Once In A Lifetime?

I was once married. Did he fit my needs? -- No.

We met playing indoor recreation volleyball in the Wood River Valley in the winter. A ski resort town--the first in America. I was brought to the area by a few factors: a college boyfriend grew up in Ketchum, the company I worked for went bankrupt, and the occurrence of September 11, 2001 kept me there--for the college I was attending was attached to the World Trade Center in Seattle.

Now, I refused to leave the town until I learned how to ski, but that was not my draw to the area--it was hiking, trail running and coed softball. No city life, but yet, a secluded resort town with international people working and visiting.

After a day of work (usually two jobs--design consulting for soft treatments and then waiting tables) I would go out for a drink to the Cellar and then dancing (by myself) at Whiskey's--typically, techno night!

Did I meet him in this arena of Ketchum? No, it happened to be in the southern community of Hailey that hosted indoor volleyball Monday nights in the winter! I didn't learn how to ski until my sixth year in the area--I just didn't want to tell people I lived in Sun Valley and never went skiing! I met engineers and their significant others, teachers and a Brazilian at volleyball. Some of us went out to the Red Elephant after Monday night recreation and shared pitchers of beer. This is how we met.

Unfortunately, he needed encouragement to ask me out which I found a turn-off, but it ensued anyways. He helped me pay-off my school loans, bit of credit card debt and car--gave me a place to live after my cat was poisoned. I flower gardened and he was supportive. We remodeled a house. He asked me to marry him.

Not my ideal husband--wallflower, loved bluegrass, and baby-talked! Unfortunately, I agreed.

(I think he married me for my looks and activities and didn't think much of my intellect!)

We switched towns and we became different people. No more recreation. We found hikes up stream beds that pissed me off. And, he became a workaholic and I an art student. It ended seven years later and I loved decorating and having my apartment by myself!

Today, I don't mind being single--I just wish I had so much more! I wish I could dance in my living room with my favorite cat once again!

I will find my way. I always wanted to provide for myself!

Song selections: "This Must Be the Place" by The Talking Heads