It has been a year since I moved an hour and a half away from the exAH this June 1. Although we have been divorced I still stayed in the same small town for some time afterwards. I wanted to move forward in every way so I moved and started school and put my kids in better schools. We are all thriving and doing much better. Yesterday was my birthday and it always falls on a big weekend and I have made it a special occassion. Well away from all my old friends this year just felt very different. I went with the guy I have been dating and our kids camping with his cousin and his kids, which I had never met the cousin with his kids. The kids got along good  for the most part and it went okay, but I felt a bit melancholy on my day and was missing the way I had celebrated the last several years. No one really made a big deal of my birthday and I bought my own cake when I realized no one else had gotten one. I couldn't go without a cake it was already so awkward how it was playing out. The guys had a few beers over the weekend and cooked out, but not too much and no drinking and driving. I just hope this weekend was growing pains, but I am unsure as of this moment. I couldn't wait to pack us up this morning and get home and I was the first one to head out. I know I am in a healthier place than before and am staying close to my program, reading and calling my sponsor. I just missed having a man in my life that made me feel special on my day like I do for those I love. My best friend did call me and sing to me over the phone which made my day and my kids always love on me. Just another reminder to set things up differently next year. My exAH has always called me or emailed me every year until this one and the codie in me was a bit hurt about that as well, but it is what I asked for. Sending you all love and support!