The situation that is unchangable at this point is the fact that we don't live together. I know that wouldn't solve all our problems and, in fact, will bring some different ones instead to begin with. What mostly makes living in different households a problem is that these two households are 2 hours apart.

Don't get me wrong. I do know that it is worse in some long distance poly relationships. I have to admire them for trying to have a relationship with someone 5-9 hours away. Off topic for a random thought here...would that make it easier? Not knowing that it is possible to get to your loved one and back to work the next morning? The fact that I know we can get in the car at 5:00 and drive a couple of hours, spend a little time with them and drive back that night or more likely the next morning is always there at the back of my mind. That it isn't always something we can actually do is the reality of the situation. Gator works shift work while the other three of us work 8 to 5 jobs. This makes it a bit more difficult to all get together at once.

Tech and Gator had some strong words the other day. Not normal. They've talked on the phone since and things are fine but it has been an upset to all four of us. Just an upset. Enough to want to be there to comfort each other or something. Face to face tells you so much more about how someone is handling something. And frankly, if not most importantly, I for one need some hugs. Particualrly since the words were regarding me. But I think we all could use some time together. A fact we have all commented on at one time or another is, when we all four get together we make each other feel better about almost anything. Gator actually likes it that Tech can make me smile when he can't. Like times Gator and I have had a disagreement or when things in our immediate family happen that we worry about. And definitely when our families don't seem to want to accept Tech and Gator in our lives. Not even as the friends we introduce them as. What? I guess as careful as we try to be something must still show that makes them suspicious. They help us with that.

So, I've written a bunch of words that probably doesn't make sense because I need a hug. But just writing them help.

Vol