
Marianne and I have been dating for some months now. She and I began a friendship during the last stages of my relationship with Amelia which later blossomed into a full relationship. Of course, in reality, my 'friendship' with her was pivotal in the final demise of my relationship with Amelia as is so often the case with me. Marianne is 30 yrs. old, divorced with 3 kids of her own of which she has full custody. She is intelligent, beautiful, responsible, sweet and loyal to a fault . . . and for some reason, absolutely in love with me. In fact, she and I met some three years earlier at a water park - two parents who just started a conversation. There were sparks then, but we were both involved with other relationships at that time. Inevitably, she fell out of my immediate thoughts, but her own relationship dissolved shortly after that first meeting
and she says she carried a flame for me for two years hoping to bump into me again, until ultimately, she did. Our interactions represent everything I have ever loved and wanted. I consider myself lucky to have such a wonderful partner and truly enjoy her company. She has quickly taken over almost every aspect of my life, including moving in. Every day is an adventure.
The kids are great and remain the greatest source of happiness and passion in my life. Rory has become quite a talented football player and continues to mature into a responsible young man. He is taking school more seriously than ever before and really likes his new teacher. He stands to experience a successful and enjoyable year. Currently he is in track and field, gymnastics, and football, and still maintains A grades. Whether or not he can keep that pace remains to be seen. Time will tell.
Blair is as sweet as ever and enjoying the early stages of grade three. I do not wish to gloss over him, but there is not much more to tell. He has become an avid reader and seems happy and well integrated. I don't think am being naive or subjective in this analysis. Time will tell.
Milo's behaviour has prompted Jennifer and I to seek assistance from a psychologist outside of the school. Her current employment covers that cost as a benefit. Although he does very well with his school work, he becomes emotional easily and is difficult to calm. He has lately developed a habit of hitting. Fortunately, he seems happily oblivious to any stigmatization and moves through his days as buoyantly as ever. The psychologist has suggested (and I agree) that the behaviour began and manifested at school and has overflowed into our homes. I never had any problem with Milo that a lot of attention and a LOT of affection couldn't quickly cure, but as an energetic round peg in the square-hole-school-system, he has not been able to easily conform to large group interaction with minimal adult presence (ie. the classroom). All alarmism aside, he is fine and continues to be doing just fine.
Alas, I am breathless having not said a word, but merely writing about all that is my current emotional being. I am sure you are equally breathless having read it and must have questions. Please write back to update me on what is new there.
Love, Dave.

a.k.a.,
Shakes.